Kenya's top destinations for every budget this festive season

Kenya's magical destinations. (Courtesy)

The festive season is upon us. The great time of the year - that time of ‘cheer’ when many let their hair down in celebration. It is a time for travel, both inbound and outbound.

In anticipation of this festive mood, the hospitality industry is a beehive of activity, putting its best foot forward to capture this once-in-a-year season and make the best business out of it.

According to travel experts, the festive season is the most expensive time to travel, which is why they advise travellers and holiday lovers to travel at any time outside this season. Planning early is always the best holiday advice.

However, there are destinations and activities to suit every budget. With less than a month to go before the festive season kicks off, there is still time to book a great holiday destination, whether you are travelling alone, as a couple, in a group or as a family.

There is no need to be stuck in a rut wondering where to go, what to do and how to make your trip truly magical, Kenya is blessed on this front. If you are planning an inbound holiday, Kenya offers a variety of destinations with beautiful scenery, rich culture, out-of-this-world experiences and activities, and great hospitality service, all woven together to create the ideal getaway personalised to your tastes and desires.

Statistics have shown that with planning, holidaymakers (single, couple, group, family) can afford to travel (long and short distances) and have great travel experiences with pocket-friendly packages.

The counties have brought domestic tourism to the counties and there is a diverse range of environments all within relative proximity. These include wildlife, spectacular scenery, beaches, rich cultures and a treasure trove of activities to indulge in. All within an excellent domestic travel infrastructure, which means endless opportunities for families to explore.

Great destinations

Some destinations are so popular that holidaymakers have long associated them with ‘festive destinations’. One very popular destination is the coastal region that attracts so many holidaymakers.

If you are tempted by this destination, here is a guide to what it has to offer.

Mombasa Raha

As the name suggests, Mombasa offers a fun-filled holiday on Kenya’s coast. Mombasa and its environs have undergone major beautification and upgrading (highways, roads and pavements).

It is the hub of tourist activity and remains a favourite with local tourists. Destinations include exploring the north coast beaches, which include Nyali, Shanzu, Bamburi and Mama Ngina Water Front.

Other places to explore include the Old Town, Fort Jesus, Mamba Village, Haller Park, Lamu Archipelago, Malindi and Kilifi. The list of activities is only limited by your imagination and creativity.

Coastal splendour

Another great coastal destination is Kilifi, home to Malindi, Watamu and Diani, great holiday destinations.

Here is a preview of a trip to Watamu. A trip to this destination could start with relaxation on the beach and a traditional Swahili dinner. Here you will discover turtle conservation, ancient ruins and lively markets, followed by a morning boat safari, nature walks and other activities.

Kilifi is also home to the mysterious Gedi Ruins, an ancient Swahili village that flourished in the 14th century but whose origins remain a mystery. There are more than a dozen other historical sites and ruins to visit, as well as great activities such as surfing, snorkelling and swimming with the dolphins, canoeing and great dhow sails.

Western Circuit

This is your avid destination. The circuit covers 14 counties, presenting a wide, rich and varied cultural ethnicity.

Highlights include Bumbe Beach on Lake Victoria, Ekakapel Shrine famous for rock art, agro-tourism (rice irrigation and tea plantations), Port Victoria, Sio Port, Rusinga Island, Lake Victoria islands and bird sanctuaries, water sports (swimming and boating), Oyoun Cultural Food Centre (famous for rat delicacy).

Others include Forte Lumboka, Sangalo Caves, Elijah Nameme Shrine, Kakamega Tropical Rainforest (one of its kind in Africa), Ilesi Crystal Stones, Nabongo Mumia Cultural Heritage, Kisumu National Museum, Impala Park Sanctuary, Ndele National Park, Tabaka Soapstone Carvings and Kisii Ridges and Escarpments among others. There is something to see in all 14 counties.

Experience the Chalbi Desert

The Chalbi Desert is a small area in northern Kenya near the border with Ethiopia. It lies east of Lake Turkana and includes North Horr. Marsabit is the nearest major town.

The desert lies between Mount Marsabit in southern Ethiopia and Lake Turkana in northern Kenya. The Gabbra pastoralists who live here call it Chalbi, a dry, salty place. About 100,000 square kilometres of desert at 370 metres above sea level. It’s one of Kenya’s hottest and driest areas - the only place in Kenya that can be considered a real desert.

Other activities include the Chalbi Desert and Sand Dunes Experience, Lake Paradise and Kalacha Oasis, Lake Turkana swimming and boating, a visit to the Loyangalani Wind Power Project, a visit to the Elmolo Community, Ndoto Mountains and Ngurunit Slide Rocks Experience.

The lush Masai Mara and Amboseli

Witness the majestic wildlife of the Maasai Mara on an unforgettable safari adventure where nature comes alive. This destination offers an immersive experience in the Masai Mara, combining thrilling wildlife encounters, breathtaking hot air balloon safaris, luxurious accommodations and rich cultural interactions.

The Masai Mara is also home to one of the spectacular Seven Wonders of the World - The Great Migration. Each year, over two million wildebeest, zebra and other herbivores migrate from the southern Serengeti to the lush green grasslands of the Masai Mara. The Great Migration is an iconic safari experience.

In Amboseli, see the iconic elephants against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Activities include game drives and picnics in the African wilderness. Amboseli offers a thrilling mix of wildlife viewing, breathtaking scenery and cultural insights. It is a perfect, if brief, immersion into the heart of Africa’s natural beauty.

Wild West of Tsavo

An exhilarating trip to Tsavo West National Park includes exploring Mzima Springs and the Chyulu Hills while spotting elephants, giraffes and zebras. Activities include boat trips on Lake Jipe and a visit to the stunning Lake Chala with a chance to see rhinos at the sanctuary.

Travel is your choice, depending on your “pocket” (there are also pocket-friendly options), and ranges from the road - PSV and personal drive or rental - to rail or air - more than 10 domestic airlines link you to every corner of the country.

The trick is to take a moment to explore some of the features of your area that you take for granted, such as waterfalls, serene landscapes, hills, mountains, impressive gardens, family recreational parks (a new addition to tourism) and so much more.