Nairobi, Kenya
A visit to Africa is an unforgettable experience. The country of Kenya is renowned for its spectacular wildlife, lovely landscapes, and openhearted, courteous people. The city of Nairobi boasts some distinguished hotels, excellent restaurants and interesting shops.
Nairobi, along with the rest of Kenya, is in the midst of an economic and political comeback. Nevertheless, if you go for a visit, be aware that petty thievery is still common, and as is true for just about every large city around the world, visitors should take care to keep valuables (cameras, jewelry, etc.) out of sight.
Places to Stay
The Norfolk
254 (20) 216940
In the U.S. call 800-845-3692
Email Reservations
www.lonrhohotels.com
Built in 1904, the Norfolk offers distinguished history, attractive gardens, a pool, excellent food and 167 nicely furnished, comfortable rooms, most with pleasant terraces fronting on an inner courtyard. It's located at the quiet edge of the city, not far from the university and is the traditional overnight place for Kenyans in from their farms and ranches in the Highlands. This is where Teddy Roosevelt and his 500 porters started on his historic African safari. Doubles from about $250
The Stanley
Corner of Kimathi Street & Kenyatta Avenue
254 (20) 271 3333
In the U.S. call (800) 524-7979
Email Reservations
www.sarovahotels.com
Nairobi's other historic hotel dates back to 1902. There are 217 rooms, all decently furnished but a bit dowdy; those in the new section are somewhat more cheerful. The lobby, too, is rather cluttered and not as atmospheric as you might expect in an historic hotel, but perhaps you can ignore all of that to be able to tell friends that you stayed in the hotel where Ernest Hemingway drank himself silly and where the stars of such Africa-based films as The Macomber Affair and King Solomon's Mines hung out when the camera stopped rolling. Doubles from about $200.
Where to Eat
Carnivore
254-20-602-764
Carnivore Restaurant
Carnivore is a large, boisterous and very popular restaurant just off Langata Road. The delicious meats are served either barbecued or roasted. A separate menu includes fish, seafood, salads and desserts, including a sensational ice cream concoction they call Eskimo Pie. Portions are generous, and prices moderate-dinner for two is about $40.
Turaco
254-20-640-990
In the same Langata neighborhood, the much calmer, Turaco is named after one of the country's spectacular native birds. It features classic international dishes and fancies Indian spiced curries.
Karen Blixen Coffee Garden
If you're a fan of the writer Karen Blixen, who, as Isak Dinesen, wrote "Out of Africa," enjoy lunch at this reconstructed house near where she lived. It's situated about 20 miles from downtown.
— Passport Newsletter
More about Nairobi: -1-, -2-
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