Fun Things To Do In Nairobi? Think GP Karting!

Reviews, Travel
GP_Karting_Nairobi

Howdy Beautiful People! πŸ˜€ As I write this post on GP Karting, it is a lovely day in June & I’m feeling rather reflective… πŸ™‚

Are you making the most of every moment, and making each day count? Today, living my life ‘to the full’ means staring down the neighborhood cat, homemade popcorn and writing about GP Karting, while listening to a soulful Korean song. πŸ˜€

 

Every time I partake an adrenaline-charged activity, I feel alive and almost dangerous… I might go in, kicking and screaming with fear, but wait till I get the hang of it and then it becomes hard to stop! Do you ever feel that way? My GP Karting experience was one of those moments for me. πŸ˜€

Nairobi_GP_Karting

 

I have been wanting to try it since about 2014, and our Best of Nairobi blog series presented a wonderful excuse to go! So, I reached out to my friend Paul, at GP Karting, for a possible blog feature and here we are!:D

 

What is GP Karting?

Well, apparently the correct term for the sport is actually ‘Go Karting’. But since GP Karting, the company, was established in 1996 as one of the first Go Karting places in Kenya, the name stuck. Now most Kenyans just refer to the sport as GP Karting.

Go Karting is a motorsport that involves driving a specialized motorcar called a go-kart, on an indoor racing circuit/track.

 

Go Karting Nairobi

Go_Karting_Nairobi

 

GP Karting is located off Langata Road, next to Splash Waterworld. It is easily accessible: you can pick any Matatu or bus plying Langata Road (No. 15, 125) and alight at the Carnivore stage. From there, can then take a leisurely walk or pick a ‘boda boda’ (motorbike) to GP Karting. If driving, take a turn off Langata Road onto Carnivore road and drive past Carnivore till you see GP Karting on the right.

 

 

The GP Karting Experience!

On the day of, I was quite scared to be honest. My driving skills are quite wanting, so I was sure that I would run into everything on the track. πŸ™

It was a relief when I learned that driving skills are not necessary in order to drive a go-kart. In fact as Paul explained, you are better off if you can’t drive. This is because you won’t transfer your real driving experience to the kart. Weird-I know…but somehow it works! πŸ˜€

He then took us through a safety briefing in preparation for driving the kart. That part was a bit sobering, yet necessary. He had to repeat- ‘right foot to accelerate & left foot to brake’ a couple of times for it to sink in.

Go_Karting_Nairobi

Go_Karting_Nairobi

Go_Karting_Nairobi

GP_Karting

 

Ready Or Not Here I Come!

I started off shaky, owing to fears of my tendency of running into things…Β  But once I got past the fear, and became accustomed to it, it was loads of fun.

 

Nairobi GP Karting

Go_Karting_Nairobi

Nairobi GP Karting

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: WANJIKU THUO

Nairobi_GP_Karting

Go_Karting_Nairobi

 

The thing with karts, is that you are so close to the ground that you almost feel like you are one with it. My challenge was in navigating the corners, which was a bit scary, but with more rounds it became easier.

Go_Karting_Nairobi

Nairobi_GP_Karting

Go_Karting_Nairobi

 

Safety Marshalls are usually stationed at vantage points, ready to help, should you encounter a problem. I had a situation where my kart stopped moving, while furiously emitting smoke. Naturally I panicked, but relaxed when I learned that it was a result of pressing the brakes and accelerator at the same time. I had no idea I was doing this! Do not try this at home

Time Out! Sit in a ‘corner’ and think about what you’ve done…

 

GP Karting Fun Facts and Tips
  • It is the perfect family activity because you can take kids as young as 5 years old. We encountered a father and daughter who had come to race on the track. You could tell that they were having a ball!
  • They have training sessions for kids who want to learn Go Karting or to improve their skills. The Marshalls do rounds with the small kids for safety reasons.
  • It makes for the perfect group activity; especially for those who wish to compete, or as a team building activity.
  • They have Saturday Night Racing events where people compete.It entails 3 tournaments: Under 13, Under 17, plus 18 and over. The go-kart engines used for Saturday Night Racing, are bigger hence quicker.
  • In the interest of safety, they limit the top speed for little kids. Hence children will not be able go at insane speeds or put themselves in any kind of danger.
  • The best days to go depends on what you are looking for. To compete, weekends are best while weekdays are good for practicing and to set good lap times.
  • They only allow 10 karts on the track at a time. As a beginner, I liked the weekday experience as I did not have to risk running into anyone.
  • You can choose to have a meal or drinks at their restaurant.
  • You get to have 10 minutes per play. If you are quick you can do up to 15 laps in the 10 minutes.
  • Their ratesΒ  are as follows, per every 10 minutes:-

5 to 8 yrs. old> Kes. 900

Β Β Β Β  9 to 12 yrs. old> Kes. 1,000

Β Β Β  13 to 16 yrs old> Kes. 1,100

Β 17 and above> Kes. 1,300

 

At the end of my GP Karting experience, I was in high spirits and feeling quite energized. Although I am still a rookie, I think it would be a fun thing to do with friends for next time! I am thrilled because I ticked one more thing off my bucket list, but I totally have to do it again and again! πŸ˜€

 

 

Many thanks to Paul and GP Karting for having us over, and showing us a fun time! This is a fun activity that’s totally worth trying out in Nairobi!

 


 

Thank you for reading my amazing friends! Did you enjoy the post? Have you done GP Karting before, or are you inspired to try?Β  I would love, love to hear back from you, so be sure to leave a comment, question or feedback on the comments’ section below.

