Last Updated on March 11, 2024
Traveling Kenya with children is usually a life-changing expertise for each you and your children. Here is my information to planning an ideal Kenya household safari.
For adventurous households, Kenya makes a wonderful introduction to Africa. The nation is dwelling 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 children. Granted, roads in Kenya might be horrible and poverty remains to be a difficulty in Kenya. But there’s a lot the youngsters can achieve 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 optimistic perspective, and also you’ll be sure you have an epic journey in Kenya with children. For these planning a Kenya household journey, right here is my full information with the finest issues to do, the place to remain and what to pack for Kenya with children.
Kenya with Kids Guide
Why Travel Kenya with Kids?
From my expertise, journeys that revolve round nature and wildlife are all the time an enormous hit with children. Nature is the best playground for youths and Kenya certain has loads of it.
Kenya is among the high African nations for wildlife watching. It is dwelling to the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, a stomping floor for hundreds of animals migrating throughout its plains annually through the annual migration. For the last word Kenya household safari, come nose to nose with big elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro within the backdrop at Amboseli National Park, or see hundreds of flamingos fly above Lake Nakuru.
Kenya can be blessed with a surprising shoreline — plan in some enjoyable time on Diani Beach or cultural walks within the Swahili city of Lamu island in your Kenya itinerary, and your children will thanks for it! Make certain to learn this text on issues it is advisable know earlier than touring to Kenya.
Is It Safe to Travel Kenya with Kids?
It is comprehensible to be involved about security in Kenya with children. After all, Nairobi has a excessive crime charge and it has skilled a number of bombings in recent times. But you may simply keep away from the town centre and keep within the quiet outskirts or Nairobi National Park (15-min drive from airport).
Beyond the large metropolis, it’s usually very protected within the nationwide parks and nature reserves. You is perhaps apprehensive about your children’ security on safari after seeing movies of cheetahs leaping onto safari jeeps, however such issues not often occur. Animals normally favor to maintain their distance from human beings. As lengthy as we don’t disturb the wildlife, they gained’t disturb us.
The larger problem is well being and hygiene attributable to malaria and yellow fever dangers and meals contamination. It is necessary to have the yellow fever vaccination to enter Kenya (you’ll be requested for proof). But one shot lasts a lifetime. Refer to my part on well being in Kenya for particulars.
Travel Visa for Kenya
Most nationalities together with US, UK, EU and Canada residents want a visa to enter Kenya. You can simply apply for an evisa on-line. Single-entry visas price $51 and can help you keep for 3 months. Note 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 embrace nationals from Singapore, Malaysia, San Marino, South Africa. Here is the total record.
Good information: Children aged 16 and under do not require a visa to enter Kenya, no matter nationality.
How to Get to Kenya
The essential gateway to Kenya is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBP), round 11 miles (18km) from Nairobi’s CBD.
I discovered a tremendous deal on-line: Amsterdam – Nairobi – Seychelles and return for slightly below €600 ($670). I realized concerning the airfare promo on Fly4Free.com and booked it manner prematurely.
You can usually discover flights from New York to Nairobi by way of Istanbul for round US$750 return. For these in Europe, you may fly direct from London to Nairobi (9hours) for round $550 return.
Search for Cheap Flights to Kenya
When to Travel Kenya with Kids
The finest time to journey Kenya is from July to October, that are the very best wildlife viewing months. The wildebeest migration normally reaches the Masai Mara in July and stays till October. But observe that that is excessive season and sure parks can get crowded.
Rainy season runs from March to May, throughout which some lodges and camps shut down. During excessive rainfall, it may be exhausting to see animals as they gained’t have to go in quest of water.
November to February are good instances 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. However, 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 brought about numerous flooding.
How Long to Travel Kenya with Kids?
There’s rather a lot to do in Kenya for youths. I like to recommend spending at the very least two weeks in Kenya so you may discover at a cushty tempo.
I’d advise planning 2-3 nights at every nationwide park. Kids can get bored with safari in the event you schedule too many days at every camp. At the identical time, you don’t need to be shifting round an excessive amount of and spending simply 1 evening at every place. Read extra of my recommendations on happening African safari with children.
Mix up your Kenya itinerary with some leisure time alongside Kenya’s lovely coast. Diani Beach is Kenya’s hottest seaside city, however there are many cities alongside the coast price visiting, together with Malindi, Nyali and Watamu.
2 Weeks in Kenya with Kids
- Days 1 – 3: Nairobi
- Days 3 – 5: Lake Nakuru
- Days 5 – 7: Maasai Mara National Reserve*
- Days 7 – 10: Relax on Diani Beach
- Days 10 – 13: Explore Lamu Island
- Day 14: Fly Home!
