These busy areas bounded by Dennis Pritt Road to the north and Ngong Road to the south host many of Nairobi’s new-build apartment blocks.

These were largely constructed in the property boom of the 1990s, replacing the 1950s and 1960s bungalows that once sat back from the wide streets. Most of the new blocks are taller than five storeys and have balconies, communal swimming pools and 24-hour security staff.

The more expensive have gyms, saunas and health clubs. They tend to be popular with both expatriates and Kenyans, mainly single professionals, young families with few children or aid workers regularly sent into the field for months at a time. These areas are home to three of Nairobi’s most popular shopping centres - the smart Yaya Centre on Argwings Kodhek Road, the older and scruffier Adams’ Arcade on Ngong Road and the sleek Junction, also on Ngong Road – as well as to several large supermarkets including Nakumatt Prestige on Ngong Road, which is open 24-hours a day. Several of Nairobi’s most popular restaurants, many with outdoors seating, are along Lenana Road just north of Argwings Kodhek Road.

For entertainment there are at least two cinemas and a casino in Hurlingham, while the Nairobi Jockey Club on Ngong Road has a public nine-hole golf course. International schools in the area include Cavina and the French, Dutch, Swedish and Italian schools. Some of the city’s main state and private hospitals including The Nairobi Hospital (private), The Nairobi Women’s Hospital (private) and Kenyatta National Hospital (state) are located just to the east of these areas, along the city centre end of Ngong Road (see “Useful contacts” for details). Buses run along the main roads directly into the city centre (2-5 km), while a taxi to town will cost KSh600.