Nairobi, the lifestyle, the vibrance, the restaurants, the lounges, the people

Nairobi is the most exciting town in Africa – hands down. This fact is little known, so this article gives you an insiders look of the food scene, hotels, lounges, bars and the trendy cosmopolitan inhabitants of the Capital of Kenya – Nairobi. Nairobi is thrilling, fun and a never sleeping city – the hub of Africa.

Swanky residents enjoy sumptuous cuisine in Kenya’s restaurants, lounges and bars. Afro-fusion cuisine create a whole new adventure for foodies. Maize cobs roasting by the roadside provide an amazing snack to the high paced tempo in the city.

Kibera, Mathare and other informal dwellings are part of Nairobi’s kaliedoscope. Often confused for not aspiring to greater heights, these areas are a reflection of an opportunity to provide affordable housing for the enterprising Kenyans residing in the now more than 3 million resident city. Nairobi is the city that never sleeps and its resident as creative as ever. Once you get your modern apartment in Nairobi, get the perfect interior decor and garden fittings from the roadside.

You read it first here ‘savannah-fed’ beef, goat or lamb, bred in Kenya will be rivaling the Argentinian pamapas-fed beef. The meat is so good that the Carnivore that serves both game and Kenya’s savannah-fed beef, is world renowned. Whereas Argentina and Brazil have the churascaria, Kenya has nyama choma – a favourite passtime with succulent cuts eaten with Ugali, the equivalent of sadza or pap! You will be spoilt with a selection of boutique and luxury hotels to choose from. Many in close proximity to the shopping and party district in Nairobi.

The Nairobi Safari Club is luxurious and beautifully put together with unique architecture, making it stand apart from any building in Nairobi. The Nairobi Serena, is the finest hotel in the City, nestled in the tropical gardens of Nairobi’s Central Park, yet a stone throw from the vibrant city centre. Just three kilometers west of the city is the aptly named Westlands – here you can take in the best shopping Nairobi has to offer at the different malls – Sarit Center, Westgate or the Mall. Stay over at the Holiday Inn and if you are feeling lucky there are a few casino’s to choose from.

If you are up for some fun on a Thursday evening, Havana is where to see and be seen – the Cuban restaurant and bar comes alive with the most cosmopolitan crowd that Kenya has to offer, live music and an electrifying ambiance. Now foodies can choose from the Central American greats with Mexican cuisine at Alcapulco or Japanese restaurants like Furisato both in Westlands. Blancos is creating however the most exciting and adventurous afro-fusion cuisine. They deserve a page of their own for us to do them justice and we strong recommend a visit.

Gigiri in Nairobi is home to the United Nations Environment Programme headquarters. Nearby, the Village Market, Kenya’s first open plan mall plays host to the Maasai Market. This is a world renowed market selling beautifully crafted tableware, accessories, fashion, interior design, and traditional ornaments. Village market is also home to Tribe displaying afro-chic interior design at its best – this five star hotel is truly unique.

The art and theater scene is alive and well. From Gallery Watatu where you can enjoy exceptional paintings to Phoenix players that stage some of the most refine artistry in town. In 2009, Kenya played host to the Haymarket festival. Nobel Laureates Wangari Mathai and Wole Soyinka joined renowned local and international narrators and poets hosted by StoryMoja. Incidentally, the StoryMoja crew staged their play ‘ Cut off my tounge’ in London. Who said Kenya’s do not engage in the literary arts?

All roads lead to Nairobi in October 2009 for the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA). A Kenyan renaissance in music, design and fashion is in the making. Local music dominate the airwaves. At every wedding, you see women beautifully adorned in Kenyan attire and swinging to the latest local tunes. This year, for the MAMA awards, Nameless, STL, Amani and Wahu ( who won best female artist last year) have all been nominated.

A true sign that Kenyan fashion has matured is the Kiko Romeo store at the trendy Yaya Center mall. The FAFA awards hosted annually in Nairobi highlight that African fashion is envouge and the designers are at the top of their game. We salute the fabulous trend – celebrating Kenyan culture, creativity, enterprise and talent. Kenyan’s both young and old are showing that wearing our own unique get up is what being hip is about.

So don’t just transit through JKIA. Stop by won’t you? and appreciate the vibrance and cosmopolitan nature that is Nairobi. Tukutane Nairobi.

Nyaruita Gateri, the Chief Adventurer at Journey Kenya has traveled across Kenya for the last two decades and has compiled the most exhaustive guide using the Kenya map to point out the best places to experience Kenya culture, animals in Kenya, Kenya cuisine and a must do,the Kenya safari.