Kenya’s Desert, Wildlife, and Beaches in 15 Days – Day 14
Do you also like to spend the last night in the city of departure before taking the flight back home on the following day? I certainly do. Firstly, because I do not want to risk my arrival time at the airport. This is a lesson from my previous experience where I was about to miss the flight as the connecting flight delayed. So, I prefer spending the previous night in the city, keeping enough room for myself before heading to the airport. Secondly, I like to buy souvenirs, gifts, etc. on the last evening so I can travel light on other days. So I always keep the last day for shopping. Hence, after 2-week of in-depth traveling in Kenya, I preferred spending a night in Nairobi even though I have had spent the first 2 days here before. I was flying to India on the following day with Ethiopian Airlines.
Highlights of the Day
- Heading to Nairobi
- Check-in at The King Post Apartment
- Shopping at Maasai Market
- Dinner at Tambourin
Flying from Diani to Nairobi
We stayed in Swahili Beach Resort – a five star luxury hotel in Diani – during our beach vacation in Kenya. I had included it in the last segment of our Kenya itinerary so we could have a relaxing time before leaving the country. We had to head to Nairobi to get our flight back home the next day. We enjoyed a wholesome buffet breakfast – completely vegan for us – in the property before we checked out.
After we checked out, the hotel staff arranged a drop off to the nearest airport, actually an airstrip – Ukunda Airstrip. It was just 5 min drive from the hotel. The airport was small and the check-in procedure was the simplest I have ever seen. The ground staff of the airlines just sent our bags through a scanner and took them to the flight manually.
On arrival at Wilson Airport, we booked an Uber and headed to our Airbnb accommodation in Rhapta Road.
The King Post Apartments in Nairobi
The King Post Apartments in Nairobi is located along Rhapta Road in the heart of Westlands – an affluent neighborhood and administrative division in Nairobi. It is traditionally Nairobi’s social and entertainment center filled with a lively cluster of shops, restaurants, bars and spas.
The King Post is a Swahili Village that is special in every sense. It brings about a unique architectural synthesis between the East African coast and the lands across the Indian Ocean. It reflects social and cultural interaction between the regions over more than a millennium.
We checked in at the reception and one of the staff helped us to get our luggage to the room. He showed us the complex and shared some history as well. He told us how four major cultures have emerged to give birth to a fascinating amalgam like the King Post. Firstly, the design of the apartment was influenced by the Swahili heritage that developed along the coast for over than a millennium. Secondly, the sophisticated style of the massive Omani square housing was introduced from the late 18th century. Then, came the extrovert Indian embellishment that was added during the 19th century. Finally, the colonial intervention during the 20th century made the King Post Apartments one of its kind.
Our Room in the King Post Apartments
The King Post consists of Studio, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments available on daily basis and long-term. We had booked the 1-bedroom apartment for our last night in Nairobi. I was so intrigued by the interior of our room in the King Post Apartment. The room reflects the timeless beauty of Swahili architecture.
The intricate Swahili craftsmanship within the apartment brings alive the romance of a long forgotten era. The apartment complex also has a leisure pool with barbeque area, spa and massage facilities, gym, restaurant and bar and a secure car-park inside the compound. Overall, we loved the apartment and highly recommend other fellow travelers to stay here when in Nairobi.
Maasai Market in Nairobi
One of the greatest experiences in Nairobi is a visit to the Maasai Market. The market was just 10 km from our apartment and we took an Uber to get there.
Maasai Market is an open-air market where you can find paintings, drawings, jewelries, clothes and fabrics, sisal bags, wood-carvings, beaded necklaces, batik wall hangings, shoes, soap stone carvings, textiles, and many other exciting products handmade by local artisans. The market was originally started by Maasai women who wanted to sell directly to visitors. But now, you will find men also. The market is known to have blossomed over the years.
