We thought to make it easier and create a page with websites and addressess.
Of course it is all through our eyes (Peter's mainly) and we do not have all the wisdom,
certainly not in a less than a year.
But we start now & will update throughout the time.
{ Update : 21-05-2013 } Restaurants, Guesthouses.
Nee, dit is niet "Nederlandertje pesten", maar als je naar Kenia komt is Engels wel een noodzaak...
vandaar deze pagina alleen in het Engels, maar wil je meer weten ? Mail me/ons.
Guesthouses - B&B
The first four places are all around Kilimani, between Ngong Road and Argwings Kodhek Road.
-Ndemi Place Ndemi Road
www.ndemiplace.com
-Hibiscus Guesthouse Kirichiwa Road 195
www.hibiscuskenya.com
+254728886854 Philis
Nice Garden! (my sister stayed here)
-Malazi B&B Kilimani Road
www.malazi.co.ke
(means accomodation in swahili)
- Godial's B&B Lenanaroad on the corner of Galana Rd to Argwings Kodhek
Nancy Awando, Manager (people we know stayed here)
www.godials.com
www.hartebeestcamp.com
or www.booking.com and See also our blog. (we stayed here for a week) Juma, is the manager.
-Kolping Guesthouses Ndemi Road off Ngong Road
-Sandavy Guest House and Bed and Breakfast Ndemi Close Off Ngong Road
Is next to the Language Centre the place to learn Swahili.
-Ceola Apartment on Ole Dume Road Off Ngong Road
+254 722 448 088 Cecilia
-Fortmount Apartment Langate Road 50 meters north of T Mall
see bed and breakfast world.com
-Gona Suites off Kitengela Road
see bed and breakfast world.com
-Kiloranhouse Cottage
see: www.bedandbreakfastworld.com and/or tripadvisor
-Methodist Guest House
Oloitokitok road. www.methodistguesthouse.org/-Brookview Furnished & Serviced Apartments
(Yes, that is the place that we live) Elgeyo Marakwet Road North,Kilimani
020-3871188, 020-3871190 mobile; 0721 322 322, 0734 322 322 Leah or Patrick
Email: info@brookview.co.ke
The Company also has apartments at the Coast at Galu Beach near Diani Beach.
And more apartments under the name Lantana.
See the website:
http://www.lantana-galu-beach.co.ke/
Hotels- chains:
Sarova Hotels in Kenya-East Africa and the UK
The chain has hotels and lodges (Maasai Mara and Taita amongst others) with the Stanley in Nairobi as one of the better known.
http://www.sarovahotels.com/
Serena Hotels and Lodges in East Africa and around the world.
Has a lot off lodges at the National Parks and reserves in Kenya: Lake Elementia, Maasai Mara, Ol Pejeta-Sweetwaters, and Samburu (under construction)
http://www.serenahotels.com/
Fairmont- The Norfolk Hotel in Nairobi.
This is a very big chain of luxury hotels and resorts around the world.
With hotels at Mount Kenya and Maasai Mara.
We went for a meal at The Norfolk, one of the oldest hotels in Nairobi-Kenya which also has the award winning bar Cin-Cin. (see blog post februari 2013)
http://www.fairmont.com/
Sopa
Sopa is the 'really local' chain in this summary with lodges in the National Parks-Reserves
in Kenya and Tanzania.
We stayed in the Maasai Mara lodge (see blog january 2013) and liked a lot.
http://www.sopalodges.com/
The "problem" with some of the bigger chains ; is that their hotels/lodges are further away form the actual park sometimes because of the size of the accomodation.
But it is different for every Park or Reserve, so wise to have a look at the exact location beforehand!
Appartments - Real Estate Agents * see also end of page, under the pagebreak
It is possible to get an apartment for around 100.000 KSH.We even know people who rent a house for the same amount per month!.
Personally we used the first consultants.
www.emmconsult.com Plums Lane off Ojijo Road in Westlands.
We used them and were happy.
They are property consultants and bring you in contact with owners /
managers.There is no cost, because they get paid by the owners.
It is a good way to see a lot of properties and narrow your choice down.
They make the appointment, help negotiate a monthly price (if possible)
small and personable.
www.hassconsult.co.ke
Waiyaki Way, in Westlands.
Fairly big firm, we looked at some of their properties.
