There’s nothing I look forward to at any airport like chilling at the lounge.
I have a habit of going to the airport early and after the usual check- in, head to the lounge and enjoy the services there wherever I may be, around the world. From complimentary amenities such as premium food and snacks, fully stocked bars (I have a weakness for unlimited supply of Prosecco), ample space and comfort, modern shower facilities, Wi-Fi, several power outlets, and comfortable sitting areas, lounges give you the peace of mind, especially during long lay overs. You also never know who you will bump into, and network with at the lounge.
Did you know Kenya Airways has three state-of-the-art lounges at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, Kenya? The three lounges namely The Pride Lounge, The Simba Lounge (both located at the International termini), and Msafiri Lounge (domestic terminus) have a total capacity of 315 guests. The lounges designed with the African landscapes in mind, offer an oasis of calm with a warm, welcoming atmosphere while shuttling through the airport.
Good news. Kenya Airways recently revamped its lounge menu in what the company says, “is to provide for more options and variety catering to guests needs including religion, vegetarian, health, and dietary needs.” The real standout feature at the lounge though is the newly introduced Live cooking station, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
My team and I recently spent the day at The Pride Lounge at JKIA terminal 1A second floor for a firsthand experience of the feature, with their in-house chefs and also the new enhanced menu. Live kitchens are a popular concept all around the world not only at restaurants but also, at various lounges/ airports (first/ business class travelers, you would know) where the chefs prepare your meal right there and serve it to you hot. It allows you to even personalize your meal with the chef in the process and watch the entire process every step of the way.
This is certainly going to be a popular feature at the KQ Simba and Pride Lounges going by what we saw and experienced, with many enthusiast travelers choosing it. Once you are seated next to an open plan kitchen, the sights and aromas of the food becomes more apparent and simply irresistible. Best thing about this is the immediate design to suit virtually any taste, dietary need, or preference. You can also ask the chef questions and get insights into the process of making your meal. Cool innit?
While at the Simba and Pride lounges, you can catch a nap during your layover. The napping areas have a desert theme with the dune shapes on the carpet and the earth shades of the sleeper beds. The partitioning is reminiscent of the swaying grass of the Savannah and the textured walls, the desert sand. It is designed to give travelers some peace and quiet as they take a nap.
Kenya Airways, a member of the Sky Team Alliance, is a leading African airline flying to 42 destinations worldwide, 35 of which are in Africa. Kenya Airways takes pride in being at the forefront of connecting Africa to the World and the World to Africa through its hub at the new ultra-modern Terminal 1A at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
Msafiri lounge is at the domestic terminal while Simba and Pride lounges are located at the International termini. For more information on how to access KQ lounges, log onto https://www.kenya-airways.com/en/experience/at-the-airport/lounge-services/
