Considering choosing a digital nomad journey to Nairobi? Today, we bring our thorough digital nomad guide to Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city and its most appealing traveler areas.

Search any digital nomad’s site, and the typical suspects will show up: Bali, Cape Town, and Chiang Mai. While these are all fantastic locations for most nomads, they might be a bit redundant for those prepared to leave the beaten nomad course.

If you’re excited to attempt something various for your next digital nomad travel experience, look no more than Nairobi! The capital city of Kenya, Nairobi, has been regularly ranked as one of the leading African cities for nomad locations, and with excellent factors.

A buzzing metropolitan area, Nairobi is the ideal location to base yourself as you check out Kenya, among the leading locations on the continent. It’s an excellent location to work from another location. It boasts a tasty coffee shop scene with vegan and vegetarian alternatives, coworking changes, and many distinct things to see and do.

Nairobi is, without a doubt, the most popular location with all sorts of ex-pats (DNS consisted of). Kenya’s capital, tech center, and cultural center, with many changes and things to experience.

Furthermore, the DN facilities exist, and we as nomads require, desire, and experience many things. With upload speeds of 21.79 Mbps, Nairobi has the second-fastest web connection in Kenya.

Why Nairobi?

Nairobi is a captivating, interesting, and special city, loaded with concealed gems that provide nomads with a mix of benefits, experience, culture, and natural appeal. In addition, Nairobi is a cultural melting pot home to varied ethnic groups from Kenya and its nearby nations and a big worldwide neighborhood.

As the tech center of East Africa, Nairobi has the very best facilities to accommodate digital nomads, remote employees, and business owners.

As the cultural heart of Kenya, Nairobi is the very best location to experience and value the nation’s abundant variety.

As the financial center of Kenya and East Africa, all significant roadways and flight paths lead into and out of Nairobi, making it a terrific base from which to check out the remainder of the nation and the area.

Visas and Documentation for Kenya.

If you’re a South African like me, you get a 30-day visa on arrival for Kenya. It’s complimentary, and all you require to do is complete a type before heading to the migration desks.

For other citizenships like the United States, UK, and the EU, you’ll need to spend a visa on your arrival or organize an E-visa. If you intend to check out Rwanda or Uganda for gorilla traveling, look for an East African visa.

People of other African states can get to Kenya using a visa on arrival and remain here for approximately 30 days. However, other citizenships will require using and paying for one of the following visas before Kenya.

Single Entry Visa

This visa permits you to come to Kenya for tourist, medical or company functions. You are needed to define the factor for your see and bear in mind that Kenya’s law restricts work under a travel visa.

This visa enables you to remain in Kenya for three months and can be extended for an extra 90 days. The requirements are quite basic, and the application costs $51.

Numerous Entry Visa

As the name recommends, the numerous entry visa permits you to come and go to Kenya several times a year. It’s focused on those who require a trip to the nation regularly and wish to walk around the continent more easily.

This visa stands for 3-12 months, and the application costs $101.

East African Tourist Visa

If you wish to go to Rwanda and Uganda, in addition to Kenya, you ought to think about obtaining an East African Tourist Visa. In addition, you can mention organization, travel, or household reunification as entry functions. Depending upon the classification you fall under, you’ll need to satisfy various requirements.

This visa lets you keep up to 3 months and expenses $101.

Living in Nairobi

The most popular location in Nairobi is Westlands. The factor behind this is that there are numerous stores, coffee shops, dining establishments, coworking areas, and so on, and whatever’s a brief leave.

This suggests that the expense of lodgings is a bit greater than in other parts of the city (normally $50/night).

This cost can be substantially reduced if you do not have your start set on a specific location. For example, Kilimani Airbnb listings go for $20-40.

If you’re looking for an even less expensive alternative, you might schedule a bed in one of Nairobi’s lots of hostels for as little as $8.

Expense of Living

Nairobi is a contemporary city where you can quickly get whatever you require. Therefore, it is budget-friendly for basic purchases such as food, transportation, lodging, and home entertainment. The typical living expense in Nairobi varies from the United States $1,100– 1,300 each month.

