Money Management
February 21, 2025
Happy Holidays!
Time to unwind and get into the different ways to enjoy, explore and get-into all that Nairobi has to offer for under Ksh. 1000 or under $10.
NB: Cash payments maybe allowed but to avoid any disappointments carry your Master /VISA card and top-up your mobile money / MPESA account.
Before we get started let’s get some fee definitions out of the way.
Let’s dive into what these rates are.
School tours often pay this rate, unless there are special group rates independently available
NB: Students travelling independently maybe charged this rate at some locations. Children below 3 years are not charged
There’s something for everyone.
Now, let’s get into all the “city in the sun” has to offer - whether you’re an adult, teen, child, new-in town, tourist, a citizen (etc.)
If taking in the fresh air while enjoying the sights-n-sounds of nature is what you’re looking for, here are some outdoor options to visit. The best part is most are free for everyone.
This amazing city getaway offers a wildlife and nature experience for its visitors.
It’s a mind-blowing experience to get up close and get to not only learn about giraffes but also see, pet and feed these tall, gentle giants up-close.
Once you’ve had your thrill of these “gentle giants,” how about a stroll through the centre’s scenic nature trail / conservancy?
It's a 1.6 KM stretch of breathtaking views of The Gogo River (from the viewpoint, you get to view the river’s source, which originates from Ngong Hills). It’s also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with the option of visiting the Warthog Den.
Here are the charges:-
NB: No cash payments allowed. Payment mode accepted is MPESA, Master / VISA card
TIP: Open all week (including weekends and holidays) from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Remember a big part of budgeting is including the best travel or transport rates.
For affordable, stress-free planning, keep in mind the centre’s busiest / peak hours on weekends, public holidays and on weekdays, which are between 11 a.m. - 1p.m.
You’ll want to make a day of exploring this haven of local culture and nature experiences.
Located in Karen, this leisure park is home to Nile crocodiles, tortoises, ostriches (where you get to feed the world’s largest bird), carry baby crocodiles, as well as get to learn more about the fauna and flora at Mamba village.
(e.g.) Did you know an ostrich has 3 stomachs?
An enviable feature, for some of us during the holiday’s festivities
Also available at this 30-acre plus’ destination is camel and horse riding, an art gallery, large restaurant, secluded picnic sites, botanical gardens, nature walk and bird-watching trails for family outings, picnics and team building activities.
Oloolua Nature Trail is a popular tranquil getaway for Nairobians’ during the weekend and a top pick for a budget-friendly, scenic escape for solo trips, families, couples and especially for the sporty-at-heart’.
Located at the Oloolua forest in Karen, some of the attractions include natural caves, a bamboo rest point, a waterfall, a papyrus swamp and educational centres where you interact-and-learn about various geology, botany and aquatic species.
Did you know that the rehabilitated Michuki Park is home to over 88 tree species?
For some, this green zone at the heart of Nairobi CBD is a serene escape within the city.
It is located along Kijabe Street near the Globe Cinema Roundabout in Nairobi, which is easily accessible and in addition to being well maintained, it is open to the public daily from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
TIPS: Save on transport by opting to travel during off-peak hours for PSV / public transport into town. If you plan to spend the day at the park, plan for PSV peak hour rates or for taxi fare.
Also, the park is close to other affordable, top-recommended getaways (such as Nairobi National Museum and Nairobi Arboretum) if you’re looking to turn your day into an even richer day out.
Conveniently accessible from the CBD, the Nairobi Arboretum is a budget-friendly location that’s ideal for nature trails, picnics, birdwatching, photography, videography and is a favourite for outdoor dates, group activities and events (e.g.) concerts and team-building
You can plan a trip to the home of “Sykes, Vervet monkeys, various bird species, indigenous and exotic plants” - any day of the week, all year round from 6 a.m. - 6.15 p.m.
The drive to Paradise Lost is like a scenic trailer, as you leave the crowded Nairobi streets and the high-rise buildings behind for a local, road-trip experience.
For a variety of fun activities and sightseeing attractions – you can look forward to fishing, horse / camel riding, boat riding, coffee-farm visit, cave exploration, bird watching, nature trail walks, scenic picnic sites plus a kids’ play area and waterfall views.
Nairobi is famous for being the only city with a national park within city limits – which makes a Safari Walk, a must-do. Without stretching your resources, you get to enjoy and experience what Kenya’s wildlife attractions have to offer, all at one place.
