Non-touristy Places to Visit & Things to do in Kenya on a Budget 2018
There’s tons of things to do in Kenya but chances are you’ve only heard of going on a safari or something similar.
Well, that’s going to change because I’m sharing 40 other non-touristy stuff and off the beaten path places to visit in Kenya on a budget you probably hadn’t thought of!
So, grab a seat – and let’s #TembeaKenya!
What's Covered in This Article
Attend a yoga festival in Lamu
Lamu is an island on the north coast of Kenya, rich in culture, tradition and natural beauty. Over 4 days, festival activities usually take place in the charming villages of Shela, Manda Island and Lamu Old Town.
There is plenty to learn for newbies and great sessions for experienced practitioners.
High points of both festivals include a dhow sail, Swahili diner and a grand finale beach dinner and party.
There are also lots of opportunities for the philanthropic in you too. Check out the Lamu Yoga Festival website for more details.
Face Your Fear of Heights at Le’Mac Glass Skywalk in Nairobi Westlands
Le’Mac Tower, located in Westlands district Nairobi, is a 2 Meter long glass sky walk balcony in Nairobi made of transparent 60mm thick see-through laminated glass floor, wall and railing; and suspended 102 Meters above ground level on the tower’s 24th floor.
Facing your fears rewards you with not only an adrenaline rush but also an unobstructed, 180 degree view of Nairobi city.
Le’Mac is a mixed development building with office spaces on the 1st to 6th floor and luxurious 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments from the 8th to 22nd floor.
Go surfing
The Kenyan coast is lined with pristine white sandy beaches edging the warm beguiling waters of the Indian Ocean.
There are plenty of surf camps to learn and great Kenyan beaches for those with a little more experience to catch the waves.
This is a great activity for travelers of all types – solo travelers, couples, and even families with kids!
A personal recommendation is Che Shale beach in Mambrui, Malindi.
A small exclusive refuge situated on a deserted golden beach on the fringe of the Indian Ocean, Che Shale is set among a coconut palm plantation.
It is a kite surfer’s paradise.
The beach’s consistent winds , flat water, waves, absence of sea urchins, long and wide beach, and warm waters make Che Shale the ultimate destination for kite surfing.
Hotels in the area offering awesome accommodation and sumptuous meals include: Che Shale, Mambrui Golden Beach Bar & Cottages, and Barefoot Beach Camp.
Go ice skating
If water isn’t your thing, what about ice? Ice skating in Nairobi Kenya might sound impossible bearing in mind that the country lies right in the middle of the equator.
But the Panari Sky Center Hotel along Mombasa Road has a skating ring measures 32 × 12 meters with an ice skating surface area of 15000 square feet and is large enough to accommodate 200 skaters at any time.
Rent a pair of skates, and go on an adventure that will stretch your muscles and imaginations.
The Ice Rink at Panari is open seven days a week from 11.00 am through 10.00 pm and is solar powered – a perfect entertainment spot for the eco-conscious traveler.
Ice skating in Nairobi, Kenya? Yes, really
Learn how to roller blade / SKATE
Public skating lessons are held every Sunday and public holidays, 11:00am to 6:30.pm, in the sunken parking lot next to Electricity House, on the junction of Haile Saillesi Avenue and Aga Khan Walk at the Nairobi City Centre; and in Kasarani (Gate 4) on Saturdays from 10:00am to 6:00pm.
This is a favorite for spectators and participants alike. In each corner of the parking lot, entrepreneurs rent skates and give lessons for KES 300 an hour. I highly recommend the trainers with blue t-shirts with the Skate Empire logo.
Learn how to make cheese
For cheese lovers, Brown’s Cheese Farm in Tigoni just 30 minutes drive outside of Nairobi, offers tours of their factory where you will learn how cheese is made, sample different cheese varieties, and followed by a sumptuous lunch in their garden. Strictly by appointment only, Brown’s Cheese Farm is open Thursday through Saturday by appointment.
