Don’t Sleep on Nairobi: Why Kenya’s Capital Deserves More Than a Stopover

In December, I returned to Nairobi for the first time in nearly six years—and I was blown away by just how much the city has evolved. What used to feel like a quick stopover before heading out on safari, now pulls you in as a destination in its own right. From design-forward hotels to inventive dining and hidden shopping gems, Nairobi is buzzing with creativity and cosmopolitan cool.

Tribe Hotel, a Design Hotel

Stay in Style at Tribe Hotel

Our base for this urban adventure was Tribe Hotel, a chic and design-driven property that’s become synonymous with Nairobi’s modern luxury scene. Tucked within the leafy suburb of Gigiri and steps from the Village Market, Tribe puts you in the center of it all—arts, culture, shopping, and nightlife. It’s bold, stylish, and proudly local, with a lobby that feels more like a curated gallery than a hotel, thanks to Fara Ehsani who hand-picked The Tribe’s collection.

But what really sets Tribe apart is something they call the Chieftains Program—and it might just be one of the most thoughtful hotel experiences I’ve ever encountered.

From the moment you land at the airport, you’re paired with a personal Chieftain—a local concierge and cultural insider who becomes your connector to Nairobi. Whether you're looking for restaurant recommendations, hidden art galleries, fashion designers, or a crash course in Kenyan coffee culture, your Chieftain is your go-to. They’ll help you craft plans, give you honest answers, and even take you out to experience the city through their eyes. By the time you leave, they’ve gone from host to friend.

It’s an incredibly smart approach, especially in a city where first-time visitors might feel a bit off-kilter upon arrival. Tribe has found a way to bridge the gap—offering guidance, warmth, and a truly local perspective. In a word: brilliant.

One of the crown jewels of the property is neighboring Hero, the rooftop restaurant that’s earned global acclaim—including a spot on the World’s 50 Best Discovery list. It's inventive, playful, and effortlessly cool—just like Nairobi itself.

Dining, Drinking & Discovering Nairobi’s Scene

We didn’t just stick to the hotel, of course. Nairobi’s food and drink scene is thriving. We made our way to Cultiva Kenya, a buzzy spot known for farm-to-table flavors and a sustainability-forward ethos. For a more classic Nairobi experience, we returned to beloved local favorite like Talisman Restaurant, still as wonderful as ever, and Hemingway’s, where cocktails come with a side of colonial-era glamour.

A true highlight? A visit to the headquarters of Procera Gin, one of Africa’s most celebrated craft spirits. We had the chance to do a guided gin tasting with the founders themselves—an experience that was as educational as it was delicious — even for someone who’s a professed non-gin drinker. Procera is made using rare African juniper and local botanicals, distilled right in Nairobi, and bottled in gorgeous handblown glass. Meeting the makers and tasting the gin where it’s crafted brought a whole new depth to this globally acclaimed brand—and gave us a newfound appreciation for the artistry happening in Kenya’s beverage scene.

One of the most unique culinary moments of the trip? A Koroga—a lively local cooking experience where people come together around a fire and table. We had the extra luxury of a few local celebrity chefs come together to grill, stir, and celebrate Kenyan flavors for us, which was definitely due to our Bon Appetit editor presence. It’s a cultural deep-dive that feels like being invited into someone’s home… if that someone were one of the best chefs in Nairobi.

Hidden Shopping Sprees & Creative Energy

Thanks to an insider connection with the owner of Tribe Hotel, we were whisked away on a hidden shopping spree through some of Nairobi’s most off-the-radar markets. At the West African Market, we found one-of-a-kind textiles, art, and homewares that you just won’t see in the typical tourist circuit. The city is pulsing with creators, designers, and makers, and shopping here feels like discovering something new and meaningful at every turn.

We even visited a few local breweries, where Nairobi’s hip, young energy is flowing just as freely as the craft beer.

Wildlife Without Leaving the City

And while the city vibes are strong, Nairobi never lets you forget where you are: in the heart of Africa. The Giraffe Center, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s baby elephant sanctuary, and even the Nairobi National Park (yes, a full-blown safari park within city limits!) all let you tap into Kenya’s wild side without going far.

You’ve also probably seen the viral photos from Giraffe Manor, the boutique hotel where giraffes pop their heads through the breakfast windows. Yes, it’s real. And yes, it’s unforgettable.

Hot tip, you can see the same giraffe at the Giraffe Center for much less and the hotel is incredibly tough to find space.

Nairobi is More Than a Layover

If there’s one takeaway from this trip, it’s that Nairobi is not a place to breeze through. It deserves—and rewards—a few days of exploration. Stay longer. Dive in. Shop with locals. Sip craft brews. Dine at the top tables. Get a taste of the culture before heading off into the bush.

Because Nairobi isn’t just Kenya’s capital. It’s its creative soul.