NBO / Nairobi Airport - Connections, Facilities, Layovers, etc.
Mar 12, 2014, 6:59 pm
#152
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Sacramento, CA
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As far as I remember staying in the Mara costs you also at least 150 US$ per day (park fees ~75 USD$, lodge minimum 75 US$ per person)
I am not aware that there are any lounges at the arrival terminal at NBO currently.
Even at the departure terminal the situation went from bad to worse in terms of lounges since the fire last year at JKIA. I don't expect that this will change a great deal until August.
A couple of weeks ago there was an attempted bombing at one of the land-side cafes at NBO Jomo Kenyatta Airport (JKIA). Security has been tightened since, however I don't know if I'd stay in the airport longer than necessary.
I am not aware that there are any lounges at the arrival terminal at NBO currently.
Even at the departure terminal the situation went from bad to worse in terms of lounges since the fire last year at JKIA. I don't expect that this will change a great deal until August.
A couple of weeks ago there was an attempted bombing at one of the land-side cafes at NBO Jomo Kenyatta Airport (JKIA). Security has been tightened since, however I don't know if I'd stay in the airport longer than necessary.
I am flying out this coming Saturday night and had posted in the this thread
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/swiss...ss-lounge.html
in the Swiss Air forum about NBO Swiss Air Lounge status (there isn't one) and one reply in that thread for how to spend a few hours before I leave (flight is midnight) was to have my driver take me to a restaurant that is convenient.
In Jan they had no lounge, not even for F pax. I think the only lounge is KQ and being really small they restrict access to their passengers (was there last month and it is really drab anyway). I suggest you have a drink and snack/dinner at Ole Sereni and then get a short ride to the airport 2hrs before the flight.
Read that thread for more comments on status of airport.
Mar 13, 2014, 1:57 am
#153
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I was going to say the great thing about NBO is that arrivals go through the departure terminal to reach immigration, so you could have used one of the First class lounges, which accept Priority Pass which is free with the right type of American Express card. However as others have noted, the fire has changed things at NBO and I don't know what the current status is with lounges.
Apr 25, 2014, 7:19 am
#154
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: ATW
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 72
If you are at NBO for three hours, I wouldn't leave the airport; that is silly. There aren't any "freshen up" places close by. No airport hotels either. So, stay at the airport, bring a dry hand towel, and take a quick towel bath in one of the airport bathrooms.
BTW: I just returned from NBO a few days ago. The only lounge is in the departure zone. ALL international flights require that you pass through customs at the (new) parking ramp that is now the arrival checkpoint. Then, you will need to walk a little bit to re-enter the departure zone AND pass through security as though you were a new passenger. Indeed, make sure you have your transit visa (which you can get prior to leaving your country) and then head directly to your departure airline terminal. In the last 15 trips to Kenya, I have never had to show an immunization card, but I keep it with me just in case.
BTW: When you disembark at NBO, there are no jetways. You need to board a bus for a long ride to the customs area. Make sure you get near the left side doors of the bus as they open at the customs hall and you can rush to the "other passports" (non-VISA) line. If you check luggage, don't rush. It takes a long time to get luggage at NBO even if you are Sky Priority.
Best of luck!
BTW: I just returned from NBO a few days ago. The only lounge is in the departure zone. ALL international flights require that you pass through customs at the (new) parking ramp that is now the arrival checkpoint. Then, you will need to walk a little bit to re-enter the departure zone AND pass through security as though you were a new passenger. Indeed, make sure you have your transit visa (which you can get prior to leaving your country) and then head directly to your departure airline terminal. In the last 15 trips to Kenya, I have never had to show an immunization card, but I keep it with me just in case.
BTW: When you disembark at NBO, there are no jetways. You need to board a bus for a long ride to the customs area. Make sure you get near the left side doors of the bus as they open at the customs hall and you can rush to the "other passports" (non-VISA) line. If you check luggage, don't rush. It takes a long time to get luggage at NBO even if you are Sky Priority.
