Although I had planned on exploring Kenya high and low this year, I’ve of course been spending my days exploring the inside of my apartment, just like everyone else, instead. But since lockdown restrictions have eased a little, it’s been so nice to get out and see a bit more of our new home. So far I’ve managed to visit Lamu Island (just before COVID!) and Diani Beach (more coming soon!) but we had a bit of cabin fever recently, and decided to spend a night in a super cute Airbnb about 30 minutes from our home.
Located on a large private property in the suburb of Karen, just outside of Nairobi, The Brandy Bus is a renovated and restored old double decker London bus, imported to Nairobi in the 1950’s. It has been lovingly revamped into a fully kitted-out tiny home, complete with a kitchen, patio (with a fire place!) and a fully-functioning bathroom. It sleeps 4 people in 2 double beds on the top deck, but it’s the perfect spot for a romantic night away from the frantic energy of Nairobi for a couple, too.
I love finding unique places to stay, whether I’m travelling somewhere new or planning a staycation in my own city. A change of scenery can help put life into perspective, and a night somewhere inspiring can help get your own creative juices flowing. And if inspiration is what you’re looking for, The Brandy Bus will not disappoint. It’s surrounded by a huge, tranquil garden, with birdsong ringing from every treetop and squirrels popping by to drink from the bird bath.
There’s fast wifi and electricity on the bus, so you can get some emails done during your stay if you need to, and a huge collection of CDs (that’s right – remember those?) to add a soundtrack to your visit. Downstairs there’s a comfy living area, a breakfast bar and the kitchen. Karen is famous for some really good food, so we treated ourselves and ordered in from Haru Sushi for dinner.
The Brandy Bus is close to most of Nairobi’s major sites and landmarks, like the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where visitors can watch orphaned baby elephants get a bottle-fed dinner and the Giraffe Centre, where you can hand-feed beautiful Rothschild’s giraffes yourself! It’s a great place to base yourself if you’re visiting Nairobi, or to get away from big city life if you’re local.
We loved our little staycation, and I can’t wait to explore more of Nairobi’s hidden gems soon!
Website: The Brandy Bus on Airbnb
One comment
Lovely review! Thank you for visiting Kenya and glad you went back with memorable experiences. Karibu tena! (welcome back)