First Floor ABC Place (shopping centre) Waiyaki Way
info@hassconsult.co.ke
+254 20 4446914
The next four we only know from the properties they manage and sell in Kilimani.
www.knightfrank.com Judith Muange also located at Junction, Waiyaki Way at Lion Place
www.real.co.ke
www.hillside.co.ke
www.tysonskenya.com One of the biggest players in East Africa.
At the bigger shopping centers, like Yaya and Junction, and at the school(s) there is quite often also a notice board with classifieds (advertenties) with houses to rent, things to buy etcetera.
Shopping
Supermarkets
Nakumatt (nakuru mattresses)
Big Chain of Supermarkts, usually in big shopping centres, different concepts, also has a website.
( resembles Carrefour in France, ASDA or Walmart, it is more like a Hypermarket )
The Nakumatt at Prestige Plaza on Ngong Road is a 24 hour store.
Also sells shoes through Bata is some outlets and furniture and even bicycles.
We think best for allround shopping.
Uchumi (economy in swahili)
Smaller, Kenyan chain of Supermarkets,has a good butcher & meat selection and also a bakery.
A very big one is located at the Sarit Centre also hypermarket at Ngong Road.
Best for its selction of meats, we think.
Not known for it's Customer Service , or any service at all...
(If you want to know more I can tell ;-)
Tusky (logo with tusks)
Small supermarkets, (36 ! in Kenya & some in Uganda) more often stand alone.
Also a big suppermarket with more (fresh) choice in the T- Mall.
Best for its bakery with fresh bread and cakes, we think.
Chandarana (family name)
Middle size supermarkets, with a good selection, for instance, meat & frozen food.
At Yaya now enlarged with fresh vegetables and fruits.
Naivas (orange logo)
From Naivaisha you see more of these now all over Kenia.
I visited the one at Greenhouse.With a bakery, a butchery and a cafe.
Not very big, but allround good assortment espescially both fresh bread,meats and ready meals.
There really is not that much difference in every day prices (e.g. Bread, Milk,Water) but Nakumatt has probably more expensive brands, Chandarana has its own brands in some articles.
Coffee
Java House
www.nairobijavahouse.com
At about 12 different locations (Mombasa to come!) in Nairobi.Free WiFi, good breakfasts,
their coffee is also sold in supermarkets.(since 1999)
Dormans
www.dorman.co.ke
At about 11 different locations in Nairobi als free WiFi.Coffee sold in supermarkets everywhere.
( since 1950)
Art Caffe at Junction & Village Market & Westgate is also a very nice coffeehouse.With a great breakfast selection, and a separate bakery at the mall in Junction.A bit more expensive...
Alexandre Bakery ( and cafe ) at Yaya.
Very nice cakes excellent fresh (french) bread, was not going to tell you about this ... simply too good!
Books
-The Text Book Center, several branches, also an office supplies shop.
-Bookstop limited, amongst other locations, at Yaya Centre.Good choice also second hand books.*personal favourite! Jazz Music, nice staff and cheap second hand books.
-Book Waves at Lavington Green.Good choice, Nice children's books, loads of self-help &religiuous.
-Savani's at Westgate good selection espescially childrens, study and africana books.
-Nakumatt also has a selection of books under the name books first.
The Maasai Market;
Travelling group of stalls at different locations at differnet times of the week.
A lot of different craft products from different tribes (not only Maasai) be prepared to haggle or lose lot of money! Quite often the artists who made the products sell them to you.
Thursday at Junction.
Friday at Village Market Gigiri.
Saturday in the City (CBD) in front of the Supreme Court, Taifa Lane.
Sunday at Yaya.
Miscellaneous
Bata, very big in Kenya, for shoes and the PataPata flipflops.
The Babyshop, for baby and kids clothes and toys.
The Kitchen Company at Junction, for nice kitchen things.
Mr.Price, with Home and General shops, Clothing and for the house and other misc. things.
Kikoy, for Kenian made cotton casual wear.
Kitengela Hot Glass, by Anselm, recycled glass products at Junction,Adam's Arcade and Village Market.
www.anselmcroze.com
Myrobi for cool T-shirts:
www.facebook.com/myrobi.ke
www.myrobi.co.ke
And GADO for cool Cartoons, books and also (with Myrobi) cool T-shirts:
www.gadocartoons.com
Sandstorm, for (expensive) but authentic Kenyan made leather products en canvas bags from Tanzania.
Started as a company that made (safari) tents all products are handmade in Kenya.
http://www.sandstormkenya.com/
The Banana Box, handcrafted Kenyan products with a fairtrade goal at Junction & Sarit Centre.
