Christmas in Nairobi
It is that time of the year when the city is almost empty, with most people away in the bunduz or other holiday destinations for Christmas. Here are some of the places you can visit on a budget:
The Nairobi Safari Walk
Take a walk on the boardwalk as you check out the animals such as the rare bongo, white rhino and albino zebra as well as big cats, antelopes and primates.
It is also home to some 150 species of local trees. Let the kids enjoy a moment at the Children’s museum. Do not forget to carry drinking water, picnic items, binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and a guidebook
AFEW Giraffe Centre
Activities include: feeding the giraffes, learning about the centre’s activities in the auditorium and taking a 105km nature walk in the Nature Sanctuary as you see animals and birds.
Open from 9am-5pm, with residents paying Sh200 and Sh50 for and non residents Sh1000 and Sh500 for adult and children respectively.
Nairobi National National Museum, Snake Park and Botanical Garden
Take a walk in the national museum to view the permanent art exhibitions and collections Kenyan history. You can also view the different types of snakes and watch as the crocodiles are fed. The botanical garden features different species of plants in a thematic display.
The Nairobi Gallery
View the collection of Kenya’s second vice president, Joseph Murumbi. Checking out a mixture of artefacts from different Kenyan communities and a rich collection of documents on Kenya’s history would be an interesting way to spend your holiday in Nairobi.
The Bomas of Kenya
Activities to enjoy include cultural dances and traditional villages. These cultural shows display the diversity of the cultures in Kenya, in form of song, dance, recitals and fashion shows.
Cultural dances open from 2.30pm-4.00pm from Monday to Friday and 3.30pm to 5.15pm on weekends and public holidays, while traditional villages open from 10am-6pm.
Watch the African King’s Christmas Journey at the Junction Mall
The pantomime is an adaptation of the Magi, who travelled far to pay homage to the new born King in Bethlehem.
One of the kings, Balthasa of Saba was believed to be of African origin and the pantomime follows his journey through the Mall, with make stop-overs on the roof top and ground floor at his throne.
Splash Waterworld
Away from the watersports that make the Splash Waterworld, children can enjoy games like camel and horse riding, riding quadbikes and playing on the trampoline or the bouncing castle.
GP Karting
Located in Langata, GP Karting gives you the chance to pump up your adrenaline as you race on the recently resurfaced track. It is open from 9am to 6pm from all days except Monday. Charges range from Sh900 to Sh1300 per person according to age.