Hemingways Nairobi
Nairobi, Kenya
At a Glance
Beautiful views down the garden to the Ngong Hills
Tuck into the 'best steak in Nairobi', cooked to perfection by head chef Barry Tonks
All guests enjoy a London trained butler service to make your stay that much more spoiling
An abundance of brass, mahogany and leather add to the colonial grandeur of the beautifully finished rooms
Well placed in the heart of the Karen suburb, close to the city attractions: Nairobi National Park, Karen Blixen Museum and the David Sheldrik Wildlife Trust amongst other treats
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Best time to Visit
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Although Nairobi is situated in the middle of East Africa, its high altitude—about a mile above sea level—means that the city's climate is mild year-round. Summer months in Nairobi are December through March, Winter months, June through to September. The wettest months are in the Fall, from March through June. April sees upwards of 8 inches of rain on average. Cloudy, rainy days are common in the Fall. October through December is the region's second rainy season, where "short rains" bring about 5 inches of rain to the area in November. Otherwise rainfall is pretty scarce, about two inches a month. February sees the most sunshine in Nairobi, with about ten hours of daylight.
Insider's View
Watch the sun go down over the Ngong Hills with a icy gin and tonic in hand. The best way to begin or end a Kenyan safari.
Enjoy a long and lazy lunch from the excellent menu on offer, and gaze out over the magnificent terraced gardens to the Ngong Hills.
Book dinner at the chef's table in the wine cellar and marvel at him cook live on the wall-mounted TV screen!
Treat yourself to some real pampering in the spa before or after your safari.
Call us on 858 345 1761 to start planning your vacation to Hemingways Nairobi or take a look at our itineraries to Nairobi and Central Kenya
Description
Hemingways Nairobi is a luxury boutique hotel situated in the quiet, leafy residential suburb of Karen, with views of the Ngong Hills. A perfect and indulgent stopover on either end of a Kenyan or Tanzanian safari.
Nairobi Hemingways is unlike any other accommodation in the Kenyan capital. The standard of accommodation and service is unmatched in the Kenyan capital, and Hemingways retains its exclusivity with just 45 rooms running down the gently sloping property.
Hemingways is a luxurious and spoiling option for couples and families alike who are spending the night in Nairobi either before or after heading out on safari, or for those after a comfortable and well located base in the heart of the famous suburb.
Accommodation
Hemingways Nairobi has just 45 bedrooms, all with private balconies overlooking the beautiful Ngong Hills. There are a range of standard rooms and suites as well as interconnecting rooms which are perfect for families.
All rooms are en-suite and finished to the highest standard. Huge four-poster beds, hand cut Italian marble in the bathrooms, 40" flat screen TVs rising out of leather chests at the end of the beds, and all other details to be expected of a luxury hotel, including a pillow menu.
Facilities
Barry Tonks, head chef at Hemingway's Nairobi, has aspirations of running the first Michelin-starred establishment in Nairobi. His earlier career, in London, saw him involved in restaurants highly decorated with stars and AA rosettes. Great care is taken on sourcing of ingredients and Tonks has spent a good deal of time visiting his suppliers around the country. Most of the vegetables served are grown on Hemingway's farms in the Great Rift Valley, and the cattle has carefully monitored feed to ensure only the best steaks make it on to your plate.
There are a range of options at Hemingways from fine dining in the first floor restaurant, to a more relaxed menu at the brasserie on the ground floor. Afternoon tea on the terrace is a atmospheric occasion with the views of the Ngong Hills.
Activities
Hemingways is conveniently located in the heart of the residential suburb of Karen, close to some of the most celebrated city attractions. The Karen Blixen Museum is a great spot to stop for coffee and soak up the extraordinary atmosphere of the home that inspired: "I had a farm in Africa at the foot of the Ngong Hills". Also nearby are the Giraffe Center and Daphne Sheldrick Wildlife Orphanage. Nairobi is also the only city in the world with a National Park located on it's edge, sightings of lion or black rhino with a cityscape in the background is an unusual experience.
If you prefer to relax at the hotel, the heated outdoor swimming pool is perfect for a few lengths, and the team of therapists are at hand to perform a range of treatments in one of the four treatment rooms.
Reviews
Harriet Whitmarsh (Staff)
Sadly, I was not able to actually stay here for a full night but I was given one of their suites as a day room and I felt very spoiled. This is a great hotel if stopping over in Nairobi, the grounds are stunning and feel like an oasis, tucked away from city life. The pool is the perfect place to relax before or after a safari with one of their delicious cocktails in hand.
For me the Pice de rsistance has to be the food. Hemingways offers the most delicious fresh and light lunchs and sometimes you even find sushi on the menu.
Olivia Hollowood (Staff)
Although I didn't have the pleasure of staying at the new and very swish Hemingways Nairobi, I was lucky enough to enjoy an amazingly delicious lunch on their smart terrace looking across to the inviting pool and Ngong hills beyond.
It's worth coming here just for a meal alone as the chef is 'Michelin starred' and from what I experienced - the food was fantastic!
The rooms are very stylish and smart with lovely big sparkly bathrooms and all have wonderful views across the terraced gardens to the Ngong hills.
It would almost be a shame to stay here for less than 24hrs as it is a perfect location in Karen next to Giraffe Manor & the giraffe sanctuary and you can also have some time to relax by the pool or use the gym, and before or after a safari - a massage in the spa could be a welcome treat.
Experiences
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Dinner at Hemingways Nairobi
With aspirations of being the first Michelin-starred venue in Nairobi, Hemingways is bringing new vigour to the dining scene in Kenya. The menus are contemporary European in style, characterized by a focus on retro-classics with an ultra-modern twist.
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Giraffe Center - African Fund for Endangered Wildlife
If you have the time whilst in Nairobi, a visit to the Giraffe Center is a must. Located in the leafy suburb of Karen, the center is an educational and interactive experience. A unique opportunity to witness giraffe from very close quarters.
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The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Founded in 1977 by Dame Daphne Sheldrick, The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi is one of the leading conservation organizations for wildlife and habitat protection in East Africa.
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The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Founded in 1977 by Dame Daphne Sheldrick, The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi is one of the leading conservation organizations for wildlife and habitat protection in East Africa.
Location & directions
Nairobi, Kenya
Hemingways Nairobi is situated in the suburb of Karen. A residential district of the city. The property is a 40 minute drive from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and 30 minutes from Wilson Airport, traffic dependant.