When is the best time to visit Nairobi?
The best time to visit Nairobi is between January to February or June to September when the weather is pleasant and dry. However, Nairobi has a mild climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. The rainy season occurs between March to May and October to December, so it's advisable to pack accordingly if visiting during these months.
Is it expensive to eat out in Nairobi?
Nairobi has a range of dining options, from street food to fine dining, and prices vary depending on the location and type of restaurant. Generally, dining out in Nairobi is affordable, with street food and local eateries being the most budget-friendly options. Mid-range restaurants charge between £15-£30 per meal, while high-end restaurants can cost over £50 per person. However, local food is cheaper and more authentic, making it a great way to experience Nairobi's culture.
What are the best restaurants in Nairobi?
Carnivore Restaurant: A popular eatery that serves up an array of meat dishes, including game meat such as ostrich and crocodile.
Talisman: This restaurant offers an extensive menu of European, African and Asian dishes in a beautiful garden setting.
Fonda Nbo: A Mexican restaurant that serves up delicious tacos, burritos, and nachos.
Nyama Mama: This stylish restaurant serves traditional Kenyan cuisine with a modern twist.
The Arbor: A vegetarian and vegan restaurant that offers a range of healthy and delicious dishes.
Le Grenier à Pain: This French bakery and cafe is the perfect spot for breakfast or brunch.
About Thyme: A European-inspired restaurant that serves up delicious cocktails and dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Mama Rocks: A burger joint that serves up a range of creative burgers and sides.
The Lord Erroll: A fine-dining restaurant located in a beautiful colonial-style mansion that serves up an array of international dishes.
Pango Brasserie: A stylish restaurant located in the Fairmont Norfolk Hotel that serves up a range of international cuisine.
What is the local food like in Nairobi, and how much is a bottle of wine?
The local food in Nairobi is a blend of African and international cuisine, with a focus on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Some of the must-try dishes include:
Ugali: A maize-based dish that is a staple in Kenyan cuisine.
Nyama Choma: Grilled meat, often served with ugali and a side of vegetables.
Samosas: A popular snack that is filled with spiced meat or vegetables.
Chapati: A flatbread that is typically served with curry or stew.
A bottle of wine in Nairobi costs between £6-£20, depending on the type and quality.
What is the nightlife like in Nairobi?
Nairobi has a lively nightlife scene, with a range of bars, nightclubs, and live music venues. Some of the best places to check out include:
Kiza Lounge: A stylish lounge that offers live music, DJ sets, and a range of cocktails.
Havana Bar: A Cuban-themed bar that serves up delicious cocktails and has a rooftop terrace.
Alchemist Bar: A popular live music venue that hosts a range of local and international artists.
J's Fresh Bar and Kitchen: A trendy spot that serves up delicious food and drinks and often hosts live
Is it expensive to eat out in Nairobi?
Nairobi has a variety of dining options to cater to all budgets. Eating out in Nairobi can be quite affordable if you stick to local restaurants or street food. Prices for local dishes start at around 200 KES (approximately £1.30) per plate. However, if you are looking for more upscale dining options, prices can be comparable to those in major cities in the UK. Fine dining restaurants in Nairobi typically charge upwards of 4,000 KES (approximately £26) per person. Overall, Nairobi offers a diverse range of dining experiences that won't break the bank.
What are the best restaurants in Nairobi?
Carnivore Restaurant: This famous restaurant is known for its "Beast of a Feast" where diners can indulge in a selection of meats, including ostrich, crocodile, and camel.
Talisman : A popular restaurant with a charming garden setting, Talisman serves a range of international cuisine and has a well-stocked bar.
Nyama Mama: This trendy restaurant offers modern African cuisine with a fun and vibrant atmosphere.
About Thyme: Known for its delicious steaks and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, About Thyme is a cosy restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere.
Seven Grill & Lounge: This stylish rooftop restaurant offers stunning views of the city and a menu of international cuisine.
The Talisman: A gourmet café that serves European cuisine and delectable desserts.
