Monthly Archives: February 2022

Nairobi is the capital and the largest city of Kenya. The name comes from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nyrobi, which translates to “cool water”, a reference to the Nairobi River which flows through the city.

The city is popularly referred to as the Green City in the Sun. It was founded in 1899 by the colonial authorities in British East Africa, as a rail depot on the Uganda Railway. The town quickly grew to replace Machakos as the capital of Kenya in 1907. After independence in 1963, Nairobi became the capital of the Republic of Kenya.

Here are some fun and amazing places to tour near Longonot Place:

Nairobi National Museum

The Nairobi National Museum is the flagship brand for the National Museums of Kenya. Located on Museum Hill, the museum showcases Kenya’s rich Heritage with four distinct themes representing Kenya’s Culture, Nature, History and Contemporary Art.

Other attractions within the compound include the Snake Park and Botanical Gardens as well as a State of the Art Auditorium that occasionally hosts concerts, film shows and other events. Dining and shopping facilities await you after your tour in the commercial wing.

Nairobi Snake Park

The Nairobi Snake Park is just 300 Metres from Longonot Place Serviced Apartments.

It shares the same compound with the Nairobi National Museum, at the headquarters of National Museums of Kenya. The park is accessible by both public and private transport and attracts interest from researchers, conservationists, educators and the general public.

The Nairobi Snake Park was started in January, 1961 to meet a popular attraction and to provide a research facility on reptiles and for breeding of snakes.

Visitors are able to take part in public programs like octopus exhibition, interactive sessions with harmless reptiles and amphibians, exhibition on the birds of the Snake Park and feeding of crocodiles with live fish.

The exhibits include Invertebrates like Giant Snails, Baboon Spider ,Mombasa Train Millipede, Crayfish, Freshwater Prawns and vertebrates like Fishes both Marine and Fresh water, Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals.

This is a nice getaway idea for our guests as you get to explore the nearby city’s landmarks without any hassle.

Nairobi Botanical Gardens

This is a strip of green space located inside the Nairobi National Museum.

It was created to showcase the diversity of Kenya’s vegetation. There are thematic displays highlighting different classes of plants found throughout Kenya.

There is a nature trail that leads you to beautiful gardens, framed by intriguing African sculptures.

It is divided into sections namely; medicine shield garden, river shrine, peace path, river of stones, unity place and dream corner.

This is the perfect place for a sunny day out. Stroll through the beautiful gardens, marveling at nature, breath fresh air, learn about Kenya’s vegetation and bond with your companion.

Kenya National Theatre

The Kenya National Theatre (KNT) is the largest proscenium theatre space in Kenya. It is a government agency under the ministry of state for National Heritage and Culture in Kenya. It is based in the capital city Nairobi, bordering the historical landmarks Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), the University of Nairobi (UON), and The Longonot Place Serviced Apartments.

KNT offers space for diverse rehearsal, production and staging of drama, live musical concerts, plays and dance, to both local and international clientele.

it is a national pride and treasure whose state of the art facilities include; a 345 seater modern auditorium, a 9 by 10 Ms proscenium performance stage, 4 fully equipped performer’s backstage changing rooms, a wardrobe room, modern dance studio, 3 rehearsal spaces, 2 seminar rooms, double shower rooms and 2 kitchenettes.

For lovers of theatre, staying with Longonot Place, you get to visit the facility which is a stone throw away. One of the many amenities that are in close proximity to our fine and strategically located apartments.

Hon. Michuki Memorial Conservation Park

The park, formerly known as Mazingira Park, was established in 2008 to create a public recreation area at an area that was previously a dumpsite and a criminal hideout. It is situated along the Nairobi River between the Globe Roundabout and the Museum Hill interchange.

In 2012, it was renamed after the late environment minister Hon John Michuki, who pioneered reclaiming the park and cleaning up the Nairobi River.

In July 2020, the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Hon Keriako Tobiko took up the challenge of rehabilitating the park after its management was handed over to the Kenya Forest Service.

It was a project that involved several agencies; the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage, Nairobi Metropolitan Service, the National Youth Service, Kenya Seed Company, among other private and public partners.

The park was officially opened in August by the president. It is a few meters away from our facility, and it is one of the many green spaces and recreational areas that our guests can enjoy within the city.

