About The Norfolk Hotel
Part of the Fairmont chain of hotels, The Norfolk Hotel is arguably one of the most iconic hotels in Nairobi.
Built in 1904, it has withstood the tests of time including colonization and independence. 2004 saw the start of a series of renovations to mark its 100th birthday - it is now a relatively smart business hotel that still preserves a good deal of charm.
When we visited The Norfolk Hotel we found the staff to be friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere very pleasant. However, its location in the old business centre of the city is a bit far away from where modern Nairobi and its malls, restaurants and buzz are. It has also lost a lot of its old-world charm in the refurbishments that were a large part of the reason it was loved in the past. It remains a decent city-hotel but might not be as special as its reputation would imply.
Our view
When we visited The Norfolk Hotel we found the staff to be friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere very pleasant. However, its location in the old business centre of the city is a bit far away from where modern Nairobi and its malls, restaurants and buzz are. It has also lost a lot of its old-world charm in the refurbishments that were a large part of the reason it was loved in the past. It remains a decent city-hotel but might not be as special as its reputation would imply.
Accommodation
170 rooms
Children
Best for 8+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Elephant encounter
Traveller reviews of The Norfolk Hotel
7 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 21 Sep 2024, 2 nights
"The Norfolk Hotel review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 4 Jan 2024, 1 nights
"The Norfolk Hotel review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 5 May 2023, 3 nights
"The Norfolk Hotel review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 11 Feb 2020, 3 nights
"The Norfolk Hotel review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 9 Jan 2017, 1 nights
"The Norfolk Hotel review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 29 Sep 2016, 4 nights
"Norfolk Hotel - like stepping back in time"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 19 Jul 2014, 3 nights
"The Norfolk Hotel review"
Overall rating: Excellent





















Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the trips. See our 21 pictures of The Norfolk Hotel to get the candid view.
View galleryThe Norfolk Hotel: Our full report
Part of the Fairmont chain of hotels, The Norfolk Hotel is arguably one of the most iconic hotels in Nairobi.
Built in 1904, it has withstood the tests of time including colonization and independence. 2004 saw the start of a series of renovations to mark its 100th birthday - it is now a relatively smart business hotel that still preserves a good deal of charm.
Located in the heart of Nairobi’s bustling city centre, The Norfolk Hotel is quite modern with the odd nod to its original Edwardian English style. This evolution has occurred during a decade of refurbishments, and through its transformation into a Fairmont hotel. In the process it has lost a lot of its Victorian charm, which was a large reason for staying here in the first place. That said, from the outside, the hotel sits in stark contrast to the slightly hectic and dusty cityscape around it – and once inside the hotel is a lovely retreat.
The central areas of The Norfolk Hotel are numerous, including a variety restaurants and bars.
As you enter the hotel, the main reception is on the right hand side – a simple room with just a large wooden desk behind which stand well trained and attentive staff. Then on the left is The Norfolk Hotel’s team room. Quintessentially English and colonial, the team room is a comfortable lounge with sofas and chairs in a Victorian style. Here you will find tea and snacks served between 10am – 3pm. Then a traditional high tea, with sandwiches, cakes and tea is served between 3pm until 5:30pm.
Almost part of the same room but half separated by a partition rail and some steps, is the much more modern Cin Cin wine bar. In contrast to the tearoom, here you will find more contemporary furniture in the form of simple velvet seats, sofas and high bar stools. The bar is open from 1pm until late into the evening, serving cocktails and snacks to patrons of the hotel. There is also a nice outside terrace here.
The Tatu Restaurant is another contemporary styled room - with polished wooden floors, minimalist angular furniture and an open kitchen. Renowned for its steak it also serves a selection of good seafood and other dishes. The Lord Delamere Terrace is a popular meeting spot, located outside on the hotels terrace and it serves meals throughout the day.
The Norfolk Hotel has a heated outdoor pool, with the Poolside Restaurant that seats 50 people serving snacks during the day. Adjacent is an extensive healthclub that offers free aerobics classes, a vast and very well equipped gym and a sauna. The vast spa offers a variety of treatments.
Walk through the central garden courtyard to access The Norfolk Hotel’s 175 bedrooms. The red tiled roofs and walls have an old English feel, enhanced by the green manicured laws and antique steam tractor and carriage in the corner. We loved the detail of the old antique gas lamps that have been fitted with electricity too.
There are various bedroom types at The Norfolk Hotel which differ in size but are all similarly furnished in the style of an old English country home. Expect cream checked carpets, antique styled furniture of reasonable, bedside lamps and writing desks. The use of neutral tones is fresh, but also quite traditional. All rooms have air-conditioning, WiFi, a safe, mini-bar, tea and coffee facilities and a hair dryer.
- The 37 Fairmont Rooms are the smallest and simplest of the room types. They have a limited view of either the courtyard or the garden and have a King, a Queen or two twin beds and an ensuite bathroom.
- The 109 Deluxe Rooms are slightly larger with a chair in the corner by a coffee table, and a writing desk. Some rooms have an additional private terrace looking out over the hotels garden, whilst others have a view of the courtyard.
- The 24 Suites at The Norfolk Hotel, vary in size slightly but are a lot larger than the Fairmont or Deluxe Rooms with an additional sitting room. The Norfolk Hotel can help arrange some of the activities there are to do in Nairobi. Within reasonable distance are the Giraffe Centre, Elephant Orphanage Centre and Karen Blixen Museum. All activities are an additional cost.
Geographics
- Location
- Nairobi, Kenya
- Ideal length of stay
- One or two nights
- Directions
- The Norfolk Hotel is located in the heart of Nairobi’s city centre. Depending on traffic it takes between 30 and 60 minutes to get here from the international airport. It is about 20 to 40 minutes to get to Wilson airport for domestic flights around Kenya.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- There are a variety of restaurants at The Norfolk Hotel – all offering a la carte menus. We didn’t eat when we were last there, but understand that the food served here is quite good although rather expensive.
- Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- The Norfolk Hotel is able to offer room service, from their room service menu.
- Drinks included
- All drinks are an additional cost.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- The Norfolk Hotel are happy to accept children of all ages.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Children over the age of 12 years are charged as adults at The Norfolk Hotel.
- Special activities & services
- None.
- Equipment
- The Norfolk Hotel has baby cots, high chairs and toys in the swimming pool. They also have some adjoining rooms.
- Generally recommended for children
- The Norfolk Hotel is a large hotel that will accommodate children. Though we felt that it was quite smart and formal – so probably best suited to slightly older more mature children.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- The Norfolk Hotel has a generator for back up and so the power is on round the clock.
- Communications
- There is free WiFi and a complimentary business centre for guests of The Norfolk Hotel. The phones in the rooms are chargeable if you call externally. Cell phone reception is good all across the hotel.
- TV & radio
- There are TVs in the rooms and the bar area.
- Water supply
- Mains
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There is a doctor based at The Norfolk Hotel, though for more serious cases the Nairobi Hospital is only a 15-minute drive away.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- Each room has a safe and there are security guards at the hotel.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers dotted around the hotel and the staff are trained how to use them.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Elephant encounter
Extras
- Disabled access
- In Place
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is available at an extra charge. It is relatively costly though, with a pair of trousers costing about £6 or US$9.
- Money
- There is an official forex at reception for changing money.
- Accepted payment on location
- The Norfolk Hotel will accept most major currencies in cash. They will also happily accept Visa and MasterCard for which there is no surcharge.
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The Norfolk Hotel's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of The Norfolk Hotel.
Excursions from The Norfolk Hotel
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at The Norfolk Hotel. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.

Nairobi Elephant Orphanage visit
One hour, by pre-booking only
Visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage for a close-up encounter with elephant orphans – and sometimes rhino orphans. You can visit during daily between 11:00 and 12:00, or make special arrangements for a private visit in the afternoon.
More about Elephant Orphans visit
Nairobi Giraffe Centre visit
One hour visit is generally recommended
Visit the AFEW Giraffe Centre for an eyeball-level encounter with gentle Rothschild giraffes. They visit this tree-level platform to be fed pellets.
More about Giraffe Centre visit
Safari in Nairobi National Park
Half day - AM or PM, or full day
It is truly remarkable that the plains and woodland of Nairobi National Park, an area of around 70km² (some 17,000 acres) should exist in a near-natural state so close to the city that in any other conurbation they would just be suburbs.
More about Nairobi Nat. Park SafariOther lodges in Nairobi
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

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.

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.

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.

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.


Karen Blixen Coffee Garden and Cottages
Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens and Cottages is small luxury boutique hotel located in the peaceful suburb of Karen.

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.

Ololo Safari Lodge
Ololo Safari Lodge and Farm is a luxury property on the southern edge of Nairobi National Park.

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.
When to go to Nairobi
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit The Norfolk 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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