Recreational Facilities | Trends in Modern Kenya

Last updated on October 12th, 2022 at 02:34 pm

All work and no play make Kataka a dull child.

When moving to a new location, it is important to know what amenities and recreational centres are available in the region. Places offering more recreational activities are very attractive to the buyer since they have assured entertainment when living in the area.

Kenya has developed from having conventional recreation activities such as swimming and now has popularized activities such as bowling, go-karting, horse riding, etc. 

Recreational activities are diverse in nature and essentially include engagement, whether physical, mental, or emotional. There is no one form of recreational activity because the range of activities that people enjoy during their free time is nearly unlimited.

Some of the recreational centres and activities in Kenya include:

Sarit Center

The Sarit Center is Kenya’s first, largest, and busiest shopping mall, situated off Waiyaki Way. It was founded in 1983 and is located in Nairobi’s posh Westlands neighbourhood. 

The Sarit Center is an interactive retail mall that provides one-stop shopping for a variety of groceries, stores, service outlets, entertainment, and professional and medical services. 

It houses the Fox Cineplex theatre in Nairobi, which is located on the second floor. The Fox Cineplex cinema in Kenya has a seating capacity of 300 people. 

When you’re out shopping on a weekend, your kids can have hours of fun at the Jungle at Sarit Center. This play area will be remembered by your young angels because of the slides, winding tunnels, and a maze of climbing nets.

The ball pit is a must-see attraction. The multicoloured pea gravel pit and LEGOs will be a hit with your youngsters!

The Jungle is a fantastic location for your next children’s playdate or themed children’s birthday party. Bowling at Pins Entertainment, by the way, is right next door!

Taste of Lebanon, Hot n Corny, Juice it up, Nairobi Java House, and Mama Mia are just a few of the restaurants in Kenya’s Sarit Center mall.

Village Market

Village Market is a mega-mall located in Gigiri residential area that houses many different recreational activities and can be easily accessed from Nairobi City Center via Limuru road. 

Ozone, a trampoline park at Village Market, is wonderful for kids, teens, and adults alike. The space has been decorated using urban graffiti. 

Live in-house DJs, a private party room, and a snack bar are also available at Village Market. This will come in handy if you are a music lover or when you are planning a party.

Some fun activities at the Ozone Trampoline Park that you can plan to explore while at the Village Market include;

• Ninja Course
• Slam Dunk
• Open Course
• Dodgeball Court
• Professional Climbing Wall
• Small Climbing Wall
• Olympic Trampoline
• Parkour Wall
• Baby Trampoline

There is also an 11-lane Brunswick bowling alley for fun, sport, parties, and entertainment. With amazing effects, lighting, artistic themes, and live music, it has a family-friendly ambience. Friends may get together in the Cadillac-themed lounge for drinks and food or simply play pool and foosball.

Lukenya Motorcross

Lukenya Motorcross is 45 minutes from Nairobi’s bustling city centre. Quad biking is their main attraction, which can be done by both professionals and amateurs with the assistance of their trained instructors. 

Visitors can ride around Lukenya’s hills and even watch the sunset from that vantage point. For those who like nature, they also provide an outdoor camping experience in a regulated and safe atmosphere. Swimming, hoverboards, and delectable foods are also available.

Two Rivers Mall

Runda is home to Two Rivers Development. It is bounded on the south by Limuru road, on the north by the Northern bypass, which connects it to the airport, and on the west by Ruaka’s increasing urban centre. 

It’s easy to get to, as it’s only 30 minutes from Nairobi’s central business district and 45 minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. They offer a premium cinema viewing experience. 

They also have a well developed Go Karting ring where you can enjoy the fun with your friends. The main attraction to Two Rivers Mall is the Ferris Wheel which provides an exquisite view of the city and its environs. 

You can also shop for clothes at the various stores like LC Waikiki and enjoy fine dining at Lotos Chinese Restaurant and Nagala’s Chakula. 

The Hub

Found in the heart of the luxurious Karen residential area, The Hub is just 12 kilometres from Nairobi city centre. 

