Final Up to date on March 11, 2024
Touring Kenya with youngsters generally is a life-changing expertise for each you and your youngsters. Right here is my information to planning an ideal Kenya household safari.
For adventurous households, Kenya makes a wonderful introduction to Africa. The nation is residence to world-class nationwide parks, nature reserves, and pristine seashores. Plus, Kenya has improved its tourism infrastructure through the years and is now extra family-friendly than ever.
Of all of the 25 African nations I’ve been to, Kenya is unquestionably my favourite place in Africa to journey with youngsters. Granted, roads in Kenya might be horrible and poverty continues to be a difficulty in Kenya. However there’s a lot the youngsters can acquire from a household journey to Kenya, whether or not it’s a lesson in compassion or studying information on wildlife and geography.
Pack a way of journey and a constructive perspective, and also you’ll be sure you have an epic journey in Kenya with youngsters. For these planning a Kenya household journey, right here is my full information with the greatest issues to do, the place to remain and what to pack for Kenya with youngsters.
Kenya with Children Information
Why Journey Kenya with Children?
From my expertise, journeys that revolve round nature and wildlife are at all times a giant hit with youngsters. Nature is the best playground for teenagers and Kenya positive has loads of it.
Kenya is without doubt one of the high African nations for wildlife watching. It’s residence to the world-famous Maasai Mara Nationwide Reserve, a stomping floor for 1000’s of animals migrating throughout its plains annually through the annual migration. For the last word Kenya household safari, come head to head with big elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro within the backdrop at Amboseli Nationwide Park, or see 1000’s of flamingos fly above Lake Nakuru.
Kenya can be blessed with a surprising shoreline — plan in some stress-free time on Diani Seashore or cultural walks within the Swahili city of Lamu island in your Kenya itinerary, and your youngsters will thanks for it! Ensure that to learn this text on issues you want to know earlier than touring to Kenya.
Is It Secure to Journey Kenya with Children?
It’s comprehensible to be involved about security in Kenya with youngsters. In any case, Nairobi has a excessive crime price and it has skilled a number of bombings lately. However you’ll be able to simply keep away from town centre and keep within the quiet outskirts or Nairobi Nationwide Park (15-min drive from airport).
Past the large metropolis, it’s usually very secure within the nationwide parks and nature reserves. You is likely to be apprehensive about your youngsters’ security on safari after seeing movies of cheetahs leaping onto safari jeeps, however such issues not often occur. Animals often choose to maintain their distance from human beings. So long as we don’t disturb the wildlife, they received’t disturb us.
The larger problem is well being and hygiene as a result of malaria and yellow fever dangers and meals contamination. It’s necessary to have the yellow fever vaccination to enter Kenya (you’ll be requested for proof). However one shot lasts a lifetime. Discuss with my part on well being in Kenya for particulars.
Journey Visa for Kenya
Most nationalities together with US, UK, EU and Canada residents want a visa to enter Kenya. You’ll be able to simply apply for an evisa on-line. Single-entry visas value $51 and mean you can keep for 3 months. Notice that there are a number of fraudulent evisa web sites — that is the official evisa web site.
Some nationalities (together with mine!) don’t a necessity a visa to journey Kenya. These embody nationals from Singapore, Malaysia, San Marino, South Africa. Right here is the total record.
Excellent news: Kids aged 16 and beneath do not require a visa to enter Kenya, no matter nationality.
How you can Get to Kenya
The primary gateway to Kenya is Jomo Kenyatta Worldwide Airport (NBP), round 11 miles (18km) from Nairobi’s CBD.
I discovered an incredible deal on-line: Amsterdam – Nairobi – Seychelles and return for just below €600 ($670). I realized in regards to the airfare promo on Fly4Free.com and booked it manner upfront.
You’ll be able to usually discover flights from New York to Nairobi by way of Istanbul for round US$750 return. For these in Europe, you’ll be able to fly direct from London to Nairobi (9hours) for round $550 return.
Seek for Low-cost Flights to Kenya
When to Journey Kenya with Children
The very best time to journey Kenya is from July to October, that are the perfect wildlife viewing months. The wildebeest migration often reaches the Masai Mara in July and stays till October. However word that that is excessive season and sure parks can get crowded.
