Southern Sun Hotel Nairobi is welcoming and comforting 5 star Nairobi hotel to stay. Traditional warmth and hospitality responsible for this. This is true for all travelers whether you are traveling for business or on luxury Kenya safari.
Southern Sun Hotel Nairobi is set on 5 acres of landscaped gardens. This Tsogo Sun hotel embraces the famous hospitable nature of Kenya. The service and hospitality will make you feel right at home. Let your imagination believe that you are on the set of the movie Out of Africa. This is with the unique architecture of the hotel.
Southern Sun Hotel Nairobi host excellent accommodation features. You are assured of outstanding service and high attention to detail. TripAdvisor has granted this Nairobi establishment a 2013 Certificate of Excellence. The Southern Sun Hotel allure is an enviable location in Kenya’s vibrant capital city. This puts you close to local attractions such as Nairobi. The attractions for a Kenya safari tour near this luxury Nairobi hotel include:
Nairobi National Park
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Karen Blixen Museum
Nairobi National Museum
Karura Forest Reserve and Giraffe Centre and many other things to see and do in Nairobi.
Southern Sun Hotel Nairobi Hotel Accommodation
There are a total of 171 spacious rooms at Southern Sun Hotel Nairobi. Each room at Southern Sun Hotel Nairobi is furnished with modern décor. Also included is a host of amenities that ensure optimal comfort during your stay. Rooms have en-suite bathrooms with bath and shower combination. These rooms also have tea and coffee making facilities. They also have Televisions with DSTV, hairdryers, complimentary WiFi and 24-hour room service. You will get porter service and wakeup facility included to ensure a pleasant stay.
Executive Rooms
The pool facing Executive Rooms at the 5 star Nairobi hotel feature a private balcony and double bed. The room features an LCD Flatscreen TV with DStv channels and a fully stocked mini bar. It comes with iron and ironing board and a ceiling fan. The rooms have tea/coffee making facilities and private bathroom. Extra complimentary amenities include in-room WiFi access and direct line phone with voicemail. There is a safe deposit box and hair dryer.
Standard Rooms
The standard Rooms offer comfort and convenience in Nairobi. Whether you are visiting for business or on Kenya safari the in-room amenities are great. They enjoy great location and relaxed ambiance all add to a pleasant stay. Standard Rooms feature an LCD Flatscreen TV with DStv channels and air conditioning. They have ceiling fan, tea/coffee making facilities and private bathroom. Free in-room WiFi access is included in your room rates. You also got a direct line with voicemail, safe deposit box and hair dryer.
Standard rooms are available in the following configurations:
King bed non-smoking
King bed smoking
Two double beds non-smoking
Two double beds smoking
Twin beds non-smoking
Twin beds smoking
Dining at the Southerb Sun Hotel Nairobi
The Southern Sun Mayfair Nairobi hotel offers its guests a variety of dining options. This includes in-room dining, serving meals from the restaurants. It is for guests who desire added privacy and comfort.
The hotel’s Oasis Bar and Restaurant offers exquisite breakfasts and dinners. It is open for meals and snacks throughout the day. Guests hosting a business dinner or private celebration in Nairobi, group bookings are available.
Guests at the Southern Sun Mayfair Nairobi can also enjoy meals at the Golden Spur Steak Ranch. This is a family restaurant within the grounds of the hotel. It serves a selection of steaks, delicious burgers and other steakhouse fare. The Spur Steak Ranch is open daily for lunch and dinner.
Oasis Restaurant
Nairobi’s Oasis Restaurant offers a friendly and informal atmosphere. This restaurant at the Southern Sun Mayfair Nairobi is open daily from early until late. Guests can enjoy delicious daily breakfast and lunch buffets as well as à la carte or buffet dinners. The restaurant offers a relaxing ambiance that belies the busy Nairobi surroundings.
The Poolside Terrace is a perfect option for drinks and light meals. It has views of the beautiful hotel gardens.
