For a slick city hotel (with a peculiarly Kenyan twist) in the leafy suburbs, try House of Waine Nairobi. It's for people who like peace and quiet, with a bit of first world gloss thrown in. International flights, and safaris can leave you feeling crumpled at the edges; this place will give you a good ironing out.
House of Waine isn't real Africa, it's too smooth for that; it might be New Africa though, which like New Everywhere Else is becoming more sophisticated and less unusual. The owners are both Kenyan, Eric and Angela Murungi, and exude a strong sense of pride and ownership (in fact, the unusual name of this hotel 'Waine' is an acronym using the first letter of each member of the Marungi family's names). Like in a city hotel, you won't see much of them, just hear their distant whispers as they make the wheels turn smoothly on the acres of marble and parquet.
House of Waine isn't far out of Nairobi, in Langata. This is an area of large houses for the well off, as well as an unwarranted number of churches and gracious gardens. It's a good jumping off spot for much of what there is to do around Nairobi. Though you can always hear a car off in the distance somewhere, the sound of birdsong is also ever present.
Full board, Satellite TV, mini-bar with non-alcoholic beverages, complimentary pastries daily. Half board and Bed & Breakfast meal plans also available.
Surrounding Nairobi City itself is a varied landscape. To the west, the landscape is arid with wide grassy plains and acacia scrub. To the south, the Ngong Hills mark the boundary to the Great Rift Valley, providing a dramatic vantage point and some interesting scenery. To the north and west, the land slopes steadily up to an altitude of 7,000ft where cypress forests and bright green tea farms roll over gentle hills. For those that don't want to stay in town, there are a couple of pleasant places with interesting things to see which you can combine with the attractions of Nairobi itself. Read more?
Kenya is the most established safari country, and consequently you have to step a little off the conventional route to find real wilderness, but it’s certainly there. Kenya also has much going for it as a family destination, and also a good number of very individual safari camps and lodges with a personal approach that makes your experience very special. Kenya also has a particularly diverse ecology which ranges from snowy mountains to true desert, rolling grassy plains filled with wildlife to craggy scrub intersected with dry riverbeds, sparkling beaches and volcanic ranges. Read more?
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Catherine's long experience of, and enthusiasm for Africa, makes her a mine of travel information. Add to the mix her vivacious character and inscrutable attention to detail and there are few people you'd rather have plan your holiday.
At Natural High, we've had long experience putting together trips in Africa that really work. Whether it's intimate bushcamps in out of the way places, or a private lodge in one of Africa's top-billing wildlife areas, light mobile camping or remote island escapes, we know there is a lot to choose from. We're absolutely confident that we can recommend the right places for you.
