Tamarind Tree Hotel: Our full report

An international-style hotel on the larger side, opened in 2018, the Tamarind Tree offers convenience and ...

... comfort with the advantageous location of being right next to Wilson Airport.

With spacious and modern rooms, the Tamarind Tree hotel offers a familiar international hotel feel, ideal for overnight recouperation before heading out on safari. Despite being a large hotel the Tamarind is locally owned rather than being part of a large chain, and feels relaxed and friendly. We loved the styling with colourful fabrics and contemporary African art.

The Tamarind Tree has 160 rooms and suites split into three different categories:

96 standard double rooms and 45 standard twin rooms. These are nicely designed with either a king-sized double or two twin beds, comfortable chair, desk, flat-screen TV and storage area. Each room has an en-suite bathroom with a rain shower and twin basins. The rooms are nicely designed and the colourful throws make them feel fresh and modern.

15 suites, which are further split into superior suites, junior suites, executive suites and a family suite. These are all similar in design to the standard rooms, however with an increased lounge area, and in the case of the executive suite a work desk and office space.

Four accessibility rooms which are comparable in design to the standard rooms, however these are wheelchair accessible, with a completely level floor and wet rooms.

The hotel is located in the Carnivore grounds with full access to the famous Carnivore restaurant (pre-booking is advised). If you prefer a wider range of international cuisine, you might enjoy dinner at the hotel's stylish Tamambo restaurant, following a cocktail at the Dawa lounge. For lighter, grab-and-go meals, the Duka Coffee shop offers an array of snacks and excellent coffee.

The hotel has a 20-metre, heated outdoor swimming pool surrounded by a flagstone patio and loungers. There is also a large and well equipped gym as well as a spa offering massages and various treatments.

For travellers with a few hours to spend in the Kenyan capital, a range of popular city attractions, such as the Karen Blixen Museum, the Giraffe Centre, Sheldricks Elephant Orphanage, and Nairobi National Park are easily reached from the hotel. Nairobi can only be explored by vehicle: chat to the Expert Africa team and we can arrange for you to spend the day with a private vehicle and guide.

Our view

The Tamarind Tree is a smart and comparatively economical hotel in a great location within Nairobi. We liked the fresh, modern design and the range of dining options, including Nairobi’s iconic Carnivore restaurant. It is a good option for an overnight before or after your time on safari.

Lyndsey Marris

Kenya expert

Geographics

Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Ideal length of stay: Spend a night or two here before or after your time on safari.
Directions: The Tamarind Tree is around 30-60 minutes from Nairobi JKI Airport, or around a 10-minute drive from Wilson domestic airport.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Bed & Breakfast
Food quality: The Tamarind Tree is booked on a bed and breakfast basis as standard, with breakfast being served in the Tamambo restaurant. This is an expansive buffet with a variety of hot and cold dishes, with eggs being cooked to order. There are then a range of lunch and dinner options, such as the Duka coffee shop, Dawa Lounge or Carnivore restaurant. Or alternatively you may choose to go out and explore the Nairobi foodie scene.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: Room service can be arranged on request, and menus are provided in the rooms.
Drinks included: Drinking water is provided in the rooms. All other drinks are then at extra cost, ranging from around $2 for a soft drink to around $5 for a beer or glass of wine.

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are welcome
Property’s age restrictions: There is no age restriction
Special activities & services: Children may enjoy the large swimming pool, although there is no lifeguard and adult supervision is advised.

Communications

Power supply notes: There is a generator in case of any power cuts.
Communications: Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the hotel.
TV & radio: Large flat-screen TVs are installed in each room.
Water supply: Mains
Water supply notes: The hotel has mains water supply.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: Staff are first aid trained and the hotel is located close to medical facilities.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: There is 24 hour security in place and the hotel is surrounded by a security fence.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers throughout the hotel.

Activities

4WD Safari

Extras

Disabled access: In Place
Laundry facilities: Laundry is available at an additional cost.
Money: Most currencies can be exchanged if required.
Accepted payment on location: Most international currencies and credit cards are accepted.