Wet season runs from March to Might, throughout which some lodges and camps shut down. Throughout excessive rainfall, it may be arduous to see animals as they received’t must go searching for water.
November to February are good occasions to go to Kenya, as costs are decrease and showers don’t final lengthy. We visited Kenya in December this time and had nice climate. Nonetheless, we didn’t see as many animals as I did the final time in Maasai Mara, as a result of there have been torrential rains proper earlier than we arrived and so they triggered numerous flooding.
How Lengthy to Journey Kenya with Children?
There’s lots to do in Kenya for teenagers. I like to recommend spending no less than two weeks in Kenya so you’ll be able to discover at a snug tempo.
I’d advise planning 2-3 nights at every nationwide park. Children can get bored with safari when you schedule too many days at every camp. On the identical time, you don’t wish to be transferring round an excessive amount of and spending simply 1 evening at every place. Learn extra of my tips on occurring African safari with youngsters.
Combine up your Kenya itinerary with some rest time alongside Kenya’s lovely coast. Diani Seashore is Kenya’s hottest seashore city, however there are many cities alongside the coast value visiting, together with Malindi, Nyali and Watamu.
2 Weeks in Kenya with Children
- Days 1 – 3: Nairobi
- Days 3 – 5: Lake Nakuru
- Days 5 – 7: Maasai Mara Nationwide Reserve*
- Days 7 – 10: Loosen up on Diani Seashore
- Days 10 – 13: Discover Lamu Island
- Day 14: Fly Dwelling!
1 Week in Kenya with Children
- Days 1 – 3: Nairobi
- Days 3 – 5: Lake Nakuru
- Days 5 – 7: Maasai Mara Nationwide Reserve
*TIP: Maasai Mara is the perfect reserve in Kenya, nevertheless it’s a 6-hour drive from Nairobi and Lake Nakuru. To go someplace nearer, the perfect various is Amboseli Nationwide Park, a 4-hour drive away.
How you can Get Round Kenya with Children
By Aircraft
One of the best ways to get from Nairobi to the coast is on the home airline, Kenyan Airways. It’s reasonably priced and quick. Return flights from Nairobi to Mombasa are round US$100. Direct flights from Nairobi to Lamu Island are round US$200.
It IS additionally doable to fly from Nairobi to Maasai Mara and different reserves on Safarilink. However it’s costly, with flights costing round US$350 return per particular person. Flying cuts down the journey time from 6 hours by highway to simply 40 minutes.
By Automobile Rental
Roads in Kenya aren’t in the perfect situation and site visitors round Nairobi is a nightmare. You would wish a 4WD to drive into the nationwide parks. Renting a Toyota Land Cruiser often prices round $200-300/day.
I wouldn’t advise driving in Kenya with youngsters, except you’re very skilled driving 4WD. My husband Alberto has pushed in lots of nations, and even then, we determined to e-book transport with our lodge (which comes with a driver) because it value the identical as renting a 4WD.
Seek for Automobile Rental in Kenya
By Hiring a Driver
What you are able to do as an alternative is to e-book a safari lodge/camp and organize a “highway package deal” by them. The package deal features a driver, 2 sport drives per day throughout your keep on the lodge in addition to pick-up and drop-off from any lodge in Nairobi.
Most lodges quoted us $150/day for a Toyota van and $250/day for a Land Cruiser safari jeep. We paid for the cheaper choice and had been advantageous for it. However for each choices, you’ll solely get a driver — not a wildlife information who’s skilled in recognizing animals! If you need a wildlife information, e-book an all-inclusive safari tour. (Extra particulars right here).
Journey Kenya Independently or on Guided Tour?
If it’s your first time on an African safari with youngsters, I like to recommend reserving a safari package deal that features an skilled wildlife information. A information is aware of the place to identify the animals and might share plenty of fascinating details about every animal.
It’s additionally necessary to e-book with accountable tour firms which have insurance policies in place to string fastidiously. Try this 8-day Kenya household safari from Intrepid Journey. It’ll be an excellent alternative to journey with different households and your youngsters will make lifelong pals. The minimal age to hitch is 5.