Coworking

A contemporary and ingenious digital center, Nairobi boasts over 30 coworking areas with great centers and economical, short-term subscriptions. In addition, Nairobi’s coworking areas host varied people’s neighborhoods to get in touch with and share abilities and understanding. They likewise supply terrific chances for networking, which might result in cooperation that promotes self and expert advancement.

A few of Nairobi’s leading coworking areas are:

iHub: The iHub provides a mix of innovative work areas and conference rooms in a lavish green setting with great views of the Nairobi horizon. The iHub is centrally located with dining establishments, shopping malls, and other nearby facilities. The neighborhood at iHub comprises varied specialists consisting of young business owners, developers, designers, and financiers.

Nairobi Garage: Nairobi Garage is a coworking area that hosts a neighborhood of start-ups, business owners, and young organizations. It provides quick, trustworthy web, conference spaces, and complimentary coffee!

Ikigai: Nestled in a stunning home with rich green and relaxing garden, Ikigai is more than a coworking area. It’s a neighborhood of authors, experts, online marketers, financiers, graphic designers, and more. Ikigai uses a series of areas to work from, high-speed web, lunch on the website, and even a barista to make you a delicious coffee!

The Foundry

Desire all the additionals at your coworking area? Then, start a business at The Foundry in Westlands.

Your regular monthly membership will get you 24/7 gain access to biometric gain access to control, complimentary coffee, Xbox consoles, zen gardens, swimming pool tables, reputable web, and networking occasions.

Living in Nairobi

Nairobi is simple to stroll around and browse. Uber service is likewise offered in Nairobi.

Uber

The very best method to navigate Nairobi as a digital nomad is with Uber. The driving design in the city is more aggressive than in South Africa.

If you’re not driving in a location where guidelines are just a standard, it is a difficult experience.

Simply a head’s up– your Uber motorist will contact us to ask you where you are and ask you to direct them to your last location. I do not understand why they do this when they can follow a map on their phones.

I will prevent picking the “chap chap” alternative if you’re paying with a charge card. These motorists typically decrease trips if they see you aren’t paying money, and this can be an issue if you’re attempting to get house late during the night.

Bike Taxi

Get a motorbike taxi if you wish to check out the city as a region. The motorists frequently await guests close by hectic crossways and are less expensive than Uber or Taxify.

Matatus

There are likewise matatus (shared mini-bus taxis). If you wish to take this mode of transportation, I recommend purchasing a sim card to track on Google Maps where you wish to leave.

There aren’t designated stops, and you’ll require to speak with the residents to discover the various paths; however, you’re bound to have an experience!

WHERE TO REMAIN IN NAIROBI

The very best location to remain in Nairobi for digital nomads is Westlands. It’s where you’ll discover lots of stores, dining establishments, coffee bars, coworking areas, and even a rock climbing up fitness center.

I am sorry for not remaining here because it was a continuous commute to get to locations. Traffic in Nairobi is bad, so even areas just 4km away took 20 to thirty minutes throughout peak hours.

The only disadvantage is that Westlands is a popular location to remain. Airbnb leasings tend to start over 50 USD each day.

You can discover whole supplied houses for USD 26 per night. I remained at a house on Muringa Roadway, it was close to a fitness center, Yaya shopping center, and a couple of dining establishments.

Many locations have more than one bedroom, so you can quickly divide the expense of the lease with a couple of other digital nomads. Laundry devices are basic in apartments or condos, and many locations will have a clothes rack outside on the terrace.

Accommodations

Nairobi has numerous great areas for digital nomads to remain. Here you’ll discover great Airbnb leasings, lots of stores, dining establishments, coffee shops, coworking areas, and fitness centers. However, if you remain outside these locations, you will need to sustain a consistent commute to get to these features amidst infamous Nairobi traffic.

A few of Nairobi’s finest communities consist of:

Westlands: This is a high-end area near the Central Company District. Boasting many high-end dining establishments, bars, and shopping malls, Westlands is the finest location for digital nomads to remain in Nairobi.

Kilimani: If you choose someplace more affordable and do not mind taking an Uber to navigate, get an Airbnb in Kilimani where you can discover provided homes in the United States for $26 each day. Found near the Central Enterprise Zone, Kilimani is popular with the young Kenyan middle to upper class and has a big worldwide neighborhood.

