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Tamarind Tree Hotel

About Tamarind Tree Hotel

An international-style hotel on the larger side, opened in 2018, the Tamarind Tree offers convenience and ...

... comfort with the advantageous location of being right next to Wilson Airport.

The Tamarind Tree is a smart and comparatively economical hotel in a great location within Nairobi. We liked the fresh, modern design and the range of dining options, including Nairobi’s iconic Carnivore restaurant. It is a good option for an overnight before or after your time on safari.

Our view

The Tamarind Tree is a smart and comparatively economical hotel in a great location within Nairobi. We liked the fresh, modern design and the range of dining options, including Nairobi’s iconic Carnivore restaurant. It is a good option for an overnight before or after your time on safari.

Parita Masani

Parita Masani

Country manager: Kenya

Accommodation

160 rooms

Children

Fine for all ages

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Traveller reviews of Tamarind Tree Hotel

35 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


88%
35 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
17
Good
15
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Ms J.fromUSA

Arrived 15 Jan 2025, 2 nights

"Tamarind Tree Hotel review"

"Overall it was comfortable...The buffet breakfast was really good. …" Read Ms J.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Average

KCfromUSA

Arrived 14 Jan 2025, 3 nights

"Tamarind Tree Hotel review"

"Hotel was fine, clean and staff very friendly. …" Read KC’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mrs D.fromUSA

Arrived 14 Jan 2025, 3 nights

"Tamarind Tree Hotel review"

"Excellent. The facility was lovely. …" Read Mrs D.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs KfromAustralia

Arrived 12 Jan 2025, 5 nights

"Tamarind Tree Hotel review"

"Staff were very friendly & on the whole excellent. All facilities were very good …" Read Mr & Mrs K’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

MissLfromUnited Kingdom

Arrived 5 Jan 2025, 2 nights

"Tamarind Tree Hotel review"

"Beautiful hotel with great gym, pool and food. Lovely way to start our holiday! …" Read MissL’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Miss J.fromUnited Kingdom

Arrived 7 Nov 2024, 1 nights

"Tamarind Tree Hotel review"

"Lovely food and friendly staff. …" Read Miss J.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Patel GroupfromInd-USA

Arrived 26 Oct 2024, 2 nights

"Tamarind Tree Hotel review"

"The hotel is conveniently located near both Nairobi airports. …" Read Patel Group’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ms. R fromCanada

Arrived 12 Sep 2024, 3 nights

"Tamarind Tree Hotel review"

"The hotel was clean. Staff welcoming. …" Read Ms. R ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mrs A. & Ms. KfromCanada

Arrived 12 Sep 2024, 3 nights

"Tamarind Tree Hotel review"

"Very nice: clean, comfortable, staff were great. …" Read Mrs A. & Ms. K’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

NicolafromLondon, UK

Arrived 12 Aug 2024, 2 nights

"Tamarind Tree Hotel review"

"great rooms and very conveniently located …" Read Nicola’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

See all Tamarind Tree Hotel reviews

Tamarind Tree Hotel: Our full report

An international-style hotel on the larger side, opened in 2018, the Tamarind Tree offers convenience and ...

... comfort with the advantageous location of being right next to Wilson Airport.

With spacious and modern rooms, the Tamarind Tree hotel offers a familiar international hotel feel, ideal for overnight recouperation before heading out on safari. Despite being a large hotel the Tamarind is locally owned rather than being part of a large chain, and feels relaxed and friendly. We loved the styling with colourful fabrics and contemporary African art.

The Tamarind Tree has 160 rooms and suites split into three different categories:

  • 96 standard double rooms and 45 standard twin rooms. These are nicely designed with either a king-sized double or two twin beds, comfortable chair, desk, flat-screen TV and storage area. Each room has an en-suite bathroom with a rain shower and twin basins. The rooms are nicely designed and the colourful throws make them feel fresh and modern.
  • .
  • 15 suites, which are further split into superior suites, junior suites, executive suites and a family suite. These are all similar in design to the standard rooms, however with an increased lounge area, and in the case of the executive suite a work desk and office space.
  • .
  • Four accessibility rooms which are comparable in design to the standard rooms, however these are wheelchair accessible, with a completely level floor and wet rooms.
The hotel is located in the Carnivore grounds with full access to the famous Carnivore restaurant (pre-booking is advised). If you prefer a wider range of international cuisine, you might enjoy dinner at the hotel's stylish Tamambo restaurant, following a cocktail at the Dawa lounge. For lighter, grab-and-go meals, the Duka Coffee shop offers an array of snacks and excellent coffee.

