There’s no time to be bored in a world as beautiful as this~Anonymous.
Hello my friends! π I have to admit, the more we explore the ‘Best of Nairobi’,Β the more I fall in love with our city…
Each time I think-“we have arrived!”, we discover a new place like Dari that literally sweeps us off our feet. Such experiences keep us humble, and full of a beautiful hope. π
Dari Restaurant and Coffee Garden is a pure haven that is well situated in Karen, off Ngong Road… Imagine a place where you can experience the rich tranquility of nature and its escape, plus good food, without ever having to leave Nairobi… Sounds nearly surreal right?
I read about Dari in what I now call my ‘travel companion’, DisCoucher, the Big Book of Discounts! I was intrigued by their description of Dari; the claim that impalas roam around their restaurant was a must-see! That, plus the idea of a free dessert and soft drinks was too good to pass up! πΒ Who doesn’t love Freebies?!Β π
Tip>>: Read More about DisCoucher Here.
A Love At First Sight Affair….
As we made our way in, through the well-forested path, a love affair with Dari had already started brewing in my heartβ¦ Here is the thing with travel- first impressions matter, and in this case the feeling developed to a ‘happy-kind-of-love-at-first-sight’. π
I liked the cool, serene atmosphere that the surrounding forest brings to the place.
A Kenyan, Hospitable Dari Reception
Enjoy being bold, and if that is scary at first, marvel at your ability to walk through fear ~Rivka Solomon.
On this visit, we decided to try something different, as we hadn’t called in advance for a reservation. (The true test of hospitality.)
Our plan was simple- we would walk in with our DisCoucher, and take it from there… After all, the worst they could do was to say no, right? π
The kind lady at the reception called the Manager who then went to consult with the higher-ups. Understandably-so,Β after all this is Kenya today, where con-artists come in all shapes and forms… So we took no offense, and settled ourselves comfortably at the cozy reception area. π
A short while later, we were given the gate-pass to shoot. Success!! π
The Enchanted Dari Gardens
The garden is simply too breathtaking to ignore.Β It is immaculately manicured, and provides an excellent escape.
I was thoroughly impressed and surprised by the vastness of the place. I felt a little like an explorer, wanting to experience everything all at once.
And true to their word, they do have Impalas roaming around…though these guys were a little camera-shy. They gave us but a moment’s airtime, and then pranced off into the forest. π
Dari neighbors the African Wildlife Foundation Headquarters, and they have adopted these animals as their own.
Then you have the peacock who took his/her time to pose for a picture, before strutting off. Our pleas to reveal its beautiful feathers fell on deaf ears. π
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: WANJIKU THUO
You can also take a nature walk to their small forest, and see the ‘Big Tree’, that is apparently the oldest tree in Nairobi. The tree is said to be about 200 or so, years old.
An Airy Dining Experience
I simply loved the different options of places to dine at Dari. On a sunny day, you definitely want to have your meals in the gazebos or garden restaurant. You will enjoy the peaceful whispers of nature and its scenes.
On such rainy days as we’ve been having lately, the indoor restaurant, lounge and bar would be perfect.
Their signature decor is warm, creating an inviting ambience.
Remarkable Culinary Adventure at a Discount!
Our DisCoucher vouchers allowed us to get a free dessert and soft drink or glass of wine, with the purchase of a main meal. We requested to have two desserts and fresh juice instead of wine, to which they obliged. π
I would definitely recommend the Mint and pineapple juice, which is refreshingly good. The lamb chops were succulent and tasty. π I requested an extra serving of the potato wedges, which the chef graciously served up. The second meal of fish was a little less than savory, as it was soupy.

The highlight of our meal π
At the end of our meal, we were more full than we had anticipated. And it was clear to us, that we had received much more than we had paid for. π
Tip>>
- Save up with DisCoucher! To get your own copy of DisCoucher click HERE
- Call in advance to make a reservation
- They do accept MPESA payments
- Look out for More on the ‘Best of Nairobi’ series
Dari is like the gift that keeps on giving… exploring the restaurant and coffee garden was an exciting adventure in itself. Our faces probably formed smile lines from smiling the whole time.
It is a wonderful place to visit with family, friends and kids. They have ample space for a party, or wedding reception.
Dari is the kind of place you want to escape to on a Sunday afternoon, as you set your mind aright for Mondays’ madness. π
Although we are constantly unearthing hidden gems in Nairobi, I will never forget how such places made me feel, like the authentic feeling I felt at Dari.
Thanks for reading lovely people! Did you enjoy this post? Don’t keep it to yourself-Caring is Sharing! π
I always love hearing back from you, leave a comment/ feedback in the Comments’ Section below.
P.s. Stay Inspired Always. π
P.S.s. Travel Local>> it really is worth it. π
The doors will be opened to those who are bold enough to knock ~ Anonymous
25 Comments
Wavinya Kimeu
December 9, 2016 at 11:41 amOMG!!!!
Scrapbook Journeys
December 15, 2016 at 8:21 amhaha I know right? π π π
Eric
December 5, 2016 at 8:53 amits a sensational place especially when visited during the weekdays. The tranquility is amazing.
Scrapbook Journeys
December 8, 2016 at 8:43 amThanks Rico for reading and for taking the time to comment π I agree, this place is a gem! π
jeen
November 30, 2016 at 8:41 amThat so wonderful and a hidden gem. I never had any idea or believed that there would be such a place in Nairobi. Now I have a place to visit
Dicie
November 30, 2016 at 8:38 amHey mami…I promised I would keep up with all your posts and go where you go…I will keep my promise and Dari has been noted down somewhere..
sheyce
November 26, 2016 at 2:46 pmThis is lovely ….gotta check out the place before year ends..loooove love the reviews you give
Lornah
November 24, 2016 at 7:18 pmYour writing is tops!! I feel like I was just beside you guys all the way at Dari, it’s a beautiful beautiful place worth checking out…. Discoucher anytime βΊβΊ
http://www.cherriesvineyard.com
Scrapbook Journeys
November 25, 2016 at 8:14 pmAaw thank you Lornah! And well done on getting your own DisCoucher!! Enjoy the trips
Thanks for reading dear.
Enock
November 24, 2016 at 5:57 pmDari…in kenya?..wow…thanks marion for giving us a reason to be proud of our city again…i love the nature and serenity of the place….and the 200yr old tree..wow
I love dari already
Scrapbook Journeys
November 25, 2016 at 8:16 pmHehe Yes in Kenya, and right within reach, in Nairobi!
I am glad you love it, hope you visit soon and share your experiences! Thanks for reading!
mitha
November 24, 2016 at 5:05 pmCrazy how this is in Nairobi away from all the hustle and bustle… Awesome read and the food looks heavenly .
Yours truly Hungry fan
Scrapbook Journeys
November 25, 2016 at 8:19 pmHahaha I love that -‘Hungry fan’
We need to do something about that ay?
And true, such places can easily make you forget the hustle of Nairobi.
Thanks for reading dear.
Irene
November 24, 2016 at 3:44 pmMarion
Lovely place. I can see why it was so easy to fall in love with it. I love nature and Dari surely provides it!
Keep taking us along your journey!
Scrapbook Journeys
November 25, 2016 at 8:20 pmIrene! Yes, I think you would enjoy this place, with the family too or with friends
Thanks for reading and let’s keep exploring!
Nesh Kanja
November 24, 2016 at 3:29 pmThis one is a must visit place for sure, I feel as if I was there with you the more reason I want to visit Dari. You have captured it so well to make me feel I was present in it with you. Looking forward to new Nairobi hidden Gems.
Scrapbook Journeys
November 25, 2016 at 8:22 pmYes, I am giving you more reasons to come back home #Hint
I am glad I could take you with me on this journey, albeit virtually.
Thanks for reading
Patricia
November 24, 2016 at 3:05 pmThat’s the perfect place to be and very beautiful. I look forward to visit
Scrapbook Journeys
November 25, 2016 at 8:23 pmYes, Yes, Yes! It is serene and would be perfect to help you relax Thank you for reading
Stom al-Madusi
November 24, 2016 at 2:47 pmAnd to think that such places can only be found abroad, in movies or magazines
I love this
Scrapbook Journeys
November 25, 2016 at 8:24 pmAnd now we have them right within our reach Thanks Stom for reading!
Stella Nguu
November 24, 2016 at 2:27 pmLooks beautiful. I so love the impala roaming part. Amazing!
Scrapbook Journeys
November 25, 2016 at 8:25 pmThank you Stella! I also truly enjoyed that part…it’s a unique aspect they’ve given to their restaurant.
Wanjiku Thuo
November 24, 2016 at 1:17 pmI can attest to the beauty of this place… it’s so green and beautiful
As a nature Lover, I love places where you don’t only sit to enjoy a meal but also take some time to walk and soak in nature.
I would do this again
Scrapbook Journeys
November 25, 2016 at 8:26 pmThis was priceless wasn’t it?
I remember how happy we were the whole time
Priceless indeed