P.S. Sharing Is Caring! Share Share Share! πŸ˜‰ πŸ˜€

 

<Sending You Love & Light. Stay Inspired Always>

 

 

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38 Comments

  • Reply
    Eunice
    May 24, 2019 at 9:04 am

    Nice! been thinking hard for places where my daughter and i can have some good fun in Nairobi! funny thing, this place has been in my bucket list forever but i thought the prices were very high, had seen it somewhere maybe it was a mistake coz this prices are not sooo soo bad afterall! lol thanks for this post. looks like real fun for a teenage girl cant wait!! πŸ™‚

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      June 17, 2019 at 9:10 am

      Hi Eunice! I am glad you like this post and found it useful :)Yes, I think you should totally tick it off your bucket-list, you daughter will enjoy it too. All the best! πŸ˜€

  • Reply
    Nyambura
    December 13, 2017 at 3:03 pm

    This is a nice piece.
    Am looking for the best place to take my nephew to have his first experience as i promised to him after an amazing in KCPE. He is crazy about karting. Waah but the prices though it’s hard to have him doing this as a career and the way he likes it.

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      December 21, 2017 at 10:31 am

      Many thanks for reading Nyambura, I appreciate it.
      Oh wow congratulations to your nephew!! #Claps
      I would suggest visiting the guys at GP and talking through possible lessons for your nephew, because the given amount is for a ride… They should have different rates for classes. πŸ™‚ Sorry for the delayed response, and all the very best to you both! πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    nelius
    June 13, 2017 at 2:09 am

    nice article you were really having fun.

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      July 13, 2017 at 9:08 pm

      Hi Nelius! Yes we had lots of fun, for sure. It is worth a try! πŸ˜€ Thanks for reading πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    Hillary Musinguzi
    June 9, 2017 at 12:29 am

    Should surely check it out on my next visit to Nairobi. Thanks for sharing

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      July 13, 2017 at 9:08 pm

      Yes you should Hillary! I believe you would enjoy it! Thank you for reading! πŸ˜€

  • Reply
    Lornah
    June 8, 2017 at 2:23 pm

    love love it !! I love the outfit, brings a pop of fun πŸ˜‰ I enjoyed reading

    http://www.cherriesvineyard.com

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      July 13, 2017 at 8:57 pm

      Thank you Lornah! And to think I was protesting the outfit at first… Lol! Thanks for reading dear πŸ˜€

  • Reply
    dave
    June 8, 2017 at 1:24 pm

    wow!!!!!Great blog,
    I need to include GP Karting on my bucket list too.Seems fun!

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      July 13, 2017 at 8:44 pm

      Thank you Dave! And so the list continues… πŸ™‚ It’s about time for you to come to Kenya already!:D πŸ˜€

  • Reply
    Fikile
    June 7, 2017 at 10:48 pm

    Fun, fun all the way! Can’t wait to try it. Thanks for sharing

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      June 8, 2017 at 9:48 am

      Well, hello Fikile! It is great to read from you! One more reason for you to visit us in Kenya, yes? It is my true pleasure to share!

  • Reply
    Kennedy Cheskak
    June 7, 2017 at 9:50 pm

    I know Paul wanjama is my long time friend …I like Gp karting too!

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      June 8, 2017 at 9:45 am

      Awesome! I love how the world and its experiences brings people together! Many thanks for reading and pleased to ‘meet’ the friend of a friend! πŸ˜€

      • Reply
        Paul GP Karting
        June 9, 2017 at 10:28 am

        Hey Ken. still waiting for you to pass by sometime!

  • Reply
    Kennedy Cheskak
    June 7, 2017 at 9:48 pm

    Nice I love it!

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      June 8, 2017 at 9:41 am

      Hi Kennedy, wow I am glad you enjoyed it- thank you for reading and I hope you subscribe for more posts! πŸ˜€

  • Reply
    ivan
    June 7, 2017 at 8:51 pm

    I love your pieces …

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      June 8, 2017 at 9:40 am

      Hi Ivan! Wow, thank you for your kind words! All thanks be to God for sure! Do keep reading, happy to have you here!

  • Reply
    Kanja
    June 7, 2017 at 7:29 pm

    Love it

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      June 8, 2017 at 9:39 am

      Thank you Kanja! I love that you share a name with my brother, good stuff! πŸ˜€

  • Reply
    Irene
    June 7, 2017 at 6:20 pm

    Nice one Marion! Adventure involving speed and kinetic thrills.. any time for me!

  • Reply
    Wanjiku
    June 7, 2017 at 5:53 pm

    Next time I will be behind the wheels …..
    Nice piece

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      June 8, 2017 at 9:35 am

      Haha, for sure that is the PLAN! I am glad you’ve volunteered yourself in advance! Lol πŸ˜€ Thank you Sue!

  • Reply
    Smith
    June 7, 2017 at 5:22 pm

    Mmm…lovely place to be

  • Reply
    Muneer Ahmad
    June 7, 2017 at 1:51 pm

    Very nice styles,
    Keep it up

  • Reply
    Nesh
    June 7, 2017 at 1:47 pm

    Yeey,

    You beat me again to yet another one of my bucket list. Thanks for sharing your experience and looking forward to doing this some time soon. Keep up the good job dear

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      June 8, 2017 at 9:31 am

      Hey! Haha, I think by now we should start keeping score…no? And I think I am winning! Thanks for reading dear and I hope we can do this together sometime!Ay? πŸ˜€

  • Reply
    Mitha
    June 7, 2017 at 1:35 pm

    This sure does look like mad fun.. awesome read.

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      June 8, 2017 at 9:29 am

      Thanks for reading dear, and next time you absolutely must come along! πŸ˜€

  • Reply
    Edwina
    June 7, 2017 at 1:13 pm

    Sound fun! Maybe we should do this as a singles activity one of this fine days!

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      June 8, 2017 at 9:29 am

      Thanks for reading Edwina! I agree, sounds like A plan!!:D πŸ˜€

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