Kileleshwa: Popular with middle-class Kenyans, Kileleshwa is among Nairobi’s majority of wealthy communities. House to a big expatriate neighborhood, the high-end suburban area, hosts numerous apartments, supermarkets, coffee shops, and bars. The location has an excellent roadway network and is quickly accessed by “matatus.”.

WIFI IN NAIROBI FOR DIGITAL NOMADS.

Nairobi has a trustworthy web connection with quick web speeds of as much as 100mbs. The majority of lodging and cafe around the city deal with strong Wi-Fi free of charge. Nomads checking out Nairobi can work from their Airbnb space, preferred dining establishment, or coworking area.

For the most part, the Wi-Fi in the city is outstanding. The connection at my home was quickly steady and just kept me offline for a couple of hours when the power tripped.

The web connection at coffee shops is not the best. So I’d advise operating at a coffee bar if you’re catching up on e-mails or doing things that do not need a quick web connection.

The Very Best Time to Go To Nairobi.

The best time for a digital nomad to go to Nairobi is throughout the Great Migration. In Between July and September, you’ll have the opportunity to monitor a million wildebeest journeys throughout the Maasai Mara video game reserve. Since this is the dry season, rain is not likely at this time of year, so you’ll get to delight in the best weather conditions for sightseeing.

FOOD EXPENSES IN NAIROBI.

Fresh vegetables and fruit in Nairobi are cheap. I paid around 1,500 to 1,800 KES (R 200.00 to R 250.00).

A pizza in Nairobi begins at over 1,000 KES (R 140.00) for a margarita. A vegetarian plate at an Ethiopian dining establishment expenses 800 KES (R 110.00), and a premium hamburger will set you back 950 KES (R 132.00).

Restaurants & Cafés.

Nairobi is a vegan/ vegetarian-friendly city with great dining establishments and coffee shops that accommodate vegans and vegetarians with delicious food alternatives. Nairobi’s fantastic choice of vegan/ vegetarian dining establishments and coffee shops functions places as elegant and diverse as a few of the very best restaurants in Europe!

A few of Nairobi’s finest vegan/ vegetarian dining establishments and coffee shops consist of:

Chowpaty (Vegetarian)- Chowpaty is the only vegetarian dining establishment in Nairobi that serves yummy meals throughout the Indian subcontinent. Many products on their legendary menu can likewise be made vegan upon demand. Make certain to attempt the Dahi Puri– crispy puffed puri shells filled with Bombay mix (a crispy treat mix) and sprinkled with a sweet and sour sauce.

Tin Roofing Café (Vegan/ Vegetarian Options)- Tin Roofing system is a small shabby-chic café embedded in a garden within The Souk in Karen. The café uses a vegetarian-friendly menu with vegan alternatives and a remarkable buffet while serving delicious coffee. Test from their tasty variety of healthy salads, toasted sandwiches, hot soups, pizzas, and sugary foods.

About Thyme (Vegan/ Vegetarian Options)- Boasting a charming garden setting, About Thyme is a dining establishment that uses lots of delicious vegetarian alternatives. Please make certain to sample their soups, Halloumi, with Pomegranate or the Pumpkin and Amaretto Tortellini. They likewise use fast lunch and breakfast menus, consisting of a boozy breakfast that includes mimosas and mixed drinks.

Markets & Stores.

Health-mindful nomads will be pleased by the option of healthy foods, treats, and groceries readily available at Nairobi’s different natural food shops. Because many farms surround Nairobi, it’s likewise simple to discover fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables at surrounding farms and markets spread about town.

A few of Nairobi’s finest organic food markets and shops consist of:

Healthy U: (Natural Food Shop)- Healthy U is a chain of natural food stores that provide a variety of health and health items. The shop stocks natural and organic foods, unique diet plan foods, supplements, vitamins, herbs, aromatherapy oils, body care items, and more. The shop likewise has a nutritional expert on hand to encourage you on what you require for your health requirements.

Organic Farmers Market (Farmers Market)-– Held every Saturday at the KSPCA Kenya premises, the Organic Farmers Market is a neighborhood that promotes healthy consumption and living. It combines natural farmers and a host of artisans and artists who perk up the marketplace. Beyond fresh farm produce, OFM provides handcrafted items like cheese, raw honey, pastries, and coffee.