Climb the highest peak in Kenya
It’s highest peak, Batian standing at 5,199 metres (
It’s possible for hikers with moderate experience to do the hike with the proper gear and a good guide.
Visit the largest desert lake in the world
At a length of 300 km long in North-South direction and a width of 50 km wide, Lake Turkana, formerly known as Lake Rudolf, partly in northern Kenya, with a smaller part crossing into Ethiopia, is the world’s largest permanent desert lake and the world’s largest alkaline lake.
You can get to Lake Turkana either by road or by air. Since I was traveling with my 9 year old, we decided to take a SafariLink flight from Nairobi – Wilson airport.
SafariLink flies five times weekly to Lodwar starting with promotional fares of $96 up to $185 one way.
They also offer discounted rates for kids which cost about $15 less than the adult fare. This is the option I went with.
Upon arrival at Lodwar, we were picked up in a 4 wheel drive car by the resort driver with whom we had made prior arrangements. This is a must especially if arriving by air.
We drove about 15 km on tarmac road before descending onto a sand road for the rest of the ride to the resort by the shores of Lake Turkana.
Set foot at both the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere at the same time
As Kenya is one of the only 13 countries in the world that the equator passes through, you have the chance to tick off a bucket list item of visiting both the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere on the same day.
The equator runs through Kenya splitting it almost in the middle.
You can tick off this bucket list item either 6 KM north of Central Kisumu, or 6 KM south of Nanyuki town, among other towns in Kenya.
Be Trezy Songz in a ‘Nganya‘
Experience Nairobi’s public transport culture firsthand
Do you want to feel experience Nairobi like a Hollywood celebrity?
The quickest way to do this is hop on any of the Ongata Rongai bound Matatus.
Try either the Phantom 808 or Catalyst which has a total of 40 screens, including 52-inch at the front, a 20-inch at the back, a screen on every passenger seat, 10 common screens, and 3 screens on the floor/walkway.
You’ll not only get a great feel of the city and it’s public transport culture but also some amazing conversations with the locals and a truly memorable experience!
Close to Nairobi’s 3 million inhabitants cram into matatus on their daily commutes. Matatus aka Mathrees aka mats are to Nairobi what yellow cabs are to New York City, and tuk tuks are to Bangkok.
The only difference is that Nairobi has taken public transport to a whole new level.
Some of the Matatus (especially the larger 33 seater minibuses) are fitted with state of the art entertainment systems, free Wi-Fi, water and refreshment dispensers, alloy rims and artistic displays of graffiti on the exterior – welcome to Nairobi.
The nganyas sport designs celebrating Premier League football clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester U and Chelsea and portraits of artists and Musicians such as Adele, Bob Marley, Rihanna, etc.
The touts aka conductors popularly known as makanga’s are of another breed all together. You either hate them or love them.
Uniformed in maroon outfits, how they hop on and off the matatus, aka, kudandia the mat is an attraction in itself. The high speed at which they are driven and loud volume at which their stereos blare music is a discussion for another day.
But nothing says welcome to Nairobi better than these pimped out works of art in motion.
Don’t know who Trezy Songz is? Find out here….
Take in a 360° Panoramic view of Nairobi & its environs from the KICC rooftop
Go to the Kenyatta International Conference Center (KICC) rooftop in the CBD for a stunning 360-degree bird’s eye view of the entire Nairobi city, it’s landmarks and surrounding countryside from the 31st floor.
If you’re lucky, you could get a chance to also enjoy the charming interior of KICC’s amphitheater. If driving, don’t worry, ample parking is available at the KICC. Carry warm clothing as it gets rather windy up there.
You can access the KICC rooftop between 9:00 am and 6.00 pm.
Charges are Ksh 200 for citizens, Ksh 300 for residents, and Ksh 400 ($4) for foreigners.
KICC, Harambee Avenue, Nairobi City, Kenya
Try grilled cow intestines (mutura)
It’s not everywhere you have the chance to try a grilled cow intestined but you can in Kenya!
The easiest place to find this Kenyan street food specialty is along butcheries and local pubs in the suburbs, also know as estates.
Mutura is a local Kenyan delicacy that is made by stuffing meat, spices and blood in cleaned cow intestines.
It is then grilled on an open charcoal flame until well cooked on the inside.
A piece goes for about KES 20.
JOIN A NAIROBI FOOD TOUR AND TRY IT!
Learn about Kenyans and their culture at the Bomas of Kenya
There are more than 40 tribes in Kenya in addition to the widely popular Maasai you probably have heard much about.
Take a cultural tour of Kenya’s major ethnic groups and/or catch a display of traditional dances and acrobatic performances at Nairobi’s only outdoor museum, The Bomas of Kenya.
Situated 10 km from Nairobi CBD, and about 1 km past the main entrance of the Nairobi National Park, Bomas of Kenya is an open-air museum showing in an immersive way how life in Kenya was many years ago.
Stroll among the old-style mad wall and makuti/grass thatched houses, see how grains were ground to make flour, among other nearly forgotten Kenyan traditions.
Traditional dances and acrobatic shows are held between 2.30 pm and 4.00 pm on weekdays and between 3.30 pm and 5.15 pm on weekends and public holidays.
The charges are Kshs 1,000 for adullt non-residents and Kshs 500 for children.
Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
Get up close and personal with an ostrich
Located 45 kilometers from Nairobi on the Athi River / Kitengela area the Maasai Ostrich farm is about an hour’s drive from the city center.
For some bragging rights you also get a chance to ride the ostriches 500 KES ($5).
The newly expanded village market offers a 10-pin bowling ring.
Test your balancing skills on a suspension bridge at Rolf’s Place
Rolf’s Place is located on the East pat of Nairobi National Park.
Eat in an “open air” restaurant aka kibanda
In Kenya, open air restaurants aka vibandas (kibanda in singular)” are simply makeshift structures with simple benches and tables usually in the form of stones/bricks or pieces of wood joined together.
Usually the vibandas have no paper menus, no bathrooms and no water dispensers.
These eateries mostly serve only local dishes such as chapati, beans, ugali, beef, mandazi, local kienyeji chicken, etc. So please do not ask for french fries, pizza or burger.
Vibandas have become part of Kenya’s culture thanks to their close proximity to office complexes, construction sites, and markets; as well as their pocket friendly meal options.
Travel tip for eating in a Kenyan Kibanda:
In case you don’t get full, feel free to ask for a sosa (named after saucer) which is a small additional helping.
So for example if you ordered for Ugali and beef and the ugali gets finished and you still have some left over beef stew, simply ask the waiter for “ugali sosa“.
You’re welcome!
Visit the Kuona Artist’s Collective
This is one great place for the art lover to not only appreciate local Kenyan talent and purchase some artistic gems, but to also support a wonderfully worthy cause.
Kuona Artist’s Collective is located where the former Kuona Trust use to be, on on Likoni Close off Denis Pritt Road in the Kilimani area of Nairobi.
The Collective is a shared space where countless Kenyan artists work together and develop their creative skills.
Kuona Collective, Denis Pritt Road, Nairobi City, Kenya, +254 733 742752
Try unique meats like crocodile and ostrich
Few people have ever tasted crocodile or ostrich meat; it’s worth more alive than barbecued. But a visit to Nairobi’s Carnivore Restaurant might be your only chance to do so.
Carnivore is an open-air restaurant whose specialty features is an all-you-can-eat charcoal-grilled meat buffet including – among the usual suspects – ostrich, crocodile, and camel meats, carved at your table.
This is served with delicious side dishes, an exceptional array of sauces, soup, a selection of desserts, Kenyan coffee. All at a fixed price.
Race go karts at the GP Karting track
Go Karting is a motorsport that involves driving a specialized motorcar called a go-kart, on an indoor racing circuit/track.
In Kenya, you can go Go-Karting at GP-Karting’s trucks on Carnivore Road.
