Chill for Cheap: Places to Relax On a Budget in Nairobi

Some unknown guru once stated that 'the best things in life are the people we love, the places we’ve been, and all the memories we’ve made along the way'.

The current economic slump may make such a statement seem like a preserve for the rich and wealthy, with almost every single shilling available to most Nairobians being used on items that can be classified as 'essentials'.

However, it is also important to remember that a break can be really helpful when you need to refocus your attention, if you experience brain fog or feel absent-minded. 

This is even more important during the ongoing pandemic as most of us are now working from home, spending over 10 hours a day glued to screens, or in the ups and downs of finding a sustainable revenue stream. 

Taking a moment to recharge alone gives you time to reflect on yourself as well as what matters most to you.

With everything being virtual these days - work, life, and entertainment - experts advise taking a break from screens to achieve optimal wellness.

It need not be an extravagant affair as there are countless places within Nairobi where one can unwind at a reasonable cost. 

From nature lovers, to 'foodies', to those that love a day out with the family, Nairobi has something for everyone.

You may be surprised at just how far a Ksh1,000 - Ksh2,000 budget can get you.

Places to Visit in Nairobi‍

Let's start with the adrenaline junkies.

GP Karting - Carnivore Road Off Lang'ata Road.

Racing enthusiasts flock to this particular spot every weekend like moths to light.

It is located off Lang’ata Road just after Carnivore Grounds. It is easily accessible via public means. Get a matatu/bus from town heading to Langata for Ksh50 and alight at the Carnivore stage.

Dripping with adrenaline pumping activities, rates for a trip around the track start at Ksh900.

A thrilling family experience where you can get to live out your childhood dream or bring your Lewis Hamilton or Max Verstappen alter egos to life.
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The overall rates are as listed below:

5 – 8 Years Ksh900

9 – 12 Years Ksh1,000

13 – 16 Years Ksh1,100

17 – Adults Ksh1,300

Paintball Fury - The Waterfront, Karen

This is another spot for anyone who finds joy in trying to find out just how much adrenaline can produce.

Charges start from Ksh1,500 per person and 100 bullets each for what has been described by those who have experienced it as pure carnage and fun.

Paintball is a sport or entertainment in which the objective is to knock out/eliminate your opponent by hitting a ball with paint fired from a Paintball Marker. 

It is played with a potentially limitless variety of rules and variations, which are specified before the game begins.

Simply put, if you enjoy those action movies that feature special forces and commandos, then this is definitely your cup of tea.

Something for nature lovers.

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust - Magadi Road

It's not everyday that you'd get to bottle feed a baby elephant. A rarity that more than half the world's population will never get the chance of experiencing.

Founded in 1977, this gem located just before Multimedia University offers something quite unique for just Ksh500 (paid as the entrance fee).

Thousands of patrons from around the world are known to adopt the orphaned elephants found here for as little as US$50 a year.

The overall mission of the Trust is to rescue and nurture orphaned baby elephants until they’re ready to go back to the wild, which makes this getaway not only fun but a noble quest as well.

Giraffe Centre

A favorite with many Nairobi residents, the establishment is located on Nyumbi Road, off Duma Road in Nairobi’s Lang’ata suburb.

For a fulfilling experience, it is recommended that one plans for a 1.5 to two hour visit. This provides enough time to feed and interact with the giraffes, attend an informative lecture on the giraffe and other wildlife, take a walk in the serene Nature Conservancy and even have a snack at the rustic Tea House.

The rates are as follows:

Non-Resident Adults – Ksh. 1,500 

Non-Resident Children – Ksh. 750 

Resident Adults – Ksh. 400

Resident Children – Ksh. 200

Free for Children under 3 yrs of age
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Please note that they only take payments via Credit card, Debit card or M-PESA.

Karura Forest

Karura Forest is a walking/running/cycling 1000-hectare urban park in Nairobi. 

Accessible via both Limuru Road as well as Kiambu Road, the vast forest provides an escape for residents of the rapidly growing Kenyan capital.

It  has fields for ball games, long winding trails for hiking, cycling, and dog walking as well.

The sports grounds cost Ksh200 for adults and Ksh100 for children under 14 years per hour.

Kenyans can access this getaway at a cost of Ksh100 for adults and Ksh50 for children, while non-residents are charged Ksh600 (adults) and Ksh300 (children).

Hiring a bike for a 2 hour session costs Ksh500, but bringing your own bike is allowed. 

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Vehicles are also charged upon entry as follows: 

Saloon Car - Ksh100

Minivan (12-seater) - Ksh200

Minibus (above 14 and less than 32 seats) - Ksh300

Bus (more than 32 seats) - Ksh500

Karura Forest is accredited as the largest gazetted Forest near a Capital City in the world. 

It is one of the rare places where you can easily empty your mind, detached from the capital's daily hustles.