Food scene
Le Grenier A Pain - Fancy French bakery where many expats work from. Food and coffee are good here. Hi-speed internet.
18 locals recommend
Le Grenier À Pain
9 Riverside DriveLe Grenier A Pain - Fancy French bakery where many expats work from. Food and coffee are good here. Hi-speed internet.
other Ethiopian restaurant, has a bit of a better (though more crowded) vibe than Abyssinia. Coffee, popcorn, shiro, and veggie platters are yum.
65 locals recommend
Habesha Restaurant
Argwings Kodhek Roadother Ethiopian restaurant, has a bit of a better (though more crowded) vibe than Abyssinia. Coffee, popcorn, shiro, and veggie platters are yum.
One of the nicest/best restaurant in Nairobi, but a bit far in Karen. Expect to take 45 min by Uber.
90 locals recommend
Talisman
Ngong RoadOne of the nicest/best restaurant in Nairobi, but a bit far in Karen. Expect to take 45 min by Uber.
Chowpaty Westlands
Mpesi LaneCedars Restaurant
Lenana RoadGreat food!
Great for local choma and beers. They also show the football and most sports. A firm favourite for locals!
8 locals recommend
Road House Grill - Dennis Pritt
Denis Pritt RoadGreat for local choma and beers. They also show the football and most sports. A firm favourite for locals!
Japanese in Lavington. The casual setup features an outside seating area where tables are covered with parasols. The terrace has an open kitchen.
9 locals recommend
Tokyo Restaurant
Kolloh RoadJapanese in Lavington. The casual setup features an outside seating area where tables are covered with parasols. The terrace has an open kitchen.
Sports - Rocks Climbing.
Rock Climbing at Blue Sky in Diamond Plaza: 1,200ksh with equipment rental (they have people to belay you). Tuesday is Ladies nights.
14 locals recommend
Diamond Plaza
Rock Climbing at Blue Sky in Diamond Plaza: 1,200ksh with equipment rental (they have people to belay you). Tuesday is Ladies nights.
Yoga - community
African Yoga Project: donation-based community yoga classes Sat 10 - 12pm + Lunch (beans, chapati, rice). Bring a towel and a water bottle! They have yoga mats but some people bring their own too. They also do fee-based classes, with schedules changing.
14 locals recommend
Diamond Plaza
African Yoga Project: donation-based community yoga classes Sat 10 - 12pm + Lunch (beans, chapati, rice). Bring a towel and a water bottle! They have yoga mats but some people bring their own too. They also do fee-based classes, with schedules changing.
Traveler advice
Getting around
Taxies, Boda-Bodas, and by Foot!
Ridesharing apps | UBER, Bolt, Little Cab, Mondo Ride are quite popular and affordable.
Safe-Body is also a great way to beat the traffic. They are everywhere now and a fraction of the cost. Download the app and you can also pair with your fav rider.
Note, most drivers will call you as soon as you request the car to ask you where you are and where you are going. Not all of them will look at the map so sometimes best calling and confirming your location if you are in a rush and to speed things along.
Useful phrases
Useful phrases
Everyone speaks English, so you will be able to get around just fine. However, knowing Swahili has made my experience a lot richer. People are also very receptive to you learning and even treat you better if you do.
Here are a few of the basics (you can find an extended list here):
Hello / How are you (informal) = mambo or sasa
Hello / How are you (formal) = Habari yako
Very fine (response) = nzuri sana
Goodbye = kwaheri/ kwaherini (more than one person)
See you later = tuonane baadaye
Nice to meet you = nimefurahe kukutana na wewe
Goodnight = usiko mwema or lala salama
What to pack
Know what to bring
Seasons/Climate
Nairobi can get cold! Pack a jacket / windbreaker / cardigans
There are 2 rainy seasons (Nov - Dec short rains and March - May long rains) so bring a raincoat and rainboots, as well as a smaller umbrella (have really only been able to find the giant ones here)