They provide you with a helmet, a racing suit and a full driver’s briefing to get you started!
Their split second computerized timing system allows racers to monitor their lap times and progress as they master the race track!
In between and after your race, enjoy great food and drink at the on-site Sports Bar and Restaurant.
GP Karting, Carnivore Road, Nairobi, Kenya
Try a camelcino
For more adventurous foodies, camel milkshakes, camel tea, and camelcinos– a cappuccino made with camel milk –are available at Hamdi’s, a Somali restaurant in central Nairobi.
Have brunch at a flea market
What happens when you mix great food, drinks, music, and some retail therapy in one Boho chic location? Brunch so delectable, a pity it isn’t illegal.
I’m talking about the K1 Flea Market Sunday brunch that takes place every Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm at K1 Klubhouse located in Ojijo Road, Parklands.
If you use public transport, take a #23 matatu from the CBD at Khoja mosque bus stop. Otherwise,just get a taxi, Little or Uber, as finding parking is such a headache here.
Tour the United Nations (UN) headquarters
Visit one of the four UN headquarters in the world to learn more about what the UN is doing in Kenya and around the world, insight about the UN, how it works, how it is organised etc
The Visitors’ Service, conducts guided tours on Mondays through Thursdays, between 9.00 AM to 4.00 PM and Fridays 9.00 AM to 2.00 PM year-round except UN holidays.
Remember to carry your passport as you have to leave this at the Visitor’s Center as you are shown around.
Get insights into Kenya’s contemporary society and heritage at its street markets
Its 5 pm on a weekday.
The jam-packed pavements in most part of the city signal that its time for business.
Thousands of men and women haggle and fight for space to cash in on the the rush-hour foot traffic. And thousands of shillings change hands between shoppers and vendors.
But not for long. In an instant, the market is no more. A city inspectorate askari (commonly referred to as Kanjo) has been spotted at a distance.
A few unlucky hawkers are arrested while the other lucky ones escape to every and any available alley-way which are soon transformed into places of refuge.
Like clock work, the hawkers settle back into their routine as soon as the Kanjo are out of sight.
Welcome to Nairobi.
A city where hawking is ubiquitous and where it is integral to the life of the local residents. It is a dynamic industry affected by multiple factors and forces.
With a daytime population of around 6 million people and a nighttime population of some 4.5 million people, according to the World Population Review, this foot traffic has been one of the key drivers of these streets market.
While the temporary market aka soko ya mda lasts, a stroll along the busy Nairobi streets will give you not only insights into Kenya’s contemporary society and heritage; but also an opportunity to shop for inexpensive items – mostly second hand clothes and shoes, fruits and vegetables, jewelry, etc.
Most of these hawkers are a victims of circumstances who are on the streets, not by choice, but to eke a living.
Watch the sunset at Uhuru Park
It’s 6 pm ish on a weekend in Nairobi.
My eyes drift to the horizon.
Silhouettes of birds fly home across the magenta sky. I watch the biggest star, the sun, a fiery orb, starts to flirt with the city’s buildings and skies.
They soon transform with the last blend of reds, oranges and yellows, to reflect the sun’s golden light.
As if blushing from its warm touch.
Before long, the mauve of the dusky sky intensifies, then this glory of paradise beckons a thousand others to take over. The sun has set.
There are many places in Nairobi city where you can catch a sunset.
But when you’re on a budget, your options suddenly shrink.
Peace. Serenity. Contentment.
A mixture of all of these creates the unmatched feeling that awaits when you catch a sunset at Uhuru Park.
With an ice cream cone in hand, briskly walk up and find a place to sit at the top of the hill opposite the main podium.
Stroll around, read a book, then have a picnic at Nairobi Arboretum
The Nairobi Arboretum is a 30.4 hectares oasis of wooded landscape located near the State House in Nairobi’s Kilimani and Kileleshwa areas just 3 KM from the CBD.
Arboretum is home to more than 350 species of indigenous and exotic plants.
