Top 10 most romantic places in Kenya 2024

Kenya is known for many things, notably its romantic spots fit for a charming and mesmerizing proposal. You need more that a diamond to express your undying love for the love of your life. You need a perfect place that will render her wordless and log that memory into her brain forever. That is same desire that drew Prince William all the way to Kenya to propose to Kate Middleton. In Kenya you will find a variety of options without spending myriad hours searching for the picture-perfect place to pop the question.

Here are the top 10 most romantic places in Kenya to propose.

1. Ol Malo

Laikipia County

Situated on the northern edge of the Laikipia plateau, Ol Malo is nestled into a rugged escarpment looking out across the time-honored lands of Kenya’s Northern Frontier District. These miles of dense thorn bush are favoured by the shy, elusive antelope from which the lodge takes its name, “the place of the Greater Kudu”. An ancient land inhabited by wildlife and peoples of a time long ago, undisturbed and living by the rhythm of nature and as part of this untamed and beautiful landscape is Ol Malo. 

To stay at Ol Malo is to live by a different rhythm – measure the day by the timeworn patterns of nature. Wake up to see the awe inspiring sunrise, framing the snow-capped peaks of Mt. Kenya. Celebrate the new day with a dawn ride into the wilderness to view the animals as they awake. Feel the night’s chill burn off with the rising of the great equatorial sun while enjoying a bush breakfast. Keep the tempo of the world by the roll of the camel’s stride. 

Visit the colorful Samburu nomads of the North and sink with the dying sun into the waters of the pool.  At night luxuriate in the peace and comfort of Ol Malo and tune into the magical sounds of wild Africa while dining under an ancient starscape. To stay at Ol Malo is to abandon oneself and live by another drumbeat in a wild and beautiful land. This is a perfect place to go on your kneel and ask that life changing question, and I bet she will accept your proposal.

2. Giraffe Manor

Nairobi County

Giraffe Manor is a small hotel in the Lang’ata suburb of Nairobi, which, together with its associated Giraffe Centre, serves as a home to a number of endangered Rothschild giraffes, and operates a breeding programme to reintroduce breeding pairs back into the wild to secure the future of the subspecies. It’s an exclusive boutique hotel, set in 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest. 

As one of Nairobi’s most iconic buildings, Giraffe Manor has extraordinary appeal, that harks back to the 1930s when European visitors first flocked to East Africa to enjoy safaris. With its stately façade, elegant interior, verdant green gardens, sunny terraces and delightful courtyards, guests often remark that it’s like walking into the film Out of Africa: indeed, one of its twelve rooms is named after the author Karen Blixen. 

However, the most fascinating thing about Giraffe Manor is its herd of resident Rothschild’s giraffe who may visit morning and evening, sometimes poking their long necks into the windows in the hope of a treat, before retreating to their forest sanctuary. Giraffe Manor can be booked for the night or as part of a complete tailor-made safari with The Safari Collection. This makes it among the best romantic places to make your proposal.

3. Diani Beach

Kwale County

Diani beach, located on the Indian Ocean and 30 km south of Mombasa, is a classic paradise with background of palm trees and glistening azure water lapping at its shore. The beach is an idyllic tropical haven with scenic environment and a perfect location to propose to your sweetheart. For a romantic proposal at the beach, go on a sunset walk with your sweetheart or set up a picnic on the sea shore; talk about the most interesting things about your relationship, look into her eyes and tell her all the sweet things you love about her and then pop the question in a romantic way.

4. Watamu Marine National Park

Kilifi County

The Marine Park and Reserve is renowned worldwide for its natural beauty and boasts a rich marine life from the visiting Whale Sharks and Manta Rays to three species of Sea Turtle. It is virtually impossible to snorkel without seeing at least a few dozen species inside the main reef; divers outside the fringe reef stand an excellent chance of viewing the magnificent whale shark and Manta Rays that are seasonal visitors. November is best for spotting these animals. The Park is also home to three species of sea turtle who also nest on the Marine Park beaches.

Green turtles, unique coral gardens, the Gede Ruins – the Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve has it all. The park is part of a complex of marine and tidal habitats along the Kenya’s north coast with rich and diverse bird life, fish, turtles and dugongs. Visitors can enjoy the white sandy beaches, snorkeling, water skiing, windsurfing and glass bottomed boat tours. This is a fantastic natural place, uncontaminated and perfect place to pop up that question in a romantic and memorable way.

5. KICC Helipad

Nairobi County

Nairobi has numerous vantage points from which to view the city’s skyline. None matches the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) rooftop in the outstanding views of the city it affords you. From the KICC rooftop that also doubles as a helipad, not only do you have a 360 degree view of the central business district, you can see the city limits in all directions. The contrast between building styles and greenery in different suburbs of the city is very evident as you scan the horizon in all directions.

