This December, surprise your family and friends with some iconic images from some of the country's most attractive places, which will get Kenyans saying, Tuma pin.
While a trip to the Maasai Mara may be out of reach for many this festive season, Kenya is full of lesser-known gems that deliver just as much visual drama without draining your wallet.
From Gatamaiyu Forest, just about an hour’s drive from Nairobi, to the crystal-clear waters of Mzima Springs in Tsavo, some destinations spark curiosity, conversation and a healthy dose of fun this December.
For those who prefer to stay closer to the capital, Nairobi National Park remains an attractive option, though visitors should brace for the Christmas rush.
A short drive away, Hell’s Gate National Park continues to offer an outdoor playground of gorges, cliffs and open plains that never fails to impress on camera.
Along the coast, destinations such as Diani Beach, Lamu Old Town and Hell’s Kitchen are undeniably beautiful, but their popularity often means crowds, and crowded photos rarely deliver the mystery Kenyans love to tease online.
If you are looking to unwind while capturing a skyline-over-water shot that will leave people guessing, Ndere Island on Lake Victoria is worth considering. Located about a two-hour drive from Kisumu, the island is accessible by boat from Dunga Beach or Bao Beach.
Visitors are treated to rolling grasslands, sweeping lake panoramas, hippos lounging offshore and a calm, uninterrupted environment, ideal for slowing down and celebrating the wins of the year.
Entry to the island costs Ksh300 for adults and Ksh215 for children, with a separate boat fee that typically goes up to Ksh4,000 for a return trip.
Another destination often overlooked by travellers is Mzima Springs in Tsavo West National Park. Although thousands of motorists drive past Tsavo every year, few stop long enough to experience this natural marvel.
Mzima Springs features crystal-clear pools, underwater viewing points and dramatic volcanic rock formations. The sight of vivid turquoise water emerging from the dry Tsavo landscape feels almost unreal, where nature and engineering aesthetics meet. Entry fees range between Ksh300 and Ksh500.
Closer to Nairobi, Gatamaiyu Forest offers a compelling alternative to Karura. The forest is moodier, denser and especially striking in the early morning, when mist hangs between towering trees and silence dominates the trails.
It is ideal for a hike, a quiet run or a low-key photo session away from the crowds.
For those chasing a shot that will instantly trigger the online question “Hapa ni wapi?”, Ngare Ndare Forest in Laikipia delivers.
The forest is known for its vibrant blue pools, canopy walkway and waterfalls, all set within a lush and serene environment that feels almost enchanted.
Kerio Valley is another destination guaranteed to draw attention. Nestled between the Tugen Hills and the Elgeyo Escarpment in the Great Rift Valley, the valley’s sweeping green landscapes, steep cliffs and panoramic views make it a prime location for dramatic photography and paragliding shots.
If you are looking for an Arabian desert feel without leaving the country, the Chalbi Desert offers a striking alternative.
Located in northern Kenya near the Ethiopian border, the vast salt and sand flats create an otherworldly landscape, particularly at sunrise and sunset when light produces captivating mirages and textures.
The journey to Chalbi is best done as a road trip with family or friends, with camping and nighttime adventures possible at Marsabit National Park, making the drive as memorable as the destination itself.