Shuka Duka for great Kenyan made blankets other textiles and glassware
www.shukaduka.ndorudesigns.com
+254 722 739 449
Maasai Footwear, made from recycled materials.
Also sold in separate shops and Nakumatt.
www.maasaitreads.com
To buy in the supermarket or -shop:
Happy Cow Dairy products, Great Cheeses and Yoghurts with a Dutch connection ;-)
Brown's Cheese www.brownscheese.com
Kenyan Classic Preserves, Jams, Chutneys, and crackers.
Fine wines from Domaine Kenia LTD (Boland Cellar, Spier,Goerges Duboeuf, Torres,Lanson etc.)
Shopping Centres - Malls
Junction:At the junction of Ngong and Naivasha Road.
Nakumatt,text book center, dormans, several independent african (craft) shops and a KFC.
Well known for its traffic jams at said junction.
Yaya: At Argwings Kodhek Road - Kilimani Ring Road.
Chandarana supermarket, the corner shop for fresh vegetables and 3 floors more.
Recognizable because of the Yaya block of flats and the unfinished Kilimani ring road.
Sarit Centre: Off Waiyaki way, at Parklands Road.
Uchumi supermarket, the largest text book centre, a food court, monty's wine shop and a cinema.
The oldest and first shopping centre in Nairobi.
Adam's Arcade: Off Ngong Road at Suna Road, here you will find Uchumi, just before Toi Market with lots of market stallls. (mostly selling clothes).
At the Ngong side Tusky's and several other shops in a small two floor arcade.
Valley Arcade: At Gitanga road opposite Muthangari road.
With a small children's playground and a Java coffee house one of the favourites!
All small, mostly independent, shops supermarket, butcher, pharmacy etc.
Galleria: At Langata - Magadi Road junction.
Dubbed the most expensive mall, mainly because it is the one most frequented by people living in the Karen suburb.
Nakumatt, Bata, and a lot of foodshops on the food court on the first floor.A textbook center, Twiga Tours (very good tour operator we have heard) and several others.
Lavington Green: At James Gichuru road just past the Shell petrol station.
Let me start by saying there is NO 'green'to be seen... (not in the English meaning nor any trees etc.) Due to the construction of Lavington Mall next door the approach is a bit messy but still nice shops.
Book Waves, nice bookshop, 2 (yes, Two!) wine shops Haven Wine & Spirits and Makkin Wine specialist with a small, but fine assortment of Australian, American and some SAfrican wines.
Also a Chandarana Supermarket.A funny shop calles Kitchen point that sells Imported IKEA products! The Sub Zero lunch-coffeebar formula has an outlet. And Last but not least Kengeles Bar!
Karen Crossroads
A Nakumatt, of course Bata Shoeshop, a Dormans Coffee House (the nicest in my opinion!) and several other shops and restaurants here.
On Ngong Road just off the Round About which is past the petrol station & Karen Road.
T-Mall
As far as I know named after the big Tusky's that is located at the ground floor main entrance.
Located at Langata Road roundabout.
With telephone shops, a coffee&lunch place and some fastfood places and a department store.
And, nice for older kids, a games arcade.
ABC place
This shopping centre is a bit older (like lavington) with new extensions being build.
With a Chandara supermarket, a Java coffeehouse and Zucchini greengrocer plus 2 restaurants
( 7 Food & Grill and Mercury) it has everything there.
Nice are; Blue Rhino Craft with wooden furniture and more, Le Decanter wineshop, African Lily for leather and Giliani Butchery and Deli.
Village Market
Nice mall build on several levels, currently renovated but is still fine to visit.
Connected are a big swimming pool and minigolf and a cinema complex.
With: Kalabash for local handicrafts, souvenirs, small furniture.
Prime Cuts, butchery and deli.
Westlands Sundries nice gatand big bookshop, books, magazines and newspapers.
Also,Bata,Sandstorm leather,Toyworld Kikoy,Kitengela glass, several clothes shops and jewellery shops, a foodcourt and Nakumatt.
Westgate Mall
www.westgate.co.ke
At Mwanzi Road in Westlands, fairly close to Sarit Centre.
This is, I think, one of the smartest malls in Nairobi.4 floors, 3 with shops and a cinema on the 4th.
Nakumatt over 2 floors with a very nice assortment, meat, bread and little shop in shops.
Nike, Addidas,bookshop, several clothings stores, several stalls around for souvenirs and leather and kikoy products.
