Like most busy cities in the world, Nairobi can get chaotic, and all you want to do is get away and recharge in a calm, isolated destination not too far from the city. Fortunately, that’s the beauty of this East African city. Plenty of destinations close to Nairobi feel like a tropical getaway. I compiled the following destinations from my crossed-out bucket list – these are the most incredible weekend getaways close to Nairobi.
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Punda Milias Camp Nakuru
Punda Milias Camp is located in Nakuru City. Nakuru City is 3 hours away from Nairobi – a little shy of 200 kilometers (124 miles). It’s not that close to Nairobi, but it makes for a perfect short road trip, and better yet, it is better if you are planning a quick getaway from Nairobi City.
This boutique camp is located inside Soysambu Conservancy, about 7 kilometers from the Nakuru – Nairobi Highway (A104). Punda Milia Camp is entirely off-grid and makes the perfect destination for love birds looking to rekindle their romance.
Punda Milias Camp is run by a couple who live within the camp. They are pretty welcoming and always take a little time to ensure their visitors are cozy.
Punda Milias Camp amenities include WiFi, a swimming pool, a campsite, expansive green spaces, and nature trails.
Location: Old Nakuru Road (Off A104), Soysambu Conservancy, Nakuru.
Contact: (+254) 796 757 945; [email protected].
Oloiden Camp Naivasha
The Oloiden Camp is one of those camps that are typically Kenyan. And by that, I mean you’ll meet a lot of Kenyan middle-class running away from busy Nairobi life for a weekend. You’ll also find companies and startups and their staff out on retreats.
The Oloiden Camp is right next to Oloiden Lake, on the outskirts of Naivasha town – close to Olkarei. I love this spot because of its location next to the lake and the kind of people I meet when I visit this campsite.
Don’t get me wrong – this camp has two sides: the quiet, serene side and the side of the jovial camper. There’s plenty of wildlife – baboons and Hippos to watch out for. Still, the sunset and sunrise here are unbeatable.
Visitors can choose between villas and camping tents – I’d recommend camping for a night if you are a first-timer. Oloiden Camp is also decently priced compared to most destinations in the area. Just ensure you stock plenty of fresh water to hydrate. It can get hot during the day.
Location: Oloiden Camp, Road Lake Oloiden, Kongoni.
Contact: (+254) 708 798 075; email: [email protected].
Lalanasi Lodge Nyahururu
Lalanasi Lodge is located in Nyahururu Town. Lalanasi loosely translates in Swahili to ‘Come sleep at ours.” Nyahururu Town is approximately 187 kilometers (116 miles) from Nairobi and will take you about 3 hours from Nairobi. The Lodge is located about 10 kilometers from the highway.
Lalanasi Lodge in Nyahururu is perfect for individuals looking for a destination with many activities and sightseeing attractions. The weather is cold, so the lodge ensures the suites have electric blankets.
Lalanasi Lodge is an excellent place to relax. It offers nature trails, green spaces, a swimming pool, and great food prepared by the kitchen staff.
Location: Off Nyeri Nyahururu Highway.
Contact: (+254) 797 118 780; Email: [email protected].
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Oasis Eco Lodge Elementaita
Oasis Eco Lodge Elementaita is located in Naivasha and on the shores of Lake Elementaitia. It’s the best destination for visitors seeking a proper bush experience without electricity. You’ll love the calmness of this lodge and the clarity it’ll bring to your mind away from Social Media, crazy Nairobi traffic, and a chaotic week of meetings.
Oasis Eco Lodge Elementaita’s property is next to the lake – meaning you can enjoy early morning and late evening sessions staring into the water. It’s a proper bush camp – therefore, you’ll need to get used to firewood-heated bathing water and campfires.
Plenty of wildlife also creeps into the camp at night – nothing that’ll eat you. Just herbivores enjoying the green manicured lawns. Oasis Eco Lodge Elementaita is one of the perfect weekend getaways close to Nairobi.
Location: Road 204, Gilgil.
Contact: (+254) 729 910 410; Email: [email protected].
The Aberdare Country Club & Ark Lodges
If you have more to spend and can drive further out of Nairobi, the Aberdare & Ark Lodges make the perfect weekend getaway close to Nairobi. Please note that the Aberdare and Ark Lodges are separate establishments, but all run under one management.
I was lucky to stay in both places over an Easter weekend, and I must admit – it is one of those places authentically Kenyan regarding tourism. Visitors enjoy staying at either of the lodges under one payment.
Therefore, if you’ve paid for a weekend getaway, you can spend a night at the Aberdare Lodge and sample Ark Lodge for the next night without additional charges. The Aberdare Lodge is at Mweiga, while the Ark Lodge is inside Aberdare National Park.
If you love wildlife, spend a day at the Ark Lodge – many animals visit the premises to enjoy salt deposits below the building.
Location: The Ark Lodge (Mweiga, Off Nyeri – Nyahururu Road.
Contact: (+254) 737 799 990; (+254 )730 841 84; Email: reservations.kenya@marasa.
The Panari Resort Nyahururu
You’ll not have seen Kenya’s majestic beauty without visiting The Panari Resort Nyahururu. The hotel is next to Thompson Falls, which has breathtaking views of the magnificent water body. It’s also at the periphery of the Marmet Forest, which offers spectacular views and fantastic hiking trails into the elephant territory.
The Panari Resort Nyahururu is a family-friendly getaway close to Nairobi with a kid’s play area, including a trampoline and Bouncy Castle.
Visitors can choose between rooms and Villas. You’ll enjoy the expansive green natural spaces, wildlife, good food, and fantastic waterfall views. This is one of the few places everyone visiting Kenya needs to see.
Location: Nyeri- Nyahururu Road, Nyahururu.
Contact: (+254) 709 070 000a