InterContinental Nairobi
City Hall Way
Nairobi
Tel: +254-20-3200000
Some things are so commonplace in my life that I forget how noteworthy they are. Today I am going to tell you about one such thing.
For the last four years, the majority of my Friday nights have been spent at The Safari Bar, at the Nairobi Intercontinental Hotel, listening to the beat of salsa music, dancing ecstatically away.
Every Friday, The Safari Bar hosts a live band that plays salsa, meringue, and a myriad of other Latin beats. A Friday evening at The Safari Bar is always a lot of fun no matter how proficient (or not) a salsa dancer you are. I remember the first time I went to one of these salsa nights. At the time, I was interested in taking salsa classes (because I like dancing) but didn’t know where I could find an affordable beginners’ class in Nairobi. On a Wednesday night (because these nights take place both on Wednesday and Friday nights), I convinced a friend to come along with me to check out the Nairobi salsa scene. Despite the next day being a working day, we stayed at The Safari Bar well past midnight, enthralled by the couples doing their thing on the dance floor. We never once dared get up and dance, but still we had a swell time listening to the music, watching couples dancing, and of course enjoying a drink. 
My heart was instantly sold. I quickly signed up for classes (at Flex Gym, behind Kenya Re-insurance in Upper Hill) and within a few months, I too had become one of those prolific dancers on the dance floor. Salsa, although it looks complicated, is not too hard to learn. If I thought salsa night at the Nairobi Intercontinental was great before I learned to dance, then I don’t know what words to use to describe it from the perspective of a dancer. Most salseros would agree: very few things beat the thrill of a well executed salsa dance.
The Intercontinental is generally pricey, though, so I do not recommend going to The Safari Bar if your primary interest is to drink copious amounts of alcohol – there are a lot of other places where you can do that more cost effectively. :-) If on the other hand, what you are interested in is listening to good music, having a good dance, or just doing something out of the ordinary on a Friday night, then I definitely recommend it.
Try it out some time and of course, let me know what you think when you do.
Biche
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Enas says:
Hi Biche,
I arrived at Nairobi about three weeks ago and just last weekend I thought its time to start exploring town. I came across your website while “google”ing for Salsa clubs in Nairobi. Partying Thursday night seemed like a wild thing to do and I though I should take it slow. So I skipped Pavement and went to the intercontinental on Friday night. I must say I really enjoyed it. The music was good and everyone was having a real good time.
Some people I met there recommended I also check out Serena Hotel Saturday night, and so I did. Just like the intercontinental, there was a live band playing Salsa but there were less people, apparently the band starts around eight and wraps up by midnight to avoid disturbing the hotel’s guests. But it was just as good.
On my way back to Westlands around 1:00 am, I got stuck in the traffic in front of Gypsy’s, there was some good Hip Hop music playing and it seemed like there was a party going on. I also saw a small sign at the gate that says “age limit 20”. So what’s the deal? I thought it was a restaurant!
Biche says:
Hahahaha Enas,
Welcome to East Africa where restaurants by day (or week) become clubs by night or on the weekend!
(Oh, also, welcome to ChickAboutTown!)
Great, I see you’ve already gotten a good taste of the salsa scene in Nairobi. Yep, both Intercon on Friday and Serena on Saturday are pretty good. Since you mention people giving you information about other salsa nights, then I guess you also experienced first hand the friendliness of the Nairobi salseros. Are you a salsa dancer, or do you just like the music?
Now, about Gypsy’s, Gypsy’s is a restaurant/bar that holds open air street hangs on the weekend. They are quite popular and always crowded. I really, really like them myself. I particularly love the music, the hustle and bustle of the crowd, and the airiness of being outside.
The rumour around Nairobi is that Gypsy’s is a gay club/hang, but I have never had conclusive evidence of this. The crowd can be quite sleazy though with a lot of prostitutes and shady characters – in my opinion, not disturbingly so.
I had no idea that Gypsy’s had an age restriction. Either it’s always had it (and I just never caught a wind of it), or it could be something new probably targeted at young Universtiy students back in Nairobi for the summer. I’ve seen a number of those at Gypsy’s before. Thanks for sharing that info. If you didn’t stop the last time you passed by Gypsy’s, it’s an interesting place to check out. As you noticed from the street, the music is really good!
Thanks for your comment. I wish you a great time discovering more of the Nairobi social scene!
Biche
Enas says:
They were friendly indeed, I expected it to be posh and a little over the top (as salsa clubs are in Cairo) but everyone seemed cool and enjoying their time. I love salsa music and dancing, I’m not a great dancer, but I’m getting there!
I was talking to a male friend last night and I mentioned Gypsy’s. I’m afraid he confirmed the rumors. Apparently he was once “molested” there and vowed never to return! Hahaha
But what the heck, gay bars are the best place for a girl to enjoy her time without having some guy hit on her! I think I will make a stop there next Saturday. Will let you know.
Cheers!
Biche says:
What are salsa clubs in Cairo like? What do you mean they are over the top? Nope, none of that in Nairobi. The salsa hangs are so laid back – they really are just about the dancing.
Wow! I wonder what your friend considers being molested. You know how heterosexual men can have hyperactive imaginations at the slightest mention of anthing gay.
Well, I hope you enjoy Gypsy’s when you go next weekend. Let me know what you think.
Biche
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anyango says:
Hi could you give me any more information about flex gym?i work in upper hill area and would like to join a gym not too far nad not too pricey
Biche says:
Hi Anyango,
Welcome to ChickAboutTown!
Luckily, I can tell you a bit about Flex Gym, since I was a member there a couple of years ago (assuming things haven’t changed too much). For starters, it’s located directly behind the Kenya Re-insurance building in Upper Hill. I remember paying close to 5000 KSh for a monthly membership at the time (though I think it was slightly less). I hate to tell you but I really disliked gymming there. There were few machines, which were complicated to operate. The trainers were unprofessional and inappropriate with their female clients (in my opinion, and I am not a prude). I, too, used to work in Upper Hill, but my gym of choice was Body & Soul. Now, there’s a gym I can recommend, though it can be a little pricey. Check both out and compare!
I hope you find this information useful.
Biche
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Bernerd says:
The place its just the bomb
Chris says:
Is that good or bad?
Biche says:
Hi Bernerd and Chris,
Welcome both to ChickAboutTown!
Chris, I think Bernerd means it’s good (and I concur
).
Cheers,
Biche
Ambani says:
I was at the norwich House and really enjoyed myself.The instructors are realy professional.I also managed to get a cool salsa DVD at http://100redhotsalsa.blogspot.com
Nairobi has really become a salsa hotspot
Biche says:
Hi Ambani,
Welcome to ChickAboutTown! Thanks for your comment.
What salsa activity takes place at Norwich House? (Where exactly is Norwich House? I am so horrible with building names.
)
Yes, Nairobi is quite the salsa hotspot. Now if only Dar es Salaam could become one too. I’d be thrilled!
Biche