1 Week in Kenya with Kids
- Days 1 – 3: Nairobi
- Days 3 – 5: Lake Nakuru
- Days 5 – 7: Maasai Mara National Reserve
*TIP: Maasai Mara is the very best reserve in Kenya, however it’s a 6-hour drive from Nairobi and Lake Nakuru. To go someplace nearer, the very best different is Amboseli National Park, a 4-hour drive away.
How to Get Around Kenya with Kids
By Plane
The finest option to get from Nairobi to the coast is on the home airline, Kenyan Airways. It is inexpensive 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. But 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 Car Rental
Roads in Kenya aren’t in the very best situation and visitors round Nairobi is a nightmare. You would want a 4WD to drive into the nationwide parks. Renting a Toyota Land Cruiser normally prices round $200-300/day.
I wouldn’t advise driving in Kenya with children, except you’re very skilled driving 4WD. My husband Alberto has pushed in lots of nations, and even then, we determined to ebook transport with our lodge (which comes with a driver) because it price the identical as renting a 4WD.
Search for Car Rental in Kenya
By Hiring a Driver
What you are able to do as a substitute is to ebook a safari lodge/camp and prepare a “road package” by means of them. The bundle features a driver, 2 sport drives per day throughout your keep on the lodge in addition to pick-up and drop-off from any resort 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 possibility and have been tremendous for it. But 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, ebook an all-inclusive safari tour. (More particulars right here).
Travel Kenya Independently or on Guided Tour?
If it’s your first time on an African safari with children, I like to recommend reserving a safari bundle that features an skilled wildlife information. A information is aware of the place to identify the animals and may share a lot of fascinating details about every animal.
It’s additionally vital to ebook with accountable tour firms which have insurance policies in place to string fastidiously. Check out this 8-day Kenya household safari from Intrepid Travel. It’ll be an ideal alternative to journey with different households and your children will make lifelong mates. The minimal age to affix is 5.
Another journey price testing is that this 8-day National Geographic Kenya safari journey from G Adventures. I’ve traveled with them many instances (to Antarctica, Brazil, Nepal and so forth) and every journey has been epic! You also can mix Kenya with Tanzania, and be part of this Kenya and Tanzania tenting safari. The minimal age to affix is 12.
Budget Kenya Family Safari
To avoid wasting cash, we booked the safari lodges ourselves and organized transport by means of them. These highway packages nonetheless price round US$150-250/day, however they embrace a driver, pickup from Nairobi, and a couple of sport drives/day.
If you’re on a good price range, I recommend exploring Nairobi independently and reserving price range safari excursions departing from Nairobi. Note that these 3/4-day excursions are normally tenting safari. That means you’ll truly be tenting and sleeping in small 2-person tents. This was what we did after we first backpacked East Africa 10 years in the past.
Things to Know about Kenya Family Safaris
There is simply one thing so particular about happening an African safari with children — I’ll always remember the awe in my daughter’s children when she noticed her first giraffe. For children like Kaleya who love animals, Africa is pure magic.
However, they’re children in spite of everything. Remind them to be affected person on sport drives — wildlife reserves aren’t zoos. Animals roam freely and sightings aren’t all the time assured. You may additionally come throughout predators searching or feeding on their catch, warn your children that it will probably get graphic. Read my recommendations on happening safari with children.
Game drives normally happen round daybreak and sundown, as animals are probably the most lively throughout these instances. That means early wake-up calls at 5am. Because of the sport drive schedule, your loved ones may have a lot of free time through the day. Bring playing cards or video games to play as a household and studying supplies.
Where to Stay in Kenya with Kids
Since you may be spending a lot of time on the lodge, you will need to discover one that may hold the complete household joyful. Don’t count on children’ golf equipment or program on the lodge — you’ll be fortunate to have a swimming pool. Remember you’re within the wilderness in spite of everything!
When we traveled Swaziland and South Africa, we seen that many safari lodges and reserves don’t take children under 6, for security motive. But this isn’t the case in Kenya — most lodges listed below are joyful to take toddlers and infants.
Things to think about when selecting a lodge to your Kenya household safari:
- Is it a fenced property? Kids 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? Certain lodges have open decks that plunge a couple 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 may simply see animals from the lodge if it has one.
Best Family Hotels in Kenya
Nairobi National Park: The Emakoko
The Emakoko is a lovely lodge positioned only a 15-minute drive from the park’s east gate. It is surrounded by huge savanna and secretly ensconced in a steep valley. We felt like we have been deep within the wilderness, although we have been simply quick drive away from Nairobi. Our spacious household cottage was large and excellent for the three of us. Read our full evaluation of The Emakoko. Check the charges.
Lake Nakuru: Lake Nakuru Lodge
There aren’t many lodges positioned contained in the nationwide park, however Lake Nakuru Lodge is among the uncommon few. The ecolodge has been round for some time and it’s in want of a revamp, however rooms are nonetheless effectively maintained. The finest characteristic of our room was the balcony, the place we might get unobstructed views of the lake and wildlife. The pool was additionally a great spot to hang around. Check the charges.