Sky Fusion (Vegan Bakery) is an artisanal bakeshop that uses scrumptious baked vegan products. They produce 100% vegan cakes, cookies, and other pastries utilizing plant-based active ingredients.

Things To Do In Nairobi.

Nairobi is an amazing, lovely, and distinct city, loaded with enjoyable surprises and surprise gems. A cultural melting pot, it’s house to a few of all Kenya’s ethnic groups, together with those from neighboring nations, and a big global neighborhood.

Kenya is a varied nation of youths, extremely imaginative and entrepreneurial, with abundant histories and cultures to commemorate. Nairobi is the very best location to soak all of this up:

A little, however, growing arts scene, blending standard with modern.

Live music and clubbing every night of the week.

• Occasions and open online forums covered every possible topic, from Afro-centric feminism and psychological health to SEO and digital marketing.
• Craft markets and cultural events.
• Outside activities and wildlife within the city’s parks and simply outside its borders: Karura Forest, the Arboretum Gardens, Uhuru Park, Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Centre, and a lot more.

A lot of special shopping chances: The growing shop style and style scenes, along with shops and markets offering standard art, clothes, and keepsakes.

Activities.

Check Out the Giraffe Center: You’ll have the chance to feed the threatened Rothschild giraffes (if they are starving). Strategy, you check out around 8:30 am to prevent the crowds. The entryway is 1,000 KES (R 140.00).

Embrace an Elephant: Visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and embrace a baby elephant for 50 USD. You’ll get to check out the sanctuary after hours with barely anybody else around.

See the Sunset from the KICC Helipad: The Kenya International Convention Centre is among the highest structures in Nairobi. For 500 KES (R 70.00), you can take the elevator to the top for a birds-eye view of the city.

Go on a Day Trip to Hell’s Gate National Park: The park is well-known for its remarkable surroundings and treking tracks. You can employ a bike at the entryway and cycle previous herds of giraffe, zebra, and antelope. The entryway is 25 USD per person.

Toi Market: Get a feel for the city’s pulse and invest your Saturday early morning walking through Toi Market. It’s one of the very best areas in the city to discover pre-owned items, thrifty clothing, or fresh fruit and veg.

Check Out Nairobi National Park: If you do not wish to make the trek over to the Masai Mara, a safari in Nairobi National Park is the next best thing. Likewise, there’s a Nairobi safari-assessed pathway that weaves around the reserve, providing you with undisturbed views of the wildlife listed below.

Health clubs.

Nairobi boasts a variety of health clubs that will influence you to work out every day and assist keep your suit between working and checking out. In addition, many first-class fitness centers spread around the city use excellent devices and budget-friendly, short-term subscriptions.

A few of the leading fitness centers in Nairobi are:

Racing Sports Gym: Located in Westlands, Racing Sports Gym is a contemporary physical fitness center that provides a variety of devices for cardio and strength training, and weights. Their rates are budget-friendly, the center is tidy, the altering space is trendy, and the personnel gets along. All in all, it’s a fantastic area in Nairobi to work out and keep fit.

Renew Wellness Center: Located near Westlands, Revitalize Wellness Center is a fully-equipped cutting-edge fitness center that provides cardio and strength training. Individual fitness instructors are likewise offered to offer some additional assistance on preserving a healthy physical fitness routine and working your method to the body of your dreams.

The Colosseum Gym: Located near Kilimani, The Colosseum Gym uses a large range of physical fitness training consisting of Muay Thai, self-defense, boxing, and pole dancing. Individual training is likewise readily available with trainers who produce tailored programs to assist you in accomplishing your objectives in weight reduction, endurance, bodybuilding, and enhancement of your general way of life.

 

 

References:

1. https://www.wanderlustmovement.org/digital-nomad-guide-to-nairobi/
2. https://digitalitinerant.com/africa/kenya-for-digital-nomads-everything-you-need-to-know/
3. https://www.livinginnairobi.com/kenya-digital-nomads/
4. https://nomadaboveandbeyond.com/a-digital-nomad-guide-to-nairobi/