Besides the exciting goods that get to buy in the market, what I liked mostly about the market is that you get to deal with the actual people who make the craft items. It is not always like that, but mostly it is. I saw ladies threading beads and making jewelries right in front of me. If you talk to the traders, it is not difficult to find people who are selling their own craft items or sculptures or more. Haggling is totally allowed. We bargained a lot and bought a lot of souvenirs, clothes, crafts, and gifts for friends and family.
Ever-Changing Locations of Maasai Markets in Nairobi
Note that the market moves around the city on different days of the week, typically operating from 8 AM to 6 PM at each location. On Tuesdays, you will find the market in Westgate Shopping Mall in Westlands (the upper car park), which is now relocated to Kijabe Street opposite the Norfolk Hotel. On Wednesdays, the market is open at Capital Centre on Mombasa Road near the airport. You will find the market at Nakumatt Junction Shopping Mall on Ngong Road on Thursdays. We were there on a Friday, so it was open at Village Market in Gigiri (the upper car park). On Saturdays, it is at The High Court parking lot in the city center (behind the Hilton). And on Sundays, the market is open at Yaya Centre in Hurlingham. They are closed on Mondays. I recommend the markets on Friday and Sunday.
Dinner at Tambourin in Villa Rosa Kempenski Nairobi
Richie and I were craving for some Lebanese food – one of our favorite cuisines. We quickly Googled and found out that Tambourin restaurant in Villa Rosa Kempenski would be the best choice for us. Uber took just 20 min to get us there.
After a great dinner at the Kempenski, we headed back to our apartment in Nairobi. The restaurant was just 3 km away from the King Post, and the best way to commute was definitely Uber. It was our last night in Nairobi. The feeling of vacation getting over was never good, but we slept it off.
Kenya’s Desert, Wildlife, and Beaches in 15 Days – Day 15
Finally, our 15-day Kenya trip was getting over. We had the best times in Kenya. We rented a customized 4 x 4 pop up top jeep with John, our driver and Jumah, our cook. First, we spent two days in Nairobi, then Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Buffalo Springs and Samburu National Reserves. Furthermore, we headed to the north to Loiyangalani and stayed by Lake Turkana. Then we camped in Lake Nakuru National Park and also spent a night with the Maasai tribe in Maji Moto Eco Camp. Following that, we arrived in the Masai Mara National Reserve to enjoy 2 days of game drives, including the Great Wildebeest Migration. After such great experience of the wild, we headed to the east to spend time in beaches like Mombasa and in Swahili Beach Resort in Diani beach. Finally, we spent a night in Nairobi before flying back home.
Highlights of the Day
- Checking out from the King Post Apartment
- Fly with Ethiopian Airlines
Bye Bye Nairobi
The bed in the King Post Apartment was extremely comfortable – no wonder we slept well. Shortly, after waking up, we head to pack our bags as our flight was at noon. The apartment does not include breakfast facilities. However, we had extra food packed from Tambourin from the previous night. It is always a great idea not to waste food, so that was our breakfast.
We booked an Uber to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Jobkings was our Uber driver. He was more of a guide. He told us more about the political scenario and history of Nairobi and showed us places on the way and filled us with lots of information about the city.
We shortly arrived at the airport. It was just an hour far from our apartment. We flew in here with Ethiopian Airlines, which seemed to be very decent to us. I was looking forward to fly again with them.
Fly with Ethiopian Airlines
We had a halt in Addis Ababa International Airport in Ethiopia on the way to India from Kenya. The flight from Nairobi to Addis Ababa took 2 h. The flight from Addis Ababa to Mumbai took 5 h. It was overall a very decent flight experience with comfortable seats, in-flight entertainment, and great food.
In Addis Ababa International Airport, we rushed to the same airport cafe where we had our first Ethiopian meal when we were heading to Kenya. We were completely smitten by the food. It was simply great.
