5 Things to Do in Jomo Kenyatta International Airport during a layover (Expectation vs Reality).

Note: This post was written in 2018. A lot may have changed.

I am traveling to Kigali, Rwanda – and what I am dreading more than anything is my 5 hour layover in Nairobi, Kenya.

I detest layovers. I generally do not like flying at all. I remember before I first got on a flight and I really used to look forward to the days I would be flying – but after sitting on consecutive 9 hour flights and at times fullday layovers, I realised I just like getting to the destination and I am not in the least bit amused with the long hours of sitting down in one place.

Rwanda is est 3hrs away from my country, but because of layovers, it takes a little too long. Take for example, I depart Malawi at 0940 tomorrow and only arrive in Kigali at 1830 – due to a 5 hour layover in Nairobi.

5 hours seems like a long time. The catch is, the traffic in Nairobi is insane. My friends even warned me to say 5 hours on a bad day would be just enough to get from the aiport into tow and back to make it for my flight. So I have been thinking of ways to get creative with spending my 5 hours waiting for my connecting flight.

EXPECTATION

I have managed to look up online what “cool” things there are to do in Jomo Kenyatta because I do not intend to leave the airport this time as I am already getting two days in Nairobi on my return. I managed to find a very helpful article as was written by Puja on Trip 101.

I am taking Puja’s recommendations, and will blog about the real life experience – if it is as enjoyable. I will do a contrast and comparison of the 5 things she said one can do in Jomo Kenyatta.

She recommend 5 things to do in JKIA:

1. Experience the life-size animals from every angle

2. Learn about the Kenyan community through art

3. Relaxation and re-energising spa treatments

4. Recharge yourself and devices in a lounge

5. Have a great safari in the airport

Those were the recommended activities, and I am looking forward to trying them out for myself. Let’s hope I can manage to do them all in the amount of time and within my budget. I also hope to go shopping for a bit and we will see how that goes.

I will be updating this post as I go, and I hope you find it helpful.

REALITY

I landed in Kenya, on the 8th of November, 2018 at 12:50 (11:50) Malawian time. I had three things on me – my carry-on bag, my camera and my handbag. The first thing on my mind was getting a hold of the WiFi, but I couldn’t seem to get access on my phone to the main Airport Wi-Fi. This left me frustrated as I really fail to function without access to the internet.

I walked around the airport for a bit till I managed to get access to some Wi-Fi that belonged to some restaurant/cafe I should believe – which was near the Maya Duty Free shop on the right wing of the airport near Terminal 1B, facing the Java Cafe.

1. Experience the life-size animals from every angle

EXPECTATION:

As Kenya is so proud of what it has to offer, there are some very creative reminders of the gorgeous animals that have made home in this country. 
 Elephants, Buffaloes, Cheetahs, Leopards, Lions, Giraffes, Monkeys; you name it, and you will find it in Kenya and your introduction of seeing these animals will be at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport itself. As you walk through the airport, you will find windows with life-size animal imprints on and as you look up at the ceiling, you will find an abundance of little life-size statues of colourful birds flying above.

REALITY

I was really excited about seeing the lifesize animals in the Jomo Kenyatta airport. Perhaps I ended up in the wrong terminal, because the inside of the airport definitely did not have them. That was my second disappointment, after the Wi-Fi situation. I almost gave up, but I was lucky to board my flight from the outside of the airport (using the bus) and behold – the lifesize animals on the glass panes! Yes I got my view! 

2. Learn about the Kenyan community through art

EXPECTATION

Culture and history are profound in Kenya, which is reflected in many forms of art including visual art, which specifically depicts and reflects the local people. If and when you are walking through art galleries or even on one of the coastal beaches, you will see an abundance of artwork displayed of Kenyan people, including the famous Maasai. The Maasai are a tribe that have clung onto and preserved their traditional way of life in Kenya, despite western cultural influences. They are most distinctive in their culture, dress style and approach to survival and one of the reasons that many tourists travel to see Kenya is to see them in their habitat.

Unsurprisingly, you will find artwork that reflects the Maasai and other local communities throughout Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Seeing and enjoying the abundance of artwork displayed throughout the airport actually makes it a very leisurely experience during a time that is usually quite hectic and busy and makes one’s experience in Jomo Kenyatta International Airport a surprisingly calming one.

REALITY

I love learning about other cultures. I learned a few things about Kenyans through the shops and observing the people walking around the airport. There are so many shops that sell antiques, which will tell you this and that about Kenya. The Masaai sandals remain my favorite thing about Kenya. Yes!

I also like to observe how different people look from different parts of the world. My time in Jomo Kenyatta Airport led me to the conclusion that some Kenyans share similar attributes to Ethiopians (nilotes) which some of them looked much like the Rwandan people to me.

