Christmas in Kenya usually means heat, busy beaches and crowded roads to the coast. But there is another way to spend the holidays: in the cool highlands between the Aberdare Range and Mount Kenya, with crisp mornings, a crackling fire in the evening and plenty of space for the whole family. Just about 3 hours from Nairobi, the self-catering cottages on Sandai Farm are the perfect place for a relaxed Christmas away from the city.
Why the highlands are perfect at Christmas
- A real Christmas atmosphere: cool evenings, warm blankets and a fire make the highlands feel surprisingly festive
- Your own home for the holidays: cook your own Christmas dinner, open presents in your cottage and celebrate the way you like
- Room for the whole family: our cottages can be combined, so grandparents, parents and kids can celebrate together while everyone keeps their own space
- Close to Nairobi: no long journey, no flights, no stress
- Peace and quiet: wide open landscapes instead of crowded holiday destinations
From Jamhuri Day to New Year
The Kenyan holiday season offers several opportunities for a break in the highlands. Jamhuri Day on 12 December is a great occasion for a first long weekend before Christmas. Over Christmas Day and Boxing Day, many families have a few days off together. And the days between Christmas and New Year are ideal for a longer stay, when the city is quiet and there is finally time to slow down.
Christmas on the farm
Self-catering gives you complete freedom over the holidays. Prepare a festive dinner in your fully equipped kitchen, bake Christmas cookies with the kids or simply keep things easy. And if you would rather not cook every day, the restaurant and café on Sandai Farm are right there for you.
Between the festive meals, there is plenty to do on the farm:
- Horseback riding through the open countryside
- Archery for the whole family
- Yoga to start the day calmly
- Foot reflexology massages to recover from the Christmas rush
- Billiards and table football for long evenings
- Walks, birdwatching or simply doing nothing at all
Day trips between the holidays
The days between Christmas and New Year are perfect for exploring the region. Visit the rhinos at Solio Rhino Sanctuary, less than an hour from the farm, or discover the forests and waterfalls of Aberdare National Park. All safaris and day trips can be arranged directly from Sandai.
New Year’s Eve under the stars
Far away from city lights, New Year’s Eve on Sandai is something special. Celebrate with family and friends in your cottage, light the fire and watch the stars over the highlands. A quiet, relaxed start into the new year, and on a clear morning, Mount Kenya might just greet you on the first day of the year.
Which cottage for your holidays?
For couples: the roundhouses Azizi & Zawadi are a cosy retreat for two over the holidays.
For families: the medium-sized cottages Makena & Chui sleep 4+2 each. Located side by side, they are ideal for two families celebrating together.
For big family gatherings: our large cottage Punda Milia sleeps up to 8, perfect for Christmas with the extended family.
Tips for Christmas on Sandai
- Book early: the holiday season is our busiest time of the year, and the cottages fill up quickly.
- Plan your groceries: shops may have reduced opening hours over the holidays, so stock up in Nyeri on your way to the farm.
- Pack warm clothes: evenings and nights in the highlands can be chilly.
- Bring the dog: pets are welcome in our cottages, so nobody has to stay home.
- Reserve activities in advance: horse rides and massages are popular over the holidays.
Kenyan residents benefit from special resident rates for our cottages.
Book your Christmas in the highlands
Want to spend this Christmas somewhere different? Check availability for the holidays now. We look forward to celebrating the season with you on Sandai. Merry Christmas and Karibu!