Maasai Mara: Sarova Mara Game Camp
We discovered an ideal deal on-line for Sarova Mara Game Camp and paid round $400 in complete for our 2-night keep. It was positively an excellent deal because the big-scale household lodge had tastefully designed luxurious tents that have been massive and spacious. It’s positively an ideal place to remain for a Kenya household safari as there have been many different households moreover us. The lodge additionally had a swimming pool and good restaurant with worldwide meals. Check the charges right here.
Diani Beach: Villa Mandhari
Located 500 m from the Indian Ocean, this property provides glorious worth with its fashionable and spacious villas for less than $60/evening.We liked staying at Villa Mandhari — our 2-bedroom villa was large, the outside pool was good and large, with quite a lot of lounging house. It’s additionally positioned in a peaceable and quiet space, excellent for households seeking to loosen up after spending time within the bush. Check the charges right here.
Lamu Island: Kizingo
Located alongside the sandy Kizingo Beach, this rustic property stands on the tip of Lamu island the place it meets the Indian Ocean. Kizingo has easy thatched-roof chalets all searching to the ocean. I liked our veranda and swing mattress. But the facilities are fundamental, and it’s extra appropriate for individuals who need a secluded place and go unplugged. Check the charges.
Things to Do in Kenya with Kids
Visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
One of the very best Kenya actions for youths is that this elephant orphanage. Elephant calves orphaned by poaching are introduced right here from everywhere in the nation to obtain specialised remedy. 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 would possibly 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 Center
This giraffe centre, which protects the extremely endangered Rothschild’s giraffe, combines severe conservation with enjoyable actions. You can hand-feed and even kiss the giraffes from a raised picket construction, which is kind of an expertise for each adults and children! Entrance is US$15 and children underneath 3 are $7.50. Book your day journey right here.
See the Traditional Dances at Bomas of Kenya
Bomas of Kenya is a dwelling museum celebrating the colourful tribes of Kenya.The advanced 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 Game Drives in Nairobi National Park
Within a 15-min drive from the worldwide airport, you’ll be within the broad open grass plains and acacia bush of the nationwide park. Established in 1946, Nairobi National Park was Kenya’s first. It’s dwelling to 4 of the Big Five (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 aren’t staying right here, you may ebook a day tour that may embrace pickup out of your resort.
See Flamingos at Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru National Park is the very best place in Kenya to see flamingos. Thousands 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 Big Five at Maasai Mara
You can’t come to Kenya and never go to the well-known Maasai Mara National Reserve. This huge grassland lies alongside the Great Rift Valley adjoining to Tanzania’s Serengeti. You are certain 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 children is unquestionably a once-in-a-lifetime expertise.
Go on a Hot Air Balloon over Maasai Mara
If you need to do one thing particular in Kenya with children, there’s nothing extra superb than going scorching air ballooning over the Maasai Mara. I’ve been on a scorching air balloon 5 instances and each single time was superb. Bring your complete household to see the animals from above and revel in a particular champagne breakfast within the bush. Prepare to half with $450 for the expertise of a lifetime. Book the expertise right here.
Visit a Maasai Village
Maasai Mara is the land of the Maasai individuals, an historic nomadic individuals identified to be warriors. Maasai males have 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 means of our driver and gave a donation of $50. The go to was positively a humbling expertise for our child.
See Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli National Park
Crowned by Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, the Amboseli National Park is finest identified for the spectacular landscapes. The identify “Amboseli” comes from a Maasai phrase that means “salty dust”, and it is among the finest locations in Africa to view massive herds of elephants up shut. Kids will get the possibility to see the real-life setting of “Lion King” right here.
Relax on Diani Beach
With its 17 kilometers of flawless, smooth white sand, Diani Beach is the preferred seaside city in Kenya, for good causes. The smooth white sand and clear water positively make this an ideal escape after being on safari. There’s an entire lot to do for the younger ones: from enjoying on the seaside to snorkeling and kayaking.
Snorkel in Watamu Marine National Park
Green turtles and distinctive coral gardens – the Watamu Marine National 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 numerous fowl life and dugongs. Besides 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
Founded within the 14th century, Lamu is the best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa. Crumbling outdated forts lie subsequent to elegant rooftop cafés; slim, cobbled streets wind previous intricately carved entrance doorways. Wander by means of Lamu’s Old Town, and you will see Indian, Persian, Omani and Portuguese influences seen all through the coral stone homes and spectacular mahogany doorways.
What to Eat in Kenya with Kids
The conventional meals of Kenya, is as combined and numerous as its tribes, historical past and landscapes. Each tribal space has its personal specialities, however under are a number of the most typical Kenyan dishes. If your children are fussy eaters, they’ll be joyful to know that almost all safari lodges serve western classics like spaghetti and pizzas.
