long layover in Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta airport

[argylegreen]

Hi there,

We have a long layover in Jomo Kenyatta airport in a couple weeks. We have three young kids and so are looking at lounge options. Would rather not go out of airport if poss so looking at lounges. Are there any decent lounges where kids can nap/play?

Any advice much much appreciated.

It’s been several years since I’ve been through there and certainly the terminal facilities, even lounges, were somewhat basic…and as I guess you’ve worked going off airport can be problematic…

Hopefully somebody more recently through there will have an update with better news on lounges but failing that there are I think one or two hotels pretty much within the airport complex (from memory a Crowne Plaza and another ? Four Points?) . I guess it might be worth seeing if they can do you a day room deal or similar..

Good Luck

Thanks so much for replying. I’m similar to you, went through it about 9 years ago and it certainly wasn’t a child friendly airport…I know it’s undergone some renovations in last couple years so that’s hopeful…
Yes up to date info on lounges would be great if anyone can help. On a plus, we are travelling Boxing Day so in theory lounges should be quieter which will be something.

Yes, we did look into Crowne Plaza, which is the closest airport, but unfortunately it’s not actually inside the airport. Been trying to work out if we need a transit visa and how much of a pain that is?! Also, I guess we’d be paying a lot to stay in a hotel room for what would be 5 hours once everything’s taken into account but potentially worth it to save our sanity!!

Yes, day room deal could well be the solution! Haven’t thought of that. Thanks

I was there about 9 months ago. It is undergoing some renovation but still v basic. I was on my own so went upstairs above small food court and treated myself to a massage. To be honest - it would be a nightmare being there with small kids. Seats are also really uncomfortable - ie they are all divided so you can’t sleep across two or three…can you not go to a local hotel airport?

Thanks so much for the honest feedback. I am still wondering if there is a decent lounge but guessing probably not, based on what we’ve seen online.

The problem with hotels is that there are none in the airport so we’d have to leave and deal with the hassle of immigration and luggage. That said, it might be our only option and maybe it’s not as bad as we fear…

To be honest we are booking next week and I’m think of changing our route based on what I’ve read

As you rightly say the hotel(s) are inside the airport perimeter but aren’t part of the actual terminal complex, they’re as I recall it in the admin/freight area, so you’d have all the hassle of immigration etc and going landside to get to one and then all the hassle of a few hours latter getting through the system the other way when you depart.

If as Hels20 says things haven’t improved greatly recently and it still much the same infrastructure and admin arrangement as I experienced a few times over the years then IMHO it’s something to be avoided if at all possible, especially with loads of luggage and children….

Hope you can sort out something that works.

Yep, have to say I agree with you, having put out quite a few feelers and received similar feedback. Thankfully there are other options.

Many thanks to you both for your input - most helpful. Gosh, I miss the days I could sneak off for a sneaky airport massage!