Golden Spur Steak Ranch
Guests can also enjoy family friendly steakhouse dining in Nairobi. This is at the Golden Spur Steak Ranch. This family restaurant is within the grounds of the hotel. It serves a selection of steaks, delicious burgers and a salad valley. Spur Steak Ranch is open for lunch and dinner each day.
Meetings and Events The Southern Sun Mayfair Nairobi
Enjoy professional, organized and efficient serviced conference facilities in Nairobi. The Southern Sun Mayfair Nairobi caters for every business needs. It offers 8 conference and meeting venues. These can accommodate between 15 and 350 delegates.
Southern Sun Mayfair Nairobi offers business guests a choice of flexible meeting spaces. You have great conference facilities depending on the numbers. The hotel is conveniently located close to Nairobi’s CBD. Each conference is planned to suit your needs, from event themes to customized menus. Each event at the Nairobi hotel gets the dedicated attention of professional banqueting team.
The venues are ideal for hosting anything. Whether you need a smaller boardroom meetings, to workshops, seminars, training sessions and conferences. The hotel is well suited to host lavish or intimate private events.
The following conferencing equipment is available as standard.
Telephone in each room
Flipchart board with paper & pens
Proxima data projector and a separate point for WiFi
Computer connection facilities at business centre
Separate group registration area
Extra services can be arranged on your behalf, upon request, including:
Courier service
Flower arrangements
Photographer
Personal computers and printers
Luggage storage for meeting attendees
Help with entertainment arrangements
Business services
Other Services and Amenities at This 5 star Nairobi Hotel
Southern Sun Mayfair Nairobi is a picturesque holiday and business destination. It is among the best Nairobi has to offer. It offers guests authentic African hospitality. This is by providing a range of services and amenities of an international standard.
Amenities at this 5 star Nairobi hotel include complimentary high-speed WiFi internet access. There is a health club with sauna, swimming pools and a fully-equipped business centre. The hotel has restaurant where guests can enjoy breakfast and exquisite dinner buffets daily. The tropical gardens add to the feeling of peace and calm.
Some services or amenities may not be available on the hotel premises. The may incur extra costs for the guest's own account. Please view the available services and amenities below.
Airport Shuttle Transfers
For extra convenience book an airport transfer whether you are flying in for a holiday or just a meeting.
We charge US$ 37 per person one way and if more than two guests or delegates per trip, we charge US$ 18.50 per person. They are booked in advance.
Business Centre
Keep in touch with the office and perform all business at the equipped Business Centre.
Health Club
At Southern Sun Mayfair Nairobi we want to make it easy for you to stay in shape and keep up a healthy routine. Whether you like to work up a sweat to start your day right here is the place. Burn off some calories or wind down after a day of meetings – we can help.
Open to all guests, this Health Club offers a sauna and a fully equipped Fitness Centre.
Free High-Speed WiFi
Free high-speed WiFi internet access is available to all hotel guests. Enjoy effortless access and great connectivity during your stay in Nairobi.
Hotel Services
Airport handling service
Baby cots
Baby-sitting facility
Beauty salon
Business centre
Car rental
Casino
Coffee shop
Concierge
Curio shop
Day spa
Disability friendly
Doctor / Dentist on call
Dry cleaning (same day)
Express check-in
Gift shop
Guest relations
Gym
Hairdresser
Highchairs
Ice machine
Internet cafe
Interpretation & translation services
Late check-out (available on request)
Laundry / Valet
Open parking (no charge)
Outdoor pool - not heated
Pets (only guide dogs permitted on request)
Restaurants
Safety deposit box
Sauna
Shuttle service (on request)
Theatre, restaurant and tour reservations
Transfer services
Business Services
Boardrooms
Business centre
Courier service
Dial -up service
Facsimile services
Full business centre with internet connectivity
Laminating
Limited secretarial service
Mail & postal services
Mobile phone
PC / Printer services
Photocopiers
Secretarial services
Wireless internet access
Nearby Facilities
Bowling greens
Golf course
Library
Restaurants
Shopping mall
Spa
Squash court
Cancellation / Prepayment
PAYMENT & RESERVATIONS POLICY Reservation and confirmation of a room at Southern Sun Hotel Nairobi has requirements. Clients are required to pay 50% down payment for the requested services. The balance will be required at least 14 days prior to your date of arrival.
African Safari Tour will hold a reservation for up to seven days at a client's request. This is to allow the client time to send a deposit payment. This is if Southern Sun Hotel Nairobi booking are over a month prior to the service. This must be received before we can confirm your booking. If confirmation is not received within the seven days all blocked rooms at Southern Sun Hotel Nairobi will be automatically released for re-sale. The full amount of the service must be made within 14 days of date of arrival at Southern Sun Hotel Nairobi. As for bookings within a month of service, full payment shall be requested for. This will be required before confirmation of Southern Sun Hotel Nairobi is undertaken.
CANCELLATIONS All cancellations must be received in writing. This will take effect from the date received by African Safari Tour. The following cancellation charges will apply.
More than 56 days before departure: No cancellation fee 56-49 days before departure: 25% 48-29 days before departure: 35% 28-0 days before departure: 100%
The non-issuing of an invoice or non-payment of deposit will not exempt passengers from these cancellation and administration fees. We regret we can make no exception to the charges and strongly recommend that insurance is taken out to cover cancellation fees. These cancellation charges can vary subject to the trading terms of our suppliers.
Children and extra beds
Children older than 2 years are welcome at Southern Sun Hotel Nairobi. One child from 2 to 11.9 years is charged 50 % of the room stay per night and person in an extra bed.
The maximum number of extra beds for children in a room is 2.
Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.
Stylish and individually designed room featuring a satellite TV, mini bar and a 24-hour room service menu.
We are sorry, this accommodation is not available to book at the moment
Facilities
Air Condition
Bar
Catering service
Convention floor
Desk
Fitness
Free toiletries
Hotspots
Laundry
Lounge
Minibar
Outdoor pool
Private bathroom
Restaurant
Room service
Safety Deposit Box
Sauna
Seating area
Shops
SPA
Telephone
TV
Wake up service
WiFi
Nairobi
Nairobi is the capital and largest city in Kenya. The name "Nairobi" comes from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nyirobi, which translates to "the place of cool waters". However, it is popularly known as the "Green City in the Sun".
Nairobi was founded in 1899 as a simple rail depot on the railway linking Mombasa to Uganda. The town quickly grew to become the capital of British East Africa in 1907. Nairobi eventually became the capital of a free Kenyan republic in 1963.
The city has an estimated population of 4 million. Nairobi occupies 684 square kilometers and is currently the 13th largest city in Africa. It is one of the most prominent cities in Africa both politically and financially.
Nairobi is an established hub for business and culture and is home to many companies and organizations. It id home to the United Nations Environment Programme and the UN Office in Africa.
A number of international events have been held in the city among them being the annual Nairobi Marathon, sponsored by Standard Chartered bank. This has become a signature sports event that brings together runners and supporters from all over the country as well as foreign participants to Nairobi, the beautiful capital city of Kenya and home of the greatest distance runners in the world.
Kenya’s capital city has risen in a single century from a brackish uninhabited swampland to a thriving modern capital.This is the home of safari, a place to start your African safari tour from.
Modern Nairobi is still the safari capital of the Africa, but the modern world has quickly caught up with the city. A frontier town no more, Nairobi is one of Africa’s largest, and most interesting cities.
Nairobi is a city that never seems to sleep. The entire town has a boundless energy, and is thriving place where all of human life can be found.
This is a place of great contrasts where race, tribe and origin all become facets of a unique Nairobi character.
The city has not lost its sense of the past, with an excellent museum and the historical home of Karen Blixen, author of Out of Africa open to visitors.