One other journey value testing is that this 8-day Nationwide Geographic Kenya safari journey from G Adventures. I’ve traveled with them many occasions (to Antarctica, Brazil, Nepal and many others) and every journey has been epic! It’s also possible to mix Kenya with Tanzania, and be a part of this Kenya and Tanzania tenting safari. The minimal age to hitch is 12.
Price range Kenya Household Safari
To avoid wasting cash, we booked the safari lodges ourselves and organized transport by them. These highway packages nonetheless value round US$150-250/day, however they embody a driver, pickup from Nairobi, and a couple of sport drives/day.
When you’re on a good funds, I recommend exploring Nairobi independently and reserving funds safari excursions departing from Nairobi. Notice that these 3/4-day excursions are often tenting safari. Which means you’ll truly be tenting and sleeping in small 2-person tents. This was what we did once we first backpacked East Africa 10 years in the past.
Issues to Learn about Kenya Household Safaris
There may be simply one thing so particular about occurring an African safari with youngsters — I’ll always remember the awe in my daughter’s youngsters when she noticed her first giraffe. For teenagers like Kaleya who love animals, Africa is pure magic.
Nonetheless, they’re youngsters in any case. Remind them to be affected person on sport drives — wildlife reserves should not zoos. Animals roam freely and sightings should not at all times assured. You may also come throughout predators looking or feeding on their catch, warn your youngsters that it may get graphic. Learn my tips on occurring safari with youngsters.
Recreation drives often happen round daybreak and sundown, as animals are probably the most energetic throughout these occasions. Which means early wake-up calls at 5am. Due to the sport drive schedule, your loved ones may have plenty of free time through the day. Carry playing cards or video games to play as a household and studying supplies.
The place to Keep in Kenya with Children
Since you’ll be spending plenty of time on the lodge, it is very important discover one that may preserve the complete household comfortable. Don’t anticipate youngsters’ golf equipment or program on the lodge — you’ll be fortunate to have a swimming pool. Keep in mind you’re within the wilderness in any case!
Once we traveled Swaziland and South Africa, we observed that many safari lodges and reserves don’t take youngsters beneath 6, for security motive. However this isn’t the case in Kenya — most lodges listed here are comfortable to take toddlers and infants.
Issues to think about when selecting a lodge on your Kenya household safari:
- Is it a fenced property? Children aren’t allowed to wander on their very own in an unfenced lodge and it may be unsafe at evening when animals wander into the property.
- Are there structural hazards? Sure lodges have open decks that plunge a number of meters beneath.
- Is there a shallow pool or play space?
- Does the lodge have a waterhole? Animals typically go to waterholes to drink, so you’ll be able to simply see animals from the lodge if it has one.
Finest Household Lodges in Kenya
Nairobi Nationwide Park: The Emakoko
The Emakoko is an attractive lodge positioned only a 15-minute drive from the park’s east gate. It’s surrounded by huge savanna and secretly ensconced in a steep valley. We felt like we had been deep within the wilderness, although we had been simply quick drive away from Nairobi. Our spacious household cottage was large and excellent for the three of us. Learn our full evaluation of The Emakoko. Examine the charges.
Lake Nakuru: Lake Nakuru Lodge
There aren’t many lodges positioned contained in the nationwide park, however Lake Nakuru Lodge is without doubt one of the uncommon few. The ecolodge has been round for some time and it’s in want of a revamp, however rooms are nonetheless nicely maintained. The very best characteristic of our room was the balcony, the place we may get unobstructed views of the lake and wildlife. The pool was additionally a great place to hang around. Examine the charges.
Maasai Mara: Sarova Mara Recreation Camp
We discovered an excellent deal on-line for Sarova Mara Recreation Camp and paid round $400 in complete for our 2-night keep. It was undoubtedly an excellent deal because the big-scale household lodge had tastefully designed luxurious tents that had been massive and spacious. It’s undoubtedly an excellent place to remain for a Kenya household safari as there have been many different households in addition to us. The lodge additionally had a swimming pool and good restaurant with worldwide meals. Examine the charges right here.