Fogo Gaucho: This Brazilian steakhouse serves unlimited portions of succulent meats cooked to perfection.
Artcaffe : A trendy coffeehouse that also serves a range of international dishes, Artcaffe has a cool and modern atmosphere.
Osteria Del Chianti : This Italian restaurant offers authentic Tuscan cuisine and an extensive wine list.
Sierra Brasserie : This contemporary brasserie serves a range of global cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
What is the local food like in Nairobi, and how much is a bottle of wine?
Nairobi's cuisine is influenced by various cultures, including Indian, European, and African. Some of the most popular local dishes include:
Ugali : a type of maize meal that is a staple food in Kenya
Nyama Choma : roasted meat (usually beef or goat)
Pilau: a rice dish cooked with spices and meat or vegetables
Sukuma Wiki: a dish made with collard greens, onions, and tomatoes
Chapati : a type of flatbread similar to Indian roti
When it comes to drinks, Nairobi has a growing wine culture, and many restaurants offer a selection of local and international wines. The price of a bottle of wine in Nairobi can vary depending on the restaurant, but you can expect to pay around 1,500 KES (approximately £10) for a decent bottle.
Best Hotels in Nairobi:
Hemingways Nairobi: Located in the Karen neighbourhood, this elegant hotel offers spacious rooms with private balconies, a spa, a fitness centre, and an outdoor pool. Hemingways Nairobi is ideal for those looking for luxury and relaxation during their stay in Nairobi.
Villa Rosa Kempinski: Another luxurious option, this hotel is situated in the bustling Westlands neighbourhood and features a spa, fitness centre, outdoor pool, and several dining options. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, making it an excellent choice for a comfortable stay.
The Sarova Stanley: This iconic hotel has been a fixture of Nairobi since 1902 and has hosted famous guests like Ernest Hemingway and Winston Churchill. The rooms are tastefully decorated and offer all modern amenities, while the hotel itself features a spa, fitness centre, and several dining options.
Fairmont The Norfolk: This historic hotel has been welcoming guests since 1904 and is in the central business district. The rooms are elegantly decorated and offer modern amenities, while the hotel features a spa, fitness centre, and several dining options.
Sankara Nairobi: This modern hotel is situated in the bustling Westlands neighbourhood and features sleek, contemporary decor. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, while the hotel itself features a rooftop pool, fitness centre, and several dining options.
Annual Festivals in Nairobi:
Nairobi Wine Festival: This annual event takes place in November and features some of the best wines from around the world, as well as local wines from Kenya.
Kenya International Film Festival: Held in November, this festival showcases some of the best films from around the world, as well as Kenyan films.
Nairobi Restaurant Week: This week-long event takes place in January and features some of the best restaurants in Nairobi offering discounted menus
Nairobi Fashion Week: Held in September, this event showcases the latest fashion trends from local designers.
International Camel Derby: Held in August in the nearby town of Maralal, this event features camel racing and traditional dances.
Time difference between the UK:
Nairobi is 3 hours ahead of the UK during British Summer Time (BST) and 2 hours ahead during Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Best time to get cheap flights to Nairobi
The best time to get cheap flights to Nairobi is during the low season, which runs from March to May and from October to November. However, be aware that this is also the rainy season, so you may need to pack accordingly.
Which airlines fly from the UK to Nairobi, and can you fly direct?
Several airlines offer flights from the UK to Nairobi, including British Airways, Kenya Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Turkish Airlines. Some airlines offer direct flights, while others require a layover.
How much is a return flight from the UK to Nairobi?
The cost of a return flight from the UK to Nairobi can vary depending on the time of year and airline you choose. However, prices typically start at around £400-£500 for economy class tickets.
What are the nearest international airports to Nairobi?
The nearest international airport to Nairobi is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which is located just outside the city centre. Other nearby international airports include Moi International Airport in Mombasa and Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania.
How to find cheap flights to Nairobi with flexible booking policies?
