A Quick Weekend Getaway Is Easier Than You Think

Introduction

A weekend getaway is the perfect escape from reality. Of course, there are many other ways of distracting ourselves—like watching an entire season of our best-loved TV series in one sitting, or going out to our favorite watering hole where we proceed to intoxicate ourselves with fathoms of unrestraint.

The outdoorsy types will probably spend the weekend in music, shopping, and food festivals.

All these activities do very little to relax a mind and body that has been bludgeoned by a crazy work week.

Sunday night is then filled with profound levels of trepidation as we think of work deadlines and life’s demands. This can only result in the all-too-familiar Monday blues where we start another countdown to Friday.

Weekend getaways are a perfect way to relax, even for those who struggle to take time off or schedule an extended vacation. You probably have the following excuses not to travel:

• I have work on Monday:

• I can’t travel alone:

• I don’t want to drive that far:

• I can always go to that destination some other time:

• I am broke right now:

If you plan it well, a quick weekend getaway can be a great break—and even feel longer than it actually is. Get in touch with a verified travel agent, pick a spot on the map, and pack your bags in earnest.

These steps, if followed, will help you execute a weekend getaway easier than you think.

What’s Your Goal?

Do you want to hit popular nightclubs in the area, go to a sports event, get pampered at a spa resort, or bond with your loved ones? Or maybe you just want to explore historical sites and wildlife?

Outlining your goal will make it easier to pick a destination.

Pick and Book a Destination

Pick an easy-to-reach destination so that you don’t spend all your time traveling to and fro. Consider places within a four-hour drive from home. The upside to this is that there’s less packing and planning involved.

We often overlook destinations that are too close to home. Here are some of our favorite spots if you live in Nairobi:

• Amboseli National Park – Watch wild game and free-ranging elephants

• Zaina Falls, Nyeri – Take a nature walk and learn about the area’s rich history

• Lake Elementaita – Watch wild game and over 450 species of birds

• Lake Nakuru National Park – Watch birds and wild game

• Lake Ol Bolossat – Watch birds and wild game like hippos and spotted hyenas

• Maanzoni Sanctuary, Machakos – Enjoy bush dinners and game viewing

• Lord Egerton Castle, Nakuru – Explore architecture and Lord Egerton’s history

• African Heritage House, Syokimau – Enjoy African art tours and rooftop meals

• Tafaria Castle, Nyeri – Enjoy art tours, archery, and horseback rides

Do Something Out of the Norm

Try out unique lodging. If you’re a camping enthusiast, treat yourself to a luxury hotel experience. If you like to be pampered, why not try a bush experience?

Unique experiences give us a different worldview, which is important during your brief weekend getaway. You want to come back home refreshed.

You can also fulfill a travel fantasy—from bungee jumping to balloon safaris, there’s plenty of activity to choose from. If you’re unsure where to start, here’s a list to inspire you:

• Spa Safari: Enashipai Spa, Aberdare Spa & Safari Lodge, Lake Bogoria Spa Resort

• Sports Tour: Cricket in the wild at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lewa Marathon, Rhino Charge Challenge

• Water Rafting / Bungee Jumping: Rapids Camp, Sagana

• Ziplining & High Ropes Challenge: Diguna Camp, Kisames Giraffe Camp

• Sport Fishing: Ndakaini Dam

• Hiking & Rock Climbing: Hell’s Gate, Mt. Longonot, Lake Elementaita, Menengai Crater

• Foodie Trip: Ole Polos Country Club, Rolf’s Place

By the time Monday arrives, the weekend would have brought special meaning to your life.

Instead of spending Mashujaa Day weekend dreading Monday morning, why not go someplace to recharge? Find out more.