There are numerous stores within the mall where you can do your shopping and a kids’ play area where the young ones can be attended to while you run errands. 

Karen country club, which has a well-maintained golf course is just 5 minutes away.

Roast is one of the exquisite restaurants here and you definitely will not be disappointed. They also host events that incorporate art and various forms of entertainment which attract many visitors.

The Junction Mall

The Junction is known for its extravagant shopping, iconic restaurants, and recreational and entertainment venues. The city’s accessibility also contributes to why most people prefer to visit it. 

Century Cinemax offers an optimum movie experience for the film enthusiast and anyone else seeking to enjoy the big screen. 

They have an outdoor Java restaurant that lets you enjoy nature as you feast on your meal. They also have an open Maasai Market that allows you to buy authentic Kenyan clothing and accessories. 

Ngong Racecourse

Ngong Racecourse is Kenya’s primary and currently only thoroughbred racing site. It is situated alongside the Ngong Forest on Ngong Road, close to the Lenana School and the Nairobi Business Park. The Kenya Jockey Club is in charge of running it.

They have a fantastic horseback riding course, which most people like because it is not an everyday activity. You can also speak with the club managers about renting horses for activities such as children’s parties. 

There is a fantastic 18-hole public golf course where beginners can learn the game. A fantastic driving range is also available. This is also a nice and relaxing spot for a picnic or just a stroll.

Arena One Indoor Football

This is the place to go if you want to play soccer. The facility is actually in good shape and is reasonably priced. 

There are benches available for individuals who would rather watch than play. 

There are a few eateries nearby where you can get a bite to eat or a drink once you’ve finished playing. Another plus is that, depending on your reservation, it may be open till late. When it’s time to depart, taxis can be found outside the area. 

Apart from football, Zumba classes are also available in the MDA studio, taught by highly qualified instructors. Yoga, Zumba, salsa, hip-hop, tone to the beat, and many other forms of dancing lessons are available. 

Arena One Galleria is located at the junction of Langata, Karen, and Ongata Rongai. 

Panari Ice Rink

The Panari Solar Ice Rink, located at the Panari Hotel on Mombasa Road, is the only one of its kind in East and Central Africa. The rink has a capacity of 200 skaters and is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m, seven days a week. 

It may be essential to do age verifications on children to ensure that they are over the age of 14. Teachers are available to assist beginners with the fundamentals alone. The principles of ice skating are rapidly picked up by children. 

To reverse group timings, it’s a good idea to arrange ahead of time. Ice hockey lessons are also available, and all arrangements may be made online.

Nairobi Archery Club

Nairobi Archery Club brings the joys of archery to individuals of all ages and walks of life at an affordable price.

It is functional every weekend, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It may be found in Karen’s Mamba Village. 

The Last Village, on the outskirts of Nairobi, particularly in Athi River, is a second option to the Nairobi Archery Club. Archery, quad biking, swimming, and hiking are just a few of the amazing activities available. 

Rolfs Place, which is on your route to Ongata Rongai, is another alternative. Archery, swimming, paintballing, bouncy castles, and treasure hunts are among the activities you and your family can enjoy.

Ziplining in Kereita Forest

Kereita Forest is about 70 kilometres from Nairobi and 45 minutes from Kimende Town. The forest, which is located at the tip of the Aberdare Ranges, is lush with vegetation and home to a variety of attractions. Kereita also has Kenya’s longest zip line, running 2.4 kilometres through beautiful forests and rivers. 

FlyingFox operates it and it complies with international requirements. The region surrounding Kereita’s zip line location is referred to as the Forest.

Nairobi Polo Club

Nairobi Polo Club provides the atmosphere and setting for corporate hospitality and recreation, with two full-size pitches and a well-appointed clubhouse.

It holds some of the most prominent events on the playing and social calendar and is known for its dynamic atmosphere and illustrious list of both playing and social members.