On the 3rd floor a planet media outlet with books, dvds and a lot of toys.(through here is the cinema)
An Artcaffe and Dormans and Java to reopen soon & fastfood outlets like Gallileo fried chicken.
New Muthaiga Mall Thigri Close off Limuru Road
Not totally certain why this is called a Mall ??
There is one average Tusky's supermarket a pharmacy a vegetable shop and some places like a travel agent and fitness-slimming place.
On a good day, nice for the Kids though! Large playground, several restaurants, lots of choice for food.
(just do not go there for all your shopping ;-)
Toi Market! Behind Adams Arcade, Past the Uchumi on Ngong Rd- Elgeyo Marakwet Rd Roundabout
Okay technically not a 'mall' of course, but you can buy so many different things here that is deserves a place! Loads of different clothes, luggage, toys, books, decorations, textiles, food, etc.
Sales and other people are generally friendly and very happy to sell you things.Haggle a bit, talk a bit do not take things to serious and it is great.Wear old shoes/boots when it has rained because it is very muddy!
If you cary on, Kibera Drive, you walk into Kibera itself.
Yes, there are more but these are the main ones, we think ;-)
Restaurants
Habesha, Ethiopian Location: Argwings Kodhek Road
Great value for money as many Ethiopian places!
The, most of the time, closed gates do not look inviting but once inside the grounds it is a very nice place with several different spaces inside and outside by the fire.
Several Ethiopian favourites, and of course Coffee!
With a great coffee ceremony.
www.habesharestaurant.com
Divino, Italian also Bar and Terrace Location: Argwings Kodhek Road
Nice place with reasonable prices.
Good Food, nice wines, coffee was a bit disappointing.
Pizza, Pasta and Italian (style) meat dishes.Also good appetizers! (antipasti and cheeses)
Mughal's, Indian & Pakistani, also delivery Location:Adam's Arcade off Ngong Road
Small but nice place next to the post office.
When used to the British Indian it is quite different.But good (meat) dishes with Naan bread and great sauces.Prices are reasonable.
We ordered a delivery which came on time and was nice and hot.
Hartebeest Camp, Kenyan & Continental Location:Kibera Road off Ngong Road close to
the China Center.
Great Food!Espescially the Kenyan specialties.Very friendly staff and a nice garden to sit in.
Very good quality / price.(see blogpost in august 2012)
Nairobi Java House Snacks- small meals Location; several shopping centres.
We had a meal at Java in the CBD and it was (for me surprising) very good for a coffee place.
They have nice soups, salads, curry's and sandwiches and some even have a children's menu.
Also quite reasonable in price and quick service compared to other 'proper' restaurants.
Art Caffe French-Arab (I think) Location: Junction shopping centre,Village Market & Westgate.
We have had lunch here a couple of times now and it really is the place to be for people in Kilimani and Lavington.(avoid if you do not want to see expats ;-)
Nearly always full and lively.
Friendly and quite quick in their service.
Several, (international) dishes with an Mediterranean taste to them.
It is however not the cheapast place...
(lots of people on the "critics-site" Trip Advisor do not like the Westgate location of Art Caffe, and it is very busy, but I say Make up Your Own Mind)
The China Plate, Chinese, Szechwan Location:Chancery Building, Valley Road
Good Chinese in the CBD.
All the known favourites are served, but most tend to be rather spicy.
(Jane went here with work, so prices unknown)
They also do Take Out and Deliver, Website: www.chinaplatekenya.com
We had a great take out from there! Professional Delivery, on time, big portions and hot!
Beef, Duck, Spring Rolls, Egg Fried Rice and (very) spicey Noodles.
Trattoria, Italian Location:CBD Kaunda street
Great Place in the City Center, so parking is not that easy.
The upstairs balcony is a good place to overlook the hustle and bustle of the Nairobi traffic.
Good, Italian wine, nice menu with (according to us) reasonable prices.
Main courses for around 1000-1500 KES nice starters like Crostini and Carpaccio and Antipasti.
Also a reasonable choice of desserts, we did like the Tirasmisu although Jane's is the best ;-)
Osteria, Italian : Locations, (also delivery & take a way see www.osteriatakeaway.com)
Kilimani, Lenana Road (with Casablanca Bar & Nightclub)
Karen, NgongRoad past roundabout Karen crossroads
Gigiri, Limuru Road past Village Market
Sabrina's, Etiophian Location:Mbaazi Avenue, behind Junction.
