Happy Holidays! 😀 It gives me such pleasure to say those 2 words, because it’s officially my favourite time of year!
Are you wondering what to do over Christmas, or how to keep the kids busy this December holidays’ season?
Not to worry! Whether you’re looking for places to go or things to do, I’ve got you covered with our Holiday Travel Guide on a Budget!
Christmas Holiday Travel Guide!
I wrote this blog post initially as an Easter Travel guide… And now with the December holidays here, I reckoned why not update it with suggestions for a wholesome Holiday Travel Guide, ay? 😀
Happy reading my friends!!
Fun Things to Do For Cheap This Holiday!
Score Bowling at the Village Market
Did you know that the bowling Alley at the Village Market only costs Kes. 500 per person!
Bowling is a super fun-involving activity that’s perfect for family and friends- both young and old!
Honestly, Village Market is currently one of my favorite malls to visit! Not only does it have the cutest cafes to dine at, they’ve made sure you’ll have loads of fun while at it!

Source: Web

CJs at Village Market
Tips:
- The bowling alley gets pretty busy, so be sure to call in advance and make your booking.
- Check out the indoor Trampoline Park, ‘Ozone’ also at the Village Market.
Go on a City Tour
How well do you know your city? Well, this holiday season might be the time to sign up for a city tour.
I recently started doing private Local Tours as a City Pal, and would be delighted to show you around my favourite spots in Nairobi! Check out my City Pals Profile Here
This might also be the time to visit the UN for a United Nations Tour… Either way, it beats staying home, right? 😀
Go Horse Riding At Achis Stables
Whether you’re seasoned on horseback or you are a beginner, horse riding is the perfect activity to partake with friends and even kids… I’ve tried it twice now, and it’s quite the experience! 🙂

