What’s New in Kenya

The Lazizi Premier is Nairobi’s first true airport hotel

Albatros Travel has provided a roundup of new properties opening in Nairobi, as well as some ideas for family fun in Kenya

1. OneFortyEight: Located in the peaceful suburb of Langata and bordering the Giraffe Sanctuary, this new and beautiful little gem with just 8 rooms will provide safari travelers with the perfect location to rest and relax in tranquil surroundings. Albatros staff from the Nairobi office went for a visit and were all impressed with the property. For rates and feedback please contact Albatros.

2. The Lazizi Premiere: Nairobi’s first true airport hotel. Located 3 minutes away from the terminals where guests won’t have to worry about traffic when catching a flight or when arriving. Albatros staff went for an inspection, and while there were still some final touches being made, it really has all the amenities one would expect from a city hotel, with nice large rooms and just a stone’s throw away from the terminal.

3. Lamu: Travel restrictions have been lifted by the UK government, opening up the historic town to the clients once again. Lamu Old Town is the oldest and best preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa and UNESCO World Heritage site that still retains its traditional functions. Lamu’s narrow streets remain unchanged, and in the markets and squares around the fort life moves at the same pace as it always has. There are no vehicles on the island, and the donkey and the dhow remain the dominant form of transport. For travelers, Lamu is a hypnotically exotic experience made even more enjoyable by the relaxed and welcoming attitudes of the locals. To visit Lamu is to enter another world where life slows down and days are spent strolling along the waterfront, exploring the town or relaxing on the beaches. Albatros can help with ideas on where to stay, as there are a number of great properties with fantastic offers.

4. Arijiju House on Borana’s Conservancy: This newly opened property is one of Kenya’s most enchanting. The owners describe the 5 bedroom house as having an “air of monastic calm.” Muted colors, vaulted doorways and stone corridors inspired by Ethiopian monasteries greatly add to that impression. This luxury property has its own 66-foot infinity pool, Turkish hammam and clay tennis courts. The rate is USD$7,500 on exclusive basis for 6 guests and USD$600 per additional adult, which includes everything at the property, game drives and activities.

5. Family Fun: Albatros East Africa GM Julian Camm has children and has spent quite a bit of time looking at things to do with them. Naturally, Kenya has much to offer. Some fun ideas he has come up with include:

• Rhinos everywhere: There are some fantastic places to visit where you can get up close and personal with rhinos – always an awe inspiring sight for any child. Nairobi, Solio, Ol Pejeta, Borana, Lewa and Nakuru to name a few…

 

• Daphne Sheldricks: Is the Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi or head to Ithumba and see them being re-introduced into the wild. Ithumba is located in Tsavo East and is an incredible experience.

 

• The Giraffe Center: If you have time in Nairobi – who doesn’t want to come face to face with a giraffe and get a kiss!?

• Zip lining in the Forest: Head to the Forest an hour out of Nairobi for an exhilarating experience on East Africa’s longest zip-line. The newly opened center offers 6 lines that will send you hurtling at 60kmh through Kermit Forest. There are other activities to be done such as paint balling, mountain biking, fishing and archery.

• Trout Tree Restaurant: Located is on the way to Nanyuki, it’s a great stop if you have kids and you are heading onto Samburu or one of the conservancies. The restaurant is a tree house that is home to a number of colobus monkeys who can be a little cheeky. Kids will also have the chance to wander around the trout farm and see the trout breeding process. Naturally trout is on the menu, but for non fish lovers,pizza and burgers are also available.