In the heart of Nairobi, where the pulse of the city meets the whisper of the wild, lies a rare gem: Ole Sereni Hotel. Perfectly poised between modern luxury and authentic Kenyan charm, this unique destination offers more than just a place to stay—it delivers an experience that’s both refreshingly wild and comfortably refined.
🌍 A Location Like No Other
Nestled along Mombasa Road, just minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and the Nairobi Central Business District, Ole Sereni boasts a vantage point that sets it apart. What truly makes it remarkable, however, is its border with Nairobi National Park—the only hotel in the city where guests can spot giraffes, zebras, and gazelles while sipping coffee or enjoying a gourmet meal.
The name “Ole Sereni,” meaning place of tranquility in Maasai, could not be more fitting.
🛌 Contemporary Comfort with African Soul
Ole Sereni seamlessly combines the essence of African heritage with stylish, contemporary design. The hotel features over 130 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, each offering modern amenities, plush bedding, and floor-to-ceiling windows—many with park views that bring the outside in.
Every detail, from earthy color palettes to curated art pieces, tells a story rooted in Kenya’s culture and natural beauty.
🍽️ A Feast for All Senses
Dining at Ole Sereni is a journey in itself. Guests can choose from a variety of world-class options:
- Eagle’s The Steakhouse: A fine-dining haven offering premium cuts, fresh seafood, and sweeping views of the park.
- The Big Five Restaurant: A vibrant, family-friendly space serving international cuisine with live cooking stations and hearty buffets.
- Waterhole Snack Bar: A relaxed spot where light bites meet wildlife watching—perfect for sundowners with a view.
- Ngong Pool Bar: Chic and open-air, ideal for cocktails by the poolside as the sun dips behind the Ngong Hills.
The Setting: Nature Meets Sophistication
As you step onto the top floor of Ole Sereni Hotel, the transition is immediate. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame a vast, unbroken view of the park’s golden savannah — a view so close, it’s not uncommon to spot zebras or giraffes grazing in the distance as you sip your starter.
Inside, the ambiance is rich and refined. Dark woods, leather accents, and soft jazz tones echo the classic charm of a gentleman’s club, but with an unmistakably African soul. Candlelit tables and attentive service create an atmosphere perfect for both romantic evenings and power dinners.
The Experience: A Celebration of Prime Cuts and World-Class Flavor
At Eagle’s, the menu is a love letter to steak — carefully sourced, expertly aged, and grilled to perfection. From Australian Angus ribeye to local dry-aged T-bone, every cut is treated like royalty.
But the steakhouse isn’t one-note. Start with the chargrilled calamari or the beef carpaccio with truffle oil. Pair your main with a sommelier-selected South African wine or a bold Argentinian Malbec. Vegetarians aren’t left out either — with hearty grilled vegetables, creamy risottos, and rich desserts that rival any main.
And for those who take their steak seriously, the chefs are always ready to share their recommendations — from marbling to doneness — turning every dinner into a guided tour of flavor.
An Urban Safari on a Plate
What truly sets Eagle’s apart isn’t just the steak — it’s the harmony between city sophistication and wild serenity. This is the only steakhouse in Nairobi where your meal might be soundtracked by the distant call of a lion at dusk or the rustle of acacia trees below.
It’s not just dining. It’s a sensory escape.
The Hidden Bookstore at Eagle’s Steakhouse: Where Pages Meet the Plate
Tucked discreetly within the rich, wood-paneled ambiance of Eagle’s Steakhouse at Ole Sereni, there lies an unexpected treasure — a boutique bookstore that feels like a well-kept secret, even to frequent diners.
More than a retail corner, this little haven is a quiet tribute to reflection, taste, and timeless stories, perfectly complementing the indulgent experience of a great meal.
A Library of Leisure, Curated for Curious Minds
Step past the clinking glasses and the glow of candlelight, and you’ll find shelves filled with a thoughtfully curated collection — novels by African literary giants, culinary books that echo the flavors on your plate, and travel journals that make you dream in long distances.
It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down. To browse with a drink in hand. To rediscover the joy of reading between bites and between moments.
Whether you’re a hotel guest in search of a page-turner, a local looking for a quiet corner of inspiration, or simply a diner with an appetite for words, the bookstore welcomes you — without fanfare, but with quiet grace.
A Perfect Pairing: Words & Whiskey
There’s something poetic about pairing a rare steak with a rare book. At Eagle’s Steakhouse, that harmony is fully realized. Pick up a Hemingway to match your whisky, or explore Kenyan authors while sipping on your after-dinner espresso.
In a fast-paced world, this corner of Ole Sereni reminds you that the finest things — food, stories, moments — are best savored slowly.
Perfect for Special Moments
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting clients, or just chasing an unforgettable night out, Eagle’s Steakhouse delivers. Elegant without being overbearing, indulgent without being pretentious — it’s where Nairobians go to mark milestones and visitors come to discover the city’s finest taste.
Insider Tip:Ask for a table by the window just before sunset. Watching the savannah fade into gold while your steak sizzles? Unforgettable.
