Surviving Nairobi Airport

Q: I will be travelling on Kenya Airways and have a lengthy stopover at the airport. As I will be in economy class, I won't have access to a luxury lounge. What can I do to make the time more pleasant? - Ryan Naude

A: Nairobi is not regarded as one of the most pleasant airports, so you would do well to attempt to make your stay more bearable. Depending on how much time you have, you could go into Nairobi, which is 15kms from the airport. A visa will not be a problem, as South Africans do not need a visa for stays of less than 30 days. However, you do need to be back at the airport two hours before the flights, leaving you with the "airport problem" again. If you decide to stay in the terminal, you can make your stay more pleasant by paying for access to a premium lounge. Often the airlines will allow you to pay for entry into their business or first-class lounges. This will give you comfortable seating, toilets without queues, Internet access and complimentary refreshments. The cost seems to vary from 10-30 US dollars for a few hours. A final option is to take advantage of the "sleep-n-shower" facilities in the terminal, which gives you access to the use of a shower room and a private bedroom for four hours. You will receive a towel, soap and flip-flops. The rooms are very basic, but at least you will be able to shower and relax in privacy. To book telephone +2543 388 6025. (3/10/10)