There are also several "fastfood or quick service restaurants" to be found, quite often at the Malls.
Pizza Inn, yep pizza, and very great ones at that!
Galito's, chicken.
The above are usually combined with the great Galito sauces, a favourite if you like spicy!
Debonair pizza.
And Kenchic, Kenya's answer to KFC! to name a few.
WWW Bar and Shop, International kitchen at the Junction Mall
This is a great place if you like wine, cocktails, spirits and great food!
But of course it comes at a price ;-)
To much choice, not extremely cheap but okay we think.
We had a great meal there with very nice drinks too!
The wine & whisky list alone are enough to get back there.
See post in the blog with photo's to come.
The River Cafe, just past Village Mall at the Limuru Road on the left.
A restaurant at a very nice location with nature all around. International Kitchen.
The 'actual river' we did not really discover, more like connect ponds, as far as we are concerned ;-)
A diverse menu and a diverse crowd, UN people (is close by) other expats and local, middle class, Kenyans. Not cheap but not extremely expensive either and very childfriendly! With a nice play area.
We had the Chicken Quesadilla, The Beef with Ugali dish and children menu's all was very nice!
In the weekend there are (arts) activities for the children for 500 KSH they make some nice things ;-)
There is a farm shop and lots of local plants for sale.
Moonflower at Palacina - Dennis Pritt, corner Kitale Road
Palacina Interiors is the 'main' company.
A design company with several shops ao in Yaya,Juction,Westgate, Village and a Grand Showroom at the Panari Sky Centre at Mombasa Road.The Hotel and Restaurant are also a showcase for their interior design.
Very nice place, with good food en a very nice bar. (lots of single malt whisky ;-)
Maybe not the cheapest, but comfortable and very nice attentive staff, see website for more info.
http://palacinainteriors.com/
Mediterraneo - at Junction
http://www.mediterraneorestaurant.co.ke/html/home.htm
(also in Westlands and Gigiri)
Very nice restaurant, much bigger than you would expect from the outside! So good for a group of people.
Mainly Italian menu, resonable priced,with a lot of choice, (pizza's!) also for Children, vegetarian and wide range of drinks.
Monikos-at Valley Arcade
Company with a catering service, owned by Swedish people, so several themed evenings & parties.
Nice for a coffee, or a good breakfast, also lunch & dinner off course.
A lot of healthy dishes on the menu and a wide choice in vegatarian.
The service is a bit slow, but very friendly, nice seats and loung area outside.
Under the Radar- Argwings Kodhek at Radar Compound
Very nice restaurant with several different party tents outside to sit and also an inside.
Great play area for kids with trampoline, swings, and slides.
Good menu with freshly made pizza, the "famous pepper steak" and an extenzive bar menu.
Main courses around the 1500 KSH pperson, children fishfingers, chickenwings, sausages etc.
( All these places are {were in May 2013} in business and provide good food. )
Taxi's and Drivers
Because of our connection with CWSK and through Quintiles we already had contacted drivers with a good car who could be trusted.Underneath in order of if we liked them * (so first are the best)
the names & numbers we have up till now.* Friendly, helpfull, good in timekeeping honest pricing.
Peter, located - from Langata-Karen- Taxi and Game Drives
Always on time, knows his way around Nairobi very well.
0722 871514
Dennis Pronto Tours and Taxis at Elgeyo Marakwet Road off Argwin Kodhek
Friendly, reasonable in pricing, usually off in the weekends though.(available after appointment)
0722 249499 - 0733 586055
James M Gicuhi - Jamoo Tours at Elegeyo Marakwet Road 24hrs cab and car hire
Friendly, is available a lot of the time, including early and weekends.
0713 681558
Both the above are / were our regular drivers, we also had a trip up country with them for a very reasonable fixed price.
Paul K Kimani - Lexline Cabs & tours, Airport,Camping Safaris,Hotel transfers and car hire.
Paul and his family, Salomon his brother we had as a driver as well, are friendly and knowledgeable.
0723 441166
0753 357878
Peter Mwangi & Hillary Kuria KM Cabs Do all the jobs, transfers, safaris etc.
Located at Kirichiwa Road Peter drives his nice Yellow cab with pride partner wirh Hillary Kuira.
0721 395208 (Peter) 0722 867214 (Hillary)
Peter Kamau at Ngong Road, Ngong Hills Hotel.Drives a very Nice big People Mover
0720 609661
Simon Mwangi (calls himself mr Jackson) G-Zedz cabs, Madaraka Shopping center, Langata road
0722 777371
Erick A Kuya Argwings Kodhek opp. Yaya Centre
0722 758383
Swed-Ken tours, recognizable from the Swedish & Kenyan flags on the taxi doors.