This is not a modern capital separated from the great wilderness that surrounds it. Just outside the city is Nairobi National Park, 113 sq. kms of plains, cliffs and forest. The park is home to large herds of zebra, Wildebeest, Buffalo, Giraffe and more. Rhino, Cheetah, and a large number of Lions are all found here, living wild within 20 minutes of the centre of town.
History of Nairobi
The area Nairobi currently occupies was essentially uninhabited swamp. This was until a supply depot of the Uganda Railway was built by the British in 1899. It linked Mombasa to Uganda. The location of the camp was chosen due to its central position between Mombasa and Kampala. It was also chosen because its network of rivers could supply the camp. The water and its elevation would make it cool enough for residential purposes. This was not only the thousands of Indian laborers who came to Kenya seeking to be employed to work on the railway line, but also for the British settlers. With such an apt location, it had soon grown big enough to become the railway’s headquarters.
The city was first incorporated in 1900 as the Township of Nairobi. The regulations governing it were published on the 16th April, 1900. This was under the powers vested in Sir Arthur Hardinge, H M Commissioner at Zanzibar by Article 45 of the East Africa Order-in-Council.
The regulations defined the township of Nairobi as “the area comprised within a radius of one-mile-and-a-half from the present office of H.M. Sub-Commissioner in Ukamba”. It authorized the Sub-Commissioner to nominate annually a number of the leading residents or merchants to act with him as a Committee.
On 24th of July a Five Man Committee met in the Sub Commissioner’s office to tackle the problem of the town ranging from:- a myriad of bazaars, no street lighting, unplanned shops going up daily, no proper streets, no conservancy, no refuse collection, no police and no money.
The committee obtained its plans, marked out plots and roadways in the commercial area and sought Government’s permission to cut wood for scantlings to build the new shops and other necessary establishments.
The Nairobi Club was formed in January in 1901 and a racecourse came up at about the same time. There was only one school at the time but the Roman Catholics were busy with the construction of a church and a school beside the railway line. In December of 1901 the committee was given the rights to make new by-laws “for the preservation of the public health and good order within the township” and prescribing penalties for breach of their observance.
By 1903 the use of the railway as a medium of exporting produce as well as importing equipment had become noticeable, and there was some talk of finding permanent markets in South Africa. Nairobi was growing at a fast pace and new people arrived with every ship that docked at Mombasa. There was a little post-office halfway down Government Road, near the new municipal offices, which had been opened the previous year, these offices were grandly known as “Town Hall.”
They proposed to have the Bazaar properly laid out and have the buildings assessed to enable a rate of taxation to be fixed, funds procured would go towards forming a police force, a system of street lighting and conservancy purposes. Nairobi continued to flourish as there was an impressive array of commerce and growth at the Bazaar as hotels, banks and Trading Centers were established. National Bank of India was the first to be established, next was Heubner & Company.
Nairobi becomes the Capital City
In 1905, Nairobi replaced Mombasa as capital of the British protectorate, and the city grew around administration and tourism, initially in the form of big game hunting. As the British occupiers started to explore the region, they started using Nairobi as their first port of call. They were encouraged to settle in the country, and Nairobi was their natural choice due to its cool climate and fertile soils. British authorities hoped the Settlers would develop a modern economic sector.
In 1919, the Nairobi Township community formally became the Nairobi Municipal Council. Its boundary was extended to include surrounding part-urban settlements. The boundary was again extended in 1927 to cover 30 square miles.
In July 1920 it was proposed that a more distinctive title be adopted for the chief of the municipality of Nairobi the capital of the protectorate. The title Mayor was suggested. It was not until 1923 that the title was officially applied.
Top Things to Do in Nairobi
Nairobi was once famous for all the wrong reasons. It is now emerging as a hip and edgy city, buzzing with culture, art, and development. There are many things to do in Nairobi. All on the doorstep of some of the world’s most incredible national parks.
