Reviews of trips to Nairobi
486 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Nairobi.
"Excellent support"
We were disappointed with Malawi for the reasons mentioned and also for the costs associated with Lilongwe airport. The actual internal flight departure tax is $7 per person and the external departure tax is $35 per person. Visa charge is $75 per person.
Considering the country is regarded as 'poor' and want to encourage tourism the Tourism Board should consider requesting the Government to reduce the fees involved. Suppose the UK equivalent is Air Passenger Duty (APD) which is £13 per person for flights of less than 2000 miles." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 7 on a Kenya safari
"Mixing business and pleasure"
However, with only three direct flights per week between Livingstone (where we are now based) and Nairobi we really wanted to tack on a couple of days somewhere else. Again, Richard's deep knowledge of Kenya came to the fore; and he was able to work some dates around Shompole and The Emakoko which fitted in with our other plans.
This was our 18th trip with EA in a few weeks over 10 years, which speaks volumes for the high quality of service Chris and his team consistently provide." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 5 on a Kenya safari
"Overall Kenya Trip was terrific"
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I have to say that the service and friendliness is outstanding and great value for money. Thank you big time" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Kenya safari
"My December 2016 trip to Kenya"
"Christmas 2016"
Another time if going at Christmas ( we had requested Rekero) I might avoid Rekero simply for the Mara being so busy over Christmas but I would certainly highly recommend it for other times - it is a fabulous location.
On the last day we had a very long wait ( 12 noon to the planned 11pm flight out - delayed to 1.30am the next day) and it would have been nice to have had a place booked with a day room. We organised this ourselves in the end, or rather Darren of Kicheche Bush Camp organised it. However overall the trip worked perfectly and met our expectations.
All camp managers were simply splendid and the guides all knowledgeable - Andrew at Kicheche Laikipia and Charles at Kicheche Bush Camp were particularly good." Read full review: 40 nights in Africa; 9 on a Kenya safari
"October/November in the northern Serengeti"
"Safari highs and airport lows"
Our experiences at Nairobi airport, both with Coastal and Kenyan Airways/immigration sadly tainted a great trip.
I would probably not repeat the mobile camp stays, which in loo and shower terms were not satisfactory.
The quality/experience of guiding in Serengeti and Ngorongoro was not a patch on Selous Impala and Ruaha in Southern Tanzania, nor compared to Robin Pope camps in Zambia.
Our guide at the crater was lazy and not motivated - probably due to lower absolute level of tips from only two clients.
Lamai was a unique setting and well set up.
Pole Pole had a fantastic location, but was let down by poor maintenance of the showers - no hot water in that climate, and at that price is not good news. The staff were friendly, but not nearly as professional as at Kaya Mawa in Malawi. The Dive and watersports centre made our visit to Mafia memorable, in particular the fish BBQ on the sandbar after snorkelling at the reef." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
"Fall, 2016"
"I wrote a blog."
There was no question however trivial that was not explained fully and my complicated itinerary ran like clockwork. Yes, it was an expensive trip but I was travelling alone and to some more remote parts of the Serengeti so my safety and health was important to me.
I have to thank Richard and the staff at Expert Africa whose current knowledge and expertise about my trip was exemplary. I was a complete stranger to them yet there was minute attention to all the details.
The experience will stay with me for a lifetime. So many thank you’s." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
"A wonderful safari and an excellent holiday"
Everything went like clockwork, it was very relaxing but also an intense safari experience.
Our final week on the Zanzibar beach at Pongwe Beach Hotel was the ultimate in exotic pampered chilling out - very informal and laid back with just the right mix of excellent service, great food, and wow location.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
As everything worked so well, and the advice we were given was so good, I can't think of anything to improve it - just keep it up!" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Where to stay in Nairobi
Our suggestions for places to stay in Nairobi
Four Points Nairobi Airport
The Four Points by Sheraton, set within the perimeter of Nairobi International Airport, is ideally located for a first or last night in Kenya.
The Emakoko
The Emakoko is a luxurious, owner-managed safari lodge in a beautiful gorge on the edge of Nairobi National Park.
Eka Hotel
The Eka is an affordably priced business-class hotel in a relatively convenient location between Nairobi International Airport and Wilson Airport.
Ole-Sereni
The Ole-Sereni is a modern, stylish hotel neighbouring Nairobi National Park and located 6km from Wilson domestic airport.
Crowne Plaza Nbi Apt
The Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport (formerly known as the Lazizi Premiere and now part of the InterContinental Hotels Group) is the oldest hotel at Nairobi International Airport.
Macushla House
Macushla House is a very pleasant, small, owner-managed bed and breakfast hotel in a leafy part of southwest Nairobi, very convenient for visiting the Giraffe Centre and Sheldrick's Elephant Orphanage.
Giraffe Manor
Giraffe Manor is a unique, perennially popular lodge on the outskirts of Nairobi, offering up-close-and-personal encounters with the rare Rothschild giraffes that roam its extensive grounds.
Aero Club of East Africa
The Aero Club of East Africa is a private members' club in the grounds of Wilson Airport, Nairobi, offering offering comfortable rooms and a good restaurant, bar and swimming pool to non-members.
Tamarind Tree Hotel
The Tamarind Tree is a stylish international hotel in a great location next to Wilson Airport.
Karen Gables
Karen Gables is a small, high quality hotel in Nairobi with expansive gardens and only seven rooms.
Hemingways Nairobi
Hemingways Nairobi is a luxury country-house style hotel, with a spa and gym, in the wealthy suburb of Karen.
Nairobi Tented Camp
Nairobi Tented Camp is the only tented camp located inside Nairobi National Park, making it a great option for a true safari stay close to the city and airports.
The Norfolk Hotel
The Norfolk Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Nairobi and has a reputation for its colourful history dating back to 1904.
Hogmead
Hogmead is a stylish, luxury boutique hotel/homestay in a secluded part of Langata in south-west Nairobi, very close to Nairobi National Park and the elephant orphanage.
Sankara
Sankara is a strikingly built hotel in the bustling central Nairobi suburb of Westlands, primarily used as a business stay, with very good dining and leisure facilities.
Eden Nairobi
One Forty Eight is a very stylish boutique hotel in one of the leafiest corners of the southwest Nairobi suburb of Karen-Langata. The Giraffe Centre at Giraffe Manor is just a 10-minute walk away.
Karen Blixen Coffee Garden and Cottages
Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens and Cottages is small luxury boutique hotel located in the peaceful suburb of Karen.
The Stanley
The Stanley is a large, traditional hotel – the oldest in Nairobi – offering a range of facilities.
Tribe
Design-led, contemporary hotel in the Village Market area of Gigiri, a largely diplomatic and luxury residential suburb 10km north of Nairobi’s central business district.
Acacia Camp
Acacia Camp is a rustic and affordable safari camp in a wildlife sanctuary a 30-minute drive towards Mombasa from Nairobi’s international airport.
