This article focuses on the best places in Nairobi to hang out under Kshs 1000. Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya and one of Africa’s top travel destinations. The vibrant city of Nairobi is full of exhilarating attractions that are worth visiting.
Nairobi is the only city in the world with a national park on its doorstep. Here’s a quick rundown of the best places in Nairobi to hang out under Kshs 1000, You will be amazed at all of the attractions it has to offer.
Best Places In Nairobi To Hang Out Under KSHS 1000
1. Nairobi National Museum
The Nairobi National Museum is the best place to go if you are looking to dive into Kenyan Heritage. This is the flagship museum for the National Museums of Kenya, housing celebrated collections of Kenya’s History, Nature, Culture, and Contemporary Art present for both educational and leisure purposes.
Perhaps what’s even more impressive here is the early man section, where actual fossils, discovered in the country, are displayed. This includes the fossil of a proconsul that dates back 18 million years, which encouraged archaeologists to consider Kenya as the birthplace of humankind.
The facility is open Monday to Sunday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, year-round including public holidays and weekends. The entry fee is Kshs 150 per child and Kshs 300 per adult.
Contact: 0721 308 485, 0733 296 142
Email: publicrelations@museums.or.ke
2. Giraffe Centre
Giraffe Centre is located in Karen, Nairobi and is managed by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife. It is a lovely park to visit and spend time with your family and friends as you feed the very friendly giraffes. You can as well kiss and touch the giraffes.
The entrance fee is Kshs 400 for resident adults and Kshs 200 for resident children. The fee includes food for you to feed the giraffes. Once you have entered you walk along a boardwalk where the giraffes come up to the rail to be fed and you can take as many photos as you like.
Contact: 020 8070804
3. Karura Forest
The Karura Forest is an urban upland forest on the outskirts of Nairobi. You pay an entrance fee of Kshs 100 for adults and Kshs 40 for children to gain access to the forest. Visitors can enjoy walking or jogging (5,10, and 15km trails are marked along forest paths) Other activities include tree planting, picnics, Bird-watching, Horse-riding and mountain biking.
In case you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city you can spice up your cycling experience by checking out the Mau Mau Caves, where Kenyan freedom fighters hid from colonialists before independence, or explore the waterfall and reconnect with nature.
Contact: 0725 939 093
4. Ngong Hills
Ngong Hills is a great place to unwind and connect with nature. It has far-reaching views over the Rift Valley, Nairobi National Park, Mount Suswa, and the Nairobi skyline. On a good day, you can see both Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya from the Ngong Hills.
Nature hikes, hiking, cycling, team building, horseback riding, picnics, camping, archery, and zip-lining are all popular activities here. The Kenya Forest Service is in charge of maintaining the forest, and to enter, you must pay an entrance fee at the gate of Kshs 232 per adult and Kshs 58 per child.
Contact: 0798 002 474
5. Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost is located in Kiambu Town. It’s just 20 minutes from Nairobi city centre. Paradise Lost Resort is a magnificent tourist attraction in Kenya, an oasis in the middle of a coffee farm.
At Paradise Lost, you can also enjoy; exploring the Stone Age caves, a stunning waterfall, picnics, zip lining, fishing, boat riding, a visit to a coffee farm, horseback riding, camel riding, nature trails and bird watching. The entrance fee is Kshs 500 per person for adults and Kshs 300 for children.
For bookings, email: info@paradiselost.co.ke
6. Oloolua Nature Trail
The 5km Oloolua Nature Trail can be found in the upmarket suburb of Karen, where 250 hectares of the indigenous tropical dry Oloolua forest stands. The trail ambles through thick forest vines and undergrowth below giant indigenous trees and bushes. In some places, it follows the course of the Mbagathi River, which cuts through the forest.
Oloolua Nature Trail provides stunning scenery of indigenous trees and chattering birds, as well as a cave and a spectacular waterfall. It’s a serene place to unwind and take a long, lazy walk. It is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm. The trail entry charges are Kshs 200 for adults and Kshs 100 for children.