Diani Seashore: Villa Mandhari
Positioned 500 m from the Indian Ocean, this property provides glorious worth with its trendy and spacious villas for under $60/evening.We liked staying at Villa Mandhari — our 2-bedroom villa was large, the out of doors pool was good and massive, with quite a lot of lounging area. It’s additionally positioned in a peaceable and quiet space, good for households seeking to calm down after spending time within the bush. Examine the charges right here.
Lamu Island: Kizingo
Positioned alongside the sandy Kizingo Seashore, this rustic property stands on the tip of Lamu island the place it meets the Indian Ocean. Kizingo has easy thatched-roof chalets all looking to the ocean. I liked our veranda and swing mattress. However the facilities are primary, and it’s extra appropriate for individuals who need a secluded place and go unplugged. Examine the charges.
Issues to Do in Kenya with Children
Go to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
Among the finest Kenya actions for teenagers is that this elephant orphanage. Elephant calves orphaned by poaching are introduced right here from everywhere in the nation to obtain specialised therapy. Be warned: it will get crowded right here because it’s opened to the general public solely 11am-12pm every day. Entrance is US$7.
You get to study every of the ridiculously cute child elephants and a few of them may even stand up near you. We booked a day tour for $35 and visited this together with the giraffe middle and bomas.
Feed Giraffes on the Giraffe Middle
This giraffe centre, which protects the extremely endangered Rothschild’s giraffe, combines severe conservation with enjoyable actions. You’ll be able to hand-feed and even kiss the giraffes from a raised picket construction, which is sort of an expertise for each adults and youngsters! Entrance is US$15 and youngsters below 3 are $7.50. E book your day journey right here.
See the Conventional Dances at Bomas of Kenya
Bomas of Kenya is a residing museum celebrating the colourful tribes of Kenya.The complicated has a recreated conventional village with homesteads or bomas, every one reflecting the tradition of an ethnic group. There are additionally conventional dance performances on a regular basis.
Go on Recreation Drives in Nairobi Nationwide Park
Inside a 15-min drive from the worldwide airport, you’ll be within the large open grass plains and acacia bush of the nationwide park. Established in 1946, Nairobi Nationwide Park was Kenya’s first. It’s residence to 4 of the Large 5 (besides elephants) and possibilities of seeing them are excessive due to the small dimension. We had a wonderful information right here and noticed loads of animals in simply 2 days! If you’re not staying right here, you’ll be able to e-book a day tour that can embody pickup out of your lodge.
See Flamingos at Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru Nationwide Park is the perfect place in Kenya to see flamingos. 1000’s of flamingos might be seen right here massing within the heat alkaline water to feed on the plentiful blue-green algae cultivated by their very own droppings. As Europe begins cooling in October, migratory birds start to reach and stay within the space till April.
See the Large 5 at Maasai Mara
You’ll be able to’t come to Kenya and never go to the well-known Maasai Mara Nationwide Reserve. This large grassland lies alongside the Nice Rift Valley adjoining to Tanzania’s Serengeti. You might be positive to see animals right here, even throughout wet season. We didn’t see fairly as a lot as I did on my first journey, however we nonetheless noticed lions, cheetahs, giraffes, buffalos and lots of extra animals. Visiting Maasai Mara with youngsters is unquestionably a once-in-a-lifetime expertise.
Go on a Scorching Air Balloon over Maasai Mara
If you wish to do one thing particular in Kenya with youngsters, there’s nothing extra superb than going scorching air ballooning over the Maasai Mara. I’ve been on a scorching air balloon 5 occasions and each single time was superb. Carry your entire household to see the animals from above and luxuriate in a particular champagne breakfast within the bush. Put together to half with $450 for the expertise of a lifetime. E book the expertise right here.
Go to a Maasai Village
Maasai Mara is the land of the Maasai folks, an historical nomadic folks identified to be warriors. Maasai males had been as soon as anticipated to kill a lion to show their energy and manhood. Recognizable for his or her purple robes and beaded jewellery, the Maasai now maintain themselves with tourism and livestock. We organized to go to a Maasai village by our driver and gave a donation of $50. The go to was undoubtedly a humbling expertise for our child.
See Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli Nationwide Park
Topped by Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, the Amboseli Nationwide Park is greatest identified for the spectacular landscapes. The identify “Amboseli” comes from a Maasai phrase which means “salty mud”, and it is without doubt one of the greatest locations in Africa to view giant herds of elephants up shut. Children will get the prospect to see the real-life setting of “Lion King” right here.
Loosen up on Diani Seashore
With its 17 kilometers of flawless, comfortable white sand, Diani Seashore is the most well-liked seashore city in Kenya, for good causes. The comfortable white sand and clear water undoubtedly make this an excellent escape after being on safari. There’s an entire lot to do for the younger ones: from taking part in on the seashore to snorkeling and kayaking.
Snorkel in Watamu Marine Nationwide Park
Inexperienced turtles and distinctive coral gardens – the Watamu Marine Nationwide Park is a wonderful place to go to for water infants. The park is a part of a fancy of marine and tidal habitats with wealthy and various fowl life and dugongs. Apart from water actions, you may also go to the close by Gede Ruins, a twelfth century Swahili village that was deserted 600 years in the past.
Wander round UNESCO Lamu Island
Based within the 14th century, Lamu is the best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa. Crumbling previous forts lie subsequent to elegant rooftop cafés; slim, cobbled streets wind previous intricately carved entrance doorways. Wander by Lamu’s Outdated City, and you can find Indian, Persian, Omani and Portuguese influences seen all through the coral stone homes and spectacular mahogany doorways.
What to Eat in Kenya with Children
The normal meals of Kenya, is as blended and various as its tribes, historical past and landscapes. Every tribal space has its personal specialities, however beneath are among the most typical Kenyan dishes. In case your youngsters are fussy eaters, they’ll be comfortable to know that almost all safari lodges serve western classics like spaghetti and pizzas.
Conventional Kenyan Meals to Strive
- Ugali — This cornmeal is the primary staple of Kenyan meals. The feel is just like that of a dough. It’s eaten at each meal (in an analogous manner you eat rice) and often with stews and greens.
- Irio — One other fashionable dish in Kenya, this mash peas and potato combine is hearty and heavy. It’s often eaten with roasted meat (nyama choma).
- Kenyan pilau rice — It is a flavorful spicy rice dish cooked with spices like cumin, cardamon, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Kenyan stew — Kenyans love every kind of stews: beef stew, goat stew, rooster stew or another animal stew. The sauce often has a tomato base and accented with the important mchuzi combine!
- Nyama Choma — The unofficial nationwide dish of Kenya, nyama choma is roasted meat cooked on the barbecue. Goat and beef are the commonest types of nyama choma, however rooster (kuku choma) and fish (samaki choma) are additionally legitimate decisions.
- Fried fish — Alongside the coast, you’ll discover fried tilapia fish all over the place, typically served with tomato gravy and ugali or rice.
What to Pack for Kenya with Children
Wildlife watching entails plenty of driving so pack a number of books on African wildlife and youngsters’ binoculars to maintain them engaged. One other youngsters’ journey gear that may are available in very helpful on safari is a youngsters digital digital camera. My daughter was tremendous excited to make use of hers on safari!
Recreation drives at all times happen within the early morning and evenings, which may get chilly whatever the time of the yr. In Maasai Mara, morning temperatures can dip as little as 12°C/54°F and day time temperatures attain round 25°C/77°F. Remember to pack layers, and a heat jacket for the morning drives. Select khaki t-shirts and beige cargo pants to mix in with the environment.
One other important merchandise to pack on a Kenya household safari is a primary assist package with primary medicines like paracetamol, antihistamine for reactions to insect bites, medicine for meals poisoning, and rehydration drugs. Listed below are extra particulars on what to pack for safari.
My Packing Listing for Kenya with Children
Well being in Kenya
It’s required to have the yellow fever vaccination to enter Kenya (typically they verify your yellow fever certification on the airport). Urged vaccinations embody meningitis, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and cholera. We acquired our daughter the yellow fever and hepatitis B vaccinations.
