As well as a thriving capital, Nairobi is a layover city for those on the way to Lamu Island or the plains of Masai Mara. Travellers zipping in and out often find themselves with lengthy layovers: domestic and international flights aren’t always well timed and the two airports – Jomo Kenyatta and Wilson – are a 30-minute drive from each other, making for tense stopovers.

To buy time, some travellers book into generic airport hotels. But those in the know opt for The Retreat, a collection of day rooms at Giraffe Manor. The hotel is located in the leafy suburb of Langata and known, as the name suggests, for its wildlife. Here, layovers can be maximised and enjoyed rather than endured.

The Retreat was created specifically for those who have a couple of hours to kill between flights. Upstairs, a collection of suites overlooks the gardens. Travellers can take a nap or spend time in the communal areas; swimming in the pool, lounging around the fireplace or eating at the hotel restaurant, Daisy’s. The spa is probably the biggest pre- and post-flight draw, with a sauna, steam room and gym, as well as treatments for tight neck muscles and dry skin.

After checking in and freshening up, there are ample ways to maximise a layover and whittle away the hours in Kenya’s capital, a buzzing metropolis worth exploring in its own right. The city’s art scene is booming thanks to the Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute highlighting the work of East African artists. Gallery hopping and long meals at restaurants such as the highly recommended Cultiva are best enjoyed once you’ve scrubbed up post long-haul flight.

For those passing through Nairobi, finding the right base camp from which to recharge can set the tone of a trip. Perhaps in-between hotels would work elsewhere too.
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