Affordable, last-minute ideas for Valentine’s Day

A number of people I know loathe Valentine’s Day. Yes, loathe, that extreme dislike and disgust of something. And whenever I probe them as to why the intense hatred is there, the reasons all fall around being single or getting heartbroken before; either on Valentine’s Day, or other days. Meaning it’s not really the day’s fault.

But I believe Valentine’s Day should be celebrated either way, as long as you have love in your life, be it self, family, platonic, or romantic.

On that note, a good date is a good date. Whether it is with yourself, with a friend, or a family member. Dates should not necessarily mean material things. Experiences can be special too, so with no time to plan, here are affordable and last-minute ideas for an enjoyable Valentine’s Day this year.

Nairobi Safari Walk

With its raised wooden boardwalk that allows for uninterrupted views of the animals, the Safari Walk is a show case for Kenya’s Parks and Reserves, allowing visitors to discover what they can expect to see across the country. Visitors can see a sample of the country’s rich animal life including the rare bongo, white rhino and albino zebra as well as big cats, antelopes and primates. It is also home to some 150 species of local trees.

Key features include a variety of wildlife, reptiles, insects and birds; a children’s museum. Drinking water and picnic items are useful to carry. Other recommended items include binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and a guidebook.

Charges are Sh300 and Sh170 for resident adults and children, respectively, while charges for non-residents are $22 and $13 for adults and children, respectively.

Giraffe Centre

The Giraffe Centre prides itself in being a creation of the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (A.F.E.W. Kenya), a Kenyan non-profit organisation. Its main purpose is to educate Kenyan school children and youth on their country’s wildlife and environment, as well as give local and international visitors an opportunity to come into close contact with the world’s tallest species, the giraffe.

Charges for residents are Sh250 and Sh50 for adults and children, respectively, while charges for non-residents are $10 and $5 for adults and children, respectively.

The Forest

Located in Kereita in Kiambu County, The Forest is a perfect destination for adventure lovers. They have a tonne of activities which include a 2.2 kilometre zip line, paintballing, archery, mountain biking, horse-riding, foot golf, among many others.

It is important to book ahead on their website (theforest.co.ke), which has a special 20% off valid on weekdays only. Another important point to know is that they do not accept payments in cash.

Ngong Hills hike

Just like The Forest, Ngong Hills offers a number of activities at affordable prices as well. You will part with Sh200, which covers the park entry fee and picnics. Archery is Sh1,000 for 20 arrows, bike riding is Sh500 for three hours, while zip-lining is Sh1,000 for the 200 metres.

Ongea Annual Music Summit

ONGEA! – The 4th Annual Eastern Africa Music Summit has invited Peter Astedt, Co-Founder of Live at Heart festival from Sweden, to be one of this year’s Bookers for its 2019 Edition, being held on Thursday 14th to Sunday 17th February, at Sarit Centre Expo Hall in Westlands.

It will feature 32 Showcases of 25 minutes each, a trade exhibition and panel discussions over the four days of the summit, from 12pm-10pm.

Peter Astedt will select at least one of the show-casers to perform at the Live at Heart Festival in Orebro, Sweden, in an all-expenses paid trip on their 10 Anniversary, from September 4-7, 2019. The Festival annually has a line-up of more than 200 bands from 40 countries, who perform to thousands.

Yummy Magazine Restaurant Offers

Yummy is Nairobi's urban lifestyle magazine specifically for food lovers, which features food and drink lifestyle content.

They have covered all the restaurants with Valentine’s Offers, as well as other tips on getting through the day. All the information is available on their website www.yummy.co.ke.

‘Love Rocks’ at Carnivore

This Valentine’s Day from 7pm, Carnivore will be offering a celebration of love to a night out with loved ones. There will be a welcome drink and a rose for the ladies.

Dinner per person is Sh5,000 at the main restaurant and The Simba Saloon will serve an Ala Carte menu specially made for the occasion.

Uber ‘Single Survival Kit’

Uber is giving out free survival kits in partnership with other stakeholders to make Valentine’s Day special.

What’s in the box you ask? Two months’ worth of Showmax voucher to binge watch the shows you love. A mug and Nescafe coffee from Nestle to pair nicely with your solo movie night. Glade gels from S.C Johnson and Son. A bottle of vodka from The Wine Company. Delia Ice Cream from Brown’s food company and an Uber Eats Voucher to get your favourite meal delivered at your doorstep.

All one needs to do is to open the app between 10am-2pm, slide to the Valentine’s view, set your location, and request for the free single’s survival kit.

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