To find cheap flights to Nairobi with flexible booking policies, you can use a travel booking website like TravelUp.com. They offer a wide selection of flights from different airlines, and you can filter your search results by departure time, airline, and price. You can also use their flexible booking policy to change or cancel your flight if needed.
Several airlines fly from the UK to Nairobi, and you can fly direct from London. Here are some of the most popular airlines that fly from the UK to Nairobi:
British Airways: This is the largest airline in the UK, and it operates daily flights from London to Nairobi.
Kenya Airways : This is the national carrier of Kenya, and it operates daily flights from London to Nairobi.
Emirates : This is an international airline based in Dubai, and it operates daily flights from London to Nairobi.
Qatar Airways: This is another international airline based in Doha, and it operates daily flights from London to Nairobi.
Ethiopian Airlines: This is the flag carrier of Ethiopia, and it operates daily flights from London to Nairobi.
KLM: This is the flag carrier of the Netherlands, and it operates daily flights from London to Nairobi.
Turkish Airlines: This is the national carrier of Turkey, and it operates daily flights from London to Nairobi.
EgyptAir: This is the national carrier of Egypt, and it operates daily flights from London to Nairobi.
RwandAir: This is the flag carrier of Rwanda, and it operates direct flights from London to Nairobi.
Air France: This is the flag carrier of France, and it operates daily flights from London to Nairobi.
The airlines listed above are just a few of the many options available for travel between the UK and Nairobi. You can choose from various airlines based on your preferences and budget.
Which UK airports can you fly from to Nairobi?
You can fly to Nairobi from several UK airports, including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, and Birmingham. London Heathrow is the busiest airport in the UK, and it offers the most frequent flights to Nairobi. However, you can also find flights from other airports in the UK, depending on your location and travel preferences.
What are the options for premium economy, business, and first-class flights from the UK to Nairobi?
Several airlines offer premium economy, business, and first-class flights from the UK to Nairobi. Here are some of the airlines that provide these options:
British Airways: This airline offers premium economy, business, and first-class flights to Nairobi.
Kenya Airways: This airline offers business and first-class flights to Nairobi.
Emirates : This airline offers business and first-class flights to Nairobi.
Qatar Airways: This airline offers business and first-class flights to Nairobi.
Ethiopian Airlines: This airline offers business and first-class flights to Nairobi.
KLM : This airline offers business and first-class flights to Nairobi.
The amenities and services offered in each class vary depending on the airline, but generally, premium economy provides more legroom and better seats, business class offers more space, better food, and amenities like lounges, and first-class offers the most luxurious experience with private cabins, lie-flat beds, and personalized service.
What is the baggage allowance for economy, premium economy, business, and first-class?
The baggage allowance for flights from the UK to Nairobi varies depending on the airline and travel class. Generally, economy class passengers are allowed to check in one or two bags weighing up to 23 kg each, while premium economy, business, and first-class passengers are allowed to check in more bags or heavier bags.
It's important to check the baggage allowance for your specific flight before you travel, as excess baggage fees can be costly. You can find this information on the airline's website or by contacting their customer service
For those looking for a more comfortable travel experience, premium economy, business and first-class flights are available from some airlines. Among the airlines that fly from the UK to Nairobi, the following offer premium economy, business and first-class options:
British Airways: offers premium economy, business and first-class options
Emirates: offers business and first-class options
Qatar Airways: offers business and first-class options
Turkish Airlines: offers business class options
Baggage allowance for economy, premium economy, business and first-class flights to Nairobi varies depending on the airline and fare class. It's important to check with the airline directly to confirm the baggage allowance for your specific flight.
In conclusion, Nairobi is an incredible destination that offers a unique mix of vibrant culture, breath-taking scenery, and unforgettable wildlife experiences. Whether you're a solo traveller, a couple, or a family, Nairobi has something for everyone. If you're looking to find cheap flights to Nairobi with flexible booking policies, be sure to check out TravelUp.com, and sign up for the TravelUp newsletter to stay up to date with the latest deals and offers.