The hotel has a 20-metre, heated outdoor swimming pool surrounded by a flagstone patio and loungers. There is also a large and well equipped gym as well as a spa offering massages and various treatments.

For travellers with a few hours to spend in the Kenyan capital, a range of popular city attractions, such as the Karen Blixen Museum, the Giraffe Centre, Sheldricks Elephant Orphanage, and Nairobi National Park are easily reached from the hotel. Nairobi can only be explored by vehicle: chat to the Expert Africa team and we can arrange for you to spend the day with a private vehicle and guide.

Geographics

Location
Nairobi, Kenya
Ideal length of stay
Spend a night or two here before or after your time on safari.
Directions
The Tamarind Tree is around 30-60 minutes from Nairobi JKI Airport, or around a 10-minute drive from Wilson domestic airport.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Bed & Breakfast
Food quality
The Tamarind Tree is booked on a bed and breakfast basis as standard, with breakfast being served in the Tamambo restaurant. This is an expansive buffet with a variety of hot and cold dishes, with eggs being cooked to order. There are then a range of lunch and dinner options, such as the Duka coffee shop, Dawa Lounge or Carnivore restaurant. Or alternatively you may choose to go out and explore the Nairobi foodie scene.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Room service can be arranged on request, and menus are provided in the rooms.
Drinks included
Drinking water is provided in the rooms. All other drinks are then at extra cost, ranging from around $2 for a soft drink to around $5 for a beer or glass of wine.

Children

Attitude towards children
Children are welcome
Property’s age restrictions
There is no age restriction
Special activities & services
Children may enjoy the large swimming pool, although there is no lifeguard and adult supervision is advised.

Communications

Power supply notes
There is a generator in case of any power cuts.
Communications
Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the hotel.
TV & radio
Large flat-screen TVs are installed in each room.
Water supply
Mains
Water supply notes
The hotel has mains water supply.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
Staff are first aid trained and the hotel is located close to medical facilities.
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Security measures
There is 24 hour security in place and the hotel is surrounded by a security fence.
Fire safety
There are fire extinguishers throughout the hotel.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

Extras

Disabled access
In Place
Laundry facilities
Laundry is available at an additional cost.
Money
Most currencies can be exchanged if required.
Accepted payment on location
Most international currencies and credit cards are accepted.

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Tamarind Tree Hotel's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Tamarind Tree Hotel.


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When to go to Nairobi

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Tamarind Tree Hotel in Nairobi


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Kenya in January

Clear, hot days and warm nights make this high season a popular time for safaris and it’s also good for diving and snorkelling as water clarity is excellent and gets better as the dry season progresses. Most lodges and tented camps treat January after the New Year week is over, as mid-season, making it a good compromise in terms of value for money with reasonably reliable, dry weather and some greenery left in the landscape.

Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in January, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the weather and seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

  • On average, January is the second driest month of the year
  • Elephants dig waterholes in the dry riverbed in the Samburu reserve.
  • Wildebeest and many antelope have their calving season, to February.
  • Migrant birds are seen in huge numbers, especially in the Rift Valley.
  • Sea water clarity around the coral reefs generally good.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in January

Kenya in February

With the short dry season well established, the grass grazed down and wildlife gathering close to water points, this is still a good time for a safari. Good water clarity in the Indian Ocean's coastal waters makes for excellent diving and snorkelling conditions.

Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in February, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the weather and seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

  • On average, February is the driest month of the year.
  • It’s sometimes possible to swim with whale sharks at Diani Beach.
  • Migrant birds are still seen everywhere, especially near water.
  • This is usually peak calving season for wildebeest and many antelopes.
  • This month is often the hottest of the year, especially on the coast.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in February

Kenya in March

Hot, increasingly humid weather – with good diving and snorkelling conditions at the start of the month – gives way to rains and lower accommodation costs. Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in March, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and predicting the seasons since the beginning of this century has been difficult.

