Kenyans turn to staycations for convenient, affordable breaks

With limited time for travel, demanding work schedules and rising living costs, more Kenyans are opting for staycations, taking short breaks at nearby hotels, apartments and resorts instead of travelling to distant destinations.

The trend offers an opportunity to relax and spend quality time with family and friends without the extensive planning, travel costs and time associated with conventional holidays.

Hotels and tour operators say demand is growing, driven by convenience, wellness, privacy and the desire for memorable experiences closer to home.

Vida Joan, marketing manager at Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club in Nairobi, said staycations gained momentum in the city during the COVID-19 pandemic, when travel restrictions limited long-distance trips.

"When travel reopened, staycation didn't disappear. People had discovered that they didn't necessarily need to board a plane or travel for hours to properly switch off," she said.

Short breaks have since become a way for people to rest, reconnect with family and escape their usual routines, Joan said.

"People are beginning to understand that rest doesn't have to mean travelling internationally. Sometimes what you are looking for is actually much closer to home - nature, space, quiet and a completely different pace," she said.

Families account for about 60 percent of Windsor's staycation visitors, while couples and smaller groups, including friends and remote workers, make up the remainder. Staycations contribute approximately 15 percent of the hotel's overall occupancy, with some demand also recorded during weekdays.

Joan said families often arrive on Fridays after a busy week, seeking activities for children without organizing elaborate trips outside Nairobi.

"Once they are here, everyone can find their own rhythm. Someone might head to the heated pool, another to the spa or gym, while others may play tennis, squash or golf," she said.

At Holiday Inn Nairobi Two Rivers Mall, staycations account for about 20 percent of visitors, rising to 30 percent in December, according to Pooja Patel, the hotel general manager.

She attributed the trend to demanding jobs and workplace pressures, which are encouraging people to take shorter breaks to relax and avoid burnout.

"People are now interested in exploring things at their backyard. It's more like I have worked hard; I don't have to go and travel somewhere else to appreciate the beauty. Let me take advantage of what is within my own space," Patel said.

She said staycations are increasingly becoming a lifestyle choice rather than simply a cheaper alternative to international travel.

Hotels are responding with customized services, family-friendly amenities and activities beyond traditional bed-and-breakfast packages, as guests seek experiences that justify their spending.

Peter Bogecho, managing director of Kenya-based tour firm Zakale Expeditions, said staycations account for about 35 percent of his company's bookings.

He said privacy, personalized services and flexible arrangements are attracting people who want to relax without travelling far.

"Hotels, lodges and apartments offer internet, safety, and privacy for work without any disturbance," he said.

According to Bogecho, some travelers budget between $30.90 and $38.60 for a single room, while larger rooms cost about $54-$61.80.

Young couples and solo travelers are among the key customers, including those seeking quieter environments and wellness retreats.

Sophie Mbicho, marketing executive at Skywide Tours and Travel, said travelers increasingly want affordable, convenient and well-packaged local experiences.

"Many people may not have the time or budget for a long international holiday, but they still want an opportunity to relax, spend time with family or friends, and explore Kenya," she said.

Families, young professionals, couples and solo travelers are among the company's main customers, she said. Social media and digital booking platforms have also made it easier to discover and plan local trips.

Rising international travel costs, including airfares, visas and foreign exchange, have encouraged more people to consider domestic alternatives, Mbicho said.

Convenience is another factor, as travelers can enjoy weekend breaks without taking extended leave from work.

However, domestic holidays remain expensive for some Kenyans. The high cost of transport, accommodation, food, beverages and activities continue to challenge the growth of local tourism.

As the market evolves, tourism providers must increasingly offer experiences centered on wellness, adventure, culture, food and ecotourism rather than accommodation alone, Mbicho said.