Owned by a Swedish Kenyan nice fleet of cars with lots of (big) Toyota Noah's.
Have waiting points at Argwings Kodhek road near Yaya and Ngong road.
Most shopping centres have a website, some restaurants also, quite often "under construction" or not totally okay yet...
ADOPTION RELATED
=====================================
Adoption Related Adressess:
- Lawyer,
Ochieng Ogutu at Uchumi House 9th floor , Aga Khan Walk-Nkrumah Lane.
We use this very good one located in the CBD (Central Business District) mail us direct for more info,but the LAN and other adoption organisations can provide you with contact details.
-Guardian ad Litem,
For us we arranged this through our lawyer.The adoption agencies sometimes arrange this for you and have several with contact details.
- LAN Little Angels Network, main office is NAIROBI there are also offices in Kisumu & Mombasa.
Wood Avenue - Kindaruma Road Junction,
Off Ngong Road,
Nairobi.
P. O. Box 43092-00100 G.P.O.,
Nairobi, Kenya.
Tel: 254 (20) 3866442/3, 2013760,
Cell: 254 724 941326.
Email: info[at]littleangelsnetwork.org
http://www.littleangelsnetwork.org/
- KKPI
KKPI – ADOPTION SOCIETYKOGO STAR PLAZA
UPPER GROUND FLOOR, SUITE 14
MAAI MAHIU ROAD(Next To Langata /Mbagathi Roundabout)
P.O. BOX 30906
MAAI MAHIU ROAD(Next To Langata /Mbagathi Roundabout)
P.O. BOX 30906
GPO 00100
NAIROBI
Phone: +254 206 004 461
Mobile: +254 725 475 208 / +254 734 257 334
NAIROBI
Phone: +254 206 004 461
Mobile: +254 725 475 208 / +254 734 257 334
Website: www.kkpiadoption.com
Email: info@kkpiadoptionsociety.co.ke
Email: info@kkpiadoptionsociety.co.ke
- CWSK
No website, a little presence on facebook.
Located at Langata Road opposite the T-mall (Tuskys Mall)
- KCH, the overall organisation is based in the UK. http://www.kenyachildrenshome.org.uk/contact
in KENYA
Kenya Children’s Home
P.O. Box 44261-00100
Langata Road
Nairobi
Kenya
T: 00254 6001 922 OR 00254 6002 002
M: 00254 7222 00408
F: 00254 6003 605
E: info@kch.or.ke OR tbh@wananchi.com
- Milimani High Court Nairobi
Family Divisison, Adoption Cases are heard on friday mornings between 0900-13.00
3rd floor rooms 46-48
The Court is at Ngong Road - Upper Hill Close
http://www.judiciary.go.ke/portal/
-Ministry of Gender,Children and Social Development- Childrens Department.
On the 6th floor of Electricty House, use the corner entrance at Nkrumah Lane.
There are (currently) 3 or 4 Childrens Officers we had Alex a very professional but nice man.
For the Interview at their office, house visit and the article 23 form (COC certificate of conformity).
-Ministery of Foreign Affairs, Harambee avenue.
For legalization of the Adoption Order and Adoption Certificate, usually takes a day.
(most of the lawyers can, and will, arrange this for you)
- Immigration Department
(sooner or later most people will need this ;-)
Nyayo House, Posta street, for Non Residents use the (left) side entrance of the building.
Applications for extensions are only possible in the week that the visa expires bring everything with you. (filled out aplication form, passport photo's copies of passport, passports)
> For Kenyan passports:
Entrance on the right, make certain you get the right form!
Takes on average 10 days, can be quicker if you pay a higher 'speed' fee.
Normal passport 4500 KSH, 32 pages.
-Sobenna Kenya Services, Rebecca Lusweti.
This is a Consultancy firm that can assist with the process to get a Kenyan passport,
If you use them write down all the documents that they get from you and make certain they give them back completely - Also ask for the boss instead of one of the 'assistants'
( If you want more info on the above send us an email)
Alternatively the LAN (Little Angels Network) has also got contacts who can assist with this.
-Nederlandse Ambassade - Dutch Embassy
Riverside Lane, off Riverside Drive in Westlands
Monday - Thursday 08.30-12.30 and 13.30 - 15.30
The mornings for request of passport / visa's the afternoon for pick ups.
