Fairmont The Norfolk Hotel was built in 1904, and continues to be one of the most beloved landmarks in the city, and the launch point for ‘bucket list’ worthy safaris.
Location: Fairmont The Norfolk Hotel is a timeless landmark in the heart of Nairobi, Kenya’s vibrant capital. Established over a century ago, it sits just steps from the city centre’s key attractions, including museums, markets, and government buildings, making it ideal for travellers who want to combine urban exploration with comfort and history. Despite its central location, the hotel offers a peaceful oasis of lush gardens and shady verandas, providing a welcome retreat from the city bustle. Its position also makes it a convenient gateway for those beginning or ending a safari, with Nairobi National Park just a short drive away.
Rooms: The Norfolk blends classic colonial elegance with modern amenities across its range of rooms and suites. Each room is spacious, with tasteful décor that reflects Kenya’s rich heritage, featuring polished wooden floors, comfortable furnishings, and large windows overlooking the gardens or city. Suites offer extra living space and luxury touches like private balconies, perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. The atmosphere is refined yet warm, appealing to both business travellers and leisure guests who appreciate timeless style paired with everyday convenience.
Amenities: Fairmont The Norfolk is well known for its extensive facilities and attentive service. Guests can enjoy multiple dining options, from the elegant Lord Delamere Terrace serving international cuisine to casual cafés and bars. The hotel’s gardens and outdoor pool provide a refreshing escape, while the spa offers a range of treatments for relaxation and rejuvenation. Additional amenities include a well-equipped fitness centre, business services, and event spaces that cater to conferences and social gatherings. The overall experience balances heritage charm with the comforts expected of a five-star hotel.
Activities: Staying at The Norfolk puts guests in an excellent position to explore Nairobi’s unique blend of urban culture and wildlife. Nairobi National Park is easily accessible for game drives where you can spot lions and rhinos against the city skyline. The hotel can arrange visits to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage, the Giraffe Centre, and local markets, offering enriching cultural experiences. For those continuing their journey, The Norfolk’s location makes transfers to Kenya’s safari heartlands smooth and hassle-free. It’s a hotel that blends city sophistication with a genuine connection to Kenya’s wildlife heritage.
Sustainability: Fairmont The Norfolk is committed to sustainable hospitality practices that honour Kenya’s natural and cultural resources. The hotel has implemented energy-efficient lighting, water conservation measures, and waste reduction programmes, including recycling and composting initiatives. It supports community projects in Nairobi, such as educational and environmental programmes, reflecting its role as a responsible corporate citizen. The Norfolk’s ongoing efforts ensure that guests can enjoy a luxury stay with a clear conscience, knowing that sustainability is embedded into the hotel’s operations and ethos.
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Best places to stay in Nairobi
Kenya Trip Inspiration
When to visit Kenya
Find out the best time to visit Kenya with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is a great time for wildlife viewing. The landscapes are lush and green after the 'short rains' and newborn animals can been seen. It is hot, but brief afternoon or evening showers cool things down, without compromising your safari. Over on the coast the sea is clear, making it ideal for diving and snorkelling, and the days are warm and bright.
February
February is an ideal time to visit Kenya, and great for game viewing. The landscapes are green and thriving thanks to the short rains, and newborn animals will be hopping around the plains. There maybe a few afternoon showers which are welcome in the heat, and don't impact on wildlife viewing. Water clarify is excellent at the moment, which is good news for watersports enthusiasts. And if you want to spot a whale shark, now is the time to try.
March
Still a good option for wildlife viewing and diving, although with the 'long rains' just around the corner, expect wetter and hotter weather.
April
April brings the start of the 'long rains' which means game reserves and national parks become muddy and harder to drive around. Over on the coast it's hot and wet, so it isn't the best time of year to travel. Some camps and lodges close during this period.
May
The 'long rains' continue into May, making park tracks difficult to navigate in the mud, and the coast very warm and wet. There will be less accommodation choice at this time as several lodges and camps during this period.
June
June is a beautiful time of year to visit Kenya, with the rains receding to just light showers, and the long dry season not far ahead. The high grasses can sometimes make it more of a challenge to spot game, but the landscapes are lush and some animals may begin arriving early for the migration. At altitude nights can be cool, but elsewhere the temperature is pleasant.
July
July marks the beginning of the great migration into the Masai Mara, and with warm and generally dry weather, this is a great time of year to visit. Days are sunny, skies are blue and there isn't too much dust around, so it's a great time for photography.
August
The migration is now in full swing in the Masai Mara, with lots of river crossing action, so if you want to see those massive herds of wildebeest and zebra, now is the time to come. Game viewing in general is excellent and it's one of the most popular times of year to visit, so some of the main parks do become crowded. Temperatures are warm and dry.
September
Game viewing continues to be excellent, and the weather is generally dry so this is another ideal month to visit Kenya's parks. The bush is less dense and as animals gather around waterholes and rivers it makes wildlife spotting much easier.
October
October is a great time if you want to avoid the crowds and don't mind the temperature slowly starting to rise. There may be a few short showers, but game viewing remains excellent with the end of the migration, and it's a good time to holiday anywhere in Kenya.
November
November heralds the start of the 'short rains' and with hotter temperatures some camps are closed. The Mara however is still open, and despite sometimes stormy skies, game viewing is still good. Fewer crowds and lower prices make this an attractive month to visit. Over on the coast water clarify is good for snorkelling and diving.
December
The 'short rains' are bringing the landscapes back to life, and as the plains start to become green again, wildlife viewing remains good, and it's a great time for birding. Some camps are closed (mainly in the north of Kenya) but many others remain open. The showers tend to fall in the afternoons and don't impact greatly on a safari. Take advantage of reduced visitor numbers and lower prices.
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