ESSENTIALS

Getting there & around

British Airways and Kenya Airways fly from Heathrow to Nairobi. ba.com kenya-airways.com Average flight time: 8.5h KLM, Air France, Ethiopian and Emirates offer one-stop flights via their national hubs. klm.com airfrance.co.uk ethiopianairlines.com emirates.com Cars dominate the streets in Nairobi, leaving little room for pedestrians. The most convenient and cheapest way to cover long distances in the city is by using Uber. Public minibuses (matatus) also operate, but they can be crowded and uncomfortable. Alternatively, hire a car with driver for the day for around £81 (for up to six people). uber.com viator.com

When to go

The dry season falls between June and October when temperatures are also cooler — especially at night. But even during the summer months (December to mid-March), warmer weather is still tolerable (up to 28C). There are two rainy seasons: mid-March to May and late October to December.

More info

Unbowed: My Autobiography, by Wangari Maathai (Arrow, £8.99) The Cockroach Dance, by Meja Mwangi (HM Books, £12.99) A Grain of Wheat, by Ngugi wa Thiong'o (Penguin, £9.99) Out of Africa (film, 1985) Magical Kenya. magicalkenya.com

How to do it

ABERCROMBIE & KENT offers three nights at Hemingways Nairobi from £899 per person (two people sharing a Deluxe Room) on a B&B basis. Excludes flights. abercrombiekent.co.uk