A staycation or holistay, as defined by Wikipedia, is also a period in which an individual participates in leisure activities within driving distance of his or her own home. Lately, the trend has been increasing as more numbers of people now find more peace by spending time at home and have some needed rest and relaxation. More than that, staycations also offer a lot of quiet and humble benefits.

So, instead of hopping on an airplane and heading to the other side of the globe, why not keep your Wanderlust alive by rediscovering the beauty in your own city? After all, just because you can’t travel far does not mean you can’t travel at all!

1. Staycations Are Affordable

Whether its domestic travel or international travel, if there’s long-haul transportation involved, your travel bill will probably spike very quickly. By taking a staycation, you can skip the heavy costs that come with international travel, including booking flights, accommodation for long periods of time, transportation, and surprisingly expensive meals at a city you don’t know very well.

And since staycations are more cost-effective, you can use that saved money to indulge in fun amenities and activities. No to mention that staycations usually have a shorter length, which also means…more money saved!

• They Have Reduced Travel Time

Now that you don’t have to hop on a long-haul flight to get to your final destination, you can focus on the most important part of your trip: enjoying your vacation!

Reduced travel time allows for more relaxing, adventuring, and fulfilling moments during your trip, whether it’s treating yourself by going to a nearby spa or hiking at your country’s stunning national park.

Traveling internationally also requires a lot of planning and organization beforehand. You have to budget your expenses, learn about the destination’s culture, look for accommodation, research convenient flights, pack accordingly for a long trip … the list could go on and on.

All of this planning can, sometimes, add a little bit of stress to your trip. On the other hand, when going on a staycation, you can be more relaxed about planning or not plan at all!

• They Support The Local Economy

Is there a new restaurant in your city that you have been craving to go to? Or a new eco-friendly boutique hotel within a driving distance from your home? If so, a staycation is a perfect opportunity to support the local economy by uncovering nearby tourist attractions.

During your “stay-at-home holidays”, you visit local food markets, try out trendy new cafes, and even book a nearby comfy accommodation, which will certainly boost your city’s revenue and sustainable travel efforts.

• There’s No Jetlag

One of the worst parts of taking long flights is definitely the jet lag. This unpleasant disorder happens when you fly across one or more time zones and can not only affect your sleep cycle but also cause a lack of appetite and overall weakness.

And while jet lag isn’t something you should worry too much about, it can definitely play an impact on your trip, making you tired and grumpy.

Fortunately, if you travel somewhere nearby, you won’t be crossing any time zones, which means you’ll probably feel well-rested and ready to enjoy your vacation days.

• You Can Be A Tourist In Your Own Country

The thing is: sometimes we’re so caught up in going abroad, that we forget about how beautiful our own country can be.

This is why going on a staycation might give you the precious chance to feel like a tourist, without having to travel somewhere far away. You can appreciate things through a new perspective, and discover hidden gems you didn’t know existed: a trendy bar with exceptional craft beer, a bakery with the most delicious croissant in town, a new art gallery, or a lush verdant park ideal for a picnic with the family.

• You’ll Feel Refreshed And Recharged Afterwards

Do you know that feeling of coming back home more tired than when you left for a trip? Well, on a staycation that’s unlikely to happen. First: you won’t have to deal with any jet lag or suffer from accumulated pre-travel stress. Not to mention that you probably won’t be waiting for your bags at the airport, or worrying about missing your flight.

Second: when you travel locally, holidays usually happen at a slower pace, as you don’t feel that intense urge of seeing and doing everything. Since you’re already close to home, you can just enjoy and relax on a nice trip, without having to worry too much about checking off all the items on your bucket list.

• It’s A Great Fit For Short Breaks

Almost everyone knows that urge of wanting to escape from the world, and just go somewhere different for a few days. But, unfortunately, going on a holiday is not always possible — especially if you have to work. But this is exactly where a staycation comes in handy.

In case you’re desperate for some traveling (but can’t skip work) a good idea is to get away just for the weekend. You don’t even have to go far from home. Just book at a cozy hotel boutique with a spa, pamper yourself with lots of room service, and spend a few days disconnecting from everything. Plus, these short breaks will do wonders for your mental health!