Big Five Restaurant at Ole Sereni: Where Global Flavors Meet African Soul
In a city where culture, cuisine, and nature collide, Big Five Restaurant at Ole Sereni Hotel offers an experience that is as grand as its name suggests. Named after Africa’s iconic Big Five animals, this all-day dining destination blends world-class hospitality with the raw beauty of Nairobi’s wild edge — right on the border of Nairobi National Park.
Step inside and you’re greeted by panoramic windows overlooking the savannah — a rare sight for a capital city restaurant. If you’re lucky, you might catch a herd of buffalo or a giraffe grazing just beyond the fence as you enjoy your meal. The interior design takes its cue from nature: earthy tones, African motifs, and an open-plan layout that balances elegance with comfort.Whether you’re in for a business breakfast, a lazy lunch, or an evening buffet, Big Five wraps every meal in a backdrop of natural wonder.
A Culinary Journey Across Continents
Big Five Restaurant prides itself on variety without compromise. The buffet here isn’t your typical spread — it’s a curated culinary journey, with live cooking stations and rotating themes that reflect both local heritage and global tastes.
Expect to find:
- Kenyan favorites like nyama choma, sukuma wiki, and chapati
- Indian delights from rich curries to tandoori grills
- Asian-inspired stir-fries and dim sum
- Classic European dishes, fresh pastas, and carved roasts
- Decadent desserts including tropical fruit tarts, mousse towers, and local treats like mandazi and coconut-laced kashata
Each meal is designed to satisfy not just hunger, but curiosity — making Big Five a perfect choice for adventurous eaters and traditional palates alike.
Family-Friendly, Business-Ready, Always Welcoming
Big Five strikes a rare balance: it’s relaxed enough for families with kids, yet refined enough for diplomatic lunches. There’s plenty of space to dine in comfort, and the service — polished and personal — reflects Ole Sereni’s reputation as one of Nairobi’s top hotels.
On weekends, the Sunday brunch is a local favorite, complete with live entertainment and specialty dishes. It’s a feast that turns into a social affair, with guests lingering over coffee and conversation well into the afternoon. They have kid’s playing ground with amazing activities including bouncing castles and face painting for kids.
My First Time Tasting Sushi – A Sunday Surprise at Ole Sereni
I’ll admit it — sushi always felt a bit mysterious to me. Raw fish, sticky rice, wasabi… it all sounded like an acquired taste I hadn’t yet acquired. But that changed one sunny Sunday afternoon at Ole Sereni’s legendary brunch, where curiosity won over hesitation — and my palate was never the same again.
The Big Five Restaurant was alive with its usual weekend buzz: soft music, the clink of cutlery, laughter floating between tables. Families, couples, travelers, and city dwellers alike had gathered for the Sunday brunch experience that Ole Sereni is famous for — and right there, tucked between the hot grills and continental delights, stood the sushi bar.
Fresh, colorful, and surprisingly inviting.
Rows of perfectly rolled maki, delicate nigiri, and tiny soy-sauce bowls sat gleaming under soft lighting. A chef stood behind the counter, calmly slicing fresh salmon and assembling rolls with practiced precision.
I hesitated for only a moment before pointing to a California roll, drawn in by its neatness and the reassuring avocado peeking out. Then, a piece of salmon nigiri, soft pink and topped with a glisten that whispered ”You are from Lake Victoria, you must try it!” At this point had served myself two pieces.
Back at my table, I took a breath. A dip in soy sauce. A cautious bite……. My friend took a video of me which we promised to keep a secret as my first time trying sushi.
And then — surprise.
The textures were unlike anything I expected: cool rice with a hint of vinegar, silky fish, crisp cucumber, and that subtle, almost oceanic flavor that somehow wasn’t “fishy” at all. It was balanced. Light. Clean. Intriguing. I reached for the next piece before I realized I was hooked.
The chef noticed and smiled. “First time?” he asked. I nodded. He handed me a freshly made tempura prawn roll. “Try this. Nairobi favorite.”
He was right. Crunchy. Sweet. Addictive.
That Sunday, I didn’t just discover sushi — I discovered how open-minded food can make you feel. And that Ole Sereni isn’t just about luxury or views of the national park (though those are amazing too) — it’s about moments like this. Trying something new. Finding joy where you least expect it.
I came for brunch. I left with a new favorite dish.
Have you tried sushi at Ole Sereni? Don’t wait as long as I did. Trust me — the first bite is worth it!
Ngong Pool Bar at Ole Sereni: Where Nairobi Unwinds Above the Wild
Tucked above the city’s fast lane and stretched alongside the edge of Nairobi National Park, Ngong Pool Bar at Ole Sereni is not just a poolside bar — it’s a suspended escape.
This open-air oasis, perched on the hotel’s terrace level, offers a rare blend of city luxury and safari soul. With sweeping views of the Ngong Hills in the distance and the park’s endless savannah just beyond the glass balustrades, the bar creates a setting that’s both effortlessly chic and naturally grounding.
