Nairobi the Most Exciting City in Africa | Lifestyle

Nairobi the Most Exciting City in Africa

by JourneyKenya

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.

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.

We make history here and claim the branded name - 'savannah-fed' beef, goat or lamb to describe Kenyan meat. It is so good and is clearly the best kept secret to the rest of the world. Argentina might just have to step aside to welcome Nyama choma, the most succulent barbeque as Kenya's next highest grossing export. The hotels in Nairobi are chic with several boutique hotels your head is sure to enjoy a restful fluffy pillow as you get ready for your next adventure.

From the Nairobi Serena, which has the lush Central Park surrounding it, making you forget you are in the city center. The Nairobi Safari Club is an all suite hotel - luxurious and tremendous value. If you want enjoy the westlands action, the Holiday Inn is just what you are looking for. Nestled in the shopping and party central of Nairobi, only 3 kilometers from the City Center.

Feel like eating Mexican cuisine, Alcapulco will tickle your taste buds. The Cuban restaurant and bar aptly named Havana will serve you delicious mojitos and if you care to peak at the humidor, you may enjoy a cohibar. Thursday I am told is the day to be at Havana. Now foodies will be climb over themselves to get a taste the fresh ingredients Kenya has to offer. Kenya is a vegetarian's dream. And for those that can't leave without their meat, the world renowed Carnivore is second to none.

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.

Feel like pandering to your art and literary nature, Nairobi will indulge you. Phoenix players stage some of the most refine artistry in town whist Gallery Watatu has exceptional paintings on display. The first ever Haymarket festival held in Kenya in August 2009 saw Nobel Laureates Wangari Mathai and Wole Soyinka joined renowned local and international narrators and poets hosted by StoryMoja. Who said Kenya's do not excel in the literary arts? The StoryMoja cast staged their play ' Cut off my tounge' to full houses in London.

A Kenyan renaissance in music and fashion is about. Years back, hearing local music on the radio was a rarity. Today, captivating and swinging Kenyan vibes are broadcast across the nation. Kenya's own Wahu won the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) last year and this year, Nairobi plays host to the MAMA Awards in October 2009.

If the FAFA awards staged in Nairobi was anything to go by, African fashion is envouge and the designers are at the top of their game. A true sign that Kenyan fashion has arrived is the presence of Kiko Romeo, a local designer with a shop at the upmarket Yaya Center shopping mall. The hip Kenyan's both young and old can be seen spotting their own unique get up. A fabulous trend celebrating Kenyan culture, workmanship, creativity and talent.

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 has been traveling around Kenya for over twenty years and knows great places to see animals in Kenya and to experience Kenya culture. Visit the discover section on Journey Kenya to get your very practical free guide to kenya animals, Kenya map and kenya people and to add your own experiences, stories and photos.