Top 10 Best Trendy Neighbourhoods to Stay In Nairobi

Top 10 Best Trendy Neighborhoods to Stay In Nairobi

Welcome to Nairobi! Whether you are visiting or coming to stay for some time, you are welcome! I’m sharing my top 10 best trendy neighbourhoods to stay in Nairobi, and what is special about them.

Nairobi being one of the most developed cities in Africa and the capital city of Kenya has become popular with people from all over the world, and it’s no wonder then that many international organizations have set base here, and many people are choosing this city as their home.

It is therefore important to know some of the trendy neighbourhoods so you can fit right in, feel safe, access major shopping centers easily, access main highways, schools, and the likes!

There are many choices on where to stay, but I’ll help you get started by suggesting some of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Nairobi and then you decide.

Photo by Villa Care Kenya

Karen

Karen is one of the most popular leafy suburbs in Nairobi. Located on the southwest of central Nairobi (about 17km from the city centre), it is one of the areas where the ‘who is who’ in Nairobi lives.

Occupied by mainly wealthy families and expats (mostly Europeans), the area is defined by big beautiful, palatial homes, well-trimmed fences, high-end malls, restaurants, and schools.

It is quite a distance from the city centre, so you have to decide if that is a factor that would stop you from moving there.

A number of international schools in Kenya are located in the area.

There are also spaces for activities like golfing and horse riding.

Some popular tourist attraction sites like the Giraffe Centre are also located in the area.

Other things you could do while living here include visiting the Nairobi National Park, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the Karen Blixen Museum, visiting the Resurrection Gardens – a green sanctuary that is great for some alone time, visiting the Karen Country Club for a game of golf, visiting the Ngong Racecourse to watch some horse races and mingle with interesting Nairobi people, walking the Oloolua Nature trail, among other things.

Rent and accommodation charges in any part of Karen are obviously top end, but the beauty, calm, and peace exuded by your surroundings would be motivation enough to spend your money here.

If you are not in Nairobi to stay for a long time and you do not want to stay in a hotel, then you can check out the famous Anga Afrika Luxury Boutique Camp that is on the outskirts of Karen for a few nights accommodation. You can also checkout the Karen Little Paradise, a little cheaper but just as nice.

Photo by RE/MAX Kenya

Runda

Runda is another leafy suburb in Nairobi. It is home to some of the top Kenyan government officials, international agencies heads, and ambassadors. Also defined by big beautiful palatial homes as Karen, the suburb is exclusive to only those wishing to build homes, and does not allow for the construction of apartments.

It is a quiet and serene space for families, defined by well-manicured gardens and clean well-maintained streets, so would be a good choice if you are relocating to Nairobi with family for a longer period.

The estate is located in the Westlands Division of Nairobi, bounded by Limuru road to the west, Ruaka road to the south, Kiambu road to the east and coffee plantations to the north.

Rent here goes for about Kshs. 200,000 to Kshs. 450,000 (or even higher) per month, depending on the size of the house and location.

There are also a number of international schools in the area and its surroundings and some of the popular malls in Nairobi including the Two Rivers mall and the Village Market mall. Karura Forest is also a walking distance from the estate.

Some of the biggest hospitals in Nairobi are also located close to the area including the Aga Khan University Hospital, the Nairobi Hospital, and the Gertrude’s Garden Children’s hospital.

Runda is served by the United Nations Environment Police Post and the Gigiri Police station.

The population here also includes a majority of expatriates especially because the area is close to the United Nations headquarters in Nairobi, a number of Foreign Missions, and international schools.

Photo by BAA-Architects

Westlands

Westlands is another high-end estate in the city of Nairobi, and is very popular with younger people as compared to Karen and Runda. This is because the estate is very close to the Central Business District (about 10 minutes), and also has beautiful gated apartments, allowing for more people to live in the area.

It, therefore, attracts young professionals, both local and international, together with their families. It would be good for someone starting their life in Nairobi and with a decent income.

It is also popular with the Nairobi population as a whole, especially because it houses many high-end restaurants and popular nightclubs in Nairobi, plus it is always very lively, making it a favourite with many people.

You can also find big malls including the Westgate and the Sarit Centre malls. Popular attractions in Nairobi including the Nairobi National Museum are also close by.

If you are looking to go out for a meal, you can check out the Villa Rosa Kempinski, one of the top best hotels to stay in Nairobi, also located in the area.

The quieter part of Westlands is Spring Valley, which is more family oriented, defined by big beautiful homes and gated compounds, and with an older group of people.

Photo by Urban Homes Africa

Kitisuru

The name “Kitisuru” comes from a nearby river “Gìtathurù”, which was borrowed from the original inhabitants of the area, mainly from the Kikuyu tribe (one of the many Kenyan tribes).

Kitisuru is an affluent residential suburb of Nairobi and is located North West of the Nairobi Central Business District, about 9.5 kilometres by road.

The estate is defined by both big and smaller homes, and attracts both the young working-class and older citizens and expatriates.