Want more on your day-out? You got it
In addition to the safari walk, you can include an extra tour to the animal orphanage, (which is located less than 12 metres away).
So, as you budget for your city safari walk, keep in mind that there are price-inclusive and price-exclusive items for everyone, (foreigners and locals included), to have a memorable experience.
TIP: The safari walk prices are inclusive of professional English speaking guides, all park entry fees, service charges & taxes, pickup-and-drop off from your hotel in Nairobi (if you’re not a city-dweller or treating yourself to a hotel stay, you’re sorted)
To get in on the park activities and attractions, the entry fees are as follows:-
NB: The Safari walk rates differ from the National Park rates. Modes of payments allowed are MPESA, VISA card and direct bank deposit to KWS bank account at the gate
This is a thrilling option, for those looking to get into something fresh - something to push you out of your comfort zone.
Diguna High Ropes is located at Rongai (a town in Nairobi located in the outskirts of the city’s buzz). As the name states, Diguna is an obstacle of different rope-treading activities, that literally, have you walking the line at new heights.
So, if a “Tarzan-Like Day” without the jumping and leaps sounds good, Diguna is it for you…
For your peace-of-mind, there are safety measures in place and skilled staff members to accommodate different heights and weight classes.
However, if heights are not your thing, best to checkout the other 9 options (which are just as budget-friendly)
This evergreen forest in Nairobi is a “lush eco gem” that is a memorable location for locals and foreigners, who visit.
Visitors can participate in different activities (e.g.) guided eco-tours, forest nature walks and drives, hiking, jogging and riding bicycles, visiting archeological sites (where artifacts were recently excavated) and more.
Parking Fees (Daily Rate)
NB: The forest operating hours are 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. The last entry is at 5.45 p.m.
All gates close at 7 p.m.
Just as thrilling but not the same as the Nairobi Safari Walk, is the Nairobi National Park, which is a short drive to-and-from the CBD.
A picturesque location to eat out at the park’s restaurant – the park’s “safari charm” is also experienced during the safari walks, game drives, picnics-in-the wild and at the park’s key attractions (e.g.) ivory burning site monument, three campsites, the animal orphanage, hiking walking-trails and a rhino sanctuary
NB: Modes of payments allowed are MPESA, VISA card and direct bank deposit to KWS bank account at the gate
Did you know that the Ngong Hills are a scenic expansive location of seven hills located in Ngong, Kajiado County?
This sprawling getaway is a “source of pride” for the country’s economic and tourism sector.
Other Fees
If you really want to experience the museum in a unique way – opt for an exclusive group tour of a minimum of 10 people for museum night tours!
(You don’t have to find 10 people, simply put in a request and you could get to meet 9 new friends, which makes for a brag-worthy’ holiday story)
The museum is located at Museum Hill, about a 10 minute-drive from the Nairobi CBD and is accessible by PSV too.
The museum is open all year round, Monday to Sunday from 8.30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Night tours are between 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. except for private functions (It might be obvious, but let’s make it clear, pets are not allowed)
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Museum Entrance Rates:-
Guided Tour (Minimum 10pax | Charge is per group of 10pax, if you’re more than 10)
TIP: Book online publicrelations@museums.or.ke to budget accordingly
by considering the timelines available
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Combination Tickets (these are discounted joint tickets that include admission to the museum and the snake park)
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Night Tour Packages
This is a favourite for those who’d rather take outdoor fun indoors (and with what looks like a “rainy-muddy holiday season,” there’s lots of indoor games you can look forward to here)
This spacious bowling spot at the Village Market also offers a 3-in-1 game combo of pool, foosball & air hockey at affordable rates.
That means, even when you combine bowling with the 3-in-1 game combo’ option, it would cost approximately Kshs. 700 per game.
TIP: Budget Rule #1 Assume Nothing
The Village Market locally nicknamed VIMA’ is often thought of as a high-end, expensive location, however, you’d be missing out on some budget-friendly options that are a value-add for your budget planning efforts.
Ready to play? The rates are:
Bowling
(4 p.m. – Till Late per game & per person):- Kshs. 500
Pool, Air Hockey & Foosball
(4 p.m. – Till Late per game):- Kshs. 200
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More Thrills. Less Spending For All
Travel and the simple ways one enjoys a weekend has drastically changed in the past few months – but with change we adapt and (sometimes) all you need to do is to take another look at what’s around and choose to experience it, in a positive way, without having to risk your peace-of-mind at all.
How will you remember your 2021 end-of-year holiday season?
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