Kenya is primordial. Its geography, culture, traditions, languages, and people are closely integrated with the natural world. This East-African safari paradise can charm the old and the young alike.
Caine Prize winner Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor once said, “Kenya is an immense land with a capacity for healing.” It has a unique geography that makes it the perfect holiday destination in Africa.
You will be spoilt for choice between the vastness of savanna grasslands and the tropical white sand coastline of the Indian ocean.
There are photogenic expanses of the Rift Valley and adventurous treks to tropical glaciers on Mt. Keny for the more enthusiastic travellers.
Kenya can be a great place for your kids to understand and stay close to nature. While being the most accessible country in Africa, Kenya has plenty of children attractions to keep your kids in awe.
It is where they get to see the Big Five (African Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, and Rhinoceros) in their natural habitat.
Your kids can also learn a lot about wildlife conservation with several notable animal centres and orphanages that allow safe human interaction with giraffes, rhinos, and elephants. Here are the five best destinations in Kenya that you can travel to with kids.
Masai Mara
Masai Mara is wildlife unlimited. Notable wildlife documentaries like African Cats, The Ivory Game, Our Planet, and Big Cat Tales were shot in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
It is a unique wildlife conservation haven famous for being at the heart of the Great Wildebeests Migration.
Safari Drive: This is a must-do in the Mara, and you should book a full-day trip to the Mara River, where you have increased chances of spotting wildlife.
You can return or enjoy a nights’ stay at luxurious camps inside the reserve. Most game drives are done in either safari van, usually Mazda Bongo and Toyota Hiace with an open roof, or the Toyota land-cruiser customized for game viewing.
Hot Air balloon: A lifetime experience for your kids where you can see the entire savanna horizon and explore wildlife from miles away through binoculars in the air.
Masai village visit: Visit nearby villages and interact with the iconic Masai tribe to know their tradition, culture, and unique way of life.
Lake Nakuru
It is one of the Rift Valley lakes surrounded by cliff rocks and quaint ridges.
An abundance of algae in the lake attracts flocks of flamingos, creating an ethereal shade of pink over the lake.
Although the lake is a bird lovers’ Garden of Eden, you can go south to camp in wildlife-rich campsites.
Famous activities to explore the wonder of this lake are
Watch Pink Flamingos: The place is iconic for the view of millions of flamingos nesting along the shores.
Along with it, visitors can also view Great Blue-eared starling, Great white Pelican, Hottentot teal, Greater and Lesser flamingo.
The best season to watch is November and May.
Makalia Falls: For an offbeat camp, Makalia Falls is a dream destination. It is best enjoyed when water is in full flow after a rainy season between March to May.
Viewpoint Nakuru Lake: Also known as “Out of Africa Lookout,” this viewpoint gives you a charming view of the entire Lake Nakuru National Park. It gets its name from the film “Out of Africa”, which inspired the safari culture.
Diani Beach
Diani Beach is Africa’s dearest coastline for party lovers, marine enthusiasts, honeymooners, and families with kids.
Shored away from the city crowds of Mombasa, this beach town is a perfect choice to soak the tropical sun.
Scuba Diving: To see the beauty of Diani beach, you need to dive deep. The clear waters provide an excellent escapade into the marine ecosystem of coral reefs, fishes, and even shipwrecks.
Sky diving: With miles of coastline on one side and the endless expanse of the Indian Ocean on the other, skydiving in Diani is bound to be a lifetime experience.
Spa and Resort Luxury: Diani has been gentrified to include some of the best five-star resorts with fun activities. Treasure-hunt for hidden food joints, unwind at hip pubs, and destress in any of the local spas; there is something for everyone in Diani.
Amboseli National Park
Among the Big five, if you want to witness large elephant herds, Amboseli National Park should definitely be on your list. It is also known as “Home of the African Elephants” and is set against the majestic peak of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The best time to visit this place is when the climate is warm and dry, that is, July to October. Activities you can undertake for a memorable trip are-
View of Mount Kilimanjaro: If you want to see the remarkable snow-capped view of the highest mountain of Africa, then this is the “right place.”
Birdwatcher’s paradise: This place is not only famous for elephants, zebras, and wildebeests but is also a Birdwatcher’s paradise. Famous birds like- African jacana, Goliath heron, Grey-crowned Crane, etc., can be found here.
Tsavo National Park
Tsavo National Park is the oldest and largest national park in Kenya.
It is a wilderness settlement for animals like Bushbuck, Dust-red Elephants, Rhino, Lion, Leopard, Yellow baboon, Vervet monkey, which are among the 300+ recorded animal species found in this park. Activities unique to this place are-
Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary: Kenya is not only known for a large amount of wildlife but is also a guardian of many endangered species.
The critically endangered Black Rhinos are preserved in the scenic Tsavo National Park, located at the foothills of Ngulia Hill. This is a must-visit for conservation enthusiasts. s
Shetani Caves and Lava Flow: A unique topology can be found just kilometres away from the Tsavo National Park.
The earth here showcases volcanic remains that local folklore claims to be the work of the Devil himself. This place can be a hotspot of adventure for hikers and travel vloggers.
Einstein rightly said, “Look deep into nature, and you will understand everything better”. Kenya gives you and your kids a wonderful opportunity to experience Mother Nature at its very best.
Lost within its wilderness are lessons in human evolution and the story of our ancestors. This makes Kenya a top destination for a quintessential African tourism destination.
