Of Chows and Dhows

Anytime is a good time to explore your country or city. Local travel is also a lot cheaper and more convenient. With that being said, below are the best weekend getaway destinations in Kenya. The holiday season is drawing nearer and you should take advantage of the weekends and holidays to travel. Grab your squad, go on a road trip, and make unforgettable memories.

Weekend getaway ideas:

Naivasha

Less than two hours away from Nairobi, Naivasha is an ideal choice for a weekend getaway.

There is plenty to do in this lakeside city depending on your likes and budget. Here are some fun and affordable activities you can do while in Naivasha.

Where to stay in Naivasha:

Naivasha has a variety of accommodation options depending on one’s budget, style, and preferences.

• Camping Picks- Camp Carnellys, Crayfish Camp, Oloiden Camp Site
• Budget Picks- The Symphony Hotel, Rocky Eco Lodge, Eseriani Hotel
• Hotels- Eseriani Resort, Enashipai Resort and Spa, The Great Rift Valley Lodge, Kiboko Luxury Camp, Chui Lodge, Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort, Naivasha Kongoni Lodge
• Self Catering- Luxurious Tents
• If you are looking for more intimate stays for groups, check out these enchanting properties.

Nanyuki

Nanyuki is another fan favourite, with good reason. The town is conveniently located on the Central and Northern Kenya tourist circuits. It can be accessed from Nyeri, the rift valley via Nyahururu, Meru, Isiolo and Nairobi. Nanyuki is the gateway to Laikipia and the greater Northern frontier.

On the road:

• Pass by Trout Tree Restaurant for a quick lunch of fresh trout from the farm.
• Obligatory stop at the Equator for a picture or two.

Shopping: Cedar Mall or Nanyuki Mall

Where to Stay in Nanyuki:

• Budget Picks: Daigas Edge Lodge, Peaks Hotel, Anka Resort, Falcon Heights Hotel.
• Hotels: Soames, Maiyan Luxury Resort, Fairmont Mt.Kenya Safari Club, Serena Sweetwaters Camp, Le Rustique, Sportsman’s Arms, Mutara Camp
• If you are looking for more intimate stays and budget-friendly options for groups, check out Olepangi Farm, Laikipia Place and these properties.

Things to do in Nanyuki:

• Visit the Mau Mau caves and Burguret Falls- via Bantu Lodge which is 15 kilometres before reaching Nanyuki town
• Go on a game drive at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, meet the rehabilitated chimpanzees at the Chimpanzee sanctuary and see Baraka, the blind black rhino.
• Flex your muscles and try wall climbing at Mt Kenya Climbing Gym‘s climbing tower.
• Learn more about the adopted animals and endangered species at the Mt Kenya Animal Orphanage.
• Hike Mt.Kenya via Sirimon Gate.
• Visit the Ol Jogi Conservancy’s Wildlife Rescue Centre and see the adopted animals that call the zoo their home.
• Hike to the waterfalls, jump off cliffs, swim in the ice-cold azure pools, and walk on the tallest and highest canopy walk in East Africa at Ngare Ndare forest.

Kajiado

Enjoy spectacular views of the Rift Valley, sunny days and starry nights, expansive landscapes, and view wildlife at Kajiado.

Where to stay in Kajiado:

Hotels: Lerruat Log Resort, Saab Royale Resort, Nkasiri Adventure Park

For more budget-friendly options for groups, check out these stunning properties.

Things to do in Kajiado:

• See remains of the early man at the Olorgesailie Prehistoric site and hike up Olorgesailie mountain.
• Hike up Ngong Hills and enjoy views of Nairobi and Kajiado. Entry fees to Ngong Hills is Kshs 200 for citizens.
• Conquer your fears and Zipline and go Quad Biking at the Kompass in Ngong Hills for Kshs 1,000 for each activity.
• Go on a game drive to the Land of the Giants, Amboseli.
• Enjoy delicious nyama choma at Olepolos Country Club.
• Learn more about glassmaking at Kitengela Hot Glass and if you are daring, walk on the shaky 100 m high bridge.
• Visit Lake Magadi, view flamingos, and dip in the hot springs. Find more information about visiting Lake Magadi here.

Limuru

Less than two hours away from Nairobi, Limuru offers a lush countryside escape from the busy hustle and bustle of the city.

Places to stay in Limuru:

• Brackenhurst Conference Centre
• Jumuia Conference Centre
• Sovereign Suites

If you are looking for cosy and budget-friendly options for groups, check out The Lakehouse, Banana Farmhouse.

Things to do in Limuru:

• Hiking
• Drive through the tea farms and catch the beautiful sunsets
• Cycling at Brackenhurst Conference Centre
• Tea Farm tours and lunch at Kiambethu Tea Farm.
• Cheese Tasting at Brown’s Cheese Farm
• Horse Riding at Kawamwaki Farm
• For the adventurous, The Forest is about 20 minutes away from Limuru. Head there for zip lining, cycling, archery, and camping.

Find more information about Limuru here.

Sagana

Adventure awaits in Sagana less than two hours away from Nairobi. Get your adrenaline fix and camp by the river shores.

Where to stay in Sagana:

Budget Picks: Kwetu Home, Savage Wilderness Camp, Havila Resort, Jangwani Camp, Rapids Camp

Hotels: Nokras Riverine Hotel and Spa, Sagana Getaway Resort

Things to do in Sagana:

• White Water Rafting. It is offered by most camps in the area. Read about my experience here.

• Stand-Up Paddling.
• Kayaking.
• Cliff Diving.
• Bungee Jumping. It is offered by Bungeewalla and can be accessed through Savage Wilderness Camp or Rapids Camp. Read about my experience here.

Adventure activities:

• Ziplining at Savage Wilderness Camp.

• Wall Climbing, offered by Savage Wilderness Camp.
• Archery is offered by Savage Wilderness Camp.

Bonus weekend getaway ideas:

• Athi River- try go-karting, quad biking at Lukenya Getaway, and stay at Small World Country Club.

• Thika- marvel at Fourteen Falls and the nearby Chania Falls, visit Ol Donyo Sapuk National Park, visit McMillan house, and hike Mt.Kilimambogo. Grab a bite at Fourteen Falls Lodge and rent quad bikes.
• Nyeri- visit the Aberdare National Park, hike to Zaina Falls, visit the Baden Powell house and grave, and check out the Italian memorial church. Go on a game drive to Solio Ranch.
• Kericho- drive out to tea country for a change of pace and scenery.
• Nakuru-hike the Menengai Crater, and visit the Lake Nakuru National Park.
• Voi-Hike the Kasigau, Taita, and Sagalla Hills visit Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks, Lumo & Taita Hills Sanctuaries, and venture out to Lake Chala and Lake Jipe.

I hope this list encourages you to visit someplace new.

Which place would you love to visit? Let me know in the comments below

Share this post with a fellow traveller 🙂

Until next time, Bye!