Kenya Public Holidays 2026/27: Long Weekend Calendar | Wild Springs

Kenya’s 2026/27 public holidays offer 12 opportunities to plan long weekends and short getaways. Thanks to the Public Holidays Act, holidays falling on weekends are observed on the following Monday, creating three-day weekends without using annual leave. With careful planning, midweek holidays can also be stretched into four or even five-day breaks.

Here’s the key takeaway:

• 3-day weekends: Automatically created when holidays fall on Saturdays or Sundays.
• 4-day weekends: Use one bridge day for midweek holidays like Mashujaa Day (Oct 20, 2026).
• 5+ days off: Combine holidays like Eid al-Adha (May 27, 2026) with leave days for extended vacations.

Popular travel options include Kenya jungle safaris, hikes, and quick escapes to destinations like Samburu, Maasai Mara, and Naivasha. Companies like Wild Springs Adventures provide tailored packages and group tours, ensuring seamless planning for every budget. Start planning early to secure the best deals and make the most of Kenya’s stunning attractions.

72HR EPIC GETAWAY IN KENYA! (This hotel is right on top of Kenya’s Largest Waterfall!!)

What Counts as a Kenya Public Holiday in 2026?

Kenya officially observes 12 public holidays under the Public Holidays Act (Cap. 110). These include New Year’s Day, Idd ul-Fitr, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Idd ul-Adha, Madaraka Day, Mazingira Day, Mashujaa Day, Jamhuri Day, Christmas Day, and Utamaduni Day. The holidays reflect a mix of patriotic, religious, and cultural celebrations.

If a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the law ensures that the following Monday becomes the observed holiday. Section 4 of the Act states: “When a designated public holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday, the next following weekday that is not already a public holiday becomes the observed holiday”. This guarantees workers enjoy their full holiday entitlement.

For example, in 2026, this rule will apply to several holidays:

• Mazingira Day (Saturday, October 10 → observed Monday, October 12)
• Jamhuri Day (Saturday, December 12 → observed Monday, December 14)
• Utamaduni Day (Saturday, December 26 → observed Monday, December 28)

This setup effectively creates three-day weekends without needing to dip into your annual leave.

Two holidays – Idd ul-Fitr and Idd ul-Adha – are based on the Islamic lunar calendar. Their exact dates are confirmed 1–2 days in advance by the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM). If you’re planning trips around these holidays, it’s best to use estimated dates but wait for official announcements before finalizing bookings.

These public holidays are perfect for unwinding, whether it’s a family gathering, a chama getaway, or a solo adventure exploring Kenya’s stunning parks and trails.

Kenya Public Holidays 2026: Remaining Long Weekend Calendar

Here’s a guide to the remaining public holidays in 2026 and how you can make the most of them. Whether you’re planning safaris, hikes, or just a relaxing getaway, these dates offer great opportunities to recharge.

Eid al-Adha – Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Eid al-Adha falls midweek this year, and while it doesn’t create a long weekend on its own, you can turn it into a 5-day break by taking Thursday, May 28, and Friday, May 29 off. This strategy lets you enjoy a stretch from Wednesday through Sunday. Midweek travel often means fewer crowds and better deals on accommodations, so it’s a win-win.

Wild Springs has daily departures for a 3-day Maasai Mara safari starting at KES 26,500. Prefer a self-drive? Nearby destinations like Naivasha or Nanyuki are excellent options. Starting your trip midweek also helps you avoid the typical weekend rush.

Next up is Madaraka Day, which brings a ready-made three-day weekend.

Madaraka Day – Monday, June 1, 2026

This holiday gives you an automatic 3-day weekend from Saturday, May 30 to Monday, June 1 . No leave days are required. This year, the national celebrations will take place in Wajir County, adding a unique touch to the occasion.

On May 31, a Blue Moon will light up the sky, and Wild Springs has crafted a special package for this rare event. The 3-Day Samburu Wildlife & Astro Safari (KES 29,800 per person) combines game drives with stargazing by the Ewaso Nyiro River. If you’d rather avoid traffic, try the 3-Day Tsavo Madaraka Express Safari (KES 32,800), which uses the SGR train for quicker travel.

For a self-drive trip, Nanyuki is a great choice. Just three hours from Nairobi, it offers attractions like Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Mount Kenya views – without the hassle of SGR bookings.