3. Relaxation and re-energising spa treatments

EXPECTATION

The Tulia Spa located within Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa offers tourists and locals the opportunity to indulge in some revitalising treatments. The opportunity and experience to relax, unwind and de-stress is available in different locations and for different prices across Kenya, and this option is also represented in Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

This is because it has its own spa within the airport that is called Sheri Palm Spa, which is located in terminal 1A, level 2 and gives travellers the chance to have a real pampering experience. If you fancy a massage, body scrub, manicure, or even a haircut, the Sheri Spa can make it happen for you. 

REALITY

I really wish I had enough time to check out the spa.  The Sheri spa is actually quite affordable.

It offers 30 different treatments that range from 1547 KSH – 12378 KSH (15 USD – 120 USD). If you want to feel refreshed but are short of time, the Sheri Palm Spa has a “jet lag express service” menu, which includes options like 15 minute back massage (for 2578 KSH (25 USD).

I managed to get a shot of their reference desk – so if you ever feel like checking them out, do visit this desk and they will direct you to the location of the spa. Let me know how good they are!

4. Recharge yourself and devices in a lounge

EXPECTATION

On the topic of relaxation and re-energising, if you simply want somewhere where you can truly rest for a few hours and recharge your batteries and yourself, then one of the many private lounges are recommended. There are a number of lounges located after security and closer to the boarding gates throughout the various terminals in the airport. Examples of some of the lounges available include the Aspire Lounge, Turkish Airlines Star Alliance Lounge, Mara Lounge, Mount Kenya Lounge, Pride Lounge or the Simba Lounge. Some of these lounges are open 24 hours a day, so whatever time your flight is arriving or departing, they are available to make sure you have the most comforting time in Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

The Pride or Simba Lounges if you are in terminal 1 of the airport, celebrate Africa with their design and interior including the seating, which in some parts reflects that of a modern and beautiful circular Maasai hut; this is perfect for sharing and meeting fellow travellers. The lounges offer free Wi-Fi, ample snacks and drinks (including alcoholic) that are replenished regularly and also washroom and shower facilities. There are complimentary newspapers and magazines available so that you can keep up-to-date with the news and current affairs. With the amenities available, you will feel more like you’re in a cool and modern hotel as opposed to an airport! The cost to access either of these lounges is 4126 KSH (40 USD) per person and whilst expensive, I would have to say it is entirely worth it if you have a long layover.

REALITY

After walking around for about an hour or two and realising I still had 4 more hours in this airport, I had to think of where I can recharge my devices. Looking for a free socket next to a chair was an option, but I was also starting to feel hungry. Lounges really scare my pocket (I am not really sure why) so I thought of finding a restaurant. First thing I ask when I get to any restaurant in any airport is “Do you have charging port?”

The first restaurant I tried did not have any ports. The second one however had way too many, and I got settled right in!

I wish I could remember the waiter who served me this day (I probably will do and update you soon) but he was amazing! He saw my camera and asked me if I do photography for a living. I smiled, and said I am. It is easier than having to explain to someone what being a “storyteller” is. After all, photography is a part of the job description anyway!

I wish I could remember the name of the waiter who served me on this day (I probably will, and will update you soon). He’s the one standing by the counter, wearing a black tee and dark blue jeans, and he was amazing!
He saw my camera and asked me if I do photography for a living. I smiled, and said I do. It is easier, than having to explain to someone what being a “storyteller” is. After all, capturing people and moments is a part of the job anyway!

He told me he was happy to see an African telling African stories. “The first question most Caucasians ask when they get here is if we have clean water. I find it really offensive, but I realise that the problem is the image of Africa that has been painted out there. It’s good to see African stories being rewritten by Africans.”

I asked him what was best on the menu, and he recommended a smoothie and a sandwich. I remember the sandwich being sooo hot, but it was nice. I spent near 2 hours eating slowly (as always) and editing some content. He kept coming around to check on me and even warmed my sandwich when he suspected it was getting cold. I overtipped him when I was leaving, but he really deserved it.

5. Have a great safari in the airport

EXPECTATION

Visiting Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is an insightful and positive experience. If you have to transit through Nairobi whether it be for business or pleasure, you will likely ind it to be a smooth process. If you have resources available, consider the spa treatments or/and a lounge experience. However, if you’re of limited resources, then wander around and enjoy the art on display all over the airport. Notice how each piece is different and has a story yet connects with another piece in the airport. And as the Kenyan’s would say, have a great “safari” (which means “journey” in Swahili) in the airport, you will be surprised to find that your airport experience can be quite calming, mindful and leisurely.

REALITY

When all my devices were charged and I was content with the amount of footage I had edited, I felt like taking a stroll and exploring the airport. I did not go far, as I kept trying to stay close to the Wi-Fi (a prisoner of my own addictions). I still managed to walk far enough and check out a few shops and lounge areas. Overall, it was not a dreadful experience.

Without knowing and referring to my life, I realise I did manage to do all the 5 recommended things in Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. I managed to buy some sandals for myself and my entire family. I also bought my boyfriend his favourite whiskey. In no time, I was boarding my next flight on my way to Kigali, Rwanda.

Let me know how you spend your layover in Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

All my love,

Ntha x