March is the month when – traditionally – intensely hot conditions build up until a cloudburst finally happens at the end of the month or in early April, to relieve the humidity. As ever, regional variations across the country can greatly impact on visitors' experiences.

  • Sea-water clarity is best for diving before the long rains start.
  • Visitor numbers are low, though the Easter holidays can be busier.
  • Night skies can be scintillatingly clear in early March.
  • Cropped down savannah grasses can make it easier to see the wildlife.
  • Temperartures climb high, especially at lower elevations.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

Kenya in April

April sees the full onset of the southeast monsoon wind or kusi, which heralds the long rains. Temperatures drop soon after the rains are established and you’ll often have facilities largely to yourself in this more affordable low season, sometimes known as the "green season". The bush quickly springs to life, with greenery sprouting almost before your eyes. While you're likely to get a fair number of heavy showers, the breaks in the rain can yield sparklingly clear conditions.

With the dust settled and bright sun piercing the clouds, conditions can be sublime for photography, especially first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon with another storm brewing. You may be lucky, or you may find conditions very wet and muddy.

  • A wet month, the coast often gets more than 300mm (12in) of rain.
  • Sunny spells can provide great light for photography.
  • Buffalo and zebra calving season often happens in this month.
  • Baby crocodiles hatch, for example on Central Island in Lake Turkana.
  • Palearctic migrant birds gather to fly north to breeding grounds.

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in April

Kenya in May

While game viewing can be trickier as vegetation runs riot, between the cloudbursts the colours and light are great for photography at this time of year. Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in May, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and while it's reasonable to expect heavy rains in many parts during this month, especially on the coast, the rains don't always come evenly or in some areas come at all.

In an El Niño year, the so-called long rains that normally are established across much of the country by May can be meagre, to the despair of farmers. On the other hand in a La Niña year, the long rains can bring floods. On the coast, the monsoon winds make the climate much more predictable, with heavy rains common throughout this month.

  • Frogs breed in the ponds in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest near Watamu.
  • Wildebeest, impala and other grazers are in rut (the breeding season).
  • Kilimanjaro looks its best as heavy rain falls as snow on the summit.
  • There's a sharp peek of rainfall on the coast with many rainy days.
  • Accommodation prices are uniformly low, while some camps close.

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in May

Kenya in June

The rains give way to cloudy, cooler weather, often making for comfortable conditions by the end of the month, especially in the highlands. Starting from mid-June or the beginning of July and running until the end of October, this is the high season, and accordingly has higher accommodation rates and – at least until early September – higher numbers of visitors.

While the early part of June can often be rainy on the coast, it can be a great time to go on safari, with fresh greenery, many young animals and good photographic conditions with clear air.

  • The Taru Desert, inland from the coast, is carpeted with flowers.
  • The Lake Turkana Cultural Festival is held in Loiyangalani.
  • Madaraka Day (commemorating self rule) is 1 June.
  • The annual Lewa marathon runs a course through the wildlife.
  • The Diani Rules "sports" event rips up the rulebook at Diani Beach.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in June

Kenya in July

Kenya’s “winter" season sets in (winter is a misnomer but locals feel the change), and the highlands can be rather grey. Skies are often cloudy and the days can be surprisingly cool, with an average daytime high in many highland safari areas of 15-20°C and night-time temperatures dropping below 10°C in Nairobi and the highlands. Lower parts of the country and the coast are usually warm and dry, typically reaching highs of around 25°C with lows in the high teens.

As this is the start of the high season, coinciding with the usual arrival of the wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara, July is a busy month. Ask your Expert Africa specialist to advise on how to avoid the crowds, which is not that difficult to do.

  • The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Maasai Mara in July.
  • Simbi Lake (Kisumu) and Crater Lake (Naivasha) can attract flamingoes.
  • Watersports start to pick up and some surfing is possible at Malindi.
  • Afternoon thunderstorms are a common feature in the Maasai Mara.
  • The sea can be choppy along the coast, making diving difficult.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in July

Kenya in August

The Great Migration fills the plains of the Maasai Mara, and school’s out, so the park roads are full of tourists – ask your Expert Africa specialist for advice on crowd avoidance tactics. Choose a private conservancy rather than a public national park or national reserve for quieter conditions.