The park also houses more than 100 species of birds, and a significant population of Sykes and Velvet monkeys.
It’s a popular city picnic spot as well as a nice quiet place to read a book.
The entrance fee is KES 50 for adults while those below 18 years pay KES 20.
Nairobi Arboretum, Nairobi, Kenya
Cycle a bike around Karura Forest
If you’re looking for a perfect place to visit in Nairobi Kenya on budget and over the weekend, then this may be it.
A clean, quiet, forest environment free from the chocking car fumes and traffic of Nairobi.
Rent a bicycle and ride away to the chirping of birds and silence of the forest.
There are two bike depots: one on the KFEET grounds best accessible through Gate A (Limuru Road) or Gate D (off ICRAF Road), and a second rental point at Gate C (a.k.a. Sharks) off Kiambu Road.
The charges are KES 500/= for two hours extendable.
Visit a local market
When looking for things to do and places to visit in Kenya on a budget, the local markets is something to add to the list.
Although many supermarkets stock almost everything you can imagine, including fresh farm produce, local markets are still an integral part of the Kenyan people.
If you get an opportunity to visit a local market, please do. You will get some valuabe insights into how the market value chain works outside of the CBD.
In these markets you will also get a chance to shop at very affordable prices.
In Nairobi, I highly recommend you wander through Marikiti Market along Haille Selasie Avenue or Gikomba Market a short distance out of the CBD.
Get your hair and nails done at Kenyatta market
Visit one of the city’s bustling markets and get yourself a new hair do.
Most hairdressers here specialize in braiding hair impeccably, and most importantly, in record time.
It is not uncommon to have 3 – 4 hairdressers doing one head at the same time.
Although this market mainly deals with hair, you will also find groceries, clothe vendors, small hotels and restaurants here.
After having your hair done, enjoy a delicious nyama choma (barbecued beef) or kuku choma (barbecued chicken) dish in one of the adjacent stalls.
Explore a wind power station at Ngong Hills
A hike at the Ngong Hills in the South West of Nairobi, could lead you to the famous Ngong Hills wind farm, the only operational wind power station in the country and the only wind power station connect to the national power grid.
These iconic hills are also a great spot for enjoying a magnificent view of Nairobi in the north-east.
A hike at the Ngong Hills makes for a nice weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi hence an overnight stay in the area is ideal for sufficient time to explore the area and soak in the views.
Best hotels and accommodation options near the Ngong Hills Reserve:
Eat nyama choma at Ole Polos Country Club
Located about 40 kilometers to the south of Nairobi the Ole Polos Country club is the ideal location for the visitor wanting to go on a day trip not far away from the CBD for some great scenery, a taste of the Maasai culture, as well as some authentic Kenyan barbecued meat commonly known as Nyama Choma.
Ole Polos’ banda style sitting arrangement is ideal for groups.
Take a tour of the biggest slum in East Africa
See first hand the daily life of the people of Kibera, their resilience, and how they are determined to improve their lives despite all the odds.
Become inspired by their resilience and optimism.
Go home with the real story, not a fabrication.
Discover Kenya’s tea growing heritage and sample freshly brewed tea on a farm tour
Kenyan tea is renowned around the world.
A great place fo learn more about Kenya’s tea is at the Kiambethu Tea Farm which is among the country’s oldest, dating back to 1910.
A private full-day tour from Nairobi includes a tour of the tea plantation, a delicious 3-course lunch, and an expert-led tea tasting.
Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.
Kiambethu Farm Perfect Wilderness Tours and Safaris
Stay in a castle
Castles are the thing of dreams for most people. But not so far away from Nairobi, you can get the chance to stay in one.
Tafaria Castle is a 29-room lodge is located in Ndaragwa, midway between Nyeri & Nyahururu.
Although the castle has had mixed reviews, most visitors consider it an ideal destination for those in search of a unique place to unwind.
Learn how beautiful items are created from soapstone
Tabaka in Kisii County is one of those places you can visit in Kenya on a budget.