It was so hard to believe that the 15-day long Kenya safari vacation has finally come to an end. We made so many memories in Kenya from places like Nairobi to the deep north where we met the El Molo tribe, enjoyed wildlife safaris at Lake Nakuru and Samburu National Reserves, witnessed the Great Wildebeest Migration in Masai Mara, stayed with the Maasai people, immersed into the Swahili culture of the east, and much more. Now, as every vacation gets over, we felt little gloomy – it was obvious! But we would surely come back to see Kenya again, very soon!
NET EXPENSE FOR 1 PERSON (IN USD)
Let us have a look at the expenses of Days 14-15 in Kenya – Nairobi.
- Flight from Diani to Nairobi: 100
- Stay at The King Post Apartment (1 night) for twin sharing including airport pick-up, breakfast, and buffet dinner: 60
- Vehicle fee: 15
- Food at Nairobi and Addis Ababa airport: 15
Total expense (roughly): 190 USD
For a more customized itinerary, whether for solo or couple or group of any number of people, feel free to contact me on Contact Us page.
If you are planning for a much-organized, tastefully-curated, stress-free yet exciting vacation, consider booking your holidays at Travel Love Repeat. It is going to be a treat for sure!
A very well written version of our epic end of the journey. The room and the overall feel of Kingspost was amazing. Shreya you did a great job selecting this property. The ambience was so Swahili man. Loved it. Massai Market is another place which deserves atleast 2-3 hours if not more. You will find the most amazing curios here. We got some masks, purses and other items of interest. They adore our wall now. The date night at the lively Moroccan restarting was classy and really romantic. Even though we were both dead tired. Loved every part of your blog. Keep it up and hope your blog gets a billion visitors. Love you ?
PS- Lovely work with the pictures and videos. The blog looks so comfortable and exciting now.
Much love to you, always!
A very well written re-collection of the amazing African adventure we had earlier this year. After having seen a National Geographic of sorts throughout Kenya we got a much needed relaxed stay in Nairobi. The Kings Post is very well located and offers a unique design experience that is heavily Swahili influenced. The pictures and the videos do good justice to the room and the place. Full points to you Shreya for selecting such a fantastic property. Going to the Masai market was a very colourful experience which is a must do for anyone visiting Nairobi. One should dedicate at least 2 to 3 hours for it if not more to shop for some unforgettable curios and other stuff like clothes, masks etc. Topping it all was the beautiful date night at the very classy Lebanese restaurant at Kempinski. The flavour of the evening can be well understood by seeing the pictures and reading the beautifully well written lines. This blog really touched a chord and made the memories fresh once again. Keep it up and I hope that your blog gets read by 1 billion people. Love you.
I wish I had the right words to thank you for such a wonderful comment. All these would not have been possible without you by my side. Thanks a ton for making this Kenya trip epic and memorable forever. Your comment makes me happy, so much. Thanks for appreciating also. That boosts the confidence. Thanks for being there, love. Looking forward to the BIG PLAN!
I love reading posts about things to do in a city near the airport as I also like spend the last night in the city of departure before taking the flight back home on the following day. I’m definitely taking a note on this as Kenya is for sure one of the countries I want to visit soon. Swahili Beach Resort looks absolutely amazing!
I am happy to know that you liked it.
You’re so right about spending the last night in the city where you’re taking your flight. Nairobi looks so interesting and lively! And the food looks delicious. I’d love to visit one day.
Yes, you must.
The architecture of the hotel is absolutely gorgeous! I did not know what Swahili heritage influenced design would look like before this post. It is just stunning and looks like something from a movie. Nairobi is very high on my lists of places I want to travel.
You should consider visiting Kenya soon, Courtney.
I have been enjoying your articles on your journey in Africa. The Swahili apartment looks gorgeous – just imagine opening the door to that interior design. The apartment looked very large as well for a one bedroom. The markets look intriguing as well, a shoppers paradise. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you liked my posts on Africa.
