moneyburns

Has anyone flown through NBO (JKIA) as of late? Wondering if there is a lounge other than Kenya Air (for only their pax) or is it still the crazed" everyone sitting on the floor airport" I remember from 2010-- when I swore I'd never use it again.

Thats what I get for swearing. I AM going back. Africa pulls you know. So I have a 6hr wait before my trip home and with only a carryon and small pack I can check in on line 24 hrs earlier (believe it or not the new Mara Plains has wifi...not that I want it, but nice to check in!)
SO I really don't need to be there longer than 2 hrs.

Flying Biz Emirates. I'd would rather stay out of the airport central as it ruins my Africa Safari buzz I like to take home with me. Is there a lounge at all for biz and is it worth the bother - or as crazy as the terminals?

I can get a day room at a nearish hotel that I will use the night I fly "IN" to begin; but only for 2-3 hours, though to me a shower and freshen up before return to states on a plane might be worth it. LONG ride...I honestly dread this airport esp traveling alone. Hoping the fire made them renovate with some thought.


Thanks for any updates.

sdb2

Your topic was discussed recently at TA. Maybe that would help.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...i-Nairobi.html

KathBC

"Hoping the fire made them renovate with some thought."

Couldn't agree with you more! This airport desperately needs adequate seating areas for all passengers plus lounges for those looking for a bit of quiet.

moneyburns

SDB2 I did see those reports on TA; I was hoping for more recent reports, as those were HOPEFUL; I am looking for"reality" and thought someone on Fodors may be been recently over the holidays. OH well, still have a month; news may trickle in.I am thinking of a day room to tide me over. I remember well the chaos of our last trip (and at least I had a companion) and do not want to deal with it. What is Kenya's problem - they want visitors but give the wrong impression coming and going!


KathBC, isn't it the truth; I fear going back to that airport - it ruins my safari highs!

sdb2

I'm with you when it comes to getting away from the main concourse area. I used the inaptly named First Class Lounges (they appeared to me to be second class at best). But the lounges were at least modestly comfortable. Good luck.

Sapphire

This is not a recent report as we were there in July 2014, but it seemed that the airport was still a work in progress at that time. We stayed at our hotel (Ole Sereni) after checking out of our rooms - sipping beverages and ordering some food as we looked out on the Nairobi National Park - until a few hours before our flight. But then we went straight to British Air and sat in their gate area after clearing their additional security checks.

Traffic in Nairobi seemed more congested in July than during our previous visits, so that may factor into whether you stay at the airport or spend a couple of hours at a hotel. But traveling light will definitely smooth the way as you arrive and leave Kenya.

Hope you enjoy your trip!

moneyburns

Thanks for all the replies. My flight is now changed and I only have a few hours so I will tough it out in the airport. At least it is shorter time frame.

Happy New Year and Happy Travels!

KathBC

Come back and give us an update on how things are progressing with the renos.

Perhaps during those few hours you could scout out an airport official and provide them with some much needed constructive criticism!