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How to Plan an Awesome Family Trip for an Unforgettable Experience in Kenya – Explore the African Wilderness

Planning a family trip to Kenya, with its breathtaking wildlife and landscapes, can be quite a task. You need to think about finding the best safari spots that everyone will love, from toddlers to teens, and then there's the hunt for family-friendly lodges. It's a bit of a jigsaw puzzle. But luckily for you, this guide is here to do your work for you, so read on!

Safaris in Kenya - Image via Flickr

Best Time to Go

When you're thinking about the best time to visit Kenya, June to October is usually the golden window. During these months, you can pretty much say goodbye to rain, and the daytime temperatures are comfortably warm – not too hot, not too cold, just right. But here's the best part: thanks to Kenya's diverse geography and moderate climate, it's actually a fantastic place for a safari or beach holiday any time of the year. So, whether you're looking to spot wildlife on the savannah or soak up the sun on the coast, Kenya has you covered, no matter the season.

Where to Stay

Now, this one is tricky. Accommodation is an important part of a family holiday, especially if you have your kids in tow. But the best thing about Kenya’s accommodation sector is that it caters to everyone, whether you’re a family, a couple, or a solo traveller. So, if you take your time and start looking for accommodation as early as possible, you will stumble upon a great deal that offers both affordability and comfort. Make sure it’s a place that caters to kids – some hotels offer kids' clubs to keep kids occupied while the adults are out and about.

Should You Sign up for a Safari?

Yes and no – it’s completely up to you. But here’s some perspective:
If you want to explore Kenya without having to worry about transportation, finding your way around, navigating local attractions, and your safety, you probably should call SkySafari. But if you’re confident that you can do all that on your own, hurray to you! But tailored luxury safaris in Africa are often the best bet for a family.

Lake Safari

Take your kids for an adventure at Lake Naivasha. It's an amazing spot! You’ll all be on a boat, gliding across the lake, spotting hippos and loads of different birds. Sounds amazing, doesn’t it?

And guess what? You can also hop on bikes and explore the wide-open wilds. It's safe too, since there aren't any big carnivores like lions, leopards, or cheetahs around. Plus, Hell's Gate National Park, just south of the lake, is the go-to place in Kenya for biking.

Walking Safari

Long drives while game viewing might wear out the kids. How about switching things up with a walking safari? It's the best way to get up close with the wildlife.

Imagine your kids wandering through places like Loisaba Conservancy and Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia, or even some camps in Maasai Mara. They offer guided walking safaris, so you can all safely explore the wild and see the animals right up close.

And there's Hell's Gate National Park – it's pretty unique in Kenya because it lets you do walking safaris without a guide. You can just walk or cycle around, hanging out with zebras, giraffes, and other friendly animals that aren't predators.

The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

If you're looking for a great activity for your kids, you should definitely check out the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi. It's a hit with the little ones! They'll absolutely adore seeing the cute elephant calves, and some might even come up close for a truly memorable experience.

The best experience is watching the baby elephants during feeding time. Plus, the kids will be fascinated by the stories of how each elephant was rescued. They do amazing work rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants and rhinos, and then they reintroduce them into the wild.

Visit a Village

If you're keen on having your kids learn about local cultures during your trip to Kenya, you should definitely consider visiting a Maasai village. The Maasai are known for their vibrant clothing and impressive dancing skills. It's sure to be a real treat!