This trip will expose you to the realities of how a piece of bland, rough stone from the soapstone mines/quarries are carved into stunning, polished, and eye-catching carvings that have put the region on the global map.
One of the most famous works from this region is the Bird of Peace sculpture which graces the entrance of the UNESCO building in Paris, France.
Soapstone items comprise about 40 per cent of all handicrafts in Kenya today.
The Kisii soapstone variety is unique to those found in other parts of the world due to its relatively soft nature and assortment of colors (including white, pink, grey and even black) which make it appealing for stone carving.
Kisii soapstone is a volcanic rock formed through the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.
The bedrock of soapstone spreads across a 25 square kilometer area.
The Mines And Geology Department estimated that the rock runs 800 feet deep. Experts say only 20 per cent of it has been exploited so far.
How to Get to Tabaka, Kisii from Nairobi by Public Transport
At the Kenol Kobil Petrol station adjacent to Afya Center (a tall green building on the junction of Haille Sellasie Avenue and Tom Mboya Street), take a Kisii-bound Transline Classic vehicle from.
A tickets costs KES 800 and the journey time from Nairobi to Kisii takes about 6 hours which includes a short bathroom break at Narok town, midway between Nairobi and Kisii.
From Kisii bus stop on Cemetery Road, you can either take a Tabaka bound Nissan matatu for about KES 150 or hire a taxi cab for KES 1,500. The driving distance from Kisii to Tabaka is 29 km.
The main landmark here is the Tabaka Mission Hospital.
On returning from Tabaka to Kisii by public means, if you don’t find a direct Kisii bound matatu, simply catch a boda-boda for KES100 to the ‘Tabaka junction’ and then take a Kisii-bound matatu from here.
If you arrive at kisii town late and you need to spend you night there i encourage you to go to Ufanisi resort. Their service and food is the best around.
From Kisii town take a taxi to Tabaka. It will cost about ksh. 1,500. It’s a distance of about 50 minutes. There you are!
Take part in the only marathon in the world run on a wildlife conservancy
I’m referring to the Annual Safaricom Lewa Marathon, an initiative held in partnership between Tusk Trust, The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Safaricom as the title sponsor.
An off the beaten path activity in Kenya whereby participants, from walkers to amateur runners, from all over the world to compete in a marathon race through one of Africa’s most breathtaking wildlife conservancies as the park’s four-legged residents give you company along the way.
137 rhinos, 182 giraffes, 1,160 zebras, and 26 lions call Lewa home.
The marathon is held annualy to raise funds for wildlife conservation and community development.
The 19th edition of the Safaricom Lewa Marathon will be held on 30th of June 2018 at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy with organizers aiming to raise awareness about the projects and communities that have benefited from funds raised.
As is custom, the Safaricom Marathon will have three race categories: the 5KM Children’s Fun Run for 10 to 14 year olds and 15-17 year olds, the Half Marathon (21KM) for individuals, teams and corporates, and the Full Marathon (42KM), which is open to individual runners.
Uproot your life and work remotely
One way to visit in Kenya on a budget is as a remote worker or digital nomad.
A lot of Kenyans, especially the urban youth, work remotely in Kenya either full-time or part time – and I happen to be one of them!
Whether you choose to go it alone or co-work/co-share through organizations such as Wifi Tribe, Nairobi Kenya is a great remote work and digital nomad destination.
Most locations in Kenya have solid 3G and 4G internet and/or WIFI connection.
You however will still have to diligently research your options before settling on a place.
Contact EvaMtalii for your co-working property facility sourcing needs in Nairobi Kenya.
Stay in a bus converted into a home
Nothing quite matches waking up on the top floor of a converted school bus and watching a Kenyan sunrise.
Say hallo to the Brandy Bus.
A old-school bus that has been renovated into a welcoming and exquisite Airbnb home.
Stiffled in the serene beautiful suburbs of Karen in the outskirts of Nairobi, it is a perfect place to escape hustle and bustle of Nairobi city.