Great African Wildlife
For elephant lovers, there’s no better place to visit than the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. This is an institution that has been caring for and rehabilitating baby elephants since the late 1970s. Most of the elephants living at the sanctuary were rescued after being orphaned at an age when they were too young to survive alone. Once they are old enough, the elephants are released back into the wild. Between 11 a.m. and noon each day, visitors are allowed to observe the elephants at feeding time and hear about the trust's work.
Natural Wonder - The Great Rift Valley
Just outside the city, on the road to the Masai Mara, you will travel along the Great Rift Valley escarpment. This is the Mau escarpment with several view points that allow you great views of the floor. The Great Rift Valley is truly a beautiful site as it stretches all the way from Lebanon to Mozambique. Stop to have a cup of tea or a cold drink at one of the wooden shops on the cliff edge and take in the incredible views of the valley below.
The Nairobi National Park
On the outskirts of the city lies the world-famous Nairobi National Park. This is home to a variety of animals including lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and leopards. It's also one of the best places to see the endangered black rhino. What really makes this park unusual is that you have the Nairobi skyline as a backdrop. It’s not uncommon to see animals as you drive along the highway to and from the airport. This is the only national park within a city in the world.
Archaeological Site
Just south of the city, near Lake Magadi, you will find Ologesailie, an important archaeological site. Several fossils, tools, and artifacts have been found here dating back more than 600,000 years. This is to the time of our earliest ancestors who inhabited the area between 490,000 and 1.2 million years ago.
Cultural Experience
For an insight into Kenyan culture, Bomas of Kenya is a great place to start. Kenya is a diverse country and the project was set up to preserve Kenyan culture and values by educating visitors in traditional ways of life. This is done through music and dance performances, as well as by exhibiting the various types of bomas (enclosed homesteads) that people live in. Visitors will learn about the customs of some of the ethnic groups found in Kenya while there, too.
Best Day Trip
A few hours outside of Nairobi you’ll find one of the world’s most visually iconic African safari destinations, Amboseli National Park. Lying at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is just over the border in Tanzania, Amboseli is famous for having one of the healthiest elephant populations in Africa; visitors can see herds of up to a hundred of these beautiful creatures at a time. If you are lucky and it’s a clear day, you should see Kilimanjaro as well.
Off the Beaten Path
To get away from the tourist crowds, head to City Park Hawkers, a local fruit and vegetable market in town. It’s great to wander around the market to observe everyday Nairobian life, but the real treat lies within. Hidden away behind some of the stalls, you will find small restaurants serving ugali and delicious nyama choma for the workers. So, do as the locals do and grab yourself a spot of lunch.
Most Iconic Experience
When in Nairobi, find yourself a bargain at one of the Maasai Markets. The Maasai Market takes place at a different location around town each day, selling all kinds of African trinkets including jewelry, bags, leather goods, clothes, and wood carvings. But be warned, the touts are usually in full force and will follow you around offering to “help,” but really, they are taking a commission from the stall owners. You can pick up a few bargains here but only if your negotiation skills are up to scratch. For a slightly calmer experience, visit the fixed Maasai Market at the Galleria Mall.
Late Night
Kenyans know how to party, so when the sun goes down there are plenty of places to drink and dance the night away. A great place to spend an evening is the Westlands part of town, where you’ll find several cool venues including The Alchemist, which is a bar and event space with live music, DJs, and tasty food. Or you can try Brew Bistro, which is famous for its excellent craft beers.
Historic Site
Make a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum at the foot of the Ngong Hills in Karen. The museum was once the home of Karen Blixen, the Danish author of Out of Africa, after whom the suburb is named. A visit to the museum will give you an interesting insight into Kenya’s colonial past.
Nairobi is a city full of contrasts. It's old enough so you can feel its past and multi-ethnic enough so you can experience Kenyan culture, yet Nairobi is modern enough to get Internet access. It's a city that blends people from all cultures and walks of life. Adorned with modern skyscrapers, world class restaurants, fully equipped hospitals, modern shopping malls, schools, abundant private and public transportation, and universities and colleges that provide local and international curriculum - you will find it all in Nairobi. The city is also home to numerous local and international businesses and organizations. Nairobi bustles with activity. It's a city that never sleeps; the rhythm is fast, day and night. There's always something to do and see in Nairobi and its people are friendly and hospitable.
Although Nairobi has many positive features, like any other large city, Nairobi has its fair share of problems and faces enormous challenges that range from congested roads and streets to crime and poverty in the neighboring slums of Kibera and Mathare
Sports & nature
Nairobi National Park
The city of Nairobi boasts it’s very own national game park where lions and buffalo’s roam free! It is located just moments away from the city center and is one of the best Nairobi attractions. Don’t miss a safari at Nairobi National Park!
Nairobi Safari Walk
Nairobi Safari Walk, funded by the Kenya Wildlife Service is a great way to learn about the animals of Kenya and to view the various natural environments Kenya has to offer. It is located at the headquarters of Nairobi National Park
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Nairobi Animal Orphanage
The Nairobi Animal Orphanage is a shelter of abandoned or injured wild animals. The Nairobi animal orphanage offers visitor a chance to see wildlife up close and personal and even pet a cheetah!
Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
Orphaned baby elephants and rhinos are cared for and offered a chance to survive at the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. The roly polly baby elephants are fed with monster baby bottles and run around the compound gingerly.
Nairobi Giraffe Centre
Nairobi Giraffe Centre, you can see these magically cumbersome animals up close and personal. Feed lanky giraffes from a platform and even touch a giraffe tongue! A popular activity in Nairobi, Kenya!
Nairobi Snake Park
Not only can you see black mambas and puff adders at Nairobi Snake Park, there are also lizards, birds, crocodiles, turtles and fish! The Nairobi snake park was recently renovated and if you enjoy snakes or reptiles, this Nairobi attraction can’t be missed! Located at the Nairobi National Museum compound, Museum Hill, Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi Mamba Village
Nairobi Mamba Village is a giant resort park, including activities, a hotel, restaurants, opportunities for relaxing in gardens and a crocodile farm! It’s a great place to escape the city and enjoy Nairobi’s beautiful green scenery and fresh air!
Maasai Ostich Farm
Maasai Ostrich Resort is located on the outskirts of Nairobi in a town called Kitengela. For 200 KSH, adults can ride around on an awkward ostrich with spotters. Afterwards, don’t forget to indulge in a plate of excellent grilled ostrich or a juicy ostrich burger!
Nightlife info
Nightlife in Nairobi is bustling to say the least. Live music is everywhere and even nightclubs host a mix of DJ sets and guest bands. There are plenty of bars and discos in the city centre but the best are to be found in the suburbs, particularly in Westlands. Be warned: persistent prostitutes frequent many bars, even the more upmarket ones.
Bars in Nairobi
Casablanca A chic Moroccan-themed lounge, Casablanca boasts cosy silk covered sofas, an inner room that resembles a Bedouin tent and some of the best shisha in Kenya. Enormously popular with the expat community, other highlights here include a comprehensive cocktail menu and a lengthy wine list – a rare commodity in Nairobi. It’s not the most feverish of bars, so don’t expect thumping house or live reggae bands, but it has style in spades and plenty of space to relax. Address: Lenana Road, Hurlingham, Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: +254 20 723 173.
