Created by female Kenyan entrepreneur Juliet Njogu in 2020, The Social House Nairobi is a space for entrepreneurs, creatives and artists to come together in the city. With 4 multicultural restaurants, 7 meeting spaces and a rotation of exciting events, the 83-room hotel is enabling Nairobi’s reputation as a cultural city break whilst bringing urban cool to Kenya. Along with incredible wildlife and nature parks, Nairobi is host to vibrant live music, imaginative restaurants, buzzing rooftop bars and galleries specializing in recycled art. For anyone in doubt, here are 9 reasons you should add Nairobi to the bucket list in 2023:
1. Explore Nairobi’s booming art scene: Home to the annual East African Art Auction, Nairobi stands out on the map for art lovers. The Social House itself is decorated with contemporary art pieces and to explore this side of Kenyan culture further, guests can visit The Nairobi Gallery, the GoDown Arts Centre or stroll to the Circle Art Gallery, just a short walk from the hotel.
2. Listen to the sounds of Africa: Come together with friends and explore the thriving music scene in Nairobi. Live music is on constant rotation at The Social House or head into the bustling city to explore local sounds of soul, reggae, rock n’ roll, jazz and zouk music.
3. Taste the flavors of East Africa: The Social House offers a choice of 4 restaurants, including Copper, an urban grill, showcasing the best of Kenyan cooking and Inca, a Peruvian rooftop restaurant. Discover the diversity of Nairobi’s food scene at restaurant’s such as Nyama Mama for traditional cuisine or have Chowpaty for Indian flavors.
4. Learn about Kenyan history: Staying within the city limits, visitors can explore the Kenya National Archives, the Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park, or the Nairobi Railway Museum. For those looking for a more active venture, The Social House offer a cultural tour to the outskirts of Nairobi, where guests can visit the Bomas of Kenya and learn about traditional methods of construction.
5. Hiking with a view: For those who want to escape the city and explore surrounding wildlife, The Social House offer hikes through the Ngong Hills, along the Oloolua Nature Trail, or through Nairobi’s Karuna forest. Or why not enhance your tree knowledge by taking a stroll through the Nairobi Arboretum.
6. Taste a Kenyan Coffee: Rich with volcanic minerals and nutrients, Kenya’s home-grown coffee is a must try! Whether trying The Social House own blend at the hotel’s café, or visiting the nearby Pallett Café, a cup of coffee is a perfect way to take some ‘me-time’ or meet like-minded people.
7. Learn the Craft: Nairobi is home to a growing range of locally made gin, cider and beer. Days can be spent exploring the largest gin distillery in Kenya or tasting locally brewed beer at one of the city’s many breweries. Take a break from the booze to visit Brown’s Cheese Factory & Farm, a great spot to learn about traditional Kenyan farming and cheese production.
8. A walk on the wild side: Nairobi is home to a vast array of nature trails and parks with wildlife encounters guaranteed. Learn about the animals native to Africa by observing wildlife at Nairobi National Park or get your heart racing by visiting the Snake Park Zoo and see native snakes, crocodiles, and tortoises.
9. Find out more about fashion and fabrics: Nairobi is leading a wave of fashion innovation, stepping away from the classic Africana of past decades and embracing a new cooler, Kenyapolitan flavor. Fashion lovers can immerse themselves in traditional African patterns and colours by visiting the Toi Clothes Market or The Village Market.
Nightly rates at The Social House Nairobi start from $170 / £140 based on two people sharing. Direct flights from London to Nairobi spanning 8.5 hours with BA and Kenya Airways.
