this has me thinking about the free/ low cost places in Nairobi i (still) enjoy
(thread)
(thread)
1. the Nairobi Museum's gardens.
beautiful, green, a break from the noise of the city, free to use, great outdoor sculptures and a walk round the botanical garden is a plus.
(i've talked about how i enjoy Christmas picnics here so you know it's a fave)
beautiful, green, a break from the noise of the city, free to use, great outdoor sculptures and a walk round the botanical garden is a plus.
(i've talked about how i enjoy Christmas picnics here so you know it's a fave)
2. the Nairobi Museum
if it's cold/ raining/ you're itching for some culture, it costs less than 500 KES for 2 adults and there are lots of places you can sit and chat (quietly). lots of art to see, too.
(plus, for some of us, happy childhood memories)
if it's cold/ raining/ you're itching for some culture, it costs less than 500 KES for 2 adults and there are lots of places you can sit and chat (quietly). lots of art to see, too.
(plus, for some of us, happy childhood memories)
3. the GoDown Gig
happens on the first Saturday of the month and features interesting artistes performing at a cool venue. entry free.
(the GoDown is an all-round fun place to be tbh. close to town, too, so one can walk from the CBD)
happens on the first Saturday of the month and features interesting artistes performing at a cool venue. entry free.
(the GoDown is an all-round fun place to be tbh. close to town, too, so one can walk from the CBD)
4. Alliance Francaise
there'll usually be a film screening on Monday at 6pm and if you like art, the walls regularly have something on display.
(wazee hukumbuka how the area outside used to be a great cultural space in its own right)
there'll usually be a film screening on Monday at 6pm and if you like art, the walls regularly have something on display.
(wazee hukumbuka how the area outside used to be a great cultural space in its own right)
5. the Japan Information and Culture Centre
they show a film every month (free entry, registration required) and hold a number of interesting cultural events.
(fun place to meet manga/ anime fans, too!)
they show a film every month (free entry, registration required) and hold a number of interesting cultural events.
(fun place to meet manga/ anime fans, too!)
6. the Nairobi Area Library
entry is now free and you get to read books (i mean, that's already an exciting prospect) and take part in some of the programming they have like the kids' club.
entry is now free and you get to read books (i mean, that's already an exciting prospect) and take part in some of the programming they have like the kids' club.
7. Goethe Institut
entry is free at most events and it's a place where one can interact with all sorts of cultural players.
entry is free at most events and it's a place where one can interact with all sorts of cultural players.
8. the Railway Museum
not that far from the CBD, it's great for history buffs and Dust Depot is an interesting art space.
not that far from the CBD, it's great for history buffs and Dust Depot is an interesting art space.
9. Circle Art Gallery
a bit out of town (if you're taking a mat, get a 46 and get off at Amboseli then walk up James Gichuru) but regularly features art by some of Kenya's leading lights. entry free, beautiful garden, lovely people (i really like it)
a bit out of town (if you're taking a mat, get a 46 and get off at Amboseli then walk up James Gichuru) but regularly features art by some of Kenya's leading lights. entry free, beautiful garden, lovely people (i really like it)
10. Central Park
it's slept on but it's the nicer park imo. there are swings and slides for kids at the corner close to the Nyerere Road exit leading to the Zambia High Commission. carry a leso/ shuka, book/ headphones and while away an afternoon (or picnic!)
it's slept on but it's the nicer park imo. there are swings and slides for kids at the corner close to the Nyerere Road exit leading to the Zambia High Commission. carry a leso/ shuka, book/ headphones and while away an afternoon (or picnic!)
11. the Macmillan Library
go for the architecture and vibe, don't hold your breath for the books. right in the city and there are always newspapers to read.
(entry free)
go for the architecture and vibe, don't hold your breath for the books. right in the city and there are always newspapers to read.
(entry free)
12. the National Archives
entry for 2 adults is sub-500 and it's a joy if art and history are your thing.
(carry TP if you think you'll need to use the bathroom)
entry for 2 adults is sub-500 and it's a joy if art and history are your thing.
(carry TP if you think you'll need to use the bathroom)
13. Uhuru Park
vast grounds, space by the lake, views for days, and boating. still holds a special place in my heart.
vast grounds, space by the lake, views for days, and boating. still holds a special place in my heart.
14. All Saints Cathedral
other than services, ASC regularly has musical performances featuring choirs & the orchestras. entry is usually free at those events and the musical selection is inspired.
(be warned - there might be some religious stuff)
other than services, ASC regularly has musical performances featuring choirs & the orchestras. entry is usually free at those events and the musical selection is inspired.
(be warned - there might be some religious stuff)
15. Jevanjee Gardens
i ❤ this gem. it's a small space but it packs a punch. there might be a few preachers (that comes with its weight) but it's an overall nice place.
i ❤ this gem. it's a small space but it packs a punch. there might be a few preachers (that comes with its weight) but it's an overall nice place.
16. Africa Yoga Project
a bit out of town but they have a (free) community class on Saturday mornings that can offers people interested in yoga a place to practise together.
(always good fun, has KSL interpreters)
a bit out of town but they have a (free) community class on Saturday mornings that can offers people interested in yoga a place to practise together.
(always good fun, has KSL interpreters)
17. the Nairobi Gallery
features a permanent collection and regular shows. sub-500 KES for 2 adults and if you have some money still, the coffee at Ground Zero is divine.
features a permanent collection and regular shows. sub-500 KES for 2 adults and if you have some money still, the coffee at Ground Zero is divine.
18. the Judiciary Museum
if history and justice are your thing, i recommend this museum a the Supreme Court basement. quite quiet and a lively time sink.
(sub-500 for 2 adults)
if history and justice are your thing, i recommend this museum a the Supreme Court basement. quite quiet and a lively time sink.
(sub-500 for 2 adults)
19. KICC rooftop
for the rooftop fans among us. there's a bit of a walk up stairs after the lift (of concern because of accessibility) but the views are beautiful.
for the rooftop fans among us. there's a bit of a walk up stairs after the lift (of concern because of accessibility) but the views are beautiful.
20. the British Institute in Eastern Africa
also a bit out of the way (i have a long directions thread) but it regularly has art shows, talks on various topics, and the garden is serene.
(free for events unless otherwise stated, 1500 KES pa for membership)
also a bit out of the way (i have a long directions thread) but it regularly has art shows, talks on various topics, and the garden is serene.
(free for events unless otherwise stated, 1500 KES pa for membership)
21. Nairobi Arboretum
this really is an island of greenery and calm. great for walk+talk meetings, runs, picnics, exercise, alone time and everything in between.
(50KES entry for adults, M-Pesa only)
this really is an island of greenery and calm. great for walk+talk meetings, runs, picnics, exercise, alone time and everything in between.
(50KES entry for adults, M-Pesa only)
22. Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary
a bit of a trek from the road but well worth it. a guide (required) makes this a more expensive forest to visit but worthwhile nonetheless.
(sub-1000 KES for 2)
a bit of a trek from the road but well worth it. a guide (required) makes this a more expensive forest to visit but worthwhile nonetheless.
(sub-1000 KES for 2)
23. Buru Buru Library
bright spaces, books, and computers. one of my favourite places in Eastlands. entry free.
(haven't been there in a bit but i imagine there are events there regularly)
bright spaces, books, and computers. one of my favourite places in Eastlands. entry free.
(haven't been there in a bit but i imagine there are events there regularly)
24. Karura Forest
features waterfalls, great views & trees for days. if you don't have a car, starting on Limuru Road (take mats at Khoja) & ending your walk on Kiambu Road is an optimal route.
(sub-500 for 2, more details in the quoted tweet)
features waterfalls, great views & trees for days. if you don't have a car, starting on Limuru Road (take mats at Khoja) & ending your walk on Kiambu Road is an optimal route.
(sub-500 for 2, more details in the quoted tweet)
25. Uhuru Gardens
a hop and a skip away from the city centre and a large, interesting, space that hosts events like the one in the quoted tweet (ht @mawazo_mengi)
a hop and a skip away from the city centre and a large, interesting, space that hosts events like the one in the quoted tweet (ht @mawazo_mengi)
26. August 7th Memorial Park
Located in the CBD so just one trip. there are spots to sit and Wi-Fi iirc. sub-100 for 2 adults.
(see quoted tweet)
Located in the CBD so just one trip. there are spots to sit and Wi-Fi iirc. sub-100 for 2 adults.
(see quoted tweet)
important to note (therefore, sub-500 for 2 adults):
27. Oloolua Forest
has a 5K trail that runs along the Mbagathi River & features waterfalls and picnic sites. (ht @surambaya)
(sub-500 for 2 adults, scroll up the quoted tweet for replies featuring photos)
has a 5K trail that runs along the Mbagathi River & features waterfalls and picnic sites. (ht @surambaya)
(sub-500 for 2 adults, scroll up the quoted tweet for replies featuring photos)
so sub-200 for 2 (Kenyan) adults - 500 KES is enough for a family of 2 adults and 2 kids. this sounds like a day of family fun to me :)
28. Karen Blixen Museum
right on the road so accessible by public transport. perfect grounds for picnicking and running abiur in the open. lots of colonial nostalgia during the tour but stay for the grounds.
(sub-500 KES for 2 Kenyan adults)
right on the road so accessible by public transport. perfect grounds for picnicking and running abiur in the open. lots of colonial nostalgia during the tour but stay for the grounds.
(sub-500 KES for 2 Kenyan adults)
29. Nairobi Animal Orphanage
accessible by public transport, this might be the closest to a zoo you'll come in Nairobi. also, baby animals are so cute 😍😍😍
(sub-500 KES for 2 Kenyan adults)
accessible by public transport, this might be the closest to a zoo you'll come in Nairobi. also, baby animals are so cute 😍😍😍
(sub-500 KES for 2 Kenyan adults)
30. Snake Park
this place is slept on but make time to go when you go to the Nairobi Museum.
(sub-500KES for 2 adults)
this place is slept on but make time to go when you go to the Nairobi Museum.
(sub-500KES for 2 adults)
31. Nairobi Safari Walk
combine a walk around the trees with bird-watching and large animal spotting. make time; it's best enjoyed over an hour or more.
(sub-500 KES for 2 Kenyan adults)
combine a walk around the trees with bird-watching and large animal spotting. make time; it's best enjoyed over an hour or more.
(sub-500 KES for 2 Kenyan adults)
32. Bomas of Kenya
Kenya in miniature. take your time to enjoy it - it's accessible via public transport and a bit of a walk from the nearest bus stop.
(sub-500 KES for 2 Kenyan adults)
Kenya in miniature. take your time to enjoy it - it's accessible via public transport and a bit of a walk from the nearest bus stop.
(sub-500 KES for 2 Kenyan adults)
32. Giraffe Centre
go for the eponymous giraffes, stay for the little park across the road which has great views of Ngong Hills (i have a blog post somewhere). a bit of a walk from the nearest bus stop but there are boda bodas in the area.
(500 KES for 2 Kenyan adults)
go for the eponymous giraffes, stay for the little park across the road which has great views of Ngong Hills (i have a blog post somewhere). a bit of a walk from the nearest bus stop but there are boda bodas in the area.
(500 KES for 2 Kenyan adults)
important note:
4th floor, Diamond Plaza (take a Highridge mat at Odeon). class starts at 10am but there are lots of other classes (the fee info is available on their site). free veg lunch available after, no real showers last i checked
33. Giraffe Centre
go for the eponymous giraffes, stay for the little park across the road which has great views of Ngong Hills (i have a blog post somewhere). a bit of a walk from the nearest bus stop but there are boda bodas in the area.
(500 KES for 2 Kenyan adults)
go for the eponymous giraffes, stay for the little park across the road which has great views of Ngong Hills (i have a blog post somewhere). a bit of a walk from the nearest bus stop but there are boda bodas in the area.
(500 KES for 2 Kenyan adults)
Young Mike wrote a blog post about Giraffe Centre on their (now dusty) travel blog: nyamburatravels.wordpress.com/2015/10/22/onc…
another one of Young Mike's travel blog posts talked about the Karen Blixen Museum: nyamburatravels.wordpress.com/2015/10/25/nat…
and old blog post on the Archives (via Young Mike): nyamburatravels.wordpress.com/2016/01/19/a-b…
another one of Young Mike's blog posts. this one on Jeevanjee Gardens (ag, speling!)
nyamburatravels.wordpress.com/2016/01/12/whi…
nyamburatravels.wordpress.com/2016/01/12/whi…
Young Mike wrote about the Nairobi Museum's gardens, too: nyamburatravels.wordpress.com/2015/12/12/a-g…
34. Ngong Hills
great for picnicking and hiking. plus views for daaaays. sub-500 KES for 2 Kenyan adults last i checked.
(blog post featuring photos by @princelySid by Young Mike here: nyamburatravels.wordpress.com/2015/11/22/the…)
great for picnicking and hiking. plus views for daaaays. sub-500 KES for 2 Kenyan adults last i checked.
(blog post featuring photos by @princelySid by Young Mike here: nyamburatravels.wordpress.com/2015/11/22/the…)
during a time when Young Mike was struggling for content, they wrote about Central Park (because they love it so much): nyamburatravels.wordpress.com/2015/11/13/a-l…
one more old blog post from Young Mike; this one on Karura Forest: nyamburatravels.wordpress.com/2015/04/24/kar…
this thread has me thinking i could maybe dust off Ye Oulde Blogge (nyamburatravels.wordpress.com) or start afresh and chronicle visits to these places.
to imagine EYE have been sleeping on Nairobi and all the free/ affordable places i could visit.
to imagine EYE have been sleeping on Nairobi and all the free/ affordable places i could visit.
details:
Karura is a great picnic site, too:
drop a tip, if that's your sort of thing:
35. City Park
monkeys, loads of space, and the. Market right at the entrance.
(i hesitate to add it because it's not the friendliest or best maintained but maybe it just needs some friends)
monkeys, loads of space, and the. Market right at the entrance.
(i hesitate to add it because it's not the friendliest or best maintained but maybe it just needs some friends)
*Point Zero (mistake may have to do with yesterday's date). thanks for spotting it, @Zinduko!