Like July, August is generally mild and relatively dry in the safari areas, but it can be very chilly in the highlands, even in the middle of the day, and hail occasionally falls above altitudes of around 2,400m (8,000ft). Nairobi can be disappointingly overcast, with low cloud.

  • Apart from Christmas holidays, this is the busiest month of the year.
  • Late August sees peak wildebeest drama at the Mara River crossings.
  • Coastal winds are good for kite- and wind-surfing.
  • Few mosquitoes are around at this generally dry time of year.
  • The annual Camel Derby takes place in the Samburu capital, Maralal.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in August

Kenya in September

The skies clearing of cloud signals the start of hot, dry weather with little chance of rain – and, after the first few days of the month, far fewer visitors – making the latter part of September a good time for a quieter safari. While early September is often good for dramatic migration crossings along the Mara River, you might consider deliberately postponing your trip until later in the month, when the migration can still be very impressive and visitor numbers fewer.

If tourist surges are somewhat predictable, however, the patterns of the wildebeest migration are more volatile, and like all of Expert Africa's climate and weather assessments, they are based on accumulated years of experience rather than guaranteed certainty.

  • This is still high season, with prices to match.
  • Many river crossings take place on the Mara river in both directions.
  • Natural bush fires flush out insects and small animals for predators.
  • The Rift Valley Music Festival takes place by Lake Naivasha.
  • With school holidays over by early September, late-month is quieter.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Kenya in October

Still hot, mostly dry and not too busy, this is many people’s preferred month for a safari, and it’s also good for diving and snorkelling. The wildebeest and zebra herds of the great migration are often still to be seen, though in dwindling numbers. The swamps of Amboseli attract thirsty wildlife including large herds of elephants.

While we wouldn't expect much rain across most of the country this month, the climate has become so unpredictable that you can never say never, and the possibiity of the short rains – usually associated with November to mid-December, starting early, can't be discounted.

  • This month sees the tail end of the great migration in the Mara.
  • Palearctic migrant birds start to arrive, staying until March.
  • Turtle nests hatch at Watamu, until November.
  • Amboseli elephants focus on the swamps for their daily water.
  • The Indian Ocean monsoon winds turn from southeast to northeast.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Kenya in November

The northeast monsoon wind or kaskazi heralds the start of the “short rains", usually some time in the second half of the month. From November to mid-December, this is the low season, and accordingly has lower accommodation rates and lower visitor numbers. Across most of the country you can expect warm, somewhat cloudy weather, with occasional heavy showers and localised flooding.

Expert Africa bases its description of the climate in November, like the other months of the year, on the records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable: some years the short rains don't come at all, or don't reach every part of the country. In an El Niño year, the November short rains can be very heavy, but in a La Niña year, they can fail completely.

  • Swimming with dolphins in Lamu can be done from now until April.
  • Birders gather at Ngulia in Tsavo West to ring Palearctic migrants.
  • The Lamu Cultural Festival takes over the town and Lamu Creek.
  • Agricultural shows often take place regional market towns.
  • This is low season, so camps can be great value, with special offers.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Kenya in December

In a typical December, the rains usually finish by middle of the month, leaving the landscape looking its best, under clear blue skies, and heralding the start of the second peak tourist season from around 20 December to the first week of January. Our assessment of the likely weather in December, like the other months of the year, is based on climate records, and it's fair to say that the seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

Christmas can sometimes be wet, but most years the rains have finished a week or two earlier, with the festive season ushering in the perfect combination of clear skies and sunshine by day and starry nights.

  • Christmas and New Year are busy, with the lodges and camps full.
  • Rates are highest after 24 Dec, with supplements on public holidays.
  • Republic Day and Independence day are celebrated on 12 December.
  • Good kite- and wind-surfing restarts, with strong northeasterly winds.
  • Mango season begins, providing excitement for primates and elephants.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in December

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