Traditional Kenyan Food to Try
- Ugali — This cornmeal is the principle staple of Kenyan meals. The texture is much like that of a dough. It is eaten at each meal (in the same manner you eat rice) and normally with stews and greens.
- Irio — Another common dish in Kenya, this mash peas and potato combine is hearty and heavy. It’s normally eaten with roasted meat (nyama choma).
- Kenyan pilau rice — This 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, hen stew or some other animal stew. The sauce normally 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 hen (kuku choma) and fish (samaki choma) are additionally legitimate decisions.
- Fried fish — Along 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 Kids
Wildlife watching includes a lot of driving so pack a couple of books on African wildlife and children’ binoculars to maintain them engaged. Another children’ journey gear that may are available in very helpful on safari is a children digital digicam. My daughter was tremendous excited to make use of hers on safari!
Game drives all the time happen within the early morning and evenings, which might 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. Be certain to pack layers, and a heat jacket for the morning drives. Choose khaki t-shirts and beige cargo pants to mix in with the environment.
Another important merchandise to pack on a Kenya household safari is a primary help equipment with fundamental drugs like paracetamol, antihistamine for reactions to insect bites, remedy for meals poisoning, and rehydration drugs. Here are extra particulars on what to pack for safari.
My Packing List for Kenya with Kids
Health in Kenya
It is required to have the yellow fever vaccination to enter Kenya (generally they verify your yellow fever certification on the airport). Suggested vaccinations embrace meningitis, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and cholera. We obtained our daughter the yellow fever and hepatitis B vaccinations.
Firstly, get the vaccinations as early as you may, as some vaccinations are available in doses. The yellow fever vaccination is straightforward to get (simply seek the advice of your journey physician) and one shot lasts a lifetime. Check the CDC web site for extra particulars.
Most components of Kenya are malaria contaminated zones. Both adults and children can take malaria preventative remedy (the preferred being Malarone). Note that malaria drugs aren’t advisable for younger children underneath 5 years outdated and so they can have some unwanted side effects. Our 4.5-year-old can’t normally swallow drugs, however we gave her the Malarone with a small chocolate every day. She ended up loving tablet time!
Hygiene/Water in Kenya
Tap water in Kenya is just not protected to drink. You can carry a Steripen and sterilize faucet water or simply purchase water there. We purchased an enormous 5L drum of water at our first day, and it lasted the entire journey.
Food smart, we ate very effectively within the safari lodges we stayed at. Almost each safari lodge consists of all meals with the keep. While on the highway, it’s normally straightforward to search 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 may simply discover clear diners at petrol kiosks and in cities.
Be cautious about consuming avenue meals particularly in Lamu, as hygiene might be a difficulty. Remember to pack anti-diarrhea medication and rehydration drugs in case of meals poisoning (see my detailed Safari Packing List).
Cost of Travel in Kenya
In normal, Kenya is affordable to journey, if you’re touring independently. Food is inexpensive in native eateries (lower than $10 per meal) however count on 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 charge for a price range 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.
National park entrance charges are one other hefty price. They are charged per day and per particular person (which makes it very costly!). Most safari excursions don’t embrace these charges and also you’ll additionally have to pay for youths above 3. Here are the doorway charges for the main nationwide parks:
- Nairobi National Park: $43 per grownup, $22 per youngster per day
- Lake Nakuru: $60 per grownup, $35 per youngster per day
- Maasai Mara: $70 per grownup, $40 per youngster per day
- Amboseli: $60 per grownup, $35 per youngster per day
Practical Tips on Traveling Kenya with Kids
- If it’s your first time on the African continent, handle your expectations and put together your children for that too. Infrastructure in Kenya has improved rather a lot for the reason that first time I used to be there 10 years in the past, however there are nonetheless sure issues your children might 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 struggle to attract within the vacationers), and drivers are likely to carry you right here. You’re not obliged to purchase something in the event you don’t need to.
- You will encounter many vacationer touts when touring in Kenya and a few might be pushy. Just be well mannered and say no with a smile. Also, bargaining is a part of their every day life, they count on you to cut price.
- Lastly, roads in Kenya aren’t the very best. Prepare your children for bumpy rides and lengthy, dusty drives. Also carry dramamine for movement illness.
- Don’t pack an excessive amount of into your Kenya itinerary, as children all the time require extra down time. Slow down 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. Adopt the ‘hakuna matata” (no troubles) perspective and all the things goes to be alright.
A visit to Kenya with children guarantees journey, wildlife and a lot extra. I hope this Kenya household journey information helps you put together for the journey of a lifetime. Be certain to ask me any questions you could have. Have a blast in your Kenya household safari and tell us the way it goes within the feedback discipline under!
Disclaimer: This publish 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.
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