Summer holidays in Nairobi

The term summer holidays when spoken in conjunction with Nairobi is an oxymoron. Kenya now sits in the midst of its winter; it’s not the snowy slopes of Canada, the rain drenched fields of England or even the freezing cold winter nights of Cape Town but we’ve dug our coats and slippers out and it feels very far away from the warmth of summer. Kenya’s staunch adherence to English public schools’ lengthy holidays that mean our darling children are off school for EIGHT long weeks. It may be an English summer but certainly is not a Kenyan one.

I started the holidays filled with good intentions. Limited TV and Ipad time and a sports based activity daily. We are sticking to it in a clunky haphazard way. Meaning that we do the activities but only with bribery, threats and many tantrums on all sides. The TV and Ipad times are generally stuck to but with soo much whining I spend long minutes every day debating why I feel it’s so important. My little girl wants to do everything from motor cross to soccer and all that goes in between, whilst my boys want to do nothing but play Lego, make camps from sofa cushions or swing on the rope swings in the garden. Striking a balance and keeping all happy is a daunting task. I have help at home 4 days a week but Rose’s capable hands find time to help with the housework but ‘children duty’ is down to me. It’s exhausting. No wonder then that this blog and any other writing assignments have fallen by the wayside.

Despite my struggles, there are lots of things for kids to do in Nairobi over the ‘summer holidays’. My friends are definitely doing a better job of Mum-ing than I am right now. So I’m going to steal a few of their ideas and share with you.

Kids clubs (Karen)

There are loads of clubs all over Nairobi. I suggest you join the Facebook group Nairobi Expat Mums or Nairobi Expat Parenting, as there are a ton of ideas posted there. The clubs I have some experience of are below:

Stepping Stones

This is a lovely little preschool in Langata near to Hillcrest school, which runs a holiday club. The school itself looks like a little smurf village; brightly coloured bandas bursting with toys and activities. There are all sorts of fun stuff to do at the school from dress ups to painting but they also run an activity each day. Soccer, treasure hunt or swimming are just a few of the activities. The day goes from 9 am to 2 and costs 1500 KSH per child

Karen Country Club

Technically for members only, but if you can find a member then you can send your children along too for a day packed with activities for just 1000 KSH. A sample day may include arts and crafts, rugby, tennis or bowls. If the sun decides to shine then there is the pool and the playground.

Young Engineers

Let your kids get to grips with the mechanics of Lego and robotics. The Young Engineers Club works to a different theme each week, think Desert Oasis or Superheroes. Each week is spent building robotics accordingly. Whilst encouraged to sign up for a full week at a cost of 10500 KSH per child you can attend for the day. Find out more details here.

Do the Tourist thing

We haven’t done much because we have family coming shortly and I know we’ll need to do them all over again but the following never fail to please

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

For an informative talk and chance to say hello to the elephants you can visit at 11am every morning. If you are a foster parent then join them at 5PM for a far more interactive session and a chance to meet and learn about the elephants. Find out about fostering here. 500KSH

Giraffe Centre

For 200 KSH (adults) and 50 (kids) you can feed the giraffes and spend time gazing in awe at their majestic beauty

Animal orphanage / safari walk

At the entrance to Nairobi National Park off the Langata Road is a chance to see some of the parks famous residents eye to eye. Touted as a showcase for the parks animals, you can see rhino, lion, cheetah, hyena and a host of other animals up close and personal. The fee for residents is 300 KSK (adults) 170 KSH (kids) and cheaper for citizens.

Take a walk

Giraffe Centre Nature trail

Opposite the Giraffe Centre is an easy 1,5K walk that takes you down to the river or up to a viewpoint of the Ngong Hills. Watch out for warthogs

Ololua Forest and Ngong Forest

These are large areas of forest in the Karen neighbourhood. They are home to over 35 mammals and multitude birds, reptiles and insects. The forests both have an extensive network of walking or running trails and are perfect for a meander with the kids.

Download the Geocache app to make the walk into a treasure hunt. See my blog on Geocaching in Nairobi here. Or bring a bucket and net to fish for frogs or fish or crayfish in the running rivers.

Tea and cake

Matbronze

Take the kids for tea and cake at the Matbronze café. There’s a large garden for them to play in and some very cool bronzes for them to admire. The café has recently been extended and upgraded and on a chilly day there is a very welcoming log burner

Langata Link shops

The little café in the centre of the shops has a kids play area, which has just been updated with a new wooden jungle gym. This is a great example of something for mum and something for the kids, as the Langata link shops are an Aladdin’s den of clothes, jewellery, bags and other delightful purchases.

Stay at home

Ironically for a wandering soul my kids are all homebodies. We’ve done baking, painting, play dates, camp building and letting them be bored and make their own entertainment.

The value of letting kids be bored and find their own amusements cannot be overstated. Here’s why.

If all else fails get down to KSPCA and foster some kittens. There are so many animals needing a warm and loving temporary home. As we write my kids are taking care of 4 little guys. The fostering experience has taught them invaluable lessons in responsibility and how to care for something smaller and more helpless than themselves.

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