Quick Getaways And Overnight Escapes From Nairobi

There’s more to Kenya than the Maasai Mara, Amboseli National Park or Naivasha, with a number of lesser known but horizon-expanding escapes possible from Nairobi. From waterfalls to nature trails, treat the senses at these amazing alternative destinations.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Zaina Falls, Nyeri

Natural Feature

It’s been said that distance heals a broken heart, so Nyeri is for those completely serious about their temporary break-up with city life. Three hours from Nairobi, Zaina Falls is one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Kenya, considered a hidden tourist destination. Its beautiful scenery amid the green hills of Nyeri County and its well-marked trails will leave you with no regrets.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Natural Feature, Park

Ol Pejeta is well known for the incredible wildlife experience it gives its visitors, and is a four-hour drive from the capital. As a wildlife conservancy, Ol Pejeta is keen to receive help from visitors, so be prepared to get your hands dirty. Seek out the lions, go birdwatching and even bring out your best David Attenborough impression by identifying different animal tracks. Ol Pejeta is also home to the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and is home to the last two remaining northern white rhino in the world.

Oloolua Natural Trail

Hiking Trail

Mbagathi river flowing through the Oloolua Nature Trail

This 5km (3mi) trail offers the perfect slice of escapism with its gorgeous landscapes and immersive walking trails, but with the safety of being in the outskirts of Nairobi in Karen. Its beautiful forest with waterfalls and caves and a well-defined trail (which you can use for a stress-relieving jog) will be worth your time.

Rolf’s Place

Restaurant, Authentic, $

Just outside Nairobi, Rolf’s Place is where you’ll get your desired breath of fresh, unpolluted air; cross a swing bridge and set your eyes on a beautifully decorated building and get served impeccable cuisine. For all those energetic people not quite content with just relaxing, engage your body and survival instincts in a paintballing session, overlooking Nairobi National Park.

Lake Ol Bolossat

Natural Feature

What better way to escape city life than by visiting a hidden lake, three hours outside Nairobi? Lake Ol Bolossat is a beautiful spot to the west of the Aberdare Range that is well known for its huge catfish and plentiful hippos. To get the complete experience, you can spend stay over at one of the Samawati Lakeside Cottages or the Kichakani Cabins – the perfect one-night getaway from Nairobi.

The Coral Gardens of Wasini

Natural Feature

A must-visit location, Wasini Island is located 85km (53mi) south of Mombasa, and its footpaths consist of corals or sand. The gardens are an alien landscape created by coral rocks jutting out of the ground. The exotic mangrove trees are also a site to behold. This beautiful place is bound to soothe your mind and is a great way to escape city life, especially as you’ll be a day’s travel away from Nairobi.

Lord Egerton Castle

Architectural Landmark

Let’s be honest – it wouldn’t occur to most people that there are actually castles to visit in Kenya. Well, this house, styled like a fortress, has quite the history to it, having been first occupied by Maurice Egerton, a friend of the Wright brothers. Make sure to give this 52-room stately home more than a flying visit, and take in its impressive architecture and tranquil ambience. While it may be a fair trek, situated just over three hours from Nairobi, near Nakuru, the travel is worth it.

Tiwi Beach

Natural Feature

This list wouldn’t be complete without the beautiful beaches on the East African coast, a nine-hour trip from the capital. Tiwi Beach is perhaps the pick of the bunch, situated in Ukunda. Picture endless white sand, glamorous palm trees and spectacular weather – the perfect antidote to the bustle elsewhere. With numerous hotels lining the promenade, you can extend your stay without sacrificing any tranquility, making it one of the best resorts outside Nairobi.

Old Town, Mombasa

Architectural Landmark

The waterfront of the old dhow harbour in Mombasa

Who says one city can’t be an escape from another? Well, it’s difficult not to be when you’re 485km (300mi) away on the coast. The Old Town holds most of the history of the second-largest city in Kenya, with its historical buildings dating back to the 18th century and housing inhabitants of Portuguese, Arab, Swahili and British heritage. Just south you can visit Fort Jesus: a 16th-century coastal building with Unesco World Heritage status.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.