Emara Ole-Sereni is the hotel to choose if you want to wake up looking at wildlife. It stands on Mombasa Road at the edge of Nairobi National Park, and its park-facing rooms and terraces look straight out over the plains, where you may spot giraffes, zebras and buffalo from your window. It is also one of the most convenient hotels for the airport, which the hotel puts about 12 kilometres away, making it an easy first or last night on a safari trip. The 134 rooms and suites are modern and comfortable. On the roof, the Sky Lounge has an infinity pool and a bar with views over the park and the city, and the hotel also runs the Eagles Steakhouse, the Big Five restaurant, a snack bar, the Karibu Café and the Maskaan Lounge for evening cocktails. There is a spa with treatment rooms and a health club with steam rooms and saunas. Expedia lists it as Ole Sereni, rated 8.4 out of 10 from 750 reviews, with reviews into October 2026.
Location and getting around: the hotel is on Mombasa Road near the Southern Bypass, between the city centre and the airport. Nairobi National Park is right beside it, and the Sheldrick nursery, the Giraffe Centre and Karen are reached along the Southern Bypass, so this is a good base for the wildlife side of the city. The city centre is a short drive outside rush hour, and the Nairobi Expressway runs nearby.
The rooms: rooms come in park-view and city-view versions. Ask for a park-view room when you book; that view is the reason to stay here.
Who it suits: travellers with an early flight or a late arrival, safari-goers who want a first glimpse of animals before they head out, and couples who want a sundowner with a view of the plains. It is also a sensible choice for business visitors heading to the industrial area or the airport.
Good to know: breakfast is charged separately on some rates. Parking is free but limited. The hotel offers paid airport transfers. Mombasa Road is a busy highway, so you will want a car or ride-hail app rather than walking.
Why stay here
- ✓Views over Nairobi National Park
- ✓Rooftop infinity pool at Sky Lounge
- ✓Eagles Steakhouse
- ✓Spa and health club
- ✓Steam rooms and saunas
- ✓About 12 km from the airport
- ✓Free parking
- ✓24-hour in-room dining
Good questions
Can you see animals from Emara Ole-Sereni?+
Yes, the hotel overlooks Nairobi National Park, and guests often see giraffes, zebras and buffalo on the plains. Ask for a park-view room to make the most of it.
How far is Emara Ole-Sereni from the airport?+
The hotel puts Jomo Kenyatta International Airport about 12 kilometres away. That makes it one of the most convenient hotels for early flights.
Is Ole Sereni the same hotel as Emara Ole-Sereni?+
Yes, the hotel now trades as Emara Ole-Sereni, and some booking sites still list it as Ole Sereni. It is the same property on Mombasa Road beside the park.
