About Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya, East Africa and it is known for being the home of the Nairobi National Reserve, the only game reserve within a major city in the world. The name of the city originated from a Masai phrase ‘Enkare Nairobi’ which means ‘cool waters.’ The city was founded as a railway depot on the Uganda Railway in 1899. Due to its rapid growth, Nairobi soon replaced Machakos as the capital city of Kenya in 1907. During the colonial years, Nairobi was a thriving center for sisal, tea and coffee industries. With a population of 3.36 million people as of 2014, Nairobi is the second-largest city in the African Great Lakes region.

Popular Destinations in Nairobi

Looking for activities once your private jet arrives in Nairobi? Even though Nairobi is a bustling city, it is one of the few cities in the world that boasts of a safari park within its borders. Here are more details about the safari park and other top attractions in Nairobi:

Nairobi National Park: It was the first national park in Kenya and is located about 7km from the city center along Lang’ata Road. The park serves as a sanctuary for approximately 50 rhinos. Here, visitors often get to see lions, buffaloes, cheetahs, giraffes, gazelles, ostriches, warthogs and zebras. The wetlands are home to more than 400 species of birds. In addition to wildlife, the park is also famous for ivory burning.

Karen Blixen Museum: It is located at the foot of the Ngong Hills and was the former home of an author by the same name. Karen Blixen is also known by her pen name, Isak Dinesen. She lived at the farm between 1917 and 1931. Visitors can tour the farmhouse, the coffee drying plant, the kitchen and an agricultural college. Photographs, furniture and books owned by the author and her husband are on display.

Nairobi National Museum: This museum contains displays of natural and cultural history of Kenya. Exhibits include fossils from Lake Turkana, more than 900 stuffed birds and mammals, exhibits of local art and ethnic displays from different tribal groups in the country. The Geology Gallery is where visitors can learn about the life cycle of volcanoes and tectonic plates as well as explore impressive collections of minerals and rocks. The Snake Park is located just next to the museum houses some of Kenya’s most common reptiles.

The Railway Museum: This Railway Museum highlights the history of the railway industry in Kenya and how it has impacted the nation’s development. Interesting collections include photographs of the original construction of the Uganda Railway, ship and train models, a silver set used for overnight trains to Mombasa, as well as maps and drawings. There’s also a model of the German-built MV Liemba which is still in use on Lake Turkana.

Luxury Lodging in Nairobi

Seeking luxury accommodations once your private jet has arrived in Nairobi?

• Fairmont Hotel Nairobi
• Hilton Nairobi
• InterContinental Nairobi
• Nairobi Serena Hotel
• Sankara Hotel
• Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi

Airports In or Nearby Nairobi For Private Jets

Interested in chartering a jet to Nairobi, Kenya? Although there are only two key airports serving Nairobi, there are other airports in the surrounding regions that our clients can use. Here is a list of the airports to consider:

• Wilson Airport (WIL): Located just a mile away from the city center, the Wilson Airport is reported to be one of the busiest in the region. It is mainly used by regional carriers as well as short haul cargo flights. The airport also hosts a number of aviation schools. Amenities at the airport include aircraft leasing, aircraft maintenance and hangar rental. It sits at an altitude of 5,546 feet above sea level, and has two asphalt runways measuring 4,700 and 5,000 feet in length. It serves an average of 300,000 passengers annually.
• Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO): This is the major international airport in the country, and is located around 10 miles away from the Nairobi City center. This is one of the busiest airports in the region, and is a hub for the national carrier (Kenya Airways). The airport has numerous facilities aimed at private aircraft users including aircraft maintenance and hangar rental services. The airport also offers ample parking and amenities such as banking, duty free shopping and restaurants. Aircraft maintenance services are provided by third parties, who normally require pre-arrangement of the services.
• Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): This is an international airport in the neighboring Tanzania. It is located around 200 miles away from Nairobi, and has witnessed increasing activity over the past 2 years. The international airport accommodates both commercial and private air traffic. Some of the extra services provided by the airport include fuelling and hangar rentals. Most aircraft maintenance and repair services are provided by third parties based around the airport, and will need prior arrangement to be done.
• Amboseli Airport (ASV): This is an airport located within the Amboseli National Park, 150 miles away from Nairobi. The relatively small airport can only accommodate small and medium sized planes. It is ideal for visitors to Nairobi who may also want to experience the Amboseli National Park as well. The airport is not very busy, making it ideal for chartered jet users.
• Nakuru Airport (NUU): This airport is located in the city of Nakuru, 100 miles away from Nairobi. The airport is rarely used which makes it ideal for most private aircraft users on account of limited traffic to and from the facility. Potential users may need to consult the airport authority in advance before using it. Basic services including fuelling are provided at the airport. Hangar rentals and aircraft maintenance are more difficult to come by owing to the low traffic to the airport.
• Nanyuki Airport (NYK): Nanyuki Airport is a small local airport located in the city of Nanyuki, 200 miles away from Nairobi. The joint public/military airport currently only accommodates light aircraft. Basic services such as fuelling are offered at the facility as well.