Photo Credits: Wanjiku Thuo
Tips:
- Horse Riding at Achis Stables costs Kes. 2,000 per hour, and Kes. 3,000 if you opt to go for the 2 hour forest excursion.
- You could even consider taking horse riding classes this April, and add that to your skill set. 🙂
- Prepare a picnic basket and have an easy day out after your session.
Kick Your Fears To The Curb With Zip Lining!
At the top of the Nairobi Adventures’ totem pole, we have Zip Lining! Admittedly, this one is not for the faint of heart, but it’s loads of fun!
Remember my first Zip Lining Experience? 😀 Well thankfully, since then, more Zip-Lining places have come up…
You can try the Zip-line at the Kompass in Ngong, or drive to Kereita in Limuru. It’s definitely something to tick off your 2019 bucket-list! 🙂
>>There’s plenty of activities to choose from, at the Kompass Ngong like cycling, archery and karting, ranging from Kes. 500 to Kes. 1,000.
GP Karting
If you haven’t tried GP Karting, what are you waiting for? Revving up engines and racing in go-karts is just the kind of break the doctor ordered!
And your kids will love you for it, earning you some cool points… It’s suitable for kids as young as 5 years old.
GP Karting is located in Langata, next to Splash Waterworld.
>Their rates range between Kes. 900 and Kes. 1,300 for kids and adults respectively.
Tip>> Check out this Post for more ideas on Activities for your Christmas Holidays!
Where To Stay: A Getaway Is Always A Good Idea!
Lemon Valley Farm
Lemon Valley Farm is an excellent escape out of Nairobi on a budget!
I like Lemon Valley because, you’ll have an array of activities to choose from without breaking the bank: swimming, horse-riding, camping beneath the stars, excursions to the lake…
Tips>>
- Check out this blog post on 7 Fun & Affordable Things To Do At Lemon Valley!
- Call in advance to make your booking, and confirm availability of the rooms you wish to book.
Pumzika Bay Watamu
Watamu will always hold a special place in my heart, and Pumzika Bay is just one reason why!
This lovely villa right by the ocean is an excellent getaway option for the holidays!
Tip>> Read more about Pumzika Bay here.
The Bedelle
The Bedelle is an elegant boutique hotel in Nairobi’s posh suburbs- Runda. It’s perfect if you are looking for a serene escape, with a homely feel.
While it’s more on the pricier side, its warm, comfortable ambiance, will ignite the Christmas holiday spirit and bonding with your loved ones before you know it!
Tip: Make your reservation in advance and payment is made at Check-in.
Go The Airbnb Way!
I think Airbnb is the answer to any budget traveler’s dream! These days you”ll find an Airbnb nearly everywhere you go!
Tips>>
- Save on hefty hotels costs and spare some money for more activities!
- Book as a group and split the cost amongst yourselves…
- Find out if a Chef is included in the quoted price… Some places come ready with a Chef, and all you have to do is buy the food.
Where To Eat?? Good Food Is King!
Well this wouldn’t be a Holiday Travel Guide, without us talking about good food right? 😀
P.S. Most of the places mentioned above, also feature great dining options.
Nyama Mama
My first Nyama Mama experience was during the Nairobi IG Tour, and it left a lasting impression!
The Nyama Mama at Delta Towers in Westlands is spacious with great African vibes. It’s a good option if you want a classic Kenyan meal, with a Western twist.
>>Meals range between Kes. 500 and Kes. 3,000
Swara Acacia Lodge
Swara Acacia Lodge is located about 45 minutes away from Nairobi, in Athi River, off the Nairobi-Mombasa highway…
Set in a mild woodland of Acacia trees and milieus of wildlife, it’s perfect for a quick day trip…
My family recently visited one Sunday afternoon for lunch, and it felt like a sweet getaway from the city!
They have a buffet, but it could do with more variety… Luckily, you can also order à la carte. We thoroughly enjoyed the food and the beautiful natural environment.
>>Meals range between Kes. 1,000 and Kes. 1,800 per plate.
>>It seems like a nice place to disappear to, for the weekend, as they have plenty of rooms for overnight stays.
Urban Gourmet Burger
Perhaps you want to indulge in some comfort food? Well Urban Gourmet might be exactly what you need!
They’ve got the art of flavoring their beef patties plus interesting toppings, down to a science! And any burger on their menu is always an adventure! 😀
Tip> Check out the Top 5 Must-visit Burger Joints In Nairobi!
Sarova Swahili Breakfast!
If you are craving a sumptuous Coastal meal, you don’t need to pay for a bus or flight to Mombasa!
Stop by the Sarova Stanley for their famous Swahili Breakfast, every Friday! Their wide variety will do a quick number on your taste buds!
Tin Roof Cafe
Tin Roof Cafe is a nice, sunny outdoorsy cafe in Karen, opposite the Hub Mall. They are famous for their uniquely done, healthy, killer-tasting salads.
The garden feel of the restaurant is quite relaxing and welcoming.
Final Tip>> Read this Blog Post on 5 Simple Ways To Travel Cheap This Holiday Season!
I appreciate you for reading! I hope you’ve enjoyed our Holiday Travel Guide!
Do you have something to add to our list? Feel free to comment down below, with your input/feedback or questions!
<<And from me and mine, to you and yours- A Merry Christmas and A Happy, Blessed New Year!>>
12 Comments
Ule Msee Wa B4
January 10, 2020 at 5:42 pmAm glad i have ended up doing the bowling and it was an experience of its own kind, once again, the blog shares more places one can visit even without being a holiday season alone. thanks for linking us to more travel destinations. Gracias.
Scrapbook Journeys
January 11, 2020 at 11:09 amHaha you even beat me to it! Good stuff! I am glad you found the suggestions helpful! Keep On! 😀
Caldora
June 4, 2019 at 12:09 pmGreat tips and good guidance
Scrapbook Journeys
June 17, 2019 at 9:15 amThank you for reading Caldora, I am glad you like it! 😀
Ule Msee Wa B4
May 12, 2019 at 9:53 amBowling is me now like never before, cant wait to try it out, thanks for the info. The blog has given more ideas not only for the Easter weekend but also when one wants to try out something for a family weekend getaway or hangout. Thanks a milli for the timely valued insights.
Scrapbook Journeys
May 22, 2019 at 10:55 amAwesome! I am glad you found some ideas for the weekends too! A family bowling hangout sounds fantastic! 😉
Ole-tunda
April 24, 2019 at 1:47 amWide range of ideas you have, am impressed
Scrapbook Journeys
May 10, 2019 at 9:45 amFantastic! Thank you for reading! 😀
Mercy
April 19, 2019 at 1:34 amI’m yet to go bowling..
Definitely on my to do list now
Scrapbook Journeys
May 10, 2019 at 9:46 amHmm! We certainly need to correct that! 😀 Thank you for reading hun! 🙂
#ChinkuTravels
April 18, 2019 at 6:06 pmThis is an amazing choices of places you have shared. I have taken note of a number of them that I will visit and experience
Phina Nandwa
April 18, 2019 at 1:25 pmPhenomena! I just love the village market
bowling especially and their restaurants are amazing and also love zip lining places..