Nairobi is a good base for weekends away: lakes, mountains, wildlife and the Indian Ocean are all within a few hours. For trips you can do in a day, see Day trips from Nairobi.

Lake Naivasha

About 2 hours by road. A freshwater lake in the Rift Valley with hippos, birdlife and lakeside hotels and campsites. Combine a boat ride and Crescent Island with cycling in Hell’s Gate National Park or climbing Mount Longonot. Busy on long weekends, so book ahead.

Nanyuki and Mount Kenya

About 3 to 4 hours by road, or a short flight. A town on the equator at the foot of Mount Kenya, with conservancies such as Ol Pejeta (rhinos and a chimpanzee sanctuary), hiking, and cooler weather. Good for families and walkers.

Amboseli

About 4 to 5 hours by road, or a short flight. Big herds of elephants, with Kilimanjaro as a backdrop on clear mornings. Best as two nights or more. See Choosing a safari company.

The Maasai Mara

5 to 6 hours by road, or under an hour by air. Worth at least two nights. See The Maasai Mara from Nairobi.

Diani

About an hour’s flight to Ukunda, or the train to Mombasa and a transfer. White-sand beaches south of Mombasa, with resorts, kitesurfing, snorkelling and colobus monkeys. See Nairobi to Mombasa.

Watamu and Kilifi

Fly to Malindi, or the train to Mombasa and a drive north. Quieter beaches, a marine park with good snorkelling, and relaxed small hotels.

Lamu

A flight to Manda island, then a boat. An old Swahili town with no cars, dhows, and a slow pace. Best for three nights or more.

Closer and quieter

  • Limuru and Tigoni - tea estates, cottages and cool air, under an hour away.
  • Kajiado and the Magadi road - dramatic landscapes and hot springs.
  • Machakos and Ol Donyo Sabuk - hills and a national park, a short drive east.

Tips

  • Leave early on Friday, or late morning on Saturday, to avoid city traffic.
  • Book ahead for long weekends and school holidays - see Public holidays.
  • Residents get lower park and hotel rates - carry proof of residence.
  • Malaria is a risk at the coast and in some lowland parks; ask a travel clinic.

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