I have waited my entire life for this moment.From as far back as I can remember I always wanted to go to Kenya to see the Maasai people and to travel to Mombasa. My interest was sparked when I watched the movie Out of Africa, its funny how something can have an impact on us and stay wedged in our brains for ever.

I planned a trip back in 2011, it didn’t work out and I landed up going to another country. So when the opportunity came around again I couldn’t refuse. There was only time for Nairobi so I didn’t get to Mombassa but its definitely on the “ to do list “ for next time.

While in Nairobi these are some places I recommend visiting. I hired a driver who came to fetch me each morning and took me to my desired places. He also recommend some which I really appreciated. Traffic is crazy in Nairobi, so getting a driver who knows the way around is a must.

Stay at Orchid Homes 

Very close to the united Nations complex and some embassies. It is in a quiet neighbourhood with good security. What was also useful was the Village Market shopping mall was not to far away. The lovely pool area with outdoor seating is perfect for a sundowner. The rooms vary so best to check which room you get. Beautiful hand carved four poster beds with mosquito nets are found in each room. The staff arranged my driver for me and my transfer from the airport that was 17km away.

Thorn tree cafe 

The Stanleys Hotels legendary pavement cafe is still a favourite for travellers. The original thorn tree notice board in the courtyard was my reason for visiting. It was inspired by Lonely Planets own online Thorn Tree Forum. The cafe is now using it third acacia tree and the board is no longer the paper fest it once was, its still nostalgic and worth a visit. COVID has also played a part in people no longer leaving their hand written notes. I ordered my first proper Kenyan coffee at the cafe, sadly I was not very impressed but still glad that I got to sit momentarily in a spot that many travellers have passed through some even doing a Cape to Cairo trip.

Sarovaa Stanley hotel 

Rated as one of the best 5 star hotels in Nairobi it offers 212 stylish rooms. The thorn tree cafe is only one part of this historic hotel. The luxury of the heritage hotel delivers a wonderous old world charm whilst offering modern facilities. The roof top pool is a hidden gem with greenery and high walls, perfect to escape the summer heat.The story of the hotel begins with Mayence Bent as the original founder in 1902 when the first hotel come guest house opened its doors in Nairobi. In 1904 there was The Great fire of Victoria Street which destroyed the hotel , Mayence moved her guests to a temporary spot and set up the new hotel that we see today. There have been many influential guests over the years at this iconic hotel including Baroness Karen von Blixen ( author of Out of Africa ) Ernst Hemingway, Grace Kelly, Eva Gardner, Sidney Poitier and Sean Connery to name but a few. 

 All Saints Cathedral

The Cathedral of the Anglican Church of Kenya is one of the largest and oldest churches in Nairobi. Founded in 1917 and consecrated as a cathedral in 1952 it was designed in the British Gothic style and built from Kenyan stone. Congregation on Sunday is around 4500 people with a total of 13 services held throughout the day. When I visited a wedding was about to take place so I didn’t get to spend to much time inside however the young girl dressed up for the ceremony caught my eye as she sat alone in silence with her mask on bopping to the music being rehearsed. A magnificent building its well worth the visit.

Jomo Kenyatta Conference centre and monument

For a small fee ( paid by card only ) one can take the elevator up 28 floors to get a panoramic view of the city. Located in the city square , the venue is a crucial address for government offices and has a strong military presence. The internationally renowned venue is used for conferences , meetings and exhibitions. 

Maasai market

You can’t avoid stopping in one of the hundreds of markets. I went to the one close to the conference centre as it was in easy walking distance. WOW was I spoilt for choice. The quality of products made, friendliness of people and not over pushy was like a shopping heaven for me. I left having very over shopped but was so happy with each and every purchase from beaded shoes to jewellery , a statement piece handbag and much more. The ladies were also very happy to allow me to take photos with no strings attached.

Karen Blixen museum

The moment I had been waiting for. Quite a drive out from where I was staying so the excitement was mounting. On arrival we parked under the big shady trees, I paid my entrance fee and went inside. There are quite a few guides offering their service at the entrance.The museum was once the centre piece of a farm at the foot of the Ngong Hills owned by Danish author Karen and her Swedish husband Baron von Blixen Fincke. Walking through the house it has maintained a serene environment that still seems to belong in the past, many pieces of furniture that Karen sold to Lady McMillian on her departure where acquired back and constitute part of the exhibition.

Karen Blixen cafe 

Just down the road is the cafe set in the midst of one of the oldest formal gardens in Kenya with huge jacaranda trees. The historic Swedo house at the cafe and cottages was the original hunting lodge which was built around 1906. With an extensive menu it was difficult to choose, I loved the bread sticks that arrived with a pot of butter to snack on. The food was delicious and the setting tranquil with pieces of art on display in the garden.

The Bomas 

It was a public holiday in the country on the day I decided to go and see the Bomas, so entrance was free. The touristic village opened in 1971 , there are displays of replicas of traditional villages belonging to several Kenyan tribes. Talented resident artists perform traditional dances and songs, seeing the Maasai dance and the African waltz where highlights of the afternoon.

The Matatus

These brightly coloured buses are privately owned and feature portraits of famous people or slogans and sayings. They zigzag through streets blaring out music taking commuters to and from work.

Out of Africa chocolate / local coffee 

While out and about I discovered this delicious chocolate, coupled with some renowned Kenyan coffee I was in my happy zone . My two favourite addictions in one great city.

This was without a doubt one of my favourite African experiences. Ending off with a quote from Karen who honours the Ngong hills with the phrase “ I had a farm in Africa at the foot of the Ngong Hills ”