I would feel like a king staying at the King Post Apartments! And I can’t believe one night stay + free brekky was only $60 USD! Super interesting that the Masaai market moves around – I don’t think I’ve been to a market before that moves around like that. There’s so much that goes into setting everything up that I can’t imagine having to tear down your whole shop and move it around to a diff location every day! I guess you can get used to anything though.
60$ was for twin sharing, hence the whole stay was 120$ for a night – not very cheap tbh.
Oh my gosh! The room in King Post Apartment is just fantastic! And it’s only $60 including airport pick-up, breakfast, and buffet dinner?? Unbelievable! The gateway to the Swahili Village also looks special. Aren’t you glad to end your trip like a royal family? 🙂
No, there wasn’t any airport pick-up. I had mentioned that I have taken Uber rides. And the dinner was taken in Kempenski, not included certainly.
This looks incredible! I’m referring to everything, from where you stayed, where you ate, what you saw. Your room was magnificent. And excuse my ignorance, but upon hearing Swahili Village I imagined something more simple/traditional in the sense of primitive. At least that’s how most villages are in my country 🙂 But it was nothing like that! Really nice holiday
I agree with you.
This looks absolutely amazing! Yesterday I was looking for some places to visit in Kenya, this came perfect. I would like to spend at least night there, I’m falling on places that look good, can’t help myself. Seems like a really nice holiday. I hope that you had an wonderful time! 😀
Oh yes, I did!
I’m planning to visit Nairobi this year and this place sure seems like a place where I would love to stay. The best part is that the price is more than affordable for all of the things they provide! Thank you for sharing this, I’ll definitely keep this in mind.
Consider staying that for sure.
Your two-week trip to Kenya makes me kind of envious. I’ve never been in Africa and don’t have much hope to go any time soon. It must have been fun exploring these exotic places. I don’t envy quite every aspect of your trip. Staying in tents and eating that simple food is not exactly my cup of tea. However, your lodging at King Post Apartment looks very comfortable. It seems like a bargain too. I’d surely have a lot of fun visiting the Maasai Markets.
You would love Swahili Beach Resort – that was luxurious!
Absolutely. I always fly back into the city I am flying out from because it makes the tirp shorter and less stressful. Travelling with kids, the less transits the better. I would love to visit Nairobi one day. That hotel room looks simply mejestic and I love local markets. You get to know their culture and their food so much better that way. Bet the 15 days went by like a flash.
It did go off like a flash!
This looks like a great stay for the end of the trip. I normally get so tried in the end, that I really want to relax. I always think I can relax at home, so end up going to moutains etc, until very end of the trip.
This is a great place to end your trip at.
This looks like a great place to stay. Love the intricate designs on the furniture as it provides a great ambiance and style. Taking note of your recommendation and consider staying here if we get the chance to visit Nairobi.
Yes Clarice, you will surely have a great time here.
Whoa! That’s a thrilling, fun filled, long trip! Loved this series…
Swahili food sounds interesting. Super happy to know they took care of your vegetarian requirements.
Kings Post Apartment looks super awesome! So royal it is!
It is, indeed.
I also like to spend the last night of my trip in my departure city. The food at Swahili Beach Resort looks really good. The decor at King Post Apartments looks really interesting. I can’t believe you can get that large of a room for $60!
Yes, that was a good deal that we had got.
Hi, Very Good Article. it. The whole article is wonderful and very helpful. Keep up the Good Work Thanks for always sharing.
Imran Khan
Unique Web Studio, LLC
Thanks!
I’ve stayed in Nairobi all my life and have never known about Kings Post Apartments in Westlands…how about that!? Thank you so very much.
It’s really nice, you may try out next time.
Wholeheartedly agree to the practice of staying the night at the city of departure, it just makes a relaxing end to the holiday. Kings post apartment is amazing and I have bookmarked it in case we do visit. The whole interior is impressive and uniquely cultural. This is what I like so much. I would very much also love to visit the moving market. Its then such a great opportunity to meet the locals. Great Post!
Thanks much, Adele.