- www.kenia.nlambassade.org/organization/afdelingen
Nederlands , Only in the Netherlands :
Huis verhuren ?
TVN Real Estate.
http://www.tvnsite.nl/
Amsterdam - Utrecht - Den Haag - Rotterdam
info@tvnrealestate.nl
Onze contactpersoon was De Heer Maurice Quak
ADOPTION RELATED
=====================================
TOURISM -- Days Out (with kids)
* Naivasha
Located North West of Nairobi on a 2 hours drive there is a lake.
You can hire a boat with guide and see hippo's and several birds, at several place you can buy fresh fish (and chips) we had tilapia which was great.(crayfish is also widely available)
We hired one from Hippo Point, very cheap and nice people.
(you can go really fancy, but once you are out on the water it hardly matters!)
* Hell's Gate National Park.
Very close to the lake (Naivasha) so doable together in one day.
Nice park, and the only one where one can get up close and personal with the animals, because you can walk or cycle inside the park.
Zebra, Giraffe, Warthogs sevral birds.
You can hire a guide to take you through the Gorge for KSH1000, it is a bit of a hike, so for children over 6 years old and young adults or flexible older ones...
* Ol Pejeta and Sweetwaters (in combination with Nanyuki)
See the blog post
* Lake Nakuru (and Nakuru town if you wish ;-)
See the blog post
*The Coast, Mombasa, Galu-Beach,Diani,Shimoni&Wasini-Island
see blog posts.
Close to Nairobi / In Nairobi
* Elephant Orphanage
David Sheldrick's Wildlife trust.
Between 1100-1200 the orphanaged elephants are led out and (bottle) fed.
One is allowed to touch te smaller ones.
If you adopt an elephant (at a cost) you are allowed closer access to the elephant you adopted.
* AFEW The Giraffe Center
In Karen-Langata.
Great with kids, feed the giraffes, and 'lost' warthogs.Look at some information about their educational and conservation work.
And spend some money in the gift shop with a surprisingly big assortment.
A personal favourite!
* Karen Blixen Museum and (separate) Karen Blixen Coffee House, Hotel & giftshop.
This is not a place for (younger) children as we found out.
It is nice if one is interested in the writer and the Out of Africa movie.
The grounds overlooking the Ngong Hills are very nice on a clear day.
*KICC Kenyatta International Conference Center-Central Business District
Great look out point at the 28th floor over Nairobi.
Of course espescially good on a very clear day, one has to climb some stairs to get to the top!
* At Cathedral Way, in front of the AFYA Ministery of Health (close to the British High Commission) there is also a great look out point over the city, The Central Business District. (CBD)
*Nairobi Railway Museum
We went there with both the boys and they absolutely loved it!
Matthew had some interest in the actual museum inside which we also quite liked.
But the best thing was running around outside, climbing (some with a little help) on the trains and exploring inside the trains.KSH 400 an adult, KSH 100 for kids, Kenyan Citizens for Free.
* A Kids Favourite!
* Nairobi National Park
Nice if your only in Nairobi for a few days,
for more info see the Blog Post Wild Animals.
Includes, at the main entrance; The Safari Walk (nice for kids) Animal Orphanage (horrible).
For the above is is (like with a lot of things) maintenance or lack of it..
The Park is great! Wild Nature with Nairobi skyline at the background really makes this unique!
* Acacia Camp on the Sawara-Kapiti plains, just past Athi River
See blog post
*City Park Nairobi, Limuru Road
Unfortunately we went there based on a guide book, not worth it unless you live close.
A park.. with lots of cheeky monkeys and quite some beggars.
If your are interested in cemeteries it might be interesting, with the several graves of Foreigners and Kenyans serving overseas ( The Kings Rifles) and also a memorial to Pinto and Tom Mboya.
*Arboretum of State House Road
Great to walk around, with a kiosk at the entrance.
Trees, water, grass, some monkey's and lots of birds and butterflies.
*Swimming & Golf at Village Market, Gigiri.
Swimming Pool, the High Tide with 6 (!!) slides, a wild water run with rubber tires a small toddlers pool and lots of seats and access to the restaurants like Steers and Debonnairs Pizza.Lots of fun for 'older children all is accessible for over 8 years old, others with parent only!
Mini-Golf course, 18 holes, Good fun.
Both are very cheap (or so do we think) for less than 20 euro's we did both the above with 4.