Brandy Bus also makes for a great staging point for an Ngong Hills day hike, or other activities around the area.
The Bus is close to many tourist attractions, restaurants, and bars.
All shopping,banking etc are accessible nearby.
There are two double beds upstairs and two small single beds downstairs that also serve as sofas.
There is also outdoor seating and an outdoor fireplace.
Sign up for AirBnB with This link to get $30 in travel credit
Have an outfit custom made for you
In Kenya, it is very possible to have clothes, sandals, bedding, and pretty much anything else custom made.
If you have a few days in the country, then I suggest you visit one of the tailors.
My favorite boutiques is Kevin Creations for male suits and Magiwa Market for ladies’ outfits, especially kitenges.
Go West on a Nairobi Uganda Rawanda road trip by bus
Why take a flight when you can instead texplore Nairobi Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda by bus at your own pace?
A road trip is that perfect opportunity to explore places in Kenya on a budget as make memories along the way.
A road trip through Nairobi Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda by bus service is possible as there are many bus companies .
The Modern Coast Bus from Nairobi to Kigali for instance can be booked online and charges KES 4,200 for VIP, KES 3,900 for First Class, and KES 3,700 for Business Class.
Get on a Nairobi to Mombasa SGR speed train
Gone are the days when a train ride from Nairobi to Mombasa would take upwards of 10 hours on the the metre gauge railway commonly referred to as ‘
Today, you can very easily take breakfast in Nairobi and lunch in Mombasa having used ground transportation.
Welcome the SGR Madaraka Express.
Click here to learn more about the Nairobi to Mombasa train service
The link answers all your questions such as: how long is the SGR trip? How is the Nairobi to Mombasa train? How do you book for a group on the SGR?
Attend a live recording of the Churchill show
Churchill Show is one of Kenya’s hottest and rawest comedy shows.
Reserve tickets available online, and laugh the night away with comedy that pokes fun of different Kenyan cultural practices, current news events and the country’s top trending topics.
At the end of every show, guests enjoy a live musical performance by a new musical guest each evening. Some of the most famous comedians from the show include “DJ Hamo”, “Mammito”, ” Jemutai “, etc.
Regular shows at the Carnivore grounds cost 500 bob regular and 1,000 VIP. Going on its 7th season, the show is produced and hosted by Daniel Ndambuki aka Churchill, every Thursday at 4:30 PM at the Carnivore grounds, Langáta.
To purchase a ticket via M-Pesa, dial *229*29#.
Make sure to subscribe to the Churchill Show Facebook page for regular updates.
Explore the world’s largest tropical lake
Another place to visit in Kenya on a budget is Lake Victoria, which is also the source of the River Nile.
With a surface area of approximately 68,800 square kilometres (26,600 sq mi), Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest lake by area, the world’s largest tropical lake, and the world’s second largest fresh water lake by surface area, after Lake Superior in North America, although Lake Baikal in Siberia is larger by volume and depth.
Lake Victoria, also referred to as Nam Lolwe, is home to about 19 islands. The best places to explore Lake Victoria’s magic is at the white sandy beaches of Takawiri Island, Ngere Island, and Rusinga Island- hidden gems.
A place of undone and redefined beauty to calm the mind and rejuvenate the body, these islands provides a welcome alternative to the crowded coastal beaches. Perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the cities,for the most amazing sunsets, and unwind, this is the place to be.
Exuding an atmosphere of serene tranquility, pristine stretch of long white sandy beaches, tall palm trees and the clearest of turquoise blue waters, Lake Victoria’s islands off the beaten path are a haven for a myriad of bird species – many of which are not found elsewhere in Kenya. A bird watcher’s mecca.
Ndere Island
Covered mostly in grassland, Ndere Island provides beautiful scenic views of the Homa hills to the south, Mageta Island to the east and the glimpses of Kampala in Uganda beyond the south west horizon. The lake shore supports a wide variety of animals (Source: KWS)
Rusinga Island
Rusinga Island lies in the eastern part of Lake Victoria and is home to the famous Tom Mboya Mausoleum which has great historical and political significance in Kenya. You get here from Mbita Point by a causeway. Day trips from Rusinga Island include taking a boat to Bird Island and/or to Takawiri Island.
