| Nairobi, the lifestyle, the vibrance, the restaurants, the lounges, the people |
| Articles - Lifestyle |
|
Nairobi is the hub of Africa! It is the center of a vibrant economy, a melting pot of cosmopolitan activity. Never a dull moment. Unfortunately this gem is a best kept secret to the wordly and adventurous residents. We aim to remedy part of this in this article, reflecting on Nairobi's enticing restaurants, lodges, hideouts, hotels, lounges, nyama choma joints, bars and shopping malls. Nairobi is truly a city that never sleeps with 24 hour grocery shopping available.
Nairobi is the hub of Africa! It is the center of a vibrant economy, a melting pot of cosmopolitan activity. Never a dull moment. Unfortunately this gem is a best kept secret to the wordly and adventurous residents. We aim to remedy part of this in this article, reflecting on Nairobi's enticing restaurants, lodges, hideouts, hotels, lounges, nyama choma joints, bars and shopping malls. Nairobi is truly a city that never sleeps with 24 hour grocery shopping available. Talk about a thriving metropole. Every month a new swanky Kenyan bar, restaurant, lounge or bar opens up offering an exquisite focus on cuisine or the most sinfully enjoyable cocktails. Foodies will wonder why they did not go to Kenya sooner, the freshest vegetables, meat and fish await you. Easily mistaken for not aspiring to greater heights, the residents of Nairobi's Kibera, Mathare and other informal dwellings are part of Nairobi's story - a tale of residents who though are enterprising to do not have an opportunity to occupy affordable housing. Kenya's enterprising nature can be seen on the roadside with masterfully crafted interior and exterior design items. If you are decking out your new apartment, the sunshine boutique residents refer to it is the best place to pick up wrought iron, beautifully finished wood items and the most inviting parasols to enjoy that gin and tonic in your garden on a sunny day. Nyama choma, the most succulent barbeque of savannah-fed beef, veal, lamb or goat is so good it needs to be a key export. The meat is juicy, lean and with just the right texture to make a meat connoisseur coming back for more. The hotels are trendy and with several five star hotels to choose from, you are guaranteed a chic and luxurious place to lay your head. 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. Foodies will be spoit for choice. The fresh ingredients in Nairobi makes it a vegetarian's heaven!! and oh my, the cocktails at Blanco's are to die for! Alcapulco will serve up sumptuous Mexican cuisine and Havana, Nairobi's own Cuban restaurant, whose humidor serves up cohibas. The mojitos are not shabby either. As for those that love their meat. The Carnivore is second to none. Serving up delicious game meat and a wide array of salads as well. The nightclub at the Carnivore is not to be missed as well. Close to the United Nations Environment Programme headquarters is the Village Market. It plays host to the Maasai Market. A weekly handicraft market with the most exquisite fashion, interior design, tableware, accessories and traditional ornaments on display and sale. Also at the Village Market is Tribe. A five star hotel the most stunning application of Afro-centric interior design. 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 Festival for African Fashion and Arts (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. Nairobi has the variety to keep the most discerning traveller engaged. Next time you are transiting at JKIA, take the time to stop over and enjoy the entertainment, culture and people of Nairobi. DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice. Nyaruita Gateri, the Chief Adventurer at Journey Kenya is an expert in Kenya beach and safari getaways. Showcasing the most comprehensive selection of experiences and activities for your next adventure. Get ideas and book your hotel for your holiday in Kenya |