Howdy Beautiful People! π As I write this post on GP Karting, it is a lovely day in June & I’m feeling rather reflective… π
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. π
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. π
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.
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. π
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! π
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.
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.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: WANJIKU THUO
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.
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! π
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! π π
<Sending You Love & Light. Stay Inspired Always>
38 Comments
Eunice
May 24, 2019 at 9:04 amNice! 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!! π
Scrapbook Journeys
June 17, 2019 at 9:10 amHi 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! π
Nyambura
December 13, 2017 at 3:03 pmThis 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.
Scrapbook Journeys
December 21, 2017 at 10:31 amMany 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. π Sorry for the delayed response, and all the very best to you both! π
nelius
June 13, 2017 at 2:09 amnice article you were really having fun.
Scrapbook Journeys
July 13, 2017 at 9:08 pmHi Nelius! Yes we had lots of fun, for sure. It is worth a try! π Thanks for reading π
Hillary Musinguzi
June 9, 2017 at 12:29 amShould surely check it out on my next visit to Nairobi. Thanks for sharing
Scrapbook Journeys
July 13, 2017 at 9:08 pmYes you should Hillary! I believe you would enjoy it! Thank you for reading! π
Lornah
June 8, 2017 at 2:23 pmlove love it !! I love the outfit, brings a pop of fun π I enjoyed reading
http://www.cherriesvineyard.com
Scrapbook Journeys
July 13, 2017 at 8:57 pmThank you Lornah! And to think I was protesting the outfit at first… Lol! Thanks for reading dear π
dave
June 8, 2017 at 1:24 pmwow!!!!!Great blog,
I need to include GP Karting on my bucket list too.Seems fun!
Scrapbook Journeys
July 13, 2017 at 8:44 pmThank you Dave! And so the list continues… π It’s about time for you to come to Kenya already!:D π
Fikile
June 7, 2017 at 10:48 pmFun, fun all the way! Can’t wait to try it. Thanks for sharing
Scrapbook Journeys
June 8, 2017 at 9:48 amWell, 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!
Kennedy Cheskak
June 7, 2017 at 9:50 pmI know Paul wanjama is my long time friend …I like Gp karting too!
Scrapbook Journeys
June 8, 2017 at 9:45 amAwesome! I love how the world and its experiences brings people together! Many thanks for reading and pleased to ‘meet’ the friend of a friend! π
Paul GP Karting
June 9, 2017 at 10:28 amHey Ken. still waiting for you to pass by sometime!
Kennedy Cheskak
June 7, 2017 at 9:48 pmNice I love it!
Scrapbook Journeys
June 8, 2017 at 9:41 amHi Kennedy, wow I am glad you enjoyed it- thank you for reading and I hope you subscribe for more posts! π
ivan
June 7, 2017 at 8:51 pmI love your pieces …
Scrapbook Journeys
June 8, 2017 at 9:40 amHi Ivan! Wow, thank you for your kind words! All thanks be to God for sure! Do keep reading, happy to have you here!
Kanja
June 7, 2017 at 7:29 pmLove it
Scrapbook Journeys
June 8, 2017 at 9:39 amThank you Kanja! I love that you share a name with my brother, good stuff! π
Irene
June 7, 2017 at 6:20 pmNice one Marion! Adventure involving speed and kinetic thrills.. any time for me!
Wanjiku
June 7, 2017 at 5:53 pmNext time I will be behind the wheels …..
Nice piece
Scrapbook Journeys
June 8, 2017 at 9:35 amHaha, for sure that is the PLAN! I am glad you’ve volunteered yourself in advance! Lol π Thank you Sue!
Smith
June 7, 2017 at 5:22 pmMmm…lovely place to be
Scrapbook Journeys
June 8, 2017 at 9:33 amHi Smith! π It’s great to read from you, thank you!
Muneer Ahmad
June 7, 2017 at 1:51 pmVery nice styles,
Keep it up
Scrapbook Journeys
June 8, 2017 at 9:32 amThank you ever so much Muneer for reading! I appreciate the feedback! π
Muneer Ahmad
June 8, 2017 at 1:13 pmDon’t mention it
Scrapbook Journeys
July 13, 2017 at 8:41 pmπ
Nesh
June 7, 2017 at 1:47 pmYeey,
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
Scrapbook Journeys
June 8, 2017 at 9:31 amHey! 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? π
Mitha
June 7, 2017 at 1:35 pmThis sure does look like mad fun.. awesome read.
Scrapbook Journeys
June 8, 2017 at 9:29 amThanks for reading dear, and next time you absolutely must come along! π
Edwina
June 7, 2017 at 1:13 pmSound fun! Maybe we should do this as a singles activity one of this fine days!
Scrapbook Journeys
June 8, 2017 at 9:29 amThanks for reading Edwina! I agree, sounds like A plan!!:D π