Where to Stay in Nairobi 2025: Safari City Hotels from KES 1,000-80,000 Per Night
Complete Nairobi accommodation guide 2025. From Giraffe Manor luxury to Westlands business hotels and eco-camps. Covers best neighborhoods, unique stays, and Kenya's capital tips.
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Where should I stay in Nairobi, Kenya?
The best area to stay in Nairobi, Kenya depends on your budget and interests. Westlands is ideal for Business travelers, shoppers, and nightlife seekers with prices around KES 8,000-25,000/night ($50-155). Budget travelers should consider hostels in Karen (KES 1,000-3,000 ($6-19)/night), while luxury seekers will find excellent options in Kilimani/Lavington (KES 20,000-80,000+ ($124-496+)/night).
Related questions:
- • What's the cheapest area in Nairobi?
- • Is Nairobi safe for solo travelers?
- • When should I book hotels in Nairobi?
Essential Nairobi Accommodation Info
TL;DR: Stay in Westlands for first-time visitors, book 2-3 months ahead, budget KES 3,000-8,000 ($19-50)-KES 8,000-20,000 ($50-124) per night for good value.
- 1 Budget accommodation in Nairobi ranges from KES 1,000-3,000 ($6-19) for hostels to KES 3,000-8,000 ($19-50) for budget hotels
- 2 Best neighborhoods include Westlands, Karen, Kilimani/Lavington
- 3 Book 2-3 months in advance for best rates, especially during July-October & December-February
- 4 Mid-range hotels (KES 8,000-20,000 ($50-124)) offer the best value for most travelers
- 5 Consider location carefully - staying centrally saves on transport costs
💰 Nairobi, Kenya Accommodation Prices 2025
Prices vary by season, location, and booking timing. Peak season rates can be 50-100% higher.
Nairobi, Kenya's bustling capital where accommodation ranges from KES 1,000 ($6) eco-camp hostels to KES 80,000 ($496) per night at the world-famous Giraffe Manor. This unique African metropolis offers something no other major city can - wild lions and giraffes within sight of skyscrapers. From the leafy suburbs of Karen where Out of Africa was set to the modern business hotels of Westlands, from backpacker camps on the edge of Nairobi National Park to luxury boutiques where giraffes join you for breakfast, Nairobi defies every expectation of an African capital. Whether you're starting your safari adventure, conducting business in East Africa's hub, feeding baby elephants at the Sheldrick Trust, or using it as a base for Kenya exploration, I'll guide you through Nairobi's diverse neighborhoods to find your perfect accommodation in the "Green City in the Sun" for 2025.
Best Nairobi Hotels by Category
🦒 Most Unique Experience: Giraffe Manor
KES 80,000-150,000/night ($496-930) • Breakfast with resident giraffes
Location: Karen
Why it's great: Once-in-a-lifetime experience with giraffes at your window, exquisite manor house, profits support conservation, and incredible photo opportunities
💎 Best Luxury Business: Villa Rosa Kempinski
KES 25,000-60,000/night ($155-372) • Five-star luxury in diplomatic area
Location: Westlands
Why it's great: Exceptional service, multiple restaurants, beautiful pool area, and perfect Westlands location for business and leisure
🏕️ Best Budget Safari Vibe: Wildebeest Eco Camp
KES 1,500-3,500/night ($9-22) • Garden camping near national park
Location: Langata
Why it's great: Safari atmosphere in the city, helpful staff arrange trips, social environment, and proximity to wildlife attractions
🎨 Best Boutique Hotel: Tribe Hotel
KES 15,000-30,000/night ($93-186) • Art-filled boutique near UN
Location: Gigiri
Why it's great: Stunning design, impressive art collection, rooftop terrace, and sophisticated atmosphere near diplomatic quarter
Quick Comparison of Top Accommodations
Giraffe Manor
Features:
Pros:
- + Prime location
- + Great value
- + Excellent service
Cons:
- - Can be pricey
- - Book early
Villa Rosa Kempinski
Features:
Pros:
- + Prime location
- + Great value
- + Excellent service
Cons:
- - Can be pricey
- - Book early
Wildebeest Eco Camp
Features:
Pros:
- + Prime location
- + Great value
- + Excellent service
Cons:
- - Can be pricey
- - Book early
Tribe Hotel
Features:
Pros:
- + Prime location
- + Great value
- + Excellent service