Contact: 0720 650 869
7. Nairobi Arboretum
Nairobi Arboretum is a nice green space within the vicinity of Westlands, Nairobi. It is one of Nairobi’s few remaining green spaces, It has shaded walkways, picnic lawns and jogging trails. The Arboretum holds over 350 species of indigenous and exotic plants, most of which are labelled, is home to over 100 species of birds, and has a significant population of sykes and vervet monkeys.
It is also a popular recreational park for city dwellers who come for peace, long walks, picnics, or to connect with God. Large groups frequently visit the park on weekends for team-building activities and games on the centre lawn, while lovers enjoy spending romantic moments in its isolated areas. Runners also love to jog around the Arboretum’s forest trails. The entry fee for adults is Kshs 65, while that for children is Kshs 27.
Contact: 0733823045, 0727 300933
Email: ona@naturekenya.org, education@nairobiarboretum.org
8. Hon. John N. Michuki Memorial Conservation Park
Formerly known as Mazingira Park, it is located along the Nairobi River, from the Globe Roundabout to the Museum Bridge. Named after the late Environment Minister Hon. John Michuki, the park was established in 2008 through concerted efforts geared towards creating a public recreation area at a site previously used as a dump site and a criminal hideout, which came about as a result of the rehabilitation and restoration of the Nairobi River.
The park now spots greenery and walking paths as the Nairobi River lazily snakes its way through the park. The entrance is free. No entrance fee is charged.
9. Ferris Wheel, Two Rivers Mall
Africa’s largest Ferris Wheel is located at Two Rivers Mall in Ruaka, Nairobi, offering riders spectacular panoramic views of Nairobi City. Dubbed ‘Eye of Kenya, the 60-metre tall amusement park-style attraction is held together by its crisscrossing steel beams. The ‘Eye of Kenya’ consists of 40 fully enclosed cabins, each sitting up to six passengers who are taken 60 metres above the ground in the safety and comfort of the full circle ride.
The Ferris Wheel has gifted Ruaka its most eye-catching landmark. By the way, the wheel was designed as a key highlight of the mall’s theme park, which includes quad bikes and a waterpark. The Ferris Wheel rotates slowly but constantly, allowing riders to get on and off without stopping. At Two Rivers Mall, the ride takes about 17 minutes. A ride at the Two Rivers Mall Ferris Wheel costs Kshs 500 per person.
Contact: 0709 190 511
10. Laser Tag, ABC Place Westlands
Get down to Laser Tag Kenya at ABC Place. It may not seem like much time, but the 15 minutes you get to play for Ksh 500 are a complete workout. Their inflatable arena is set up at the mall’s designated outdoor play area every weekend from 11 am to 5 pm.
The environment within the arena is designed to look like a battlefield, with places to duck and hide. To enhance the experience, the temperature is increased to muggy but secure levels. You’ll be enchanted by the wonderful mood that is created by the swirling fog and low lighting. The arena has enough room to accommodate up to 10 people at once.
Contact: 0720 851 914
11. Kenya National Archives
The Kenya National Archives is located along Moi Avenue in Nairobi City Centre. Amidst the modern skyscrapers in the city, this colonial building is not to be missed. Inside the doors of what we commonly refer to as just Archives, formerly the Bank of India, lies a treasure trove of approximately 40,000 public historical records and archives that date as far back as the pre-colonial era.
The ground floor of the Kenya National Archives building also houses the Murumbi Gallery, which contains traditional weapons, ceremonial artefacts, furniture, textiles, musical instruments, fine arts, and contemporary paintings, among other goodies collected in the 19th century. The gallery is currently the largest Pan-African art gallery in Africa.
The exhibitions are open to the public at a small fee of Ksh 50 for citizens and residents and Ksh 200 for non-residents.
Contact: +254 02 228 959
Email: info@archives.go.ke
If you’re looking for an activity that will test your physical strength, consider rock climbing. The most popular climbing gym is Climb Blue Sky indoor rock climbing and bouldering gym, which is located at Diamond Plaza in Parklands (6th Floor, Old Tower).
The fee for every session is Kshs 1000 without shoes and Kshs 1400 if you rent shoes. You can also pay for monthly, 3-month, and annual memberships. The Ladies’ Night offer is no longer available. Tuesdays were Ladies’ Night, so climbing was Kshs 500 without shoes and Kshs 900 with shoe rental.