Best of luck!
Last edited by advancepsy; Apr 25, 2014 at 7:27 am Reason: Update
May 4, 2014, 9:28 am
#155
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Programs: DL
Posts: 66
We downloaded form 22 from the Kenya embassy Canadian visa sight, and filled them out at home. We were 2nd in line to get our visas, as no one else had the form filled out. We were thru the visa desk in 5 minutes for the 2 of us. Also, if you are travelling with your spouse, they only take fingerprints from one of you. The cost was $50 used each, and the agent gave us each a receipt.
May 5, 2014, 12:49 am
#156
Join Date: May 2006
Location: NBO, MEL
Programs: QR Platinum, TK Elite
Posts: 1,357
If you are in transit through Nairobi, there is a separate bus that takes you to the departure lounges. There is no need to get a transit visa, etc.
The airline lounges / first class lounge still do not exist. Only Kenya Airways has one for their Business Class passengers (no Gold / Platinum) and Skyteam Business class passengers.
In regards to the fingerprints, they usually take fingerprints from all passengers. Odd that they only took prints from one of you.
The airline lounges / first class lounge still do not exist. Only Kenya Airways has one for their Business Class passengers (no Gold / Platinum) and Skyteam Business class passengers.
In regards to the fingerprints, they usually take fingerprints from all passengers. Odd that they only took prints from one of you.
May 6, 2014, 9:35 pm
#157
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: ATW
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 72
There aren't ANY lounges upon arrival at NBO. The jet bridges are non-functional right now, thus, deplaning is accomplished by a jet staircase. Then, you take a bus to the arrival area (which is the newly built parking garage). It is best to stand by the left side of the bus door and then quickly ("bum rush") to the customs area. It is best to have your arrival forms filled out so you can proceed to the appropriate customs station for processing.
May 21, 2014, 6:47 am
#159
Join Date: May 2006
Location: NBO, MEL
Programs: QR Platinum, TK Elite
Posts: 1,357
No big change. There are no lounges, except for Kenya Airways (and Skyteam) Business Class only (no elites). BA has set aside an area in their departure area where they serve tea/coffee and water to F/J/Elites.
Near gate 14 is a Java Coffee House. Good for a meal, coffee and beer.
Otherwise, bring a good book, iPad loaded with movies, etc. The airport is boring and rather shite.
Near gate 14 is a Java Coffee House. Good for a meal, coffee and beer.
Otherwise, bring a good book, iPad loaded with movies, etc. The airport is boring and rather shite.
Aug 4, 2014, 11:16 am
#161
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 4
NBO VIP Airport Lounges for Business Class on Turkish Airlines or Star Alliance?
We will be travelling business class on Turkish Air in mid-September from NBO. Is anyone aware whether there are any VIP or other lounges available/open at NBO? I believe I saw that Kenya Air has a lounge but I am not sure if one can get access if traveling on Turkish Air. If Turkish Air passengers cannot access any open lounges, is there any place where I can access wifi in the airport? Any help would be appreciated?
Aug 4, 2014, 11:19 am
#162
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Slightly to the left of center
Posts: 3,475
Go to Nairobi Java House (it is open late...past midnight) and relax. Better than the *A lounge that use to be available. Free 15 minutes wifi at JKIA, which I image you can "renew" by deleting cookies and logging in again
Aug 5, 2014, 1:28 am
#163
Join Date: May 2006
Location: NBO, MEL
Programs: QR Platinum, TK Elite
Posts: 1,357
Since the fire, there are no lounges except for KQ Business Class passengers only. As suggested above, use the free airport WiFi. I believe Java have their own WiFi which you can use if you are dining with them.
Dec 30, 2014, 7:37 am
#165
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: London/Beijing/Sub saharan Africa
Programs: GGL, BA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 67
Normally they meet you at the aircraft steps or gate and take you through a short cut to the relevant departure area so 1 hour is not normally a problem. Your main concern is any flight delay on the first leg which gets you there with say less than 30 minutes to spare.