Kenya is the best place in East Africa to take kids on a wildlife safari. There’s so much to do, the weather is lovely, prices are fair, and Kenyan culture is highly child-friendly. Enjoying moments such as gazing upon an elephant in Amboseli National Park, getting up close and personal with giraffes on Nairobi’s outskirts, unwinding on Watamu’s white sand beaches, riding a wooden donkey cart on Lamu Island, or discovering the Maasai community while touring the Masai Mara.
Don’t hesitate for a second if you’re considering taking your kids on Kenya tours and safaris and are worried about how they’ll react; you can count on them (and yourself) to love Kenya. This article covered various activities and places kids will love to explore.
Why is Kenya kid-friendly?
In a nutshell, practically everything. Kenya is a lovely vacation spot for children of all ages. Your most significant problem will probably be working out how to fit in everything you’d like to do. Highlights include walking on Mount Kenya and observing wildlife while floating on a dhow (traditional sailboat).
Nairobi offers excellent healthcare, and shops are well-stocked, so it’s easy to find baby food, formula milk, bottled water, and diapers.
While there aren’t many facilities explicitly designed for kids, some hotels and restaurants offer baby-changing rooms, and at those that don’t, it’s usually simple to locate a quiet area. The vibrantly colored kanga, kikoi, and other widely used fabrics are portable and convenient to use as a ground covering when changing a baby.
Moreover, you can use them as wraps to travel like the Kenyans and carry your little passenger on your back. Using a stroller is impossible in most places due to uneven or nonexistent pavements; this is a more convenient solution.
Both private taxis and ride-hailing applications, such as Uber, are excellent options for moving around safari from Nairobi to Mombasa. Hiring a private vehicle with a driver, renting a self-drive rental car, or making travel arrangements through your safari company are all family-friendly ways to get to other parts of the nation.
When renting, remember to check if any child seats are available beforehand. Long-distance buses and trains, including stops at Amboseli and Tsavo parks, are available for parents and adventurous children seeking transportation between Nairobi and Mombasa.
Where in Kenya are the most incredible places to travel with children?
Nairobi National Park, located just outside the city, is the best location to start if you’re in Kenya just for the wildlife. You may go southeast and southwest to some of the larger parks.
There are many locations along the coast for beach activities and pleasure, such as the areas around Wasini, Diani, Watamu, and Lamu. History buffs will like Lamu’s and Nairobi’s museums. Older teenagers seek more strenuous excursions like hiking, rafting, and mountain biking in and around the capital. They might also enjoy trekking on Mount Kenya.
Top Things to do in Kenya for young children:
Nairobi’s Giraffe Centre offers a simple introduction to Kenya’s animals for young children. There are numerous opportunities to get up close with the giraffes, as they are active throughout the day.
The beaches around the coast are fantastic places for families to go, with the beaches in Diani and Watamu being, especially kid—and baby-friendly. Most coastal resorts have swimming pools and breathtaking views, and the soft sand is ideal for playing in and creating sand castles. There are also various spots with sheltered water.
Highlights for tweens and teens include bush walks, night game drives, and safari experience. Amboseli, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, and the Masai Mara are popular family animal attractions.
River rafting, mountain biking, and trekking on Mount Kenya are options for older, more daring teenagers who want to push themselves. Savage Wilderness is a terrific choice because its professionals arrange rafting and kayaking for riders aged 12 and above and cycling tours throughout the Masai Mara.
Teens and tweens looking for a more laid-back experience can consider SUPing around Watamu, snorkeling at Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park & Reserve, or visiting Lamu Island for a laid-back introduction to Swahili culture that includes a visit to the noteworthy Lamu Museum. When you return to Nairobi, the historical displays of the Nairobi National Museum are particularly worthwhile seeing.
The best activities for families:
Visit Nairobi National Park first; you will almost certainly see animals there. While you’re there, don’t miss the opportunity to feed the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s orphaned elephants.
Glass-bottom boat rides at Diani Beach Safari and the comfortably fading Turtle Bay Beach Club are longtime favorites among Watamu’s younger population.
Learning about Maasai culture is an additional highlight. In addition to the numerous Maasai people you may encounter while exploring the area, children can visit a Maasai town and discover traditional practices, such as at the kid-friendly Oldarpoi Mara Camp.
Planning Advice
Since 2024, all African nationals have been able to visit Kenya without a visa. You must need visas for individuals from other nations, which should be requested in advance via the Kenyan government’s e-portal. Although they don’t need a visa, children under 16 must be listed on their parents’ application and have a valid passport.
Verify the policies of some lodges and campgrounds in wildlife regions before making a reservation, as some may not allow small children. If a business does accept families, always enquire about child discounts.
You can purchase most goods in Nairobi, but it’s a good idea to pack a lightweight jacket and kid-friendly bug repellant from home, particularly if you’re going somewhere like Kenya safari tours other than the coast.
Conclusion
Offering a mix of wildlife adventure, cultural interaction, and lovely beaches, Kenya is an outstanding destination for families looking to go on safari. From the most breathtaking safaris, from Nairobi National Park to Diani beach safari and Watamu, Kenya is perfect for children of all ages. It is a very children-friendly country with excellent health facilities and diverse activities to suit every interest. If you plan a family vacation, it’s such moments that your kids in Kenya will treasure forever.
Kenya promises memories that your kids will cherish forever. With African Memorable Safaris, you can ensure those memories are sewn in care and expertise. We major in well-packaged tours tailored toward families eyeing some unforgettable experiences across Kenya. Our services cut across customized safari packages that ensure all ages’ safety, comfort, and adventure. From experienced guides to luxury accommodations, child-friendly itineraries, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in Kenya—with such a great diversity of wildlife, we ensure that it is an enjoyable experience for every family member. From a game drive in the Masai Mara full of thrill to relaxed beach holidays on the Kenyan coast, rest assured that our services are seamless and rich in travel experience. Book your dream family safari today.