Cons:
- - Can be pricey
- - Book early
| Accommodation | Price | Location | Features | Pros | Cons | Best For | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giraffe Manor ★ 4.5 | KES 80,000-150,000/night ($496-930) | Karen | Once-in-a-lifetime experience with giraffes at your windowexquisite manor houseprofits support conservationand incredible photo opportunities |
|
| Most Unique Experience | View |
| Villa Rosa Kempinski ★ 4.5 | KES 25,000-60,000/night ($155-372) | Westlands | Exceptional servicemultiple restaurantsbeautiful pool areaand perfect Westlands location for business and leisure |
|
| Luxury Business | View |
| Wildebeest Eco Camp ★ 4.5 | KES 1,500-3,500/night ($9-22) | Langata | Safari atmosphere in the cityhelpful staff arrange tripssocial environmentand proximity to wildlife attractions |
|
| Budget Safari Vibe | View |
| Tribe Hotel ★ 4.5 | KES 15,000-30,000/night ($93-186) | Gigiri | Stunning designimpressive art collectionrooftop terraceand sophisticated atmosphere near diplomatic quarter |
|
| Boutique Hotel | View |
Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Nairobi, Kenya
🏢Westlands
Modern commercial hub with malls and entertainment
Best for:Business travelers, shoppers, and nightlife seekers
Average cost:KES 8,000-25,000/night ($50-155)
Vibe:Cosmopolitan area with international feel and 24/7 energy
Pros:
- Great restaurants
- Shopping malls
- Safe area
- Uber available
🌳Karen
Leafy suburb with Out of Africa history
Best for:Luxury seekers and wildlife enthusiasts
Average cost:KES 10,000-80,000/night ($62-496)
Vibe:Spacious suburb with colonial charm and nearby attractions
Pros:
- Giraffe Centre
- Sheldrick Trust
- Karen Blixen Museum
- Peaceful
☕Kilimani/Lavington
Central neighborhoods popular with expats
Best for:Digital nomads and medium-term stays
Average cost:KES 5,000-15,000/night ($31-93)
Vibe:Residential area with good cafes and convenient location
Pros:
- Central location
- Good cafes
- Yaya Centre
- Apartment rentals
🦁Langata
Near Nairobi National Park with eco accommodations
Best for:Budget travelers and wildlife lovers
Average cost:KES 3,000-12,000/night ($19-74)
Vibe:Edge of the city feel with proximity to nature
Pros:
- Near national park
- Budget options
- Eco camps
- Safari gateway
Staying in Westlands
Pros
- Great restaurants
- Shopping malls
- Safe area
- Uber available
Cons
- Can be pricey
- Tourist crowds
- Limited parking
Staying in Karen
Pros
- Giraffe Centre
- Sheldrick Trust
- Karen Blixen Museum
- Peaceful
Cons
- Can be pricey
- Tourist crowds
- Limited parking
Budget Hotels & Hostels in Nairobi
Nairobi offers surprising value outside the CBD. Excellent mid-range options in safe neighborhoods. Unique experiences like Giraffe Manor are pricey but unforgettable.
Top Hostels (KES 1,000-3,000 ($6-19)/night)
Milimani Backpackers
Central location with kitchen
Jungle Junction
Overlander meeting point
Loresho House
Quiet suburb location
Budget Hotels (KES 3,000-8,000 ($19-50)/night)
Ibis Styles
Reliable chain in good location
Sarova Stanley
Historic hotel with character
Eka Hotel
Modern hotel near airport
When to Book: Seasonal Price Guide
Nairobi's elevation (1,795m) provides year-round pleasant weather. Pack layers as mornings and evenings can be cool even in warm months.
🔥 High Season: July-October & December-February
Dry seasons ideal for safari connections and city exploration. July-August sees conference season with higher business hotel rates. December holidays bring domestic tourists. January-February perfect weather with fewer crowds. Book Giraffe Manor 6+ months ahead.
💰 Low Season: March-June & November
Rainy seasons bring afternoon showers but rarely all-day rain. Hotels offer discounts except during major conferences. City is lush and green. Indoor attractions like museums ideal. Traffic worse during rains. Great value period.
Essential Booking Tips for Nairobi
⚠️ Location Is Everything for Safety
Stay in Westlands, Karen, Gigiri, or Kilimani for safety and amenities. Avoid downtown CBD especially at night. Check exact location before booking - some areas between safe neighborhoods can be sketchy. Uber works well from these areas.
