Africa - Nairobi, kenya - recent experiences?

I originally posted this in the security forum... But it got no responses there, so i thought id repost here...

I'm in discussions with a new client regarding a possible speaking engagement in Nairobi later this year. While I've read the various write-ups from several consulates, I don't have a real sense of the risks involved. I would NOT be doing anything touristy... Airport-hotel-airport.

I've traveled to Johannesburg several times since 2000, and while it is classed as a moderate to high risk location - it poses me no concerns. Simple common sense precautions are sufficient to keep you reasonably safe for short trips. My comfort level is no doubt due in part to the fact that I grew up in SA so I might not be the best judge of how safe I really am.

How would Nairobi compare to Johannesburg? And do you have any firsthand experiences to relate?

If you search here you will see several threads on this subject. Nairobi isn't any more dangerous than most any other city in the world. If you go in the wrong place at the wrong time, you will be in trouble in Los Angeles, Paris, Rome, and certainly JoBerg.

Arrange for airport pickup from your hotel and you will be fine.

If you search here you will see several threads on this subject. Nairobi isn't any more dangerous than most any other city in the world. If you go in the wrong place at the wrong time, you will be in trouble in Los Angeles, Paris, Rome, and certainly JoBerg.

Arrange for airport pickup from your hotel and you will be fine.

Thanks

Hi. Nairobi is a pretty cool city. Even going out for dinner at night is pretty painless, as long as you exercise common sense. Airport - hotel is safe by road.

What hotel will you be staying at?

Hope you have a wonderful time here in Nairobi.

Nairobi is a pretty cool city. ^ Truer words were never spoken.

Then again, I'm one of those people who also like Joburg...

Would you guys mind elaborating a bit on what makes Nairobi cool, and any favorite local haunts/bars/restaurants/uniquely Nairobian things to see and do that might not be in the guidebooks? I'm trying to plan a trip to Kenya and Tanzania in November, and wondering how long to spend in and around Nairobi.
thanks!
Tom

The biggest threat to your well being in Nairobi is the intense wish to commit suicide when stuck in traffic. :)

The biggest threat to your well being in Nairobi is the intense wish to commit suicide when stuck in traffic. :)

That's what an iPhone is for! Games and/or Internet. Or you can take a nap as I do sometimes. But I have learned to leave the office by 2pm at the latest on Friday to avoid the heaviest mess.

As for bars and fun things to do, there are lots of posts about this on other threads here. Just search for Nairobi.

When we went to Nairobi years ago, everyone warned us not to walk anywhere. Even when we got to the Hilton, they warned us not to walk around outside the hotel. We were terrified when we had to walk over to the building where British Airways is located just a block and a half away. Of course, nothing happened and no one even tried anything. Too bad we didn't get to see more of the place.

We had a good experience at NBO airport when we arrived...couldn't find the driver we booked through Hilton. In the midst of a mass of people, there was a kiosk (after you come out of customs and immigration) and we stood there with our luggage for a while looking around. The man at the kiosk asked if we needed help and we explained we couldn't find our driver. He sent a colleague out to look for him who came back a few minutes later and took us to where the driver was. We tried to tip him and he said it was not necessary. Very kind. And a very nice arrival experience.