Whether your heart longs for the coast, the wild savannah, or the quiet rhythms of the countryside, Kenya offers an endless buffet of destinations that fit every mood and every pocket.
From Mombasa’s golden sands to the rugged beauty of Marsabit, each trip tells a story of rediscovery, of self, of culture, and of a country so richly blessed with landscapes and warmth.
Mombasa Raha: The coast’s golden glow
Few places capture the holiday spirit like Mombasa. The coastal city has undergone a remarkable facelift. New highways, pavements, and beachfronts have turned it into a vibrant blend of heritage and modernity.
Nyali, Shanzu, Bamburi and the reimagined Mama Ngina Waterfront are magnets for families seeking sun and sea. Fort Jesus and Old Town whisper tales of history, while Mamba Village and Haller Park offer wildlife within city reach.
Further north, Malindi and Watamu entice visitors with coral gardens, Swahili flavours and sunset dhow sails that leave you breathless.
In Kilifi, the turquoise water stretches beyond the horizon. Here, a holiday begins with a Swahili dinner by the ocean and ends with stories under the stars. Watamu’s turtle conservation projects, Gedi Ruins, and lively markets offer a mix of learning, leisure and charm. For the adventurous, there’s snorkelling, surfing, canoeing and dolphin watching – all in one coastal embrace.
A hidden gem of culture and colour
The Western tourism circuit is a feast of diversity. Spanning 14 counties, it presents a kaleidoscope of landscapes and cultures often overlooked by mainstream travellers.
Highlights include Bumbe Beach on Lake Victoria, the Ekakapel rock art shrine, the vast Kakamega Tropical Rainforest, and Rusinga Island’s serene shores.
In Kisii, artisans carve dreams into soapstone at Tabaka, while the Nabongo Mumia Cultural Heritage Centre tells the story of Kenya’s early kingdoms.
For those seeking something truly unique, the Oyoun Cultural Food Centre, famed for its “rat delicacy”, reminds you that adventure is not just about where you go, but what you dare to taste.
Desert magic: The Chalbi Experience
Few travellers venture into the Chalbi Desert, yet it remains one of Kenya’s most striking landscapes, a shimmering expanse of salt flats, dunes and ancient volcanic hills.
The Gabbra pastoralists call it Chalbi, meaning “bare and salty.” It is Kenya’s only true desert, stretching across Marsabit County into the Ethiopian borderlands. Here, time slows. The desert comes alive with mirages and the gentle rhythm of camel caravans.
A journey here could include the Kalacha Oasis, the turquoise Lake Turkana, and the dramatic Ndoto Mountains. A night under the stars, surrounded by silence, offers a kind of peace you won’t find anywhere else.
The heartbeat of the wild
No list of festive getaways is complete without the Maasai Mara. It’s a world within a world, where life plays out on an endless stage of golden plains. Lions, elephants, and wildebeests move in harmony, reminding visitors of nature’s grand choreography.
If you are lucky, you will catch the last of the Great Migration, one of the Seven Wonders of the World as millions of wildebeest and zebra cross into Kenya from Tanzania. For a touch of magic, rise early for a hot air balloon safari and watch the sun paint the savannah gold.
Amboseli, in the south, is equally enchanting. Here, elephants stroll across the plains with the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. It’s a place where every photograph feels like a postcard.
Tsavo West National Park, one of Kenya’s largest, offers an untamed beauty that few destinations can match. A trip here includes the crystal-clear Mzima Springs, where hippos glide underwater, and the scenic Chyulu Hills, whose green folds hide volcanic caves.
Lake Jipe and Lake Chala add a touch of serenity to the adventure, while the rhino sanctuary offers rare sightings. Whether you camp beneath the stars or stay in a lodge overlooking the savannah, Tsavo rewards every traveller with silence, space and soul.
Kenya Wildlife Service has breathed new life into the country’s more than 50 national parks and reserves, making them accessible, affordable and alluring. Many offers accommodation options that cater to every budget, from simple camping sites to boutique lodges and wellness resorts.
In Mt Elgon National Park, hidden on the western border, visitors explore caves, waterfalls, and scenic trails. The park’s Koitoboss Guesthouse and Kapkuro Banda) provide family-friendly stays. Here, the air is crisp, the landscape lush, and the mountain’s presence quietly humbling.
Further west, Ruma National Park – home to the rare roan antelope – lies in the tranquil Lambwe Valley. The Oribi Guesthouse offers comfort amid rolling hills and volcanic escarpments, a reminder that peace still lives in Kenya’s countryside.
Along the coast, Malindi Marine National Park and Reserve remains a sparkling wonder. Established in 1968 and designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it is home to coral gardens, dolphins, and colourful reef fish. A “marine game drive”, spotting sea turtles, rays, and barracuda, makes one realise that safaris can happen underwater too. Sleep at the beachside bandas for as little as Sh1,500 and wake up to the music of the tides.
To the north, Meru National Park stands as a monument to resilience. Immortalised by Joy and George Adamson’s Born Free, it is both a wildlife haven and a historical landmark. Here, lions, cheetahs and elephants roam freely, and the wind seems to whisper Elsa’s story. Guesthouses (Sh8,000) and cottages offer rustic charm and modern comfort in equal measure.
Then there is Marsabit National Park, a lush oasis rising from the desert. After a long but scenic 525km drive from Nairobi, you find crater lakes, dense forests, and cool mountain air. It is remote, yet a deeply rewarding paradise for those who travel not just to see, but to feel.
Travel made simple
Reaching these destinations has never been easier. Whether you choose to travel by road, rail, or air, over ten domestic airlines and countless car hire options connect every corner of the country. Even short weekend escapes now feel possible.
However, sometimes, adventure is right next door. Waterfalls, gardens, recreational parks, and small hills can surprise you with quiet beauty if you take time to explore your own backyard.
Whether you choose the coast, the desert, the west, or the wild, Kenya’s festive season is not just about travel. It is about reconnecting with joy, with nature, and with each other. Because Kenya is not just a country to live in – it is a country to experience.