Mashujaa Day + Diwali – Tuesday, October 20, 2026

This year, Mashujaa Day falls on a Tuesday, and with one bridge day – Monday, October 19 – you can create a 4-day weekend from Saturday, October 17 to Tuesday, October 20 . This setup lets you enjoy an extended break while sidestepping peak weekend prices. The holiday also coincides with Diwali, so expect lively celebrations in Nairobi and Mombasa.

Wild Springs offers year-round Tsavo East & West safaris starting at KES 29,999 per person – perfect for this October window. If hiking is more your style, the Elephant Hill trek in the Aberdares is a fantastic one-day adventure that pairs well with an overnight stay in Nyeri.

To avoid traffic jams, plan early departures, especially on the Mombasa Road and Naivasha highway.

Christmas + Utamaduni Day – December 25–28, 2026

The ultimate weekend of 2026 is here. Christmas Day lands on Friday, December 25, and Boxing Day (Utamaduni Day) follows on Saturday, December 26. Since Boxing Day is on a Saturday, it will be observed on Monday, December 28 . That gives you a 4-day break from Friday to Monday – no leave days required.

Wild Springs offers a range of options for this festive period. For adventure seekers, there’s the 4-Day Mount Kenya climb via Sirimon Route (from KES 35,000 per person) or the 5-Day Chogoria Route trek (from KES 45,000). If you’d rather avoid the highlands, the Mount Elgon Ultimate Climb (from KES 45,000) offers a quieter alternative to the usual Mara and Amboseli circuits.

Holiday accommodations fill up quickly during Christmas, so it’s best to book at least six weeks in advance. Traveling with a group? Wild Springs offers special group rates for parties of six or more. Reach out via WhatsApp +254 729 257 317 to learn more.

Kenya Long Weekend Calendar – January to May 2027

The beginning of 2027 brings plenty of opportunities to explore Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes during long weekends. Here’s how to make the most of these breaks in the first five months of the year.

New Year’s Day – Friday, January 1, 2027

New Year’s Day falls on a Friday, giving you a ready-made 3-day weekend from January 1 to January 3. No need to use any leave days! January’s dry weather makes it a great time for mountain climbing in Kenya, perfect for adventure seekers.

Consider Wild Springs’ options for a climbing getaway:

• The 4-Day Mount Kenya Sirimon Route costs KES 35,000 per person.
• The 5-Day Chogoria Route, priced at KES 45,000, is known for its stunning views.
• For a quieter experience, try the Mount Elgon Ultimate Climb, also KES 45,000, offering a 4-5 day trek.

Want to extend your adventure? Take Monday, January 4 off for a 4-day break – perfect for completing the Sirimon Route. If you prefer a shorter trip, explore Nanyuki’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy for a quick day trip. After this energizing start to the year, keep an eye on Easter for another extended getaway.

Idd ul-Fitr – approximately Tuesday, March 9, 2027

Idd ul-Fitr is likely to fall on Tuesday, March 9, 2027, though the exact date depends on moon sighting by SUPKEM. By taking Monday, March 8 off, you can enjoy a 4-day weekend from Saturday, March 6 to Tuesday, March 9.

This midweek holiday offers a quieter travel experience with fewer crowds and better accommodation deals. Wild Springs provides daily budget Maasai Mara safaris starting at KES 26,500 per person, a great fit for this flexible window. For a quicker escape, consider self-drive trips to Naivasha or Nakuru, both under 2.5 hours from Nairobi.

While you wait for the official date confirmation, start planning early to lock in the best travel deals.

Good Friday + Easter Monday – March 26–29, 2027

Easter 2027 offers a 4-day weekend from Friday, March 26 (Good Friday) to Monday, March 29 (Easter Monday), making it perfect for longer trips or family adventures.

Here are some options from Wild Springs:

• Tsavo East & West safaris from KES 29,999 per person.
• The Tsavo Madaraka Express Safari, priced at KES 32,800, uses the SGR train for faster travel.
• Head north with the 3-Day Samburu National Reserve Safari, starting at KES 150,920, to spot rare species like Grevy’s zebras and reticulated giraffes.

For those with extra leave days, taking Tuesday, March 30 through Friday, April 2 off creates a 10-day vacation using only 4 leave days. This extended break is ideal for combining a safari with a mountain trek, such as the 5-day Chogoria Route followed by a Maasai Mara adventure.

