Reasons to Visit The Village Bowl – Nairobi Kenya

Bowling alleys are amazing places for casual outings, parties, and corporate events. People of all skills meet here to have a good time with family and friends. In this guide, I want to share my fun day experience at the Village Bowl, one of the best bowling places in Nairobi.

Without a doubt, bowling is one of the interesting things to do in Nairobi. Rolling a heavy ball toward a group of wooden objects (pins) and knocking down as many of them as possible is beautiful. This antique hobby can typically disconnect you from the digital world and reconnect you with the past.

Understandably, bowling dates back to ancient Egypt. It was a popular game among the Royals. From discoveries, balls were made from porcelain or husks of grains and covered in a material such as leather. They were rolled along the ground rather than thrown due to their size and weight.

Why I recommend the Village Bowl

The Village Bowl is a popular entertainment and recreation facility at the Village Market Mall. The 11-lane Brunswick bowling facility is one of the best in Nairobi. It boasts a family-friendly atmosphere with artistic themes, special effects lighting, and live music, not to mention its kind and polite staff.

The waiting room at the Cadillac-themed lounge has plenty of space for occasional family gatherings. As you wait for your turn, you can snack on a few drinks and bites or enjoy a game of foosball or pool. Private party rooms are also available for special events like birthdays.

This super modern bowling alley offers plenty of room for inter-family leagues. The balls come in various colors and weights, complete with bowling ramps for kids. The blue and red bowling shoes for kids are so cute. They ignited the cheerful vibe of the youngsters showcasing their skills.

Village Market bowling charges

Bowling at the Village Bowl is available daily from 9.30 am- 11 pm. They charge Ksh 800 per person – 10 rounds. Special offer is available on Thursdays where bowling costs 500 per person. For this, I recommend paying for 20 rounds (40 ball throws) if you want to enjoy maximum.

When it’s your turn to play, you are provided with appropriate bowling shoes. Socks are not included, so remember to carry or wear them as you visit. Don’t worry about your shoes, bags, and other belongings. They will be safely kept at the reception and you’ll not need to carry them around.

Getting there

The village market is one of the safe places to visit in Nairobi. If you are considering going to the Village Bowl, take a taxi or request the service from a ride-sharing company like Bolt or Uber. Be sure to check the personal details of the driver and the vehicle particulars.

You can also use public transport if you are traveling on a budget. Board a “matatu” number 106 heading to Banana or Ruaka at the Koja stage in the CBD. The destination is approximately 20 minutes away and you’ll use not more than Ksh.100 depending on the time and type of the vehicle.

Once you have undergone security checks at the mall entrance, Village Bowl is easily accessed through an elevator. You’ll effortlessly spot it upon reaching the second floor of the mall. There are a lot of catchy areas around including gift shops, restaurants, supermarkets,  and boutiques.

The best time to visit the Village Bowl

The Village Bowl is quite a busy place. There are always people waiting to play. The waiting time can go up to 4 hours depending on the day of the week. The best time to visit is during the weekdays. I recommend odd days like Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday when crowds are low.

Many tourists prefer visiting the Village Market on Fridays because of the Maasai Market which opens in the upper car park from  8.00 am to 6.00 pm. A wide range of African antiques and artisan products are sold. You can often get affordable, gorgeous, colorful souvenirs to take home.

Bowling tips for beginners

Bowling can be enjoyed by anyone including kids as young as three. If you are new to bowling, here are some tips to make you look like a champ.

• Wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes with good grip.
• Choose a ball that fits comfortably in your hands. 
• Insert your middle, ring, and thumb into the designated holes.
• Your bowling arm should hang loosely at your side with the ball resting comfortably near your chest.
• Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent.
• Aim for a relaxed grip, not a white-knuckled one.
• Don’t be afraid to ask the alley staff for help. 
• Younger children might need assistance holding the ball, aiming, or keeping their balance.

Other attractions at the Village Market

Beyond bowling, the Village Market offers many other fun activities including ice skating, mini golf, arcade games, a trampoline park, and cinema. Friends and family can reconnect over great food, music, and fun games at the Ballpoint Social Club, located on the mall’s third floor. 

The multifunctional space can be used for meetings, as workspace, or for events like birthdays.

Ballpoint Social Club has over 40 board games including ping pong, darts, chess, pool, and pong all charged differently. Typically, it’s a place that combines food, play, and traditional texture.

Beyond the amazing ambiance, this restaurant has fine drinks and food. On their menu, you can find sammies, sharing platters, pizza, slides, and some classic bites. Both hard and soft drinks are also available. There are beers, wines, spirits, cocktails, vodka, coffee and tea.

Is Village Market Safe?

The first time I heard about the name “Village Market” I imagined a Masai Village with a local market. To the shock of my life, It’s one of the prestigious shopping malls located in Nairobi’s upmarket. VM is close to various embassies, the United Nations, and heavily expatriate-populated suburbs.

Typically this tells you that Village Market is a safe place to spend your day. However, like any other town in a third-world country, it’s best to remain aware of your surroundings. Few people might behave like they are helping you but they aim to scam or con unsuspecting visitors. 

Final Thought

Village Bowl is one of the best places to visit in Nairobi. Beyond bowling, you can enjoy tasty food, drinks, and music at the colorful Ballpoint Social Club. Village Market is very safe and there is everything under one roof. You can easily combine your fun day with shopping or beauty treatment. Feel free to share your experience at this wonderful place.