December in Kenya has its own heartbeat. There are those wealthy Kenyans who disappear to their village mansions, while others catch flights to exclusive retreats where butlers and breathtaking views await.
So where did these individuals go?
“With rich individuals, it depends on one’s preference. Some leave the country for new experiences, others stay but still find new adventures to do,” Pam Moige, a travel agent with Bonfire Adventures, tells the BDLife.
This year, for those who left the country, many travelled to Southeast Asia, to countries such as Singapore and Thailand. A select few chose Monaco [a tiny city located on the French Riviera].
“These are emerging as favourite destinations for the wealthy. This year, I have noticed many luxury clients opting for Singapore, and the more adventurous and with even deeper pockets opted for Monaco, which is one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in. It's a small state with beautiful scenery and exclusivity. If you ever noticed, it’s where the majority of Formula One drivers and players prefer to live,” Ms Moige says
Visitors view illuminated Christmas and New Year decorations at a department store in Bangkok, Thailand, on December 25, 2025.
Photo credit: Reuters
That exclusivity is precisely the appeal for this class of society elites.
“Not everyone can afford Monaco. It’s where the rich meet the rich. Beyond that, the climate is favourable compared to other parts of Europe, and its stunning beauty is undeniable,” she adds.
Monaco’s tax regime also plays a starring role. Monaco is also known for its advantageous tax regime, another factor that makes it an exciting destination for the rich.
“Monaco doesn’t levy income tax. That’s why some wealthy Kenyans hold offshore accounts there too. Taxes are instead charged on goods and services, and they are quite high, but for this demographic, that really isn’t a deal breaker,” Ms Moige explains.
Singapore, on the other hand, offers a different kind of allure, equally expensive, equally exclusive.
“It’s extremely well developed, with high-end hotels and bespoke luxury experiences. In a nutshell, it’s a global rich hotspot, which naturally makes it very expensive.”
Malaysia is also becoming a favourite destination for Kenyans, although it is cheaper compared to the likes of Monaco and Venice in Italy.
“When we do trip package quotations for ordinary Kenyans, we always have to add Malaysia into the itinerary because it is more affordable. Not many can afford to vacation in Singapore for longer periods of time. A standard Singapore stay is about six nights, and not many can afford that, but the wealthy can. For ordinary Kenyans, they would spend two nights in Singapore and most of the nights in Malaysia.”
One night in Singapore costs $5,000 (Sh640,000).
“There is a family of five I handled their booking for the December holiday in Singapore, and for the six nights there, the entire package came to about $40,000 (Sh5.1 million). Malaysia and Singapore are neighboring countries, and you could easily drive between the countries' capitals in less than four hours. While Singapore is fast-paced, highly developed, with efficient infrastructure and strong finance, and a technology economy, Malaysia continues to play catch-up,” Ms Moige tells the BDLife.
Seychelles, the Maldives, and Mauritius were also appealing to rich Kenyans seeking to unwind.
“During such a holiday season, there is always a certain percentage of wealthy Kenyan individuals who love to vacation with their families, and these play a part in the choice of their destinations.
“Those with younger children prefer Dubai because of its safety and many children's activities. But some are fully into luxury experiences, they want to experience cultural cuisines, nightlife, the parties, and everything of that kind, they will opt for Thailand.
“Those who opt for Mauritius, Maldives, Bali, or the Seychelles again its luxury, but again these destinations bring about more couple vibes, so you will find many couples doing these destinations. They are more romance-like destinations,” says Paul Tanui, a travel agent.
He maintains that these destinations during the holiday seasons become pricey, but wealthy individuals are always willing to pay.
“When these wealthy Kenyans pick these destinations, they don't just go there for the bare minimum experience; they are more than willing to spend as much to have a good time. We have seen cases of Kenyans renting villas in Mauritius and Seychelles; despite there being premium hotels, they are willing to go an extra mile for comfort and exclusivity. For a night, someone would be spending $5,000-$6,000 (Sh640,000 to Sh770,000) and will be there for about four to six nights,” he says.
The prices of the villas depend heavily on location, with some going for as much as $10,000 (Sh1.3 million) for a night's stay, especially those with beachfronts.
Unlike premium hotels, Mr Tanui says, luxury villas offer something richer than just a place to sleep.
“Villas come with top-tier, personalised services,” explains Mr Tanui. “Airport transfers, private pools, personal chefs, housekeeping, generous space, and, most importantly, privacy. You’re not working around hotel meal times or activity schedules. There is more flexibility, everything bends to you,” Mr Tanui adds.
It is the kind of freedom many travellers crave, as long as they can afford it.
“So for a full package including flights, you’re looking at no less than $10,000 per person (Sh1.3 million) for four nights, and people are willing to pay for that level of comfort,” he points out.
For families and groups, villas often make even more sense. You get more space, better value, and a shared experience that hotels rarely match, making it more appealing to wealthy individuals.
The Kenyan Maldives
Not every wealthy individual prefers to leave the country to enjoy the Christmas holiday.
For those staying in Kenya, Diani is one of the crown jewels. But even here, it’s not just about the destination; it’s about where exactly you will end up.
“They don’t just book anywhere in Diani. Exclusivity is everything,” Mr Tanui says.
That is why Chale Island, a private island dubbed the Kenyan Maldives, has become a favourite. With its white beaches and postcard beauty, it offers seclusion that few places in the country can rival. During this time of the season, a room goes for between Sh90,000 and Sh112,000 per night, with a mandatory minimum stay of seven nights.
“And it is fully booked round the clock,” Mr Tanui adds.
Sh1.2 million bush experience
Then there is the bush. For some wealthy Kenyans, trading ocean views for sunsets in the wilderness is an experience worth paying top coin for.
Mahali Mzuri in the Maasai Mara savannah.
Photo credit: Pool
“This is where you hear names like JW Marriott Masai Mara, Angama Mara, Olare Mara Kempinski, and Governor’s Camp. The festive rates as of now are crazy, with ranges from Sh70,000 to Sh100,000 a night, and they’re all running at full occupancy.”
Many guests are flown in on chartered planes from Wilson Airport to these lodges, which are situated in the Maasai Mara savannah.
“If you do a summation, a two or three-night safari package can easily total $9,000 (Sh1.2 million). Another notable one is Mahali Mzuri, which at the moment has rooms that are going for Sh200,000 a night for your exclusivity, night game drives, and such like activities.”