*Bomas of Kenya
Great place for Kenyan huts from all different tribes in the country,
Also great Dance, Music and Acrobatic shows in the afternoon!
A Must see with Children ! (Yes, a personal favourite)
http://www.bomasofkenya.co.ke/
* Kiambethu Teafarm
Great Family place just past Limuru north-west of Nairobi.
Explanation of the black tea growing & making process in Kenya, of course Tea to drink,
Walk around with a guide through the forrest with medicinal trees & shrubs.
See the tea fields and the Fantastic grounds with lots of birds and flowers.
Oh, and we had a great lunch too! See site for reservations.
http://www.kiambethufarm.co.ke/Tea.html
* Karura Forest, Nairobi off Limuru Road close to the United Nations.
(See post 11 in the Daily update series.)
We went there with 2 families, the youngest of one and a half being carried, the 4 yr old walking himself.
There is quite a bit of climbing, espescially after any rain it will be very slippy.
Lots of butterflies, birds, some smaller wildlife (although we did not see any) and nice trees and a waterfall!
http://www.kenyaforestservice.org/aboutus/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=146&Itemid=154
or
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karura_Forest
Did I forget something ? Do you disagree ? Let me know and it can be fixed!
Tips, Recommendations from all readers Welcome!
* Apartments
Underneath a short overview of apartments from EMM Consult and Hass Consult.
Sorted on price per month and valid in october 2012, and again checked last in April 2013 still valid.
(checked twice a month)
Area - kind of place, apartment / house - facilities, garden etc. - price in KSH
Valley Arcade (Lavington) - 2 Bedroom Apartment - no garden etc. KSH 65.000
Westlands - 5 bedroom Townhouse - garden KSH 110.000
Brookside - 3 bedroom apartment - garden KSH 120.000
Lavington - 4 bedroom Townhouse - garden & swimmingpool KSH 130.000
Kilimani - 5 bedroom house - garden & bbq area KSH 150.000
Westland - 4 bedroom house - garden KSH 150.000
Kileleshwa - 4 bedroom villa - garden KSH 200.000
Riverside - 4 bedroom townhouse - garden & pool KSH 250.000
Lavington - 8 bedroom townhouse - Garden, BBQ area and Swimming Pool KSH 300.000
You can see that there is a lot of difference, it is possible to rent a 4 bedroom for KSH 100.000
EMM Consult has at the moment a lot of properties in Westlands, further away from the Central Business District (CBD) in the " suburbs" but also cheaper, LOCATION!
It depends also a lot on how old the property is.
In areas like UMOJA, and BURUBURU live a lot of 'middle class' Kenyans and relatively less foreigners, cheaper housing, again location.
Area - kind of place, apartment / house - facilities, garden etc. - price in KSH
Lavington - 3 bedroom apartment - swimming pool , no gardens KSH 65.000
Kiambu Rd Eden Villa's - 3 bedroom villa - shared gardens - KSH 90.000
Parklands - 4 bedroom house - garden & pool KSH 100.000
Lavington - 4 bedroom maisonette - garden KSH 110.000
Westlands, Brookside - 3 bedroom - gym KSH 130.000
Hurlingham nr Yaya - 3 bedroom - Pool & Terrace KSH 135.000
Lavington - 3 bedroom apartment - no facilities mentioned KSH 140.000
Kilimani - 5 bedroom townhouse - garden KSH 150.000
Lavington - 4 bedroom townhouse - garden KSH 220.000
Hillview - 5 bedroom villa - gardens KSH 250.000
Riverside - 5 bedroom house - gardens & swimmingpool KSH 300.000
The above are all properties from Hass Consult, again LOCATION, which area and WHERE within
the area-neighbourhood is an important indicator for the PRICE.
(Most properties in Karen go from at least 200.000- KSH 250.000 and up in price.)
Also the number of bathrooms, bedrooms and other (inside) facilities play a big part.
For Instance:
WESTLANDS - 4 Bedroom Townhouse either KSH 110.000 OR 225.000
The Cheaper one is with a balcony and 2 bathrooms,
The 225 one is with more bathrooms, a fireplace, a study and a garden.
Once in Nairobi it is also a good idea to have a look around at Shopping Centres, like Yaya and Junction where there are noticeboards.The same in coffee places like Nairobi Java House to get an idea of prices.
Great recommendations, looking forward to seeing more details in the weeks to come. Keep up the exploring of your area :-)
ReplyDeleteThank You! we will do that.
ReplyDelete