Of Chows and Dhows

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, a day when lovers swoon over each other, several don the colour red and, a good number dread the day. While I agree that each day is a good day to appreciate our loved ones, I believe that we should take every opportunity to celebrate the special people in our lives. I have put together a list of places that are perfect for a romantic Valentine’s getaway as well as some fun activities you can do in Nairobi.

Romantic Valentine’s Getaway ideas

For a romantic getaway, booking an Airbnb immediately jumps to my mind as you can inexpensively get a lovely place away from home.

To elevate your Airbnb experience, I suggest booking a place with access to activities and amenities that you would not otherwise have at home like, say, a pool. If you prefer not to cook, find out whether there is a chef onsite or any restaurants near the Airbnb.

Once you make up your mind, make your booking early to avoid disappointment. Also, have an open mind, you do not have to restrict yourself to travelling on Valentine’s weekend, you can pick other weekends in February to avoid the crowds.

The list below is a mix of several properties (Airbnbs and lodges) across the country as well as activities you can do in Nairobi.

TLDR? Here is a full list of all the properties below (plus more).

Enough talk, let’s jump to the ideas:

City Staycation

Nairobi DawnChorus

This open-plan treehouse is perched above a river valley. Enjoy privacy in nature (and the gorgeous tub), or hit the pool for a swim. The house is $110 per night for the entire place. Please note that the minimum stay is two nights.

BOOK HERE

Kampi ya Karin, Nairobi National Park

The property is situated on the southern unfenced borders of Nairobi National Park and has a private terrace offering beautiful views of the garden and park. View game as you relax in the tub. The property is self-catering and has a fully equipped kitchen. The private room is $91 per night for two.

BOOK HERE

Treehouse on Ngong House

The treehouse is located near major tourist attractions such as the Giraffe Centre, the David Sheldrick’s Wildlife Trust, and Nairobi National Park. Grab breakfast at the eatery on the property or go for a swim. The entire place is $90 per night for the entire place.

BOOK HERE

Bonus:

Ololo Safari lodge- relax in this charming lodge located in Nairobi National Park alternatively, pass by the lodge for lunch and a swim after a game drive through the park. Book your stay here.

Stay at this spacious, vibrant and affordable apartment. Contact Ivy to book.

For more places to stay in Nairobi click here.

Safari lovers:

Amboseli Kibo Safari Private wing

The Private Wing is a separate luxury section of Kibo Safari Camp that is exclusive and eco-friendly located less than 2km from the KWS Kimana Gate. The property is eco-friendly and self-catering. Enjoy breathtaking views of Mt Kilimanjaro, make a pizza, fire up the grill, light a bonfire and stargaze. If you prefer not to cook, you can have meals at the lodge. You can also access the swimming pool’s lodge (extra charges apply). A tent is $100 per night

BOOK HERE

Koija Starbeds

Koija Starbeds is a community-run eco-lodge in Laikipia that gives you the opportunity to sleep under the stars. You can wheel out the bed from the room and enjoy magical views of the Ewaso Nyiro. The lodge is self-catering and it is Kshs.4,000 per person per night. You can find more information about the lodge here.

Beach getaways

Diani:

Inshallah Melia

The tiny house is a fantastic beachfront spot for those who prefer intimate and private spaces. Enjoy private beach access, catch magical sunsets, take a dip in the gorgeous pool, chill in the hammock and just relax. The house has a fully equipped kitchen and a fire pit for barbecues. It is $155 per night for the entire house. The minimum stay is two nights.

BOOK HERE

Inshallah cottage

This charming cottage is Inshallah Melia’s sister property (check out their equally stunning Azhari Suite). Just like Melia, this property is located by the beach in a beautiful garden. The cottage is $132 per night and the minimum stay is two nights.

BOOK HERE

Find more places to stay in Diani here.

Lamu:

Lamu House Hotel

The hotel is located in Lamu Old Town at the seafront. Each of the ten rooms is individually designed and has a private terrace. Enjoy the beautiful swimming pools, courtyards, and terraces as you take in the beauty and charm of Lamu. The room is $150 per night

BOOK HERE

Find more places to stay in Lamu here.

