7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Nairobi

Nairobi, is a bustling hub for digital nomads, offering a vibrant culture, a dynamic tech scene, and a gateway to some of East Africa's most enchanting destinations. While the city itself is teeming with activities and co-working spaces, sometimes a weekend getaway is just what you need to recharge. Whether you're looking for popular tourist spots or hidden gems, Nairobi's surrounding areas offer a plethora of options for a quick escape. Here are seven fun weekend getaways that cater to a variety of tastes, from the adventurous to the serene.

Naivasha

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake located just a short drive from Nairobi, making it a popular spot for a quick retreat. Visitors can enjoy boat rides to see hippos, bird watching with over 400 species recorded, or hiking in the nearby Hell's Gate National Park. The park is known for its stunning geothermal activity and was a filming location for 'The Lion King'. For a more relaxed experience, you can visit the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, which is a private peninsula where you can walk among giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife.

How to Get There: The best way to get to Naivasha is by road, and it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by car or shuttle bus from Nairobi.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the chance to visit the Elsamere Conservation Centre, the former home of Joy Adamson of 'Born Free' fame, where you can enjoy a high tea and learn about conservation efforts.

Where to Stay: Naivasha has a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts like the Lake Naivasha Country Club to budget-friendly campsites. For a unique experience, consider staying at the Loldia House, which offers stunning views of the lake and Mount Longonot.

Where to Eat: Carnelly's restaurant is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, offering a relaxed atmosphere and delicious homemade food, including their famous wood-fired pizzas.

Nanyuki

Nanyuki is the gateway to Mount Kenya and offers a blend of adventure and relaxation. It's a great base for those looking to climb or trek Mount Kenya, Africa's second-highest peak. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a must-visit, where you can see the Big Five and visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. The town itself has a charming colonial feel, with plenty of cafes and shops to explore.

How to Get There: Nanyuki is approximately a 3 to 4-hour drive from Nairobi. There are also daily flights from Wilson Airport to Nanyuki Airfield.

Travel Tip: Be sure to check out the Equator sign, where you can stand with one foot in the northern hemisphere and one in the southern hemisphere.

Where to Stay: The Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club offers luxury accommodations with stunning views of Mount Kenya and boasts a golf course straddling the equator.

Where to Eat: Barney's is a delightful cafe located at the Nanyuki Airfield, offering a great selection of meals and a chance to watch small planes take off and land.

Ngare Ndare Forest

For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, the Ngare Ndare Forest is a hidden gem. This indigenous forest is a vital corridor that links the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy to Mount Kenya and features crystal-clear blue pools and waterfalls. Adventure seekers can enjoy canopy walks, bird watching, and natural swimming holes. The forest is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, which can often be seen from the treetop walkways.

How to Get There: Ngare Ndare Forest is about a 4-hour drive from Nairobi, and it's recommended to use a 4WD vehicle due to the rough terrain.

Travel Tip: Make sure to take a guided tour to fully appreciate the forest's ecosystem and to ensure you don't miss the stunning azure pools.

Where to Stay: While there are no accommodations within the forest itself, nearby Lewa Conservancy offers several lodges and campsites, such as Lewa Safari Camp, known for its conservation efforts and luxury tents.

Where to Eat: Most visitors bring their own picnic to enjoy in the forest, but for a sit-down meal, check out the nearby town of Timau, where local eateries offer Kenyan cuisine.

Karen Blixen Museum

Located in the Nairobi suburb of Karen, the Karen Blixen Museum is the former home of the famous Danish author of "Out of Africa". The well-preserved house and gardens offer a glimpse into her life and the early 20th-century colonial period. Visitors can take guided tours of the house, which is filled with original furniture and photographs. The museum is surrounded by beautiful gardens and coffee plantations, providing a tranquil escape from the city.

How to Get There: The Karen Blixen Museum is just a 30-minute drive from Nairobi's city center, easily accessible by taxi or public transport.

Travel Tip: Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Giraffe Centre, where you can feed and learn about the endangered Rothschild's giraffes.

Where to Stay: Hemingways Nairobi is a luxury boutique hotel in Karen that offers a serene environment and personalized service, with views of the Ngong Hills.

Where to Eat: The Talisman is a charming restaurant in Karen known for its eclectic menu, combining European, Pan-Asian, and African flavors, set in a cozy garden atmosphere.

Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park

Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park is a mountainous area centered around the Ol Donyo Sabuk Mountain, also known as Mount Kilimambogo. The park is less frequented by tourists, making it an ideal spot for those looking for solitude and a chance to connect with nature. Hiking to the summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the Thika River and the Yatta Plateau. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including buffaloes, baboons, and a variety of bird species.

How to Get There: The park is about a 1.5-hour drive from Nairobi, and it's best to have your own vehicle to explore the park fully.

Travel Tip: Visit the grave of Lord Macmillan, a prominent colonial figure, which is located within the park and offers a unique historical perspective.

Where to Stay: There are no accommodations within the park, but nearby Thika town offers several hotels and guesthouses, such as the Blue Post Hotel, which has a picturesque setting by waterfalls.

Where to Eat: Thika town has a variety of local restaurants where you can try Kenyan dishes like nyama choma (grilled meat) and ugali (maize porridge).

Magadi

Lake Magadi is one of the most unique destinations near Nairobi, known for its vast soda lake and hot springs. The lake is often covered with a pinkish hue due to the presence of algae that attracts thousands of flamingos. The surrounding landscape is stark and otherworldly, offering a stark contrast to the lush greenery found elsewhere in Kenya. Visitors can take guided walks, visit the hot springs, and learn about the soda extraction process at the Magadi Soda Factory.

How to Get There: Lake Magadi is approximately a 2-hour drive from Nairobi, with the last part of the journey on a rough road, suitable for 4WD vehicles.

Travel Tip: Bring your swimsuit to take a dip in the hot springs, which are said to have therapeutic properties.

Where to Stay: Magadi has limited accommodation options, but the Lake Magadi Sports Club offers basic rooms and camping facilities, as well as a pool fed by the hot springs.

Where to Eat: Dining options are scarce in this remote area, so it's advisable to bring your own food and water. The sports club does have a restaurant that serves simple meals and refreshments.

Kereita Forest

Kereita Forest is part of the larger Aberdare Forest Reserve and offers an adventure-packed getaway with activities such as zip-lining, archery, mountain biking, and nature walks. The forest is also home to the Kereita Cave and Waterfall, where visitors can explore the cave or enjoy the scenic waterfall. The forest's conservation efforts focus on protecting the indigenous trees and wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and various bird species.

How to Get There: Kereita Forest is about an hour's drive from Nairobi, making it an easy day trip or weekend destination.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to plant a tree as part of the forest's reforestation program, which aims to preserve the area's natural beauty for future generations.

Where to Stay: The nearby town of Limuru offers several accommodation options, such as the Brackenhurst Hotel & Conferences, set in beautiful botanical gardens.

Where to Eat: The Forest, an eco-friendly restaurant within Kereita, offers a range of dishes with a focus on organic and locally sourced ingredients.

These weekend getaways provide a refreshing break from the digital nomad lifestyle, allowing you to explore the natural beauty and cultural richness of Kenya's landscapes and wildlife. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, these destinations near Nairobi are sure to offer an unforgettable experience.