Milimani Backpackers

Milimani Backpackers is a budget hostel in the suburb of Karen, down a quiet gated lane about 20 minutes' drive from the city centre. It offers an affordable, sociable base on the green south-western side of Nairobi, close to many of the city's wildlife sights and to Wilson Airport, the departure point for many safari flights.

There is a good spread of room types. Dorms keep costs down for solo travellers, while private rooms with shared bathrooms, en-suite family rooms and studio-style self-contained cabins in the garden suit couples, families and anyone who wants more privacy. Breakfast is included, and the kitchen and bar serve food and drinks throughout the day. Note that there is no guest kitchen, so plan on eating from the hostel menu or nearby restaurants rather than cooking for yourself.

The communal lounge has power points for charging devices and laptops, Wi-Fi is free, and the garden has outdoor tables under umbrellas, which makes it an easy place to meet other travellers and swap safari plans. Security staff are on duty 24 hours a day, which adds peace of mind for solo travellers. The self-contained garden cabins are a good choice for longer stays or for travellers who want their own space at a hostel price.

The location is practical. Lang'ata Road, where matatus run towards the city centre, is about three minutes' walk away, and The Hub shopping mall in Karen, with its restaurants, cafés and shops, is about five minutes on foot. The Giraffe Centre, the Karen Blixen Museum and Uhuru Gardens are all nearby, and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust nursery and Nairobi National Park are a short drive further. Karen's restaurants, including Talisman and Cultiva, are easy to reach by taxi in the evening.

The hostel suits backpackers, solo travellers, volunteers and budget-minded families who prefer a garden setting to the busy central business district. Book ahead in peak safari months, particularly if you want a cabin or a family room. Use taxis or ride-hailing apps after dark rather than walking or taking matatus, and ask the hostel about trusted drivers for airport runs and early safari starts.