Labour Day – Saturday, May 1, 2027

Labour Day in 2027 falls on a Saturday, which means it will be observed on Monday, May 3 , creating a 3-day weekend from May 1 to May 3. Taking Friday, April 30 off gives you a 4-day break – just enough time for a short safari or a hiking trip.

Here are some ideas for this window:

• Go for the Elephant Hill trek in the Aberdares, perfect for a day hike.
• Opt for a Nairobi National Park game drive, starting at KES 6,900 per person.
• Self-drive to Naivasha or Nakuru for a quick getaway, both easily accessible from Nairobi.

For budget-friendly options, Wild Springs offers “group joining” safaris like the 3-day budget Maasai Mara safari, with daily departures. These shared trips are a great way to save while enjoying a full safari experience during the Labour Day weekend.

With these plans, you can keep your 2027 travel calendar packed with exciting adventures without breaking the bank.

Saturday-to-Sunday Getaways from Nairobi

Pressed for time? No worries – your regular weekend is enough to escape Nairobi’s hustle. These destinations, just 1.5 to 3 hours away, are perfect for self-drives or Wild Springs’ group safaris. No vacation days? No problem.

Nanyuki: Mt Kenya Basecamp and Ol Pejeta

Drive time: 3 hours via Thika Road. Make a quick stop at the equator marker for a free photo op. Nanyuki is a convenient spot to stock up on supplies at its supermarkets and cafes before heading to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, home to Kenya’s only chimpanzee sanctuary and the largest black rhino population in East Africa.

Feeling adventurous? Wild Springs also organizes Mt Kenya climbs. Their 4-Day Mount Kenya Sirimon Route costs KES 35,000 per person, offering an ideal way to add some altitude to your weekend plans.

Looking for something closer? Naivasha might be your answer.

Naivasha: Crescent Island and Hell’s Gate

Drive time: 1.5 hours via Mai Mahiu Road. Naivasha is a two-in-one treat. At Crescent Island, enjoy walking safaris among zebras and giraffes. Over at Hell’s Gate National Park, cycle past dramatic cliffs and geothermal features. Boat rides to Crescent Island cost KES 2,000–3,000, depending on how well you negotiate at the lakeshore.

Hell’s Gate entry fees are KES 300 for residents, with an extra KES 500 if you bring your own bike. Don’t have one? Rent at the park gate for KES 600. For overnight stays, budget campsites charge around KES 1,000 per tent, while mid-range lodges start at KES 8,000 per room.

Nakuru: Lake Nakuru National Park

Drive time: 2.5 hours via the Nairobi-Nakuru highway. Known for its flamingos, black and white rhinos, and Rothschild’s giraffes, Lake Nakuru National Park is a wildlife haven. Entry fees for residents are KES 1,030. During peak seasons, the lake’s alkaline waters attract thousands of flamingos, creating a stunning pink shoreline. For accommodations, budget lodges just outside the park start at KES 4,000 per night.

Nyeri: Aberdares and Trout Fishing

Drive time: 2.5 hours via Thika Road. Nyeri is your gateway to the Aberdares National Park, famous for its lush forests, waterfalls, and elephants. The Elephant Hill trek is a popular day hike for outdoor enthusiasts. For something more relaxed, try trout fishing in local rivers; permits cost KES 500–1,000 per day. Add a touch of history to your trip with a visit to Treetops Lodge.

Magadi: Soda Lake and Hot Springs

Drive time: 2 hours via Magadi Road. Lake Magadi offers surreal landscapes with its soda flats and hot springs, making it a photographer’s dream. Located at the lowest point of the Rift Valley, the lake is a haven for flamingos and pelicans. Entry is free, but a 4×4 vehicle is essential for navigating the rugged terrain. Don’t forget to pack extra water – temperatures can soar to 40°C. Campsites near the lake charge KES 1,000–1,500 per tent.

Sagana: White Water Rafting and Ziplines

Drive time: 1.5 hours via Thika-Murang’a Road. Sagana, located along the Tana River, is a hotspot for thrill-seekers. White water rafting sessions are available year-round, priced at KES 6,500–8,500 for a half-day experience that includes lunch and safety gear. Zipline courses range from KES 2,500–4,000, depending on how many lines you choose. Many camps also offer full-day adventure packages, combining rafting, ziplining, and rope courses for around KES 10,000.