Champagne & Fishbowls One of the most upscale drinking spots in Nairobi, Champagne & Fishbowls is endorsed by Veuve Cliquot and really does serves up fishbowl cocktails in a variety of sensational hues. Part of the slick Seven restaurant, it might sound like a tacky homage to bling, but in reality it’s sleek, well-appointed and well-staffed. Yes, Nairobi’s flashier types congregate here, but it’s still worth a visit if only for the extensive champagne menu. Address: Waiyaki Way, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: +254 737 776 677. Website: www.experienceseven.com
Gipsy Bar A mixed crowd of expats and Kenyans gathers at this fun, friendly bar in the suburbs of Nairobi. Don’t expect a chic lounge or anything approaching it: the Gipsy Bar is cheerfully cheesy and boasts three themed rooms, including one that looks a bit like a gentleman’s club circa 1952. Music is a mix of imported pop, old-fashioned dad rock and African beats, and there’s a snack menu should you feel peckish in between beers. Address: Woodvale Grove, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: +254 20 444 0964. Website: www.gipsybar.com
Lord Delamere Terrace Named after one of the first British settlers to arrive in Kenya, the 3rd Baron Delamere, Hugh Cholmondeley, this elegant bar allows the colonial era to live on. Located at the smart Norfolk Hotel, visitors have been gathering at this historic watering hole since 1904 for a sundowner in front of the setting African daylight, and it’s still a prime spot in Nairobi for an evening gin and tonic. They also serve a great menu of European and Asian food. Address: Harry Thuku Road, Central Business District, Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: +254 20 226 5555. Website: www.fairmont.com/norfolkhotel
Zanze Bar This friendly top floor bar comes complete with pool tables, cheap food and a wide selection of drinks, including the ubiquitous Tusker and Safari brand lagers. It’s extremely busy at weekends, mainly thanks to its reasonably priced drinks menu and the even cheaper pool on offer. Zanze is always welcoming and attracts an eclectic crowd of mixed locals and expats, and although weekdays tend to be quieter, plenty of Nairobi city workers swing by for a cold beer on their way home from work. Address: Moi Avenue, Central Business District, Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: +254 20 222 532.
Clubs in Nairobi
Florida 2000 One of the biggest and coolest clubs in Nairobi, Florida 2000 is set in a warehouse-style space with a vast dance-floor, several bars and a barbecue restaurant called the Choma Cave. Packed come weekends, the club pulls in a boisterous crowd who dance shoulder to shoulder as the working week gives way. Local DJs spin on the decks, and visiting celebrities, like Coolio and Shaggy, have allegedly been spotted showing off their moves. Address: Moi Avenue, Central Business District, Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: +254 706 577 009. Website: www.floridaclubskenya.com
New Florida Nightclub One of Nairobi’s coolest dancing spots, this loud and lively nightclub in the heart of the Kenyan capital is known as the ‘Mad House’ - and it certainly lives up to its nickname at the weekend. The crowd is predominantly local, the music mixed and the atmosphere frenetic. Most of the locals stick to beer (Tusker and Safari are popular) but there’s no shortage of cocktails and mixers either. Arrive early enough to check out the building – it’s not dissimilar to a flying saucer that has collided with an office block. Address: Koinange Street, Central Business District, Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: +254 20 221 5014. Website: www.floridaclubskenya.com/OurClubs/NewFlorida.aspx
Simba Saloon If you want to be thrown straight into a Kenyan blowout, head to Simba Saloon along the road from the airport. This huge nightclub is also enormously popular with locals and is heaving on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights. The crowd is a mix of Kenyan party people, expat teenagers, global travellers and aid workers on their nights off. For the ultimate Nairobi night out, dine at the adjoining Carnivore restaurant, and then dance off dinner at Simba. Address: Langata Road, Lang’ata, Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: +254 20 600 5933. Website: www.tamarind.co.ke/simba-saloon
Live Music in Nairobi
Klub House With its rustic varnished log walls, bougainvillea-draped courtyard and safari-themed décor, Klub House may not be a sleek New York-style jazz club, but it’s still extremely good fun. DJs, jazz bands, reggae outfits and even country music stars grace the stage at this popular Parklands haunt where the drinks (mostly beer and spirits) come well-priced. As a result, it never really empties, particularly at weekends when it is packed all day and well into the early hours of the following morning. Address: Ojijo Road, Parklands, Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: +254 717 969 500. Website: www.klubhouse.co.ke/index.php?id=1
Ngong Hills Hotel Bands from across Kenya and East Africa play at this relaxed hotel venue on Ngong Road every day of the week but the Sunday Jam session is the most popular. There, you’ll find dancers and acrobats to entertain the children, and nyama choma (roast meat) for the adults. Drinks are relatively expensive by Nairobi standards, thanks in part to the hotel location and the largely expat clientele. Nonetheless, the cheerful atmosphere and live music more than make up for it. Address: Ngong Road, Ngong Hills, Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: +254 20 3860 894. Website: www.ngonghillshotel.com
Simmers Restaurant Don’t come here expecting a traditional pub experience, because what you’ll get is anything but. One of the most buzzing bars in the Central Business District, Simmers boasts a taproom stocked with every sort of booze imaginable and a tasty menu based on a mixture of Western classics and African favourites. But of all the diversions on offer, music is what Simmers is best known for, and its excellent house dancers are always on hand to show how the partying is done. Address: Kenyatta Road, Central Business District, Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: +254 20 217 659.
Theatre in Nairobi
Kenya National Theatre Opposite the Norfolk Hotel, Nairobi's main playhouse puts on classic and contemporary drama and musicals, with the emphasis on Kenyan actors and playwrights. One of the best theatres in the region, the regular performances here are always packed. Although it’s the heart of the theatre scene in Kenya, theatre-goers are often treated to visiting shows from other African countries. Address: Harry Thuku Road, Central Business District, Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: +254 20 225 174
Professional Centre Ignore its odd title; this small theatre venue is well worth checking out. As the name suggests, most of those who frequent its halls are professionals from the surrounding offices but don’t let that put you off: the theatrical and dance performances are second to none. Home to the well-known Phoenix Players theatre group, who regularly perform productions by western and Kenyan playwrights, it offers a more intimate playhouse experience than the Kenya National Theatre. Address: Parliament Road, Central Business District, Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: +254 20 225 506.
Culture and history info
The history of Nairobi began with the Lunatic or "Looney" Express. In 1899, when the builders of the "Lunatic Express" railway line decided to set up camp at "Ewaso Nai´beri", they likely had no idea that they had just sown the seeds of what would become the largest city in the region. They chose to camp in this place because Nairobi was cool and well supplied with water. It is no wonder that the local Maasai people had named it "Ewaso Nai´beri" meaning "a place of cool waters". The cool temperature was a welcome relief from the hot Mombasa coastal sun the British had to contend with as they built the railway line from Mombasa to Uganda.
Nairobi also offered an escape from the man-eaters. The fact that "Ewaso Nai´beri" was a swampland reduced the likelihood of an encounter with lions. During the construction of a bridge at Tsavo a year earlier, two very large male lions killed and ate more than 135 of the railway workers.
This railway line, meant to connect the East African interior with the rest of the world, had been named the "Lunatic Express" by skeptics doubting its economic worth. However, the British were unable to pronounce this complex name and, instead, coined their own name from the original, calling it "Nairobi". The Looney express camp gave rise to the town that would later become the City of Nairobi
Everyday Nairobi life is a bustle of activity as people go about their business. Nairobians juggle work, and personal and family obligations, while still finding time to enjoy their social favorites and contribute to the community. For locals, a typical weekend in Nairobi is very busy, from business/networking functions, sporting events and recreational activities to family weddings, barbecues and church events. Nairobi never slows down.
Southern Sun Hotel Nairobi host excellent accommodation features. You are assured of outstanding service and high attention to detail. TripAdvisor has granted this Nairobi establishment a 2013 Certificate of Excellence. The Southern Sun Hotel allure is an enviable location in Kenya’s vibrant capital city. This puts you close to local attractions such as Nairobi. The attractions for a Kenya safari tour near this luxury Nairobi hotel include:
