Kenya is a top travel destination in Africa and has often ranked higher over the years.
The country has a lot to offer, not only to tourists but also to the locals as well. From the steep snowy mountains to the white sandy beaches in the coastal region.
However, with the tough economic times, Kenyans face the dilemma of choosing between luxury and meeting their basic needs. Despite the challenge, one can unwind in areas that charge affordable fees.
Kenyans.co.ke looks at cheap places for Kenyans to enjoy nationwide with a budget of approximately Ksh2,000.
Ngong Hills
The seven hills located along the Great Rift Valley, a few kilometres from Nairobi, are suitable for hiking junkies. Visiting the area as a group or couple for support is highly advised.
Besides the fresh air, the visitors get to enjoy the mesmerising wind turbines distributed across the land. The turbines act as road markers for new visitors.
Excluding hiking, other activities are quad bike riding (Ksh1,000), picnicking, archery(Ksh1,000), bike riding (Ksh500), and ziplining (Ksh1,000).
Ngong Hills is managed by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), and visitors are charged Ksh232 for adults, Ksh58 for children, Ksh464 for residents (East Africa), Ksh174 for children residents (East Africa), Ksh696 for nonresident adults, and Ksh174 for nonresident children.
Mombasa Go-Kart
Go-karting is a type of racing in which a compact four-wheel unit - go-kart - is used to create an illusion of real-life racing. The sport is gaining popularity in the country, with more areas being set up to meet the increasing demand.
Karting is considered one of the safest, cheapest, and arguably the best avenues into motorsports for those with the desire to compete.
Mombasa Go-Kart and Adventure Park is located along the Mombasa-Malindi Road. Besides go-karting, it offers varying activities for the visitors, inclusive of paintball (Ksh1,500), mini golf (Ksh300), archery (Ksh1,000), bowling (Ksh1,500) and zip lining (Ksh500).
The park charges Ksh1,400 per training session and 10 minutes on the track, Ksh700 for kids up to 12 years, and Ksh2,800 for the fun race program.
Mt Longonot National Park
The mountain, which stands at an altitude of 2,780 metres above sea level, is located in Naivasha, Nakuru County. It is ideal for those seeking to enjoy the outdoors while exercising.
It offers a wide range of activities for visitors, the main one being hiking. Others include game viewing, bike riding, and exploring Lake Naivasha.
The park currently has affordable entrance fees, Ksh300 for adults and Ksh215 for kids. Non-residents are, however, required to pay extra.
Visitors are required to park hiking gear, water, some sunscreen, preferred snacks, and a visor to protect their eyes from the sun.
Wild Waters
Wild Waters in Mombasa is an ideal destination for water enthusiasts.
The colourful slides at the park only add to the fun of a sunny day in the water. The park has a wide swimming pool to accommodate more people, especially during the holidays and weekends.
Wild Waters has various sections, spirals, a kids' pool, a play station, a flume bowl, a rain dance, and multiline & harakiri.
It charges Ksh1,700 for resident swimmers and sliders over two years, Ksh1,900 for non-resident swimmers and sliders over two years, and Ksh300 for non-sliders or swimmers.
Karura Forest
Sitting on approximately 2,570 acres, Karura Forest offers city dwellers a serene place to unwind and breathe in the fresh air.
It is home to various tree species that contribute to the ecosystem support of the animals in the forest, including fruit bats, monkeys, and the occasional suni antelopes.
Some of the activities in the forest include walking, bike riding, enjoying the swings, and picnicking.
Most of the activities are free, exclusive of bike riding and picnicking. Visitors are required to pay Ksh500 to hire a bicycle for two hours, Ksh150 for adults, and Ksh100 for children to hold picnics.
The entrance fee is Ksh100 for adults, Ksh for kids, Ksh600 for non-resident adults, and Ksh300 for non-resident kids.
The parking fee ranges between Ksh200 to Ksh1,000, depending on the car's capacity.
Machakos People's Park
Located in Machakos County, the park is among the few places in the country that does not require an entrance fee.
It offers locals and visitors an open, relaxing space as children enjoy various games and other activities.
Some games for kids include merry-go-rounds, bouncing castles, horse riding, camel riding, and bike riding, among others, all at varying prices.
The wide open areas provide space to walk as a way of exercising. The well-maintained grass and lawns are also perfect for picnics.
Machakos People's Park is well maintained with street lights for night visitors.
Kerieta Forest
Known for the longest zipline in East Africa, Kereita Forest is one of the favourites for travel enthusiasts due to the serene atmosphere and wide array of activities.
Other activities include archery, paintball, mountain biking, footgolf, nature walks, and horse riding all at different prices up to Ksh3,250 for the longest zipline.
The forest is located in Kimende, Kiambu County. Entry charges are Ksh232 for adults and Ksh58 for kids, payable to the Kenya Forest Service (KFS).
Thompson Falls
Located in Nyahuru, Thompson Falls offers a serene environment to relax and enjoy the cool breeze from the rushing water.
Near the falls, visitors can purchase mementos ranging from Maasai accessories and shukas. They can also take photos of the locals dressed in traditional attire.
The charges are affordable, leaving change for food and snacks. The entrance fee is Ksh70 for adults and Ksh30 for children. Noncitizen adults pay Ksh300, while noncitizen children pay Ksh200.
Jump by Flying Fox
The Jump at the Hub Karen brings extreme activities closer for adrenaline junkies. It offers, racing zip lines, airbag jumps, a leap of faith, a climbing wall, a giant swing, and abseiling.
Most of these activities require precaution, and the Jump offers safety gear where necessary. The prices range between Ksh1,000 and Ksh1,500, depending on the activity.
Nairobi National Museum
The Nairobi National Museum offers hundreds of history lessons, from paintings to artifacts that portray the early days of man.
In March, the taxidermy of the last male northern white rhino was on display at the museum, adding to the rich culture at the venue.
Located a few minutes from Nairobi Central Business District, the Museum attracts a wide range of visitors seeking to learn.
It charges Ksh200 for adults, Ksh100 for children, Ksh600 for resident adults, and Ksh400 for resident children. Nonresident adults part with Ksh1,200 and Ksh600 for the kids.