ℹ️ Book Airport Transfers in Advance
Airport is 15km from most hotels. Pre-arrange transfers (KES 2,000-4,000) to avoid taxi confusion. Uber from airport works but can be chaotic. Many hotels include transfers. SGR train from Mombasa arrives at Syokimau - factor in connection.
✅ Consider Serviced Apartments for Longer Stays
Serviced apartments in Kilimani or Westlands offer better value for stays over a week. Full kitchens help with Nairobi's high restaurant prices. Many have gyms and pools. Airbnb works well in good neighborhoods with security.
💡 Wildlife Experiences Book Up Early
Giraffe Manor needs 6-12 months advance booking. David Sheldrick elephant orphanage has limited daily visitors. Book Nairobi National Park accommodations early for weekend stays. Safari connections easier midweek.
Getting Around Nairobi
Nairobi traffic is notorious - factor this into all plans. Uber is reliable, safe, and affordable (KES 300-800 for most trips). Avoid matatus with luggage or at night. Morning rush (7-9 AM) and evening (5-8 PM) can triple journey times. Westlands to CBD can take an hour in traffic. Walking isn't recommended except within secure neighborhoods or malls. Hotel taxis cost more but are reliable. For Nairobi National Park, most lodges provide game drives or you need a car. The SGR train station (Syokimau) is 30 minutes from city center. Jomo Kenyatta Airport connections: 30-60 minutes depending on traffic and destination. Many hotels offer shuttle services to major malls. For day trips (Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate), hire a driver (KES 8,000- 12,000) or join tours. Boda boda motorcycle taxis are fast but risky. Download Uber and mobile money apps before arrival for easier transport.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nairobi Accommodation
1 What's the safest area to stay in Nairobi?
Westlands, Karen, and Gigiri are the safest with good hotels and restaurants. Kilimani and Lavington are also secure. Avoid downtown CBD at night. Use Uber rather than walking. Hotels in these areas have good security. Book established properties with reviews.
2 How far is Nairobi National Park from hotels?
Park is 7km from CBD, 15-20 minutes drive. Karen and Langata hotels are closest (10 minutes). Most hotels arrange early morning game drives (6 AM start). Some lodges like Nairobi Tented Camp are inside the park. Half-day visits possible.
3 Should I stay near the airport?
Only for overnight transits. Airport is 15km from city attractions. Area hotels are isolated with nothing nearby. Better to stay in Westlands (30-45 min to airport) or Karen (20-30 min) with restaurants and activities. Hotels provide airport shuttles.
4 What unique accommodation experiences does Nairobi offer?
Giraffe Manor for breakfast with giraffes (book 6+ months ahead). Nairobi Tented Camp for safari in the city. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has adoptable baby elephants nearby. Several hotels offer day trips to coffee farms and tea plantations.
5 Is Airbnb safe in Nairobi?
Yes, in good neighborhoods. Choose entire apartments in Westlands, Kilimani, or Karen with security and reviews. Avoid shared spaces in unknown areas. Serviced apartments offer better security than standalone houses. Always verify the exact location before booking.
What's the safest area to stay in Nairobi?
How far is Nairobi National Park from hotels?
Should I stay near the airport?
What unique accommodation experiences does Nairobi offer?
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Final Thoughts
Nairobi shatters preconceptions of African capitals - this is a dynamic city where innovation meets wildlife, where you can close million-dollar deals then watch lions, where international cuisine meets nyama choma, all under the equatorial sun. Your accommodation choice fundamentally shapes your experience: Karen's leafy lanes offer peaceful luxury near wildlife attractions, Westlands pulses with cosmopolitan energy, while eco-camps provide safari vibes without leaving the city. Don't rush through Nairobi as just a safari gateway - the city rewards exploration with surprising green spaces, excellent museums, and yes, the surreal experience of traffic jams caused by wandering giraffes. Whether you're feeding elephants at dawn, closing deals in gleaming towers, or planning your next safari over sundowners, Nairobi offers African urban life at its most compelling. Embrace the contradictions, use Uber liberally, and discover why Nairobi has become Africa's silicon savanna while keeping lions in its backyard. This is modern Africa - complex, vibrant, and utterly unique. Karibu Nairobi - welcome to the only capital city with a national park!
Next stop on your journey? Check out our guide to where to stay in Nakuru !
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About the Author
Amara Okonkwo
Amara's journey from Lagos to becoming an award-winning travel journalist spans 12 years of solo female travel across Africa and the Middle East. She's passionate about changing perceptions of African travel and empowering women to explore independently. Her cultural insights and safety tips have helped thousands discover Africa's incredible diversity.
