One of Nairobi's classic hotels, Panafric sits in leafy grounds in Upper Hill and has been hosting travellers since 1968. Recently renovated, it offers a large outdoor pool, solid restaurant and reliable service.
Sarova Panafric Hotel stands on Kenyatta Avenue at the edge of Upper Hill, Nairobi's principal business and diplomatic district, approximately two kilometres from the central business district and around twenty minutes by road from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport via the Nairobi Expressway. The property was inaugurated in 1965 by Kenya's founding president, Jomo Kenyatta, making it one of the country's oldest purpose-built hotels and a landmark in the nation's post-independence development. Its name was chosen as a tribute to Pan-Africanism and the liberation movements that defined African politics in the early 1960s.
The Sarova Hotels group, which operates several of Kenya's most recognised properties, acquired Panafric in 1991 and has overseen successive renovation phases since. The most recent refurbishment updated 96 rooms with Afro-chic furnishings and contemporary Nairobi wall art in the corridors. The current inventory spans 162 guest rooms across several categories — Standard, Deluxe, Executive, Executive Premier, and Executive Signature Suites — along with 42 fully furnished serviced apartments suitable for extended stays. A particularly notable feature is the Wangari Maathai Wing: six en-suite rooms staffed entirely by women and designed exclusively for solo female travellers, decorated with portraiture and murals honouring the Nobel Peace Prize laureate. It is considered the first initiative of its kind in Kenyan hospitality.
Dining centres on The Flame Tree Restaurant and Bar, consistently regarded as one of Nairobi's better hotel restaurants, offering Pan-African, Continental, and Pan-Asian cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Deck Pool Bar and Lounge operates al fresco around the heated outdoor swimming pool set within manicured tropical gardens, and hosts Thursday jazz evenings and monthly Sunday brunches. The Tulia Spa provides massage, facial, and body treatments overlooking the pool, and a fitness centre, steam room, and sauna complete the wellness offering.
Nine conference and banqueting rooms make the hotel a leading meetings and events destination in Upper Hill, well suited to the corporate and diplomatic community that dominates the neighbourhood. Business travellers benefit from a secretarial centre, airport shuttle service, and the property's longstanding relationships with Nairobi's commercial sector. The lush garden grounds provide a calm contrast to the glass-and-steel offices now surrounding the hotel, and the combination of historic character and modern facilities continues to attract both long-term returning guests and first-time visitors to the Kenyan capital.
Amenities
- pool
- wifi
- restaurant
- bar
- garden
- parking
Location
Kenyatta Avenue, Upper Hill, Nairobi
-1.2972, 36.8060 View on map
Highlights
- Historic property inaugurated in 1965 by President Jomo Kenyatta — one of Kenya's oldest continuously operating hotels
- Wangari Maathai Wing: six en-suite rooms staffed entirely by women, reserved exclusively for solo female travellers
- The Flame Tree Restaurant, one of Nairobi's most consistently regarded hotel dining rooms, serving Pan-African and international cuisine
- Heated outdoor pool, Tulia Spa, and fitness centre set within lush tropical garden grounds in Upper Hill
- Nine conference and banqueting venues, establishing the property as a leading MICE destination in Nairobi's business district
Tips for visiting
- Reserve a table at The Flame Tree Restaurant for dinner — it draws independent Nairobi diners and can fill on weekday evenings.
- The Deck Pool Bar hosts Thursday jazz nights open to non-resident guests — arrive by 19:00 for a good poolside seat.
- Upper Hill traffic is heavy between 07:30 and 09:00 and again from 17:00 to 19:00; allow extra time for airport transfers during these windows.
- The Wangari Maathai Wing is bookable via the Sarova central reservations system — solo female travellers should request it specifically at the time of booking.
- The garden terrace attracts nearby office workers for lunch; arriving before 12:30 avoids the midday wait for an outdoor table.
Accessibility
Sarova Panafric Hotel includes four dedicated accessible rooms fitted for guests with mobility requirements. Public areas including the lobby, restaurant, and pool terrace are designed for step-free movement. Guests with specific accessibility needs are advised to contact the reservations team in advance to confirm room configuration and any additional arrangements required.
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Frequently asked questions
When did Panafric Hotel open and what is its historical significance?
The hotel was inaugurated on 5 January 1965 by Kenya's first president, Jomo Kenyatta. Its name honours the Pan-African movement that characterised African politics during the independence era. The Sarova Hotels group acquired the property in 1991. It is one of Kenya's oldest continuously operating hotels.
What is the Wangari Maathai Wing?
The Wangari Maathai Wing consists of six en-suite rooms reserved exclusively for solo female travellers. The wing is staffed entirely by women and is decorated with a full-size portrait and murals bearing quotations from the Nobel Peace Prize laureate. It is widely regarded as the first initiative of its kind within Kenyan hospitality.
How far is Sarova Panafric from Nairobi's central business district?
The hotel is approximately two kilometres from the CBD on Kenyatta Avenue at the edge of Upper Hill. The journey by taxi or matatu takes around ten to fifteen minutes under normal traffic; the CBD is also reachable on foot in under thirty minutes.
What conference and events facilities does the hotel offer?
Nine conference and banqueting rooms accommodate events ranging from small boardroom sessions to large formal dinners and product launches. Full AV equipment, high-speed Wi-Fi, and dedicated catering services are available across all event spaces.
Is the Tulia Spa available to non-resident guests?
The Tulia Spa accepts bookings from non-residents for massage, facial, and body treatment services. Advance reservation is recommended, particularly at weekends and during conference periods when the hotel is at high occupancy.