Where to Stay in Nairobi 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Nairobi is East Africa's safari gateway and a bustling capital of 4+ million. Most visitors pass through en route to the Maasai Mara or Amboseli, but the city offers unique wildlife experiences including lions against city skylines. Accommodation splits between safari-style lodges in leafy Karen/Langata and business hotels in Westlands. Safety varies significantly by neighborhood.
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Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Karen
Safari lodge atmosphere with wildlife encounters (Giraffe Centre, nearby elephant orphanage), safe and secure environment, beautiful gardens, and reasonable access to both CBD attractions and Nairobi National Park. Perfect gateway for safari-focused visits.
Karen
Westlands
Nairobi CBD
Langata
Gigiri
Kilimani
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Downtown CBD after dark - seriously dangerous for walking
- • Eastlands areas (Eastleigh, Mathare, Kibera) - no tourist infrastructure
- • River Road area - known for crime even during day
- • Public transport (matatus) can be risky - use Uber or hotel transport
Understanding Nairobi Geography
Nairobi sprawls from the CBD outward with wealthy suburbs (Karen, Langata, Gigiri) to the west and south. The CBD is the commercial core but not ideal for tourists. Westlands is the modern expat hub north of CBD. Traffic is notoriously bad - location relative to your activities matters greatly.
Neighborhood Overview
Explore different areas by price range. Click a neighborhood to learn more.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Nairobi
Karen
Best for: Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum, upscale safari lodges, leafy estates
"Colonial-era suburb with expansive gardens and wildlife encounters"
Pros
- Close to attractions
- Peaceful setting
- Safari lodge atmosphere
Cons
- Far from city center
- Car essential
- Limited nightlife
Westlands
Best for: Shopping malls, international restaurants, business hotels, expat hub
"Modern commercial district with international feel and upscale malls"
Pros
- Modern amenities
- Good restaurants
- Safe area
Cons
- No tourist attractions
- Traffic congestion
- Generic feel
Nairobi CBD
Best for: National Museum, budget hotels, authentic city experience, transport hub
"Bustling African capital with colonial architecture and urban energy"
Pros
- Central location
- Museum access
- Budget options
Cons
- Safety concerns
- Congested
- Not for evening walks
Kilimani / Hurlingham
Best for: Residential calm, local restaurants, mid-range hotels, expat neighborhood
"Pleasant residential area with tree-lined streets and local eateries"
Pros
- Safe
- Local feel
- Good value
Cons
- No attractions
- Need transport
- Quiet
Langata
Best for: Nairobi National Park gate, elephant orphanage, safari preparation, wildlife access
"Gateway to wildlife with safari lodges and conservation centers"
Pros
- Wildlife access
- Peaceful
- Safari lodge options
Cons
- Far from city
- Car essential
- Limited dining
Gigiri
Best for: UN headquarters, diplomatic zone, upscale hotels, secure environment
"International diplomatic zone with high security and upscale amenities"
Pros
- Very secure
- UN proximity
- Quality hotels
Cons
- Sterile feel
- Far from attractions
- Expensive
Accommodation Budget in Nairobi
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
$ Best Budget Hotels
Wildebeest Eco Camp
Langata
Eco-friendly camp with tents and dorms near Carnivore restaurant. Safari atmosphere on a backpacker budget with helpful trip planning.
Kozi Suites
Near Nairobi Airport
Cozy, clean and modern budget hotel ideal for layovers or short stays with spacious rooms, rooftop restaurant with panoramic views, pool and free airport shuttle.
$$ Best Mid-Range Hotels
254 Ole-Sereni
Nairobi National Park border
Hotel overlooking Nairobi National Park where you can watch zebras and giraffes from your room or pool. Safari views without leaving the city.
The Zehneria Hotel
Westlands
Modern, serene mid-range hotel near shopping centres with spacious rooms, large well-maintained pool, gym, excellent breakfast and friendly service.
$$$ Best Luxury Hotels
The Boma Nairobi
Hurlingham
Modern 5-star hotel with African-inspired design, excellent restaurants, and a full-service spa. Conveniently located in the South C area near both major airports and Nairobi National Park.
House of Waine
Karen
Boutique guesthouse in converted family home with beautiful gardens, personalized service, and Karen attractions steps away.
Giraffe Manor
Langata
World-famous manor where endangered Rothschild giraffes join you for breakfast through the windows. Bucket-list accommodation booked months ahead.
Hemingways Nairobi
Karen
Plantation-style luxury with impeccable service, acclaimed restaurant, and Karen Blixen-era atmosphere. Old Africa elegance.
Fairmont The Norfolk
CBD (Harry Thuku Road)
Nairobi's historic grande dame since 1904 where safaris began. Colonial grandeur, beautiful gardens, and Lord Delamere Terrace tradition.
Tribe Hotel
Gigiri
Sophisticated Design Hotels property with African artifacts, renowned spa, and award-winning Jiko restaurant. Chic rooftop bar adjacent to Village Market.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
Nairobi Tented Camp
Nairobi National Park
Unique tented camp inside Nairobi National Park with wildlife literally outside your tent. City skyline meets safari experience.
The Emakoko
Nairobi National Park border
Luxury 24-bed lodge built into a valley on the edge of Nairobi National Park, allowing guests to enjoy game drives, wildlife sightings, and starlit dinners just minutes from the airport.
Smart Booking Tips for Nairobi
- 1 Most visitors stay 1-2 nights as safari bookends - don't overplan city time
- 2 Book elephant orphanage visits (11:00 only) in advance - limited capacity
- 3 Safari high season (July-October) sees higher Nairobi prices too
- 4 Many safari lodges include airport transfers - coordinate timing
- 5 Uber works well in Nairobi - essential for getting around safely
- 6 Confirm if hotel includes breakfast - important for early safari departures
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Nairobi.
Updated: February 25, 2026
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