Meet the Locals: Jonny from Nairobi
In the Karen suburb of Nairobi, Jonny Dwek built two riverside homes, realizing his childhood dream of living in harmony with nature.
Photography by Tara Rice
The Local
Jonny Dwek grew up in London, England, where he referred to his environment as “all cement,” wanting to instead climb trees and spend time with animals. He eventually found a chance to live out this childhood dream in Karen, a suburb of Nairobi, Kenya. After working in banking for a year post-college, Jonny left London to get a job as a safari guide in South Africa.
Rejuvenated by his year-long travels and in pursuit of meaningful work, he became an “eco-warrior” and founded the first US-style organic supermarket, Planet Organic, upon his return to England. He sold the company many years later and, soon after, struck up a deal with his best friend to travel the world yet again, starting with a visit to the pyramids of Egypt. “Then we went to Kenya and climbed a holy mountain, which is where the Samburu tribe hang out,” Jonny said. “On top of that mountain I did this meditation about what I wanted to do in life. I would plant my seed in Africa, in that very spot.”
His Home
Jonny eventually settled in Karen, where he built the River Cottage and House, and began hosting on Airbnb three years ago. As their names suggest, both properties sit along a river surrounded by marshland. Guests must cross a bridge to access the smaller River Cottage, which sleeps two. Jonny and his family live in the River House next door, where every nook and cranny overflows with objects of art from each one of his travels.
He refers to the River House as his “treehouse,” which is built on stilts and can accommodate larger groups when he leaves during the summer. “The River House is an ode to my children and my own fantasy. If I could sum it up, I’m living the dream that I imagined.” The fantasy includes peacocks, chickens, and a pig named Ziggy, all of whom freely roam the property. Parrots flaunt their colors in the Shanghai Noon-inspired bathroom, where twin baths are arranged next to one another. The harlequin windows reveal a setting sun and the roof peels back for a view of the stars. “What I like is the smallness. This concept that less is more is a wonderful philosophy. If you have a huge house, you can get lost in it,” Jonny said. The kitchen and fireplace sit at the heart of the home, encouraging friends and family to gather in a close-knit space and enjoy each other’s company. The house has extremely high ceilings and a traditional leaf roof, known as a matuki roof in Swahili. “It’s made by craft men who have come from the coast and built what you would imagine Tarzan living in, giving it a warm feeling for Nairobi,” Jonny said.
Outside the home, guests can continue to find “old-school entertainment” by participating in yoga, martial arts, archery and hiking to secluded waterfalls led by Jonny himself. He learned martial arts by studying with different masters in places like Indonesia and Japan, and finds his biggest hobby to be teaching in Kibera, one of the world’s largest slums. “I’ve been teaching there for ten years. I take my top students on expeditions into the wilderness. I make them think about a wish and really focus on it. The best fighter in my class said her wish came true. ‘I’m moving to America.’ She won the green card lottery.”
His Neighborhood
The River Cottage and House are nestled into the greenbelt oasis of Karen, a suburb just 30 minutes outside of Nairobi. “I’m particularly lucky with where I bought my land because I face the last farmer in the city of Nairobi. He has 60 acres of farmland. It’s my favorite thing to walk through and visit him for lunch or a sunset drinks.” Karen attracts many families, good shopping and restaurants, and has developed rapidly since Jonny first arrived. One can now find sushi, grappa and cappuccinos awaiting them. “It’s an amazing place with so much to see and do. My house is almost a reflection of it.” He once had a group book his home to celebrate the last episode of Game of Thrones. Lots of guests also come from Nairobi, wanting to escape traffic jams and revel in new treasures. Jonny loves sharing the charm of his home and its surrounding areas of Karen and Nairobi with guests from around the world. “I’m into doing things that are soulful,” Jonny said. “[Airbnb] has opened up the world completely.”
Jonny’s Nairobi Picks
Oloolua Nature Trail: “This is a hidden gem that has beautifully shaded trails in the height of summer, an impressive waterfall where you can sit and meditate, and a cave where I occasionally leave a rubber snake in to scare the next visitor! The trail became known as “the monkey forest” because it was donated to pursue more research about the animals.”
“Cozy up near the fireplace at The Talisman Restaurant, which not only has the best food in Karen but also the best atmosphere that I would describe as “boho chic”.
“At Matbronze you can find the most extravagant sculptures of animals and nifty goods such as a backgammon set bound in leather with bronze pieces and dice.”
“There’s nothing better than getting up close and personal to wild animals at The Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. My sister just adopted an elephant for me that was born on the same day and month as me.”
About the author: Cayla Mihalovich is a San Francisco-based writer whose work has appeared in PSFK, Flaunt Magazine, and Airbnb Magazine.
About the photographer: Tara Rice is a Brooklyn-based photographer focusing on projects related to education, gender equality, community service, and environmental conservation.