A View You Can Taste
At Ngong Pool Bar, the horizon stretches with possibility. Come during the day and it’s a sun-drenched haven: cocktails clinking beside turquoise waters, lounge chairs soaking up the warmth, and a soundtrack of soft breeze and casual conversation.
As golden hour hits, the space transforms. The sky blazes in hues of copper and violet while the cityscape fades behind you. Whether you’re sipping a signature Sereni Spritz, a cold Tusker, or a freshly blended tropical smoothie, every drink seems to go better with that wild edge of Nairobi just beyond your glass.
Food With Flair, Served Poolside
The menu is light, lively, and flavorful — perfect for grazing while you lounge or gathering with friends after a swim. Think grilled skewers, crispy calamari, loaded burgers, and fresh salads bursting with local ingredients.
Pair your bites with handcrafted cocktails or an ice-cold mocktail as you soak in the ambiance. It’s easy to lose track of time here — and that’s exactly the point.
With attentive service, elegant touches, and one of the best open-sky views in Nairobi, this is the kind of place you come for a drink and stay for the atmosphere.
The Waterhole Snack Bar at Ole Sereni: Where Flavors and Wildlife Meet
In the heart of Nairobi, there’s a place where a quick coffee break might come with a zebra sighting — welcome to the Waterhole Snack Bar at Ole Sereni.
Strategically nestled on the hotel’s ground level with a panoramic view of Nairobi National Park, the Waterhole is anything but an ordinary snack bar. It’s a casual, open-air space where guests gather for great food, fresh air, and a front-row seat to the rhythm of the wild.
Casual Bites, Unforgettable Backdrop
Whether you’re stepping out of a meeting, arriving from the airport, or simply in need of a relaxing moment, the Waterhole Snack Bar offers the perfect pit stop. With its laid-back setting and earthy tones, it feels like a modern-day safari lookout — only with cappuccinos and croissants instead of canteens and binoculars.
From freshly brewed coffee and signature teas, to light sandwiches, pastries, and juices made to order, the menu is tailored for both taste and convenience. Grab a seat on the terrace, and you just might spot giraffes, gazelles, or buffalo wandering the plains beyond the fence.
A Different Kind of Coffee Break
The Waterhole is more than a place to snack — it’s a place to pause. To take in the city’s only wild-facing café view. To scroll less and look up more. It’s a favorite spot for:
Business travelers catching up over espresso
Hotel guests enjoying a light midday meal
Locals in the know seeking a quiet, scenic recharge
And whether you’re fueling up before a safari or winding down after a long day, the name truly fits — a peaceful spot where people (and animals) come to pause, refresh, and reconnect.
🧘♀️ Wellness, Leisure & Events
Whether you’re visiting for work or relaxation, Ole Sereni ensures you’re well taken care of. Enjoy a soothing massage at the Duma Spa, break a sweat at the fully equipped fitness center, or take a dip in the heated pool overlooking the park.
For corporate travelers, the hotel offers state-of-the-art meeting rooms, ballrooms, and event spaces—ideal for everything from intimate gatherings to high-level conferences.
Unwind the Wild Way: Deep Tissue Massage, Sauna & Steam at Ole Sereni
At Ole Sereni, where city luxury meets the soul of the savannah, relaxation takes on a deeper meaning. Tucked within the hotel’s serene wellness sanctuary, the deep tissue massage, sauna, and steam bath experience is a carefully curated journey — one that restores not just the body, but the rhythm of your entire being.
Deep Tissue Massage: Beyond the Surface
This isn’t your typical rub-and-go. At Ole Sereni, the deep tissue massage is a ritual of precision and care. Skilled therapists use slow, intentional strokes and focused pressure to reach the deeper layers of muscle — releasing chronic tension, easing stiff joints, and uncoiling the stress that modern life weaves into our backs, shoulders, and minds.
It’s intense, yes — but in the way a storm clears the air. You’ll walk out lighter. Looser. More yourself.
”Don’t forget to ask for Perpetua she does the best deep tissue massage!”
Sauna & Steam Bath: A Double Dose of Renewal
Before or after your massage, step into the sauna — a wood-scented chamber of dry heat that purifies the skin, soothes the muscles, and stills the mind. Every breath feels like an exhale of yesterday’s tension.
Then, the steam bath: warm mist wrapping around your body like a tropical cloud, opening your pores and clearing both skin and sinuses. The heat is soft, humid, almost meditative. Minutes feel like hours in the best way.
Together, sauna and steam become more than amenities — they’re an essential part of the Ole Sereni wellness rhythm. A pause. A detox. A gentle nudge back to balance.
🐾 A Hotel with Heart
Ole Sereni isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a place that celebrates Kenya’s unique wildlife, landscapes, and people. From its eco-conscious practices to its support of local communities, the hotel is deeply committed to sustainability and responsible tourism.
✈️ Your Gateway to Kenya
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Ole Sereni offers a memorable welcome to Nairobi. It’s the perfect base for exploring the city, setting off on a safari, or simply enjoying a peaceful retreat with a touch of wilderness.