Fairmont Norfolk Hotel
distinctive Camp | Nairobi, Kenya
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The history of colonial Kenya speaks from the walls of this iconic hotel. Opened in 1904, the Norfolk remains among Nairobi’s finest and best-known hotels, still the traditional starting point for safaris as it was when it commenced service while Nairobi was a rough outpost in British East Africa. In the heart of the modern capital today, the genteel Norfolk is now under the management of the Fairmont Hotel group.
Our Expert Says
Look up ‘classic African hotels,’ and I can assure you that you’ll find the Norfolk Hotel somewhere near the top of the list. Safaris are generally not about the gateway city you overnight in en route, but when you stay at a classic place such as the Norfolk, you’ll add a historical element to your adventure.
– Ben Bressler
The Hotel
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Number of Rooms: 170
An easy transfer from Nairobi’s airports, the Norfolk Hotel is a classic place to start or end a safari. The Lord Delamere Terrace, steeped in history, is Nairobi's most famous meeting place, where drinks and light meals are served from morning until midnight in view of Nairobi’s cityscape. The Norfolk Hotel today, remodeled for its centennial in 2004, boasts 170 guest rooms and suites, a heated outdoor swimming pool, health club, beauty salon, bookshop and six restaurants that cater to the gourmet palate and casual diner alike. A wine bar and classic tea room invite relaxing conversation. All guest rooms are luxuriously furnished with refined contemporary décor that evokes the elegance of old. Plush carpeting and soft velour fabrics lend a cozy, comfortable ambience. Guest rooms have bedside lamps, dressing tables, built-in wardrobes and luggage racks. Every room has a direct-dial telephone, satellite television, electrical mosquito repellent and air conditioning. Back-up generators in the hotel ensure reliable 24-hour electricity.
Facilities & Amenities
- En suite bathroom with shower (some tubs)
- Hair dryer
- Air conditioning
- Mini bar
- 220v charging outlets in room
- In-room safe
- Central pool
- Spa (extra cost)
- Fitness center
- Wi-Fi
- Laundry (extra cost)
- Credit cards accepted (Visa and MasterCard)
Wildlife Viewing & Activities
Nairobi is most often a gateway into Kenya's wildlife-rich areas, but Nairobi National Park can be a great introduction to the wildlife of East Africa. The below chart shows typical sightings of major species, while other possible sightings may include hartebeest, ostrich and a number of other mammals, birds and reptiles. Exact sightings will depend on weather and wildlife movements.
| Country | Park/Reserve |
Black Rhino
|
Buffalo
|
Eland
|
Giraffe
|
Hippo
|
Hyena
|
Leopard
|
Lion
|
White Rhino
|
Zebra
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya | Nairobi |
| Usually viewed | Frequently viewed | Occasionally viewed | Sporadically viewed | Rarely to never viewed |
Climate
| Month | Max | Min | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 80° F | 56° F | 2.06 in |
| 26° C | 13° C | 52 mm | |
| February | 82° F | 56° F | 2.33 in |
| 27° C | 13° C | 59 mm | |
| March | 82° F | 58° F | 3.24 in |
| 27° C | 14° C | 82 mm | |
| April | 78° F | 59° F | 4.73 in |
| 25° C | 15° C | 120 mm | |
| May | 76° F | 58° F | 4.34 in |
| 24° C | 14° C | 110 mm | |
| June | 75° F | 54° F | 0.83 in |
| 23° C | 12° C | 21 mm | |
| July | 73° F | 53° F | 0.48 in |
| 22° C | 11° C | 12 mm | |
| August | 74° F | 53° F | 0.95 in |
| 23° C | 11° C | 24 mm | |
| September | 78° F | 54° F | 0.76 in |
| 25° C | 12° C | 19 mm | |
| October | 80° F | 56° F | 1.37 in |
| 26° C | 13° C | 35 mm | |
| November | 77° F | 58° F | 4.66 in |
| 25° C | 14° C | 118 mm | |
| December | 77° F | 57° F | 3.2 in |
| 25° C | 13° C | 81 mm |