We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Jomo Kenyatta Intl Airport - lounges

Perth, United...
Level Contributor
4 posts
62 reviews
23 helpful votes
Jomo Kenyatta Intl Airport - lounges
Save

We have to spend quite a long time in transit through Nairobi airport - both arriving and travelling home, are there any lounges where we could pay cash to use the facilities while we wait? We are travelling onto Zanzibar then returning to the UK and have hours between flights... thanks for any advice!

nyc
Level Contributor
15,087 posts
1. Re: Jomo Kenyatta Intl Airport - lounges
Save

Believe you can, for a small fee (I recall US$20/person) use the Business Class Lounge. Don't expect anything special, but the a/c might work better then in the main terminal.

Depending on how many hours and time of day though, you might consider going into Nairobi for a meal or sightseeing. If don't have a regular Kenya Visa, you can get a Transit Visa $10/person, grab a taxi (local currency to pay) to/from. Just leave yourself sufficient time for re-check-in/security.

Nairobi, Kenya
Level Contributor
3,755 posts
3 reviews
4 helpful votes
2. Re: Jomo Kenyatta Intl Airport - lounges
Save

Have a look at this thread http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g294207-i9695-k3053936-5hr_wait_at_Nairobi_airport-Nairobi.html

At risk of repeating myself yet again, I wouldn't bother spending the $20 it costs to get into the business class lounge; it's a dump.

You don't say how many hours you have to kill. If it's more than 5 or 6, then I'd say the same as the previous poster and encourage you to go into downtown and have a meal at one of the hotels. The Serena has beautiful gardens to sit in and decent food.

Bungoma, Kenya
Level Contributor
2,798 posts
2 reviews
6 helpful votes
3. Re: Jomo Kenyatta Intl Airport - lounges
Save

But be careful about the Nairobi traffic!! It is best to be reasonably near the Airport - or at least on that side of the City unless you have plenty of time.

Nairobi, Kenya
Level Contributor
3,691 posts
197 reviews
165 helpful votes
4. Re: Jomo Kenyatta Intl Airport - lounges
Save

While the lounges are not fantastic, they are air conditioned, have comfortable seating, and provide a reasonable variety of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages. Food choices include sandwiches, pies, pastries, etc.

Traffic can be a nightmare, and I would avoid leaving the airport, as the stress of fighting traffic can not be pleasant before a long haul flight.

Enjoy you time in Nairobi;)

Colchester, United...
Level Contributor
1,501 posts
44 reviews
50 helpful votes
5. Re: Jomo Kenyatta Intl Airport - lounges
Save

The business class lounge is not up to UK standards but you are in Kenya, a 3rd world country and by those standards its luxurious!!

There are plenty of seats, food and drinks, you can have a cigarette if you want in the smoking area and there is internet, plus clean toilets that you don't have to queue in.

Its normally pretty quiet so you could lay down and have a nap if you wanted too :O)

Colchester, United...
Level Contributor
1,501 posts
44 reviews
50 helpful votes
6. Re: Jomo Kenyatta Intl Airport - lounges
Save

The business class lounge is not up to UK standards but you are in Kenya, a 3rd world country and by those standards its luxurious!!

There are plenty of seats, food and drinks, you can have a cigarette if you want in the smoking area and there is internet, plus clean toilets that you don't have to queue in.

Its normally pretty quiet so you could lay down and have a nap if you wanted too :O)

Nairobi, Kenya
Level Contributor
3,691 posts
197 reviews
165 helpful votes
7. Re: Jomo Kenyatta Intl Airport - lounges
Save

The Business Class lounge at JKIA does not have a smoking area. You can only now smoke outside the terminal building (pre check in, or after customs).

Colchester, United...
Level Contributor
1,501 posts
44 reviews
50 helpful votes
8. Re: Jomo Kenyatta Intl Airport - lounges
Save

When i was there in February you could go 'outside' on the balcony and smoke there, have they stopped that now?

Birmingham
Level Contributor
2 posts
3 reviews
1 helpful vote
9. Re: Jomo Kenyatta Intl Airport - lounges
Save

Hi

Do you have to be travelling Business class or can you pay to use the Lounge? If you can pay how do you go about it

Thanks

Sue

Oxford
Level Contributor
163 posts
10. Re: Jomo Kenyatta Intl Airport - lounges
Save

Re smoking on the balcony in Buisness class lounge...

Does anyone have a definitive answer to this. I've read an equal number of posts and reviews that say you can or can't. It still applies in Mombasa, but I don't know about JKIA. Which business class lounge are we talking about. Is it KA? Directions will be helpful please.

I'm trying to cover all bases as it is very possible I am going t miss my connecting flight to Mombasa at 10.30pm if there is any delay with my BA flight this Friday. I got stuck last time and paid a small fortune to stay at Porini, and certainly won't be repeating that again so am looking at sleep and shower or lounges as backup for this time and would love to calm down with a ciggie.

© 2024 Tripadvisor LLC All rights reserved.

This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in United Kingdom. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu.