The Art of the Staycation: 24-hour Getaway in Nairobi

Hands up if your idea of a getaway veers towards days or weeks at a time somewhere far from where you live. Hands up if that is just not realistic for you 80% of the time even without a global pandora’s box.

Same. It be like that sometimes.

As much as I’m quite obsessed with long-term travel and tend to plan hypothetical trips like that in my mind (and on Pinterest), the other week I decided enough was enough and I deserved a change of scenery. But I’m working towards some big goals right now and that includes keeping my savings intact.

So off I went to Karen, 20 minutes from where I live, for the best 24-hour staycation in Nairobi.

What’s a Staycation…?

In short, a staycation is taking a break to do leisurely activities close to where one lives, usually a place close enough that you don’t have to sleep over. In my case I did spend the night, but I stayed in my city – Nairobi.

Pin these for later ^^

The Stay – Glamping at Wildebeest Eco Camp

It just so happens that Wildebeest Eco Camp was just opening up again after not operating throughout the whole pandemic. It was so soon in fact that when I called to confirm if I could book a dorm bed, they said the dorms weren’t available yet but I could book a garden tent and they’d upgrade me to an ensuite deluxe safari tent when I got there.

And upgrade me they did!

The vibe was very peaceful with birds all around and even a monkey sighting (it was shy, didn’t get to really chat for long) – the camp is bigger than it seems in pictures and the gardens are extensive and lush.

With my limited time (only one night) I didn’t have a chance to actually have a meal aside from breakfast but this restaurant deck was everything for a drink at night tucking into my book!

Damage: 4250 KES for 1 night bed/breakfast in a Garden Tent. Check their website here for up-to-date prices and availability.

The Pampering – a Massage at Dojo Wellness

I literally Googled ‘massage Karen’ and Dojo came up, and while I knew of it as a gym, I was intrigued by the shiatsu massage option so I booked it instantly. You can see a list of Dojo’s services on their website here – they have a beautiful space including steam and sauna rooms plus a lovely restaurant with fresh produce growing right outside.

Ms. Masseuse got me all the way together and I already feel like I need to go back.

Damage: 3900 for a 1-hour shiatsu massage. All services and prices at their website right here.

The Food – late lunch at the Talisman Restaurant

This was a ‘follow-the-hype’ choice – I’ve been to the Talisman for drinks before but never eaten there and being in the same compound as Dojo, in I floated after my massage for a little wine and sushi.

The vibe was right, the people-watching and light eavesdropping about an old schoolmate was entertaining and the staff were super friendly and seemed to be having a good time. It makes a huge difference to me to see that.

Damage: about 2000 KES for sushi, a glass of wine and a coffee. Check out their menu or make a reservation here.

The Entertainment – the book I’m re-reading after 7 Years

Have you ever heard people say how “buying books and reading books are two entirely different hobbies”? Both of them fall under my hobbies but so does “re-reading books after a long time to see what I pick up differently” which gives me even less of a chance to get through my to-read list.

But here we are.

Currently it’s ‘The Art of Asking’ by Amanda Palmer which I think is ideal for me at any time, but particularly now to remember rest and support from other people is a vital part of life. I first bought and read it while I was at university and of course things take on different meanings as we move through life’s seasons.

Highly recommend both the book and the re-reading habit!