This is Kenya!

Things to do-Don’t short-change yourself! Spend quality time in the capital, Nairobi. Start by visiting the GoDown Arts Centre in the city’s Industrial Area district. A sprawling complex of renovated industrial warehouses, the GoDown Arts Centre is a thriving ecosystem for artists and creatives from across the country. Here you will find a mosaic of visual artists, sculptors, performing artists and other creatives busy at work in their studios or showcasing their work in several exhibition spaces throughout this complex. After indulging in this visual, artistic feast, head on over to the Alchemist. This is a creative hub in the Westlands neighborhood that is a pop-up market and restaurant/bar. It showcases the best wares from local fashion designers, jewelers, milliners, cosmetics and home accessories. For good measure, they also host some of the best events and parties in the city. Last but not least, do not leave the city before you explore Karura Forest. A national treasure that is a hard fought for urban forest under conservation protection. Explore the labyrinth of hiking and jogging trails, picnic areas, an indigenous tree nursery and/or sign up for one of their interpretive eco-tours. Oh! Almost forgot…..for unrepentant coffee fiends like me, venture beyond the city limits to the lush farming fields of Kiambu County. There you will find an indigenous gourmet coffee roaster called Coffee Lab Nairobi. It is a cute cafe and provides immersive experiences that showcase the dedication, passion and ingenuity of local farmers sustainably growing high-quality coffee varieties.

For an unforgettable wilderness experience, head to the northern rangelands of Kenya. Encompassing the counties of Marsabit, Laikipia, Isiolo, Baringo, Samburu, Tana River and Garissa and traversing several million acres of community-owned and controlled conservancies, you will find a rare blend of pristine wilderness, iconic wildlife and a community conservation model that centers community-led governance and oversight over land management and development alongside compatible economic activities like livestock production, tourism, artisanal arts and crafts production. The northern rangelands of Kenya are home to the Turkana, Samburu, Borana, Somali, Rendille and Gabra pastoralist communities. They have been stewards of this land for centuries and have co-existed harmoniously on these ancestral lands. Stay at the luxurious Sarara Camp for breathtaking views of the Matthews Forest Range. You will also have the opportunity to meet and interact with local conservationists from the community, including a visit to the magnificent ‘singing wells.’ Another great option and a personal favorite for accommodation is Sirikoi Lodge in the world-famous Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.

Finally, I would be remiss if I did not offer suggestions for the Kenyan Coast. Gorgeous white sandy beaches, delicious, mouth-watering Swahili cuisine and beautiful Swahili architecture, art and crafts can be found along Kenya’s coast. However, Diani Beach, Watamu or Lamu are your top picks. In Diani, you cannot go wrong by staying at Amani Luxury Apartments. In Watamu, check out this charming, larger-than-life, family-run Watamu Treehouse and finally consider the Cabanas Lamu for barefoot, unpretentious luxury.

Places to eat, drink and be merry!

To ensure maximum culinary enjoyment, here is a rundown of some of the best places to eat across the country. Cultiva Farms Kenya in the Karen suburb is a literal farm-to-table restaurant. The hottest, creative young chefs in the country demonstrate their prowess, serving a fusion of local, seasonal ingredients and flavors with international staples like ceviche and mussels. For delectable, locally sourced seafood, try out Mawimbi Restaurant. It is located in one of Nairobi’s historic districts-Longonot Place, on Kijabe Street. For the best ‘nyama choma’, a Kenyan staple that is perfectly seasoned and roasted meat cuts’, go to Hooyos Kitchen and Poetry. Here you can indulge in some savory and tender barbeque as well as enjoy live spoken word and poetry readings. For our vegan family, don’t miss Tribeearth if you’re in Diani. Also, Ashiana Restaurant in the Westlands neighborhood of Nairobi and INTI-a Nikkei experience, offers plenty of vegan and vegetarian options from their fusion Japanese and Peruvian menu.