Contact: 0792 790087
It’s located along Langata Road, near the famous Carnivore Restaurant. GP-Karting Langata is the oldest and most affordable place to go. Their charges are fair. Each of the prices below is for 10 minutes, which you can do continuously or break into two races, each lasting 5 minutes.
They charge Kshs 1300 per session, which lasts about 10 minutes. The ten minutes are about 10 laps for an average racer.
Contact: 0733 666 333
Email: info@gpkarting.co.ke
14. Bowling at Village Market
Village Bowl is tucked at Village Market, along Limuru Road, in the 2nd-floor new wing. It is a modern, 11-lane Brunswick bowling facility great for leisure, sports, parties, and entertainment. Village Bowl features a family-friendly atmosphere with special effects lighting, artistic themes, and live music. It is very spacious and you can play other games like pool table, air hockey & Foosball as well. The best part is you can’t go hungry as different restaurants are offering various cuisines in the Village Market.
Bowling costs between Kshs 350 to Kshs 500 per person per game and you can bowl alone or join a team and compete.
Contact: +254 20 7122476
15. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is an amazing place to tour. It is a place that will most likely touch your Heart. It is an elephant Nursery bordering Nairobi National Park, offering a haven to orphaned baby elephants that are rescued from parks and reserves in Kenya. The Nursery provides the first stage in the hand-rearing and development of milk-dependent baby elephants. Once they graduate from the Nursery, aged 2–3 years, the elephants move to one of the DSWT’s Reintegration Centres in Tsavo East National Park, from where they will ultimately return to the wild.
The Trust is open to the public for one hour from 11 am to 12 pm every day. During this time, the orphans arrive for their midday mud bath and feeding. The Entry Fee is Kshs 1500 per person 12 years of age and older, and Kshs 500 for those under 12 years of age. This is collected upon entry, in cash or via M-PESA, on the day of your visit
Contact: +254 (0) 202 301 396, +254 (0) 733 891 996
Email: info@sheldrickwildlifetrust.org
16. Kenya Regiment Rifle Club
Kenya Regiment Rifle Club is an indoor shooting range located at the Sailing Club in Lang’ata, Nairobi. The shooting range offers modern indoor spaces suited for a variety of firearms. The facility is open to members and the general public, from novice to expert shooters. It is open from Monday through Saturday.
To access this facility, you will be required to carry your national identification card. The minimum age to participate in the shooting is 14 years old. You will also be required to pay an entrance fee of Ksh 2000 and another Ksh 2500 for 50 rounds of ammunition. Kenyans with privately owned and licensed guns can carry them to KRRC and buy ammunition there according to the gun type.
Contact: 0724 359546
17. KICC Rooftop
Not only do you get a 360-degree view of the central business area from the KICC rooftop, which also serves as a helipad, but you can also see the city’s borders in all directions. As you see the horizon in all directions, the contrast between architectural types and flora in various metropolitan suburbs is striking. Some of the big green areas to be seen, include the newly revamped Uhuru Park, Railways Golf Course, and Nairobi National Park. Planes may also be seen landing and taking off at JKIA and Wilson airports.
The KICC management permits people to access the rooftop every day from 9 am to 8 pm on weekdays and until 6 pm on weekends. Citizens pay Ksh 150, residents pay Ksh 200, and foreigners pay Ksh 400.
Contact: (+254) 20 3261000
Email: info@kicc.co.ke
A short drive out of Nairobi’s central business district is Nairobi National Park. Wide open grass plains and backdrop of the city scrapers, scattered acacia bush play host to a wide variety of wildlife, including the endangered black rhino, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, giraffes and a diverse birdlife with over 400 species recorded. Visitors can enjoy the park’s picnic sites, three campsites and walking trails for hikers.
The park entry fee (for citizens) for Adults is Kshs 400 and Kshs 200 for Children.