Where to Stay at Rusinga Island:
The main accommodation options at Rusinga Island are private independent establishments and camping sites.
Bimoss Beach Resort
Showcasing a sun terrace and views of Lake Victoria, Bimoss Beach Resort is located in Mbita. The resort features an on-site restaurant and free private parking is available on site.
The rooms include a private bathroom and are fitted with a TV. Some accommodations feature a seating area. There is a 24-hour front desk and gift shop at the property.
Bike and car rental is available at this resort and the area is popular for hiking. The resort also provides camping facilities.
Rusinga Blue Ridge Hotel
Rusinga Blue Ridge Hotel is 1 minute walk from the beach. It features free WiFi , an onsite restaurant and bar, and free private parking.
Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, The Blue Ridge Hotel, Rusinga offers accommodations in Mbita. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Free private parking is also available on site.
The rooms have a flat-screen TV. Every room is fitted with a private bathroom equipped with a shower. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hair dryer. You will find a 24-hour front desk at the property.
Mulberry Glamp
Mulberry Glamp offers is a family run lakeside retreat in Mbita, along the South Coast of Lake Victoria.
Free private parking is available on site. Some units feature a terrace and/or balcony with lake or garden views.
Each unit is equipped with a private bathroom. Towels and bed linen are available.
The Retreat also has a glamorous camping site where you can enjoy five star glamping treatment at affordable costs.
What makes Mulberry Glamp unique is that it is perfect for unplugging from the outside world.
No electronics, no TVs, no Phones in the tents or rooms.
These can only be availed upon request.
They also adhere to to the authenticity of the retreat’s original concept, like making your own beds and offering a simple farm-to-table menu.
Lastly, there is a kitchen which you can use to prepare your own meals.
Charges:
Rusinga Island Resort
Rusinga Island Resort is a hidden gem set in an atmosphere of serene tranquility on the shores of Lake Victoria. Breakfast is served outdoors with a spectacular view of the lake for a backdrop. The beachfront and shores accessed by boardwalk makes for a wonderful time and there are lots of activities to engage in. The facility features a spa, pool, lake, kayaks and bikes. Guest washrooms have beautifully designed eco-toilets.
The ring road leading to the Lodge being an all weather have a couple sections that gets muddy during rainy season. However constant leveling is usually carried out to ensure it is passable.
Takawiri Island
Takawiri Island is a unique, private and unspoiled property on the shores of Lake Victoria. It is perfect for going off-grid. The island is great for swimming in the lake, taking boat tours of the waters and sorrounding islands, sport fishing, walking/hiking on Takawiri itself or nearby islands, bird watching, or just lazing around!
Where to Stay in Takawiri Island
Accommodation is available at Takawiri Island Resort situated in the Takawiri Island.
Cottages costs Sh 12,000 per person on full board.
How to get to Takawiri Island by public transport
The easiest way to get to Takawiri Island by public transport from Nairobi is to first find your way to Homa bay. You can either go directly to Homabay by road, or take a flight to Kabunde airstrip or Kisumu International airport then to Homa Bay by road.
To get to Takawiri Island from Homa Bay by public transport, go on by road up to Mbita Point. From here there are multiple options.
You can take one of the local outboard engine powered wooden boats directly to Takawiri.
Alternatively, take the private ferry to the nearby larger Mfangano Island, from which you can take the wooden engine powered boat to Takawiri.
The ferry has four scheduled departures daily.
A third option is to take the ‘water bus’, a catamaran kind of covered boat.
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There you go!
40 new non-touristy things to do and experience when you come to Nairobi Kenya.
I hope that this list gives you some new insights and makes your Kenyan experience even more memorable.
EvaMtalii is a Kenia travel blog which contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for stopping by!