Planning a group outing? Wild Springs can organize custom packages for corporate teams or chamas. Contact them via WhatsApp at +254 729 257 317 for details. If you’re staying overnight, campsites cost KES 1,500 per person, while bandas range from KES 5,000–7,000. Arrive early Saturday morning to beat the crowds and make the most of your weekend.

How to Maximize Annual Leave Around Kenyan Public Holidays

Kenya’s Public Holidays Act (Cap. 110) makes it easy to enjoy extended weekends since holidays falling on weekends are automatically observed on the following Monday. This creates 3-day weekends without dipping into your annual leave.

But why stop there? With a little planning, you can stretch your leave days even further:

• Bridge Days: Turn a mid-week holiday into a long weekend. For instance, Mashujaa Day in 2026 falls on Tuesday, October 20. By taking Monday, October 19 as annual leave, you’ll enjoy a 4-day weekend from Saturday, October 17, to Tuesday, October 20.
• Holiday Sandwiching: Combine holidays to create an extended break. In 2026, Eid al-Adha is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, and Madaraka Day is on Monday, June 1. By taking leave on Thursday, May 28, and Friday, May 29, you can enjoy a 6-day vacation using just two leave days. This is the perfect opportunity to book Wild Springs’ 3-Day Samburu Wildlife Astro Safari (KES 29,800) for an unforgettable getaway.

To make these plans even more budget-friendly, you can take advantage of the Lipa Pole Pole payment plan. A KES 10,000 deposit secures your booking, and the balance can be paid in installments via M-PESA. Reach out to the team through WhatsApp at +254 729 257 317 to set up a payment plan that works for you.

Why Book Your Holiday Weekend Trips with Wild Springs Adventures

Wild Springs Adventures is your go-to for hassle-free, unforgettable long weekend getaways. As a TRA-licensed tour operator (TRA1/47/C01/25895) and a proud member of the Tour Operators Society of Kenya (TOSK 0082), they bring professionalism and reliability to every trip. Their dedication to excellence is reflected in their TripAdvisor Travelers Choice awards for 2024, 2025, and 2026, showcasing glowing reviews from satisfied travelers who’ve trusted them for Kenya public holiday adventures.

With over 12 years of experience in Kenya and East Africa, Wild Springs Adventures knows how to make your holiday count. Their team ensures seamless planning, whether it’s avoiding traffic on Jamhuri Day or securing top-notch campsites at destinations like Hell’s Gate. Every tour is led by KPSGA-certified guides, experts in ethical wildlife encounters and safety during high-altitude treks.

Traveling in a group? Chamas and corporate groups with six or more people enjoy discounted rates on scheduled departures. If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, join a Group Joining safari like the 3-Day Budget Masai Mara Safari. It’s a great way to keep costs low while meeting other adventurers. Plus, they’ve partnered with AMREF Flying Doctors to provide emergency medical evacuation services for safaris in remote areas.

With offices in Nairobi (Valley View Office Park, Parklands) and Austria, Wild Springs ensures streamlined coordination for all your trips. Payments are straightforward – M-PESA details are sent via WhatsApp right after booking confirmation, with no hidden fees or unexpected charges. From start to finish, Wild Springs Adventures is committed to delivering a seamless and memorable Kenya public holiday travel experience.

Conclusion

Looking to make your next Kenyan long weekend unforgettable? With Eid al-Adha falling on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, it’s the perfect opportunity to try a bridge-day strategy. Take Thursday and Friday off for a relaxing 5-day break, or plan a weekend escape to breathtaking destinations like Samburu or Tsavo. Don’t wait – secure your spot now! Message us on WhatsApp at +254 729 257 317 to book the 3-Day Samburu Wildlife Astro Safari. You can also explore all events for Madaraka Day specials, Mashujaa Day weekend packages, and Christmas holiday getaways.

Whether you’re planning a chama trip, a solo hiking adventure, or a family road trip, Wild Springs Adventures takes the hassle out of Kenya public holidays travel. Enjoy flexible Lipa Pole Pole payment plans, TRA-licensed services, and the expertise of KPSGA-certified guides. From budget-friendly KES 5,000 weekend hikes at Ngong Hills to multi-day safaris costing KES 50,000 or more, there’s an adventure for every budget and every holiday on the calendar.

Stay ahead of the game – plan early and get the best deals. Bookmark this page because your next long weekend adventure is just one message away.

Last updated: May 2026. This calendar is refreshed every May to highlight the next 12 months of Kenyan public holiday travel options.

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