You can make out some of the large green spaces like Uhuru Park, Central Park. This panoramic view has become a favourite with photographers and filmmakers who frequently use this location for shooting documentaries commonly aired on local and International television. The Kenyatta International Convention Center is a tubular building, which sticks out in Nairobi’s skyline.

The helipad is a great spot to bring a bottle of wine because of the incredible city views. As the sun sets, the light reflects off the pond in Uhuru Park and the cars begin to light up. It’s the perfect blend of life and landscape. The sweeping views of the Nairobi’s skyline and city make KICC Helipad a perfect spot to make that proposal.

6. Tamarind Dhow

Mombasa County

Tamarind Dhow is an authentic ocean going Jahazi (Traditional Arab Sailing Boats), formerly used for cargo trading along the Kenyan Coast and to the Arab States. Tamarind Dhow has been completely refurbished as floating Restaurant, without losing any of the Traditional aspects of the original Dhow. Tamarind Dhow is now moored at the Mombasa Tamarind jetty. The twinkling lights of Mombasa and the starlit skies provide idyllic surroundings for a delicious seafood dinner meticulously prepared in Swahili style on the deck in front of the guests.

The resident band on board offers a wide choice of dance music, from the latest hits to the golden oldies as the Dhow gently glides back to the Tamarind Jetty by 10.30 pm. Your evening begins once you are picked up from your hotel and driven to the pier. As soon as you step off the gangplank, you are met by a traditionally-dressed waiter who shows you to your table, and serves you with a house cocktail made with vodka, lime, honey, sugar and crushed ice.

Non-alcoholic drinkers are offered soft drinks or fruit juices. Once the dhow departs from the jetty, the live band starts playing beautiful rhythms, and soon the swing has majority of guests dancing on the main deck. After a cruise round Tudor Creek with fine view of Mombasa’s Old Town and Fort Jesus, your dhow moors in a sheltered bay at the head of the creek.

Here the fine aroma of grilled lobster and steak starts to fill the air as the chefs pull out the charcoal grills and prepare a four-course gourmet meal. As your meal draws to a close, the waiters serve aromatic Arabica coffee from a traditional Arab brass pot – the Kahawa Pot. The evening trip on the dhow is an excellent romantic spot for newlyweds, and those wishing to propose.

7. Uhuru Gardens

Nairobi County

Uhuru Garden is a memorial park in Nairobi, located on Lang’ata Road. The garden is a suitable location to propose to the love of your life. The garden abounds in an effortless beauty, full of green plants and sweet-smelling flowers, which symbolize grandeur and romance. Your lover would definitely be captivated with the beauty of the garden as you stroll along the garden, walking hand-in-hand till you get to a perfect place where you can drop onto your knees and ask her to marry you. For a memorable experience, you can choose Africa-shaped fountain located in the park to propose.

8. The Majlis Resort

Lamu County

The Majlis Resort is an absolute beach stunner that is located opposite Ras Kitau Bay along the Indian Ocean. It is basically a private boutique hotel that features luxury rooms and exquisite architecture. The elegant rooms come with mosquito nets draped over the bed, white interiors and traditional designed furnishings. It includes a mini-bar, air conditioning and safe. Some rooms have a sea view and a garden view.

The Majlis Resort restaurant offers vegetarian, fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas, and serves international, Italian and Swahili dishes. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including cycling, windsurfing and canoeing. Lamu Museum is 0.6 mi away. Its strategic location makes it an idyllic getaway for romantics and adventurous lovers who would like to explore the rich cultures of Lamu town and the Shela Village.

9. Manda Island

Lamu County

Manda Island is an unspoiled paradise located in Lamu. The island is lined with beautiful architecture and beaches that will take your breath away. Manda Island is inarguably one of the most beautiful islands in Kenya and it’s full of lovers’ spots – places where you can take your girl and impress her with beautiful views before you surprise her with a marriage proposal. You can take her to Manda beach and enjoy picturesque views it offers.

Make her happy by casually dropping on your knees when she’s not even expecting it. Proposing on the beach surely makes ladies go all mushy. You can check into The Majlis Resort, an opulent resort with deluxe rooms, sun-doused beaches and fascinating seashores. There are other places with magnificent beauty and glamorous aura in Manda Island, all perfect for popping the life-changing question.

10. Whistling Thorns

Kajiado County

Whistling Thorns Lodge & Camp Nairobi is a quiet, homely, informal kind of place with emphasis on the outdoors. A lovely spot to chill out: grand view of the Ngong Hills, open plains, game, birds and peace and quiet. Yet not too far from Nairobi. If you are looking for a get-away not far from Nairobi (private, quiet and romantic) Whistling Thorns is the place.

This little place has character and a nice location but you should not expect any frills. The peace and serenity of the environment and the amazing views are sheer magic that always inspire the feeling of love. Enjoy the stunning views of this beautiful garden, take a stroll with the queen of your heart for a romantic touch and catch her off guard with a diamond ring.