Contact: 0756-414573
Email:nnp@kws.go.ke
19. Nairobi Animal Orphanage
The Nairobi Animal Orphanage is located in Nairobi National Park. It serves as a treatment and rehabilitation centre for wild animals. The Orphanage hosts lions, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, serval cats, rare Sokoke cats, warthogs, leopards, various monkeys, baboons and buffalo. Various birds can also be viewed, including parrots, guinea fowls, crowned cranes and ostriches.
The Nairobi Animal Orphanage is usually open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. The entrance fee is Kshs 200 for adults and Kshs 125 for children.
Contact: +254-20-2379407
Email: education@kws.go.ke
20. Nairobi Gallery
The Nairobi Gallery is located at Kenyatta Avenue and Uhuru Highway roundabout next to Nyayo house. The Gallery used to be the old PC building in 1913, where registration of births, marriages and deaths was undertaken. It is under the auspices of the National Museums of Kenya and now is used as an art exhibition space. The art pieces are mostly contemporary and are from local and international artists.
The gallery opens from 8.30 am- 5.30 pm daily. A Kenyan citizen only needs to have Ksh 150 for entry, while residents and non-residents need Ksh 600 and Ksh1000, respectively. Night tours and guided tours are also available.
Contacts: +254 20 3742131
21. Ice Skating at Panari Hotel
The Solar Ice Rink at Panari is the only one of its kind in East and Central Africa. It measures 32 × 12 metres with an ice skating surface area of 15,000 square feet. It is enclosed with an ice temperature of -25oC and the air temperature inside the hall is 12oC. The rink can accommodate 200 skaters at any time and is open seven days a week, from 11 am until 10 pm.
Skating fees have been maintained relatively low, at Kshs 800 for all age groups 15 years and over every 60-minute session, inclusive of skating boots.
22. Nairobi Railway Museum
This museum focuses on the history of the country’s rail system. As previously stated, Nairobi began as a train terminal. The Nairobi Railway Museum, situated in the old East African Railway headquarters, houses an amazing collection of relics, railway engine models, and a range of displays showcasing railway construction
Within the museum yard, you will also be able to see various steam and early diesel locomotives that were once part of the Kenya-Uganda Railway. The entrance fee is Kshs 200 for adults and Kshs 100 for children.
Contact: 0709 907 411
23. Bomas of Kenya
Bomas of Kenya is located in Langata, Nairobi. Bomas of Kenya displays traditional villages belonging to several Kenyan tribes. It is the home to the largest auditorium in Africa. The village features replicas of traditional homesteads, or bomas, from 23 of Kenya’s ethnic groups. It also features traditional dances performed in its large auditorium.
The homesteads are open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Performances take place from Monday to Friday from 2:30 pm to 4 pm. On weekends and during public holidays, performances are from 3:30 pm to 5:15 pm. The best time to visit Kenya’s Bomas is all year. However, it is preferable to visit the village during the dry season, which runs from July to October, as well as in January and February. The entrance fee is Kshs 200 for adults and Kshs 50 for children.
Contact: +254208891802 , +254208890795/8 , +254202022426 (Conferencing)
Email: info@bomasofkenya.co.ke
It was set up after the August 7th bomb blast in Nairobi. It used to house the American Embassy in Nairobi. It’s a place to think and reflect on the importance of peace and co-existence. Visitors can view a short video in regards to how this happened, a presentation from the resident expert and general Park view and photography.
The park is now a serene place with lush gardens in the city centre where you can come to sit and relax as you enjoy their free WiFi service. The park is open to the public every day from 6 am to 6 pm. The gate entrance fee is Kshs 30 per person.
Contact: +254 722 323 302, +254 727 121 004
Email: events@memorialparkkenya.org
25. Ziplining Experience at the Kompass, Ngong Hills
Kompass is located inside Ngong Hills. It’s just an hour away from Nairobi through Ngong town. Though not as long as the Kereita one, their zip line is about 250 meters long over the expansive Ngong forest. Besides zip lining, they have other activities such as paintball, archery, bike riding, picnics, hiking and photography. There is also a restaurant and a bar.
There is an entrance fee of Kshs 232 per adult and Kshs 58 per child to access Ngong Hills. There are two options, you can do one Zipline which costs Kshs 700 or two lines for Kshs 1000.
Contact: 0798 002 474
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