Firstly, get the vaccinations as early as you’ll be able to, as some vaccinations are available in doses. The yellow fever vaccination is simple to get (simply seek the advice of your journey physician) and one shot lasts a lifetime. Examine the CDC web site for extra particulars.
Most elements of Kenya are malaria contaminated zones. Each adults and youngsters can take malaria preventative medicine (the most well-liked being Malarone). Notice that malaria drugs aren’t advisable for younger youngsters below 5 years previous and so they can have some unwanted side effects. Our 4.5-year-old can’t often swallow drugs, however we gave her the Malarone with a small chocolate every day. She ended up loving tablet time!
Hygiene/Water in Kenya
Faucet water in Kenya is just not secure to drink. You’ll be able to deliver a Steripen and sterilize faucet water or simply purchase water there. We purchased a giant 5L drum of water at our first day, and it lasted the entire journey.
Meals smart, we ate very nicely within the safari lodges we stayed at. Virtually each safari lodge contains all meals with the keep. Whereas on the highway, it’s often simple to seek out easy meat and rice/ugali dishes or wraps and sandwiches. Kenya’s infrastructure has improved since 10 years in the past (once I first visited) — now you’ll be able to simply discover clear diners at petrol kiosks and in cities.
Watch out about consuming road meals particularly in Lamu, as hygiene might be a difficulty. Keep in mind to pack anti-diarrhea medication and rehydration drugs in case of meals poisoning (see my detailed Safari Packing Listing).
Value of Journey in Kenya
Usually, Kenya is affordable to journey, in case you are touring independently. Meals is reasonably priced in native eateries (lower than $10 per meal) however anticipate to pay extra in eating places.
A Kenya household safari might be costly although — costs for a 4-day tenting journey begins from $450 per particular person. The common price for a funds safari lodge is $100/evening and midrange safari lodge is $300. These charges cowl all of your meals and sport drives. We ended up spending round US$880 on an all-inclusive 2-night keep in Maasai Mara for our household of three.
Nationwide park entrance charges are one other hefty value. They’re charged per day and per particular person (which makes it very costly!). Most safari excursions don’t embody these charges and also you’ll additionally must pay for teenagers above 3. Listed below are the doorway charges for the key nationwide parks:
- Nairobi Nationwide Park: $43 per grownup, $22 per baby per day
- Lake Nakuru: $60 per grownup, $35 per baby per day
- Maasai Mara: $70 per grownup, $40 per baby per day
- Amboseli: $60 per grownup, $35 per baby per day
Sensible Recommendations on Touring Kenya with Children
- If it’s your first time on the African continent, handle your expectations and put together your youngsters for that too. Infrastructure in Kenya has improved lots because the first time I used to be there 10 years in the past, however there are nonetheless sure issues your youngsters may need to get used to, like hole-in-the-ground bogs and bugs within the tents. It’s all a part of the journey!
- Many curio retailers alongside the highways have glowing clear bogs (that’s how they fight to attract within the vacationers), and drivers are inclined to deliver you right here. You’re not obliged to purchase something when you don’t wish to.
- You’ll encounter many vacationer touts when touring in Kenya and a few might be pushy. Simply be well mannered and say no with a smile. Additionally, bargaining is a part of their every day life, they anticipate you to discount.
- Lastly, roads in Kenya should not the perfect. Put together your youngsters for bumpy rides and lengthy, dusty drives. Additionally deliver dramamine for movement illness.
- Don’t pack an excessive amount of into your Kenya itinerary, as youngsters at all times require extra down time. Decelerate your tempo and spend extra time at every location.
- Pack a way of journey and a dollop of endurance as issues transfer slowly in Kenya. Undertake the ‘hakuna matata” (no troubles) perspective and every thing goes to be alright.
A visit to Kenya with youngsters guarantees journey, wildlife and a lot extra. I hope this Kenya household journey information helps you put together for the journey of a lifetime. Remember to ask me any questions you’ll have. Have a blast in your Kenya household safari and tell us the way it goes within the feedback discipline beneath!
Disclaimer: This submit comprises affiliate hyperlinks to firms I exploit and belief. I get a small fee if you click on on my hyperlinks, at NO EXTRA COST TO YOU.
Impressed? Pin it!
