If you are on a budget, you need not worry – Nairobi has plenty of exciting places to explore and activities to enjoy without breaking the bank.
From lush parks to vibrant markets, Nairobi offers a unique blend of culture, wildlife, and history that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or just looking for authentic local experiences, Nairobi has something for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll explore some captivating places to visit and activities to do in Nairobi that won’t dent your wallet, making your trip enjoyable and budget-friendly. So, let’s dive in and discover the best of Nairobi on a budget!
1. Nature Parks
Nature parks in Nairobi, such as Nairobi National Park and Karura Forest, are great places to visit on a budget for several reasons.
They offer affordable entrance fees compared to other tourist attractions and are also located within the city’s vicinity, making them easily accessible for budget-conscious travellers.
A walk or picnic in Uhuru Park, Central Park, Michuki Memorial Park, Uhuru Gardens, or City Park may be what you need to clear your mind within the city.
The best part is that it is completely free. Parking rates at Uhuru Gardens are Ksh 200. A picnic at the Arboretum is also a great low-cost option, with ksh 50 as an entrance fee. Be sure to check these places out.
2. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
For several reasons, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a popular attraction in Nairobi for budget-conscious travellers.
It provides a unique opportunity to witness and learn about the conservation efforts for orphaned elephants and rhinos in Kenya, which is both educational and inspiring.
What could be cuter than watching newborn elephants play? Nothing in the world can compete with that.
DSWT, located on Magadi Rd, was formed in 1977 to rescue and nurture orphaned newborn elephants until they are ready to return to the wild.
DSWT is accessible through the KWS Central Workshop Gate on Magadi Road, just before the Multimedia University. It is open from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. The admission cost is Ksh. 500, and once inside, you can feed and pet the newborn elephants.
3. Visit one of the recreational places in the city
A boat trip at Uhuru Park costs Ksh 100 and provides views of Nairobi’s gorgeous skyline.
There are other amusement parks in the city that allow you to let your inner child run wild.
Depending on where you go, most rides cost between Ksh 100 and Ksh 500. Pangani, Rock City, Shark Palace on Kiambu Road, Haile Selassie Avenue in the CBD, and Nyama Villa near Komarock all have lunar parks.
Gardens at Stedmark, located in Karen, offers a variety of activities. Among the activities are:
- Car racing – Ksh 500
- A Ferris wheel ride costs Ksh 500.
- Ksh 500 for electric boat rides
- Virtual reality games are priced at Ksh 500 for each game.
Most of the city’s malls have theme parks and play spaces for children. Bowling at Village Market, Pins Entertainment at Sarit Centre, Strikez at Westgate, Strike Arcade at Waterfront Mall, or PlayLand Amusement Park at NextGen Mall on Mombasa Road are your best bets.
4. Visit an educational, historical or cultural centre
Nairobi offers several affordable cultural, educational, and historical places to visit on a budget. Some museums in the city for history and culture buffs interested in learning more about the country are:
National Museums, where Kenyan citizens pay Ksh 200 for adults and Ksh 100 for children; residents pay Ksh 600 for adults, non-residents pay Ksh 1200, and Ksh 600 for children.
The Kenya National Archives charges Ksh 50 for adult citizens, Ksh 20 for children, respectively, and Ksh 200 for non-citizens.
The Railway Museum costs Ksh 100 for non-residents and Ksh 400 for citizens.
The Karen Blixen Museum costs Ksh 200 for adults and Ksh 100 for children for Kenyan citizens.
These attractions provide insights into Kenya’s rich history, diverse cultures, and natural heritage, making them worthwhile and educational experiences for budget-conscious travellers.
5. High Ropes Challenge in Diguna
If you’re looking for an adventure but want to stay in town, Diguna High Ropes Challenge is the place to go. It is at AIC Diguna in Rongai.
The high ropes challenge, as the name implies, is a course that requires you to navigate a series of high ropes to complete it.
It is ideal for group activities and costs Ksh 150 per person. To get there by public transportation, use matatu route 125/126 and get off at the Maasai Lodge stage.
Follow the tarmac road on your left for approximately 2 kilometres to AIC Diguna. There are also motorcycles available at the stage to transport you there.
6. Rock Climbing at Diamond Plaza
Why not try rock climbing at Diamond Plaza in Parklands if you want to challenge your physical strength? The facility is in Parklands on the 6th Floor, Old Tower, Diamond Plaza.
The cost is Ksh. 1,000 every session, and the difficulty levels accommodate everyone, whether you’re a beginner, a pro, or have an intermediate skill level.
You may take advantage of the ladies’ night special on Tuesdays, allowing your pals to spend Ksh 500 for each session instead of the full fee.
7. Kenya Regiment Rifle Club (KRRC)
The Kenya Regiment Rifle Club (KRRC) is a budget-friendly destination in Nairobi for those interested in shooting sports. The fee is Ksh. 500 for students with ID and Ksh. 1000 for non-students. You will then pay Ksh 100 for earmuffs, protective glasses, and a bulls-eye target.
Ammunition costs Ksh. 40 per.22 calibre round and Ksh. 70 per. 9 mm cartridge. It’s ideal to go with friends to share the ammo cost.
If you want to use 9 mm ammunition, there is an extra payment of Ksh. 1000 to hire the weapon if you don’t have one. The 22-calibre handgun is available for hire at no cost. You must carry your original ID card to gain access to the range. It is open from 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm Monday through Saturday.
Nonetheless, for those interested in the sport, the Kenya Regiment Rifle Club offers a chance to engage in shooting activities in a safe and controlled environment, with experienced instructors and well-maintained facilities.
If you are looking for even more affordable places to visit in the city, check out our article discussing the various places in Nairobi that you can visit for free