Watamu:

Bling banda

This charming banda is set in a garden with a view of the forest and a private beach a minute away. It is $54 per night for the entire house and the minimum stay is two nights.

BOOK HERE

Find more places to stay in Watamu here.

Roadtrip

Kajiado:

Olohoro Ndogo, Champagne Ridge

Olohoro Ndogo is an intimate spot, offering amazing views of the Rift Valley and a tub carved out of rock where you can enjoy the sunset as you relax or count stars as you sit around the fire pit. It is $195 per night for the entire house.

BOOK HERE

The Dhow

The Dhow is a 1 bedroomed boat house located in Champagne Ridge, Kajiado. The property is inspired by the traditional Arabic Dhows used in the Coast and furnished with modern amenities with a Swahili touch. Escape to this unique home and enjoy tranquillity and the best views of Ngong Hills and the Rift Valley.

The Dhow is $95 per night and accommodates a maximum of two people, making it perfect for a romantic getaway or solocation. Note that you have to spend a minimum of two nights at the Dhow.

BOOK HERE

Little Tandala

Start off your morning by swimming in the beautiful pool right outside your room at Little Tandala, an exclusive property in the Maparasha Hills, Kajiado County.

It can host up to 6 guests and is $270 for two people per night for the entire place. The property runs on solar. Charcoal is provided and the water from the taps is safe to drink. Note that pets are not allowed.

BOOK HERE

Find more places to stay in Kajiado here.

Nanyuki:

Lavender Villa

This modern and tastefully decorated villa with spacious rooms a swimming pool and a natural pond is a lovely home away from home. Enjoy a peaceful stay here with your partner or with friends. The villa can host up to 4 guests and is $200 per night.

BOOK HERE

Riverstone Cabin

Enjoy this beautiful log cabin and reconnect with nature. Located 40 minutes in the Loldaiga game reserve, take walks along the river or go horseback riding and relax. The cabin is $110 per night and the minimum stay is two nights.

BOOK HERE

The Boathouse

This one-bedroomed cottage offers the perfect romantic escape on the foothills of Mt Kenya. Enjoy an alfresco breakfast complete with unbeatable views of Mt Kenya. Guests are free to row on the dam and walk through the property. This bird-watching paradise is 15 minutes away from Nanyuki town and is near 5 famous wildlife conservancies for game drives and day trips. The Boathouse is $200 per night. Please note that the minimum stay is two nights.

BOOK HERE

Find more places to stay in Nanyuki here.

Naivasha:

Honeymoon hut

This house offers the perfect romantic escape from busy city life. Enjoy sweeping views of the Malewa river as you enjoy breakfast on the deck. Relax in the tub, sit by the fireplace and go hiking if you fancy. The house is $107 per night.

BOOK HERE

Find more places to stay in Naivasha here.

Fun Activities to do in Nairobi

This Valentine’s day try something different and explore the city.

• For adrenaline junkies, go-karting is always a good time. Race with your partner or with your friends at Whistling Morans Kitengela, Mad Max at Two Rivers, or GP Karting in Lang’ata.
• Reconnect with nature and spot game on a morning game drive at Nairobi National park.
• Head out of town for ziplining at The Forest Kereita or the Kompass, Ngong Hills.
• A little friendly competition keeps things fun. Go bowling at Village Bowl, Village Market, Pins Entertainment at Sarit Centre or Playland Amusement Park, NextGen Mall.
• Play some indoor games at Ballpoint Social Club, Village Market.
• Experience a thrilling virtual F1 experience at Rev, Village Market.

Note:

I do not own these photos and the prices listed are subject to change depending on season and availability.

I hope these ideas are of help. Celebrate your loved ones and create unforgettable memories at any of these places. No pressure, you do not have to visit these places next month. You can bookmark this post to refer to it at a later time.

Let me know which places you are keen on visiting in the comments down below.

Share this post with a fellow traveller 🙂

until next time, bye!

*As an Airbnb associate I may earn a fee when you book from Airbnb at no extra cost to you*