South of the city center is Kitengela Glass, the workplace of Kenyan glassblower Anselm Croze. But this is no ordinary artist’s studio. It’s a whimsical wonderland where you can book a glassblowing class, buy one-of-a-kind recycled glass objets d’art, and detox in a sauna designed to look like a porcupine. Further afield, explore the natural wonder of Karura Forest, Nairobi’s urban forest. Spanning 1,041 hectares (making it one of the world’s largest gazetted forests within city limits), this is the place to go for a leisurely stroll, run, or bike ride through designated trails. Other activities include tree-planting, horseback riding, tennis, and eco-tours. But the forest’s real allure is the escape it offers from the city’s relentless pace.
Where to eat in Nairobi
By night, you can soak up Nairobi’s creative energy at The Alchemist on Parklands Road, a self-described collective of “wacky and determined entrepreneurs in food, fashion, music, and more.” There’s always something going on at this laidback event space (think DJ sets, spoken word performances, and comedy shows), and the African-inspired smashburgers at the Mama Rocks food truck make it a favorite among residents. After dinner, catch a live music session at the achingly cool Geco Café on Mbaazi Avenue, which hosts genres like jazz and Afro-house on a weekly basis.
It’s not just buzzy food trucks and farm-to-table concepts contributing to Nairobi’s dining scene. The upscale Westlands area is home to Beit é Selam and Nairobi Street Kitchen, both reflections of this city’s cultural diversity. The former is influenced by the many culinary accents of Africa, serving the likes of malagasy fish and a “Marrakesh burger” in an indoor-outdoor setting with eclectic decor. Meanwhile, the latter is a creative hub in which food is only part of the appeal. Once an abandoned bus and train garage, this trendy food hall plays host to a multitude of street food concepts, featuring everything from drumming sessions to fashion pop-ups.
Further north, About Thyme’s small plates are best enjoyed in the tranquillity of its garden. The togarashi-spiced calamari and baked camembert win rave reviews, but it’s the autumnal pumpkin tortellini topped with amaretti biscuit crumbs that catches the palate by surprise. And for a meal with a side of novelty? Head to the famed Carnivore, where meats of all manner are roasted on traditional Maasai swords over a massive charcoal pit that dominates its entrance, further fueling Kenya’s obsession with nyama choma. This dining experience is nothing short of a spectacle.
Where to shop in Nairobi
Shopping in Nairobi is a veritable sport, and the thrill of victory entices. There’s the handloom lampshades at Mood Over the Moon, and breezy cotton clothing at One Hundred Years, both in Westlands; colorful kiondo baskets at Wasp & Sprout in Loresho Shopping Centre. At Village Market awaits a handful of leading concept stores, African Lifestyle Hub and Mopti Living included, that stock local brands adding an edge to traditional crafts. Natural Lamu is a must-visit for beauty buys created using natural elements found on Lamu Island, like the refreshing rose otte face mist, heady frangipani cologne, and coral body scrub. Leather footwear brand Ikwetta, artisanal chocolatier The Chocolate Bar, and the aforementioned Kitengela Glass also have outposts at this sprawling mall. Incidentally, the rotating Maasai Market takes over the rooftop at Village Market from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Friday. It’s worth a visit if beaded jewelry, wooden bowls, and other Maasai mementos are on your wish list. Be ready to haggle.
Back in the vicinity of Karen at Langata Links Shops, Kenya’s aesthetics are reflected in over 100 brands showcased across 12 adjoining rooms packed with chic products. At the boutique Kenya Kanga Collection, the vibrancy of the traditional kanga fabric is applied to a range of accessories. Muthaiga Tea Company ingeniously brings together uniquely African ingredients in its loose-leaf teas, while Siafu Home curates luxe homeware pieces from across the continent. It’s an even more global affair at House of Treasures Emporium. Expect to lose all track of time here thanks to a team that has been trawling markets, bazaars, and souks worldwide in search of truly unique finds for over 16 years.
