I actually stayed there! Talking about accommodation in Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is actually located at an altitude of 1,700 meters, so it has a very comfortable climate with an average temperature of 17°C throughout the year. It is also famous as the gateway to safaris, but if you're going to stay in Nairobi, you don't want to make a mistake in your choice of accommodation. I'll give you my honest review of each area based on my actual stay.
Honest reviews of major areas in Nairobi after actually staying there!
Central Business District (CBD)
It's in the center of Nairobi and is certainly convenient for shopping and restaurants. But honestly, at night, the streets become a little quieter and it can feel a little stressful. You should be careful even during the day.
Westlands
It's an upscale residential area where many foreigners live. There are many stylish cafes and restaurants, so even just taking a walk is fun! The area is also relatively safe, so you can stay here with peace of mind.
Kilimani
I actually stayed in this area and highly recommend it! It's adjacent to Westlands, has good public safety, and seems to have a lot of modern apartments. It's especially comfortable for Japanese people, and there's a supermarket nearby, so it's easy to cook your own meals.
Kileleshwa
I've also stayed in this area. It's located between Westlands and Kilimani, and is a quiet residential area. There's a supermarket, the area is safe, and it has a calm atmosphere, making it a very comfortable place to live. I went for a run in the morning.
Lavington
This area was recommended to me by a local friend. It's a quiet, upscale residential area with lots of greenery, and is said to be home to many foreign residents. It's also close to Westlands and has a good reputation for its safety.
Karen
This place is famous for the movie "Out of Africa." It's surrounded by nature and is close to the Giraffe Center, making it a great place for sightseeing. However, it's a little far from the city center, so please consider transportation when choosing a place.
Upper Hill
This is a new area that is gaining attention as a business district. There are many beautiful office buildings and it has an international atmosphere. The area is also relatively safe.
Wondering what the accommodation fees are actually?
Accommodation prices in Nairobi vary greatly depending on the area and hotel rank.
Luxury hotels : 15,000 to 30,000 yen per night
International chains like Sarova Panafric and Radisson Blue offer excellent facilities, but they might be a bit tough on your wallet.
Mid-range hotels : 5,000 to 15,000 yen per night. These are 3-star hotels in Westlands and Upper Hill. They are not particularly special and are just ordinary hotels.
Economy hotel : 2,000 to 5,000 yen per night
There are many around the CBD, but honestly I don't recommend it as I have concerns about safety.
※Please note that this may change.
Travel and safety in Nairobi
One important thing to note here: It is best to avoid walking outside at night in any area of Nairobi. Even in areas like Westlands and Kilimani, which are considered to be safer, you should avoid walking at night.
Many Japanese companies and organizations generally prohibit walking, regardless of the time of day or night, so to avoid any trouble, we highly recommend using Uber or Bolt as your means of transportation.
It is safer than local taxis and the fares are clear. Be sure to use the app taxi especially at night or when returning from a restaurant to your accommodation. Even during the day, taxis are safer for long distance travel.
By the way, I have had police on the street demand bribes from me...
Prices change depending on when you go! The best season
Nairobi is comfortable all year round, but hotel prices change dramatically depending on the tourist season.
Dry season (June to October, December to March) : This is the best season for safaris, so accommodation prices can go up by 20-30%. However, the weather is great.
Rainy season (April to May, November) : This is the best time to visit. There are fewer tourists, and accommodations are at their lowest. The rain doesn't last as long as the rainy season in Japan, so this might actually be a good time to visit.
Airbnb is definitely recommended for adults!
I want to say loud and clear that Airbnb is the best. I highly recommend it especially for those who want to spend their time freely and who value value for money.
Recommendation 1: Easy on the wallet
You can stay more comfortably for about half the price of a mid-range hotel. A nice apartment in Kilimani or Lavington costs around 3,000 to 8,000 yen per night. I usually stay in apartments that cost 3,000 to 4,000 yen. The room I actually stayed in (photo below) was around 3,000 yen.
Recommendation 2: Safety and Security
If you choose a property with a reputable host, you can live in a safe area with peace of mind. In particular, in Kilimani and Lavington, where I stayed, you don't have to worry too much, even at night. However, it is true that there are some suspicious properties, so be sure to choose a super host, as described below.
Recommendation 3: Experience local life and get information
The appeal of staying in a residential area is that you can experience the everyday life of Nairobi. You can shop at the local supermarket and discover local restaurants. This is something you can't experience in a hotel. Another plus is that you can get information about the area by messaging with your host.
Recommendation 4: Fully equipped
With a kitchen and washing machine, it's comfortable even for long-term stays. You can even make breakfast using ingredients purchased locally. This will help you keep costs down and give you the experience of living in the local area.
Tips for making Airbnb reservations
Choose from Westlands, Kilimani, Lavington, or Karen. It's perfect for women in their 40s traveling alone or with a group. There are plenty of safe, well-equipped apartments scattered around.
Be sure to check the reviews! And be sure to check the transportation options from the airport in advance. Again, Uber and Bolt are convenient. I've heard that many taxi drivers, especially from the airport, are aggressive, and there's a chance of trouble, so when you arrive at your destination, switch your SIM and request an Uber.
And most importantly, make sure the host is a Superhost !
This will help you avoid the risk!!
To become a Superhost, you must:
Superhost requirements (must meet the following four criteria in the past 365 days)
- Reservations: 10 or more nights or 3 reservations totaling 100 nights or more
- Cancellation rate: Maintained below 1% (excluding valid reasons)
- Response rate: Over 90% of guest inquiries are responded to within 24 hours
- Rating: Maintain an overall rating of 4.8 or higher
When staying in Nairobi, it is important to balance safety with value for money.
Use Airbnb wisely and enjoy a wonderful life in Nairobi!
Representative Kaoru Tsuji