Some facilities available at the club include;

• Two full-size polo fields.
• At the Jamhuri showground, there is stalling for 90 horses, with more stables available.
• Horse/polo pit made of wood
• Area for stick and ball
• The clubhouse has a bar and a lounge with an open fireplace.
• Terrace and grandstand with views of the polo grounds and the distant Ngong Hills
• Showers are available for both men and women.
• Polo and riding lessons for beginners and intermediates, as well as polo clinics on occasion
• Ample parking and space in close proximity to Nairobi’s city centre.

Maasai Mara Hot Air Balloon Ride

The ideal safari experience involves flying high above the Masai Mara. The scenery below is an endlessly fascinating mix of riverine forests, wide savannahs, towering escarpments, and rocky rivers.

The journey lasts about an hour and a half, drifting wherever the air currents lead you, with plenty of photo and video opportunities.

Hot-air balloon flights in the Masai Mara provide a unique perspective of the numerous wildlife dwelling below, set against a backdrop of magnificent sunrises. Nothing compares to it; the view is breathtaking, and the experience is unforgettable.

Skydive Diani

Skydive Diani facilitates all aspects of sport parachuting, including Jump School and Tandem jumps. 

With the assistance of qualified trainers, the skydiving experience is delivered in the safest and most progressive manner possible.

Wine Tasting

The Winelife is a one-of-a-kind sampling event in Nairobi that allows visitors and residents to discover just about everything there is to know about wine and then relish in the finest brands. 

The session could cover the type of wine, its origin, the reason it tastes the way it does, the glass in which it is served, and other topics that you will gain a deeper understanding of throughout the event. 

Participants will acquire knowledge on how to feel and appreciate wine, as well as explain and maybe identify the various wines available throughout the tasting. For individuals who prefer to study and experience solitude, the experience is also available on a private basis.

Mountain Climbing

Mount Kenya provides outdoor adventurers and mountaineers with a variety of choices for climbing one of the three summits. You may make it as challenging as you like. The majority of Mount Kenya excursions last 4,5 or 6 days. 

If you have the opportunity, experts recommend completing it in at least 5 days to allow for acclimatization and prevent the trek from being rushed. This will also allow you to complete one of the lengthier courses, such as the Chogoria trip, which takes six days.

Mountain climbing does not have to be for the experienced only, you can always begin with small mountains for one-day hikes if you do not have the experience. Mt.Longonot is a perfect spot for beginners. It is only a 90 minutes drive from Nairobi. 

Other hiking spots for beginners include the Elephant Hill, Table mountains or Seven Ponds all in the Aberdare Ranges. 

Hell’s Gate Hiking

A few of Kenya’s hiking trails are well-marked, but many are not. The excitement of hiking up these mountains on the other hand, is something you should not miss. If you want to go hiking in the rift, the central, or the southern parts of the country, you should first verify the weather patterns in those areas. 

One of the most famous trekking spots in the rift valley religion is Hell’s Gate National Park. The national park is located on the southern shore of Lake Naivasha and offers a variety of hiking paths. This hiking location is surrounded by a large park where you may witness a variety of animals and beautiful vegetation.

When moving to Kenya, you need not worry about which recreational activities will occupy your weekends and leisure time. As provided above, there are numerous ways to relax and do fun activities by yourself or with your family and friends. Enjoy the facilities at your disposal!

Geothermal Natural Hot Spa 

The Geothermal Natural Hot Spa lies in the Great Rift Valley, in Naivasha town which is mostly known for its biodiversity. Kengen Company, which generates the country’s electricity, is located in the area. The company uses brine, a naturally occurring solution of sodium chloride (salt) and water, to turn the turbines that create electricity. 

Condensed brine is injected back into the ground. The steam is directed to the spa, which features three cascading pools that cool the hot steam before it reaches the final pool. 

The spa also has well-furnished changing rooms, a cutting-edge restaurant serving local and foreign cuisine, a conference room, and sun loungers. It is a short distance from world-class hotels and cottages with spectacular views of Lake Naivasha.

The Geothermal Natural Hot Spa is one of a kind in the entire African continent. It should definitely be on your bucket list!

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