Imagine taking your kids on vacation to a place where they can kiss a giraffe, spot a lion roaming the savannah from afar, and play in pristine waters while a few local monkeys jump between trees!
This is exactly the kind of experience you’ll enjoy in Kenya!
Now, a common question families ask is whether Kenya is a family-friendly destination.
And the answer is that Kenya has significantly improved its infrastructure over the last few years, making it an excellent destination for families. The country offers many family-friendly activities, from safari tours and hikes in natural parks to snorkeling and sailing adventures.
Got you intrigued?
Fantastic!
To help you plan an unforgettable trip or get your kids interested in visiting one day, here are seven things to do in Kenya with kids.
Go On A Safari
This is the quintessential Kenyan experience, so we had to start this post with a Kenya safari tour.
The stunning East African country is home to a wide range of wild animals, from giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest to cheetahs and even panthers! But what most travelers and families are after when traveling to the Kenyan savannah is a sight of one of the “Big Five”: the East African lion, the Cape buffalo, the African elephant, the black rhinoceros, and the leopard.
They’re called the “Big Five” because early hunters considered these five species the most challenging and dangerous to hunt.
Taking your kids on a safari in one of the many stunning Kenyan reserves and parks will make for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and allow you to create unforgettable memories together.
Visit The AFEW Giraffe Center
The AFEW Giraffe Center is located in Lang’ata, which is a 20 mn drive from the capital, Nairobi. The center opened its doors in 1979 and was originally founded to save a particular subspecies of the giraffe; the Rothschild giraffe.
After saving two young giraffes, Daisy and Marlon, from poachers, the team decided to bring them to the center, where passionate volunteers raised the calves. Today, the center welcomes visitors from all around the world to teach them all about the Rothschild giraffe and the importance of animals for the ecosystem.
Not only is the center a great way to teach your kids about wildlife, nature, and the importance of protecting animals, but visiting this unique sanctuary is also a fantastic way to support the conservation efforts of the team.
And guess what?
Your children might even be able to kiss a giraffe during their visit! Pretty cool, right?
Dance With The Maasai
Did you know that the Maasai tribe is one of the oldest tribes populating East Africa? The first mention of the tribe dates back as far as the 15th century!
Including the visit of a Maasai village to your trip is a no-brainer if you want to immerse yourself into the country’s traditions and culture and enjoy an authentic experience.
The Maasai people still live in their old ways respecting their traditions and proudly wearing their famous red, purple and blue shukas. And this is an incredibly enriching experience for adults and children wanting to learn more about Kenyan tribes and their way of life.
What’s more, the Maasai people still perform a welcome dance when greeting visitors, and you might even be able to join in as you step into their village!
How’s that for an authentic Kenyan experience?
Witness The Great Wildebeest Migration
If you can plan your family holiday in Kenya in August, we’d recommend that you do it.
Every year, from August to October, millions of wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras travel from the Serengeti area in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara region in southwestern Kenya in a quest for water and nutritious grass. The migration is the largest herd movement of animals on Earth and is so impressive that it can even be seen from space!
Naturally, the passage of so many wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles also draws famished predators such as lions, crocodiles, or cheetahs to join the show and try to score dinner.
Visit The Gedi Ruins
Gedi is a small historic town located 95 km (59 miles) north of Mombasa. It was founded in the 15th century by the Swahili people, who only used rocks and stones to build it. The place was listed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1927, and the careful preservation of the town allows visitors to still admire the village’s original foundations to this day.
Once there, you’ll be able to see some tombs, the ruins of century-old Swahili homes, the Great Mosque, and the « Well of the Great Mosque », which was most likely used for ablutions. And you’ll also discover a fifteenth-century palace.
Gedi ruins make for a truly inspiring and exciting trip back in time!
Swim At Diani Beach
With its long stretch of powdered sand, luxuriant palm trees, crystal clear waters, and spectacular coral reef, Diani Beach is the perfect spot to spend a day with the kids.
There are plenty of activities in Diani Beach for families.
Along with swimming, snorkeling, and fishing, you will be able to hop onto a bike tour and even spot some local monkeys lazing around in the trees at the nearby Gongoni Forest Reserve!
And if you’re in for a little cultural visit during your time at Diani Beach, head to the nearby Kongo Mosque. It was built in the 15th century and is really worth seeing. And so are the beautiful gardens surrounding the site and their incredible baobab trees.
Hop Onto A Dhow Cruise
A dhow is a sailing boat mainly found in the Indian Ocean region that used to be used to transport goods. They are easily recognizable by their settee sails and lengthy hull.
Instead of letting these authentic ships disappear, Kenyans now offer visitors sailing tours aboard one of these beautiful vessels. This allows travelers to experience the beauty of the Kenyan isles that make up the stunning Lamu archipelago at their own pace.
Watching the sun rise or set aboard a dhow is truly magical.
Want To Get Your Kids Curious About Kenya?
One of the best ways to spark your kid’s interest in a specific country is to teach them a little bit about the country in a fun and engaging way.
And for that, we have exactly what you need!
At The Landmark Kids, we believe culture and geography are essential because they allow your children to get a global perspective on the world around them. That’s why, every month, we design mystery subscription boxes for children aged between 9 and 13+. These mystery boxes are all about getting your kids to explore a new country by solving clues, puzzles, and mysteries.
And this month, our mystery box is about Kenya!
Sound like an exciting