Ringer and R. Aylmer Winearls, and opened its doors on December 25, 1904, to early settlers seeking refuge from the harsh conditions of Kenya.

[1][2]: 7  The hotel was the basecamp of early African explorers who ventured to Masai Mara, Kenya's Coast, and the Great Rift Valley.

[2]: 28 In 1909, Theodore Roosevelt stayed at the Norfolk before and after his famous safari, following his retirement as the 26th President of the United States.

[2] Thirty extra rooms were added in 1913, including an arched front entrance and veranda with balcony.

[5] The building was remodeled following the bombing and by 1981, the western wing had risen to the 1st floor and the roof had been retiled as well as the addition of a new restaurant, a ballroom, and 2 function rooms, by 1982.

The hotel was featured in the 1985 movie “Out of Africa” starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford.

[5] Since its opening, the hotel has seen numerous notable guests including Walter Schirra, David Niven, Richard Burton, Walter Cronkite, Pelé, James Stewart, Michael Caine, Peter Ustinov,[2]: 110, 115, 117–118  Carrie Fisher, Paul Simon, Jackie Stewart, Michael Landon, Sally Field, Mick Jagger, Robert Redford, James McDivitt,[2]: 153, 156–157, 168, 173–174, 179, 183  Kofi Annan, James Earl Jones, and Sarah, Duchess of York.