Some of the roads that pass via the area include Kyuna road, Ngecha road, and the lower Kabete road.

Muthaiga

Another popular suburb in Nairobi is Muthaiga, located 4 kilometres north of the city centre. Some Nairobians actually refer to it as the most prestigious residential area in the city.

It is about 20 minutes from the Nairobi Central Business District.

Muthaiga is a quiet neighbourhood that has maintained its old charm, especially as compared to other suburbs that have continued expanding and adding malls and other social amenities.

It is popular with expatriates and ambassadors together with their families. Beautiful old trees done the estate with green surroundings everywhere you look.

There are no apartments in the area.

It is located next to Gigiri and Runda neighbourhoods and can be accessed through either Limuru road, Kiambu road, and even from the Thika Super Highway.

Most of the small roads getting into the estate are however gated, with 24-hour security staff. You therefore need to know exactly where you are going to get access into the estate.

The area is also close to many embassies including the Embassy of Turkey, the Ukraine Embassy, the Algerian Embassy, the Belgian Embassy, and the Canadian Embassy, among many others.

It is also close to the Karura forest, the United Nations, the Two Rivers Mall, the Village Market, among others.

There is very little public transport around the area, so taxis would be preferred.

There is also a country club-the Muthaiga Country Club that is popular with the residents here and from surrounding estates including Runda and Gigiri. The Club offers sports and recreational facilities.

Photo by Crystal Valuers Ltd

Loresho

Loresho is another uptown estate in Nairobi, located just a few miles from the city centre, and close to the Westlands area. It is a mix of old and new buildings, and houses here are mostly four or five bedroomed.

The area is defined by beautiful, lavish stand-alone houses with a peaceful environment and tight security.

It also serves expatriates especially those with families, and Kenyans who own homes in the area.

Other neighbouring estates include Muthaiga and Lavington.

Slums like Kangemi and Kibagare have also sprung up in the neighbouring areas.

It takes 20 minutes to the Nairobi Central Business District from this area, accessible through Kaptagat road off Waiyaki Way.

Lavington

The Lavington leafy suburb is next on our list of top 10 best trendy neighbourhoods to stay in Nairobi.

Neighbouring the Westlands estate, the area is defined by beautiful villas and mansions, providing homes to the high income earners in Nairobi.

It is located in the North West of the Nairobi Central Business District.

The area is also close to many popular Kenyans and international schools, and therefore an attractive option for those with families.

Photo by FIT-Property

Kileleshwa

Kileleshwa is another upscale suburb in Nairobi. The estate was very famous about 3 decades ago, but it is not as popular today.

It is still one of Nairobi’s most affluent neighbourhoods though, popular with the middle-class residents who have now moved into apartments in the area which were previously not there.

You will also find expatriates here, especially the younger ones with small or no families.

The area also has an international school and can be easily accessed by “matatus” (Kenya public transport).

Driving into Kileleshwa has also been made easy thanks to the good road network and construction of a bypass that connects the estate to Ngong road, one of the main highways in Nairobi.

Photo by Nairobi fashion hub

Kilimani

Kilimani is next in our list of best trendy neighbourhoods in Nairobi.

It is located about 5 kilometres west of the Nairobi Central Business District and neighbours the Lavington and Woodley estates.

The area has a high degree of walkability, which helps with jogging or walking your pet.

It houses a big number of the young Kenyan middle to upper-class group of people, with young or no families.

Residents include nationals from other African countries especially west Africans and Ethiopians. European expatriates and the Chinese can also be found here.

Yaya centre, one of Nairobi’s popular malls is located in the area. It is also home to some international schools and famous Kenyan schools.

Some top nightclubs in Nairobi including Kiza are located in Kilimani.

State House Nairobi, the official residence of the current President of Kenya is also located in Kilimani, on State House Road.

Photo by Mitula Property

Lang’ata/ South B/ South C

These are 3 different estates, but I am grouping them together as they are very similar, and are for the seasoned traveler or for someone who is not too worried about minor details when visiting a new country/ city.

These estates are defined by very well made high rise apartment complexes and are close to some of the main tourist attraction areas in Nairobi. These include the Nairobi National Park, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the Giraffe Centre, and the Bomas of Kenya, among many others.

The areas can also be easily accessible using public transportation.

Some famous nightclubs in Nairobi are also located in these estates including 1824 located on Lang’ata road in Lang’ata.

You also have easy access to Wilson airport, which will allow you to visit other cities in Kenya including Mombasa, Kisumu and Eldoret.

You might be one of about 10 to 20 foreigners walking around at any time of day/night, but you will be able to mingle with real Kenyans, save a lot of money and enjoy amenities that are priced for the local Kenyan.

There you go! My Top 10 best trendy neighbourhoods to stay in Nairobi. If you are a seasoned traveler, you can stay anywhere. But if visiting for the first time, maybe start with these, then you can decide if they make you happy and comfortable enough to recommend to other tourists.

Once again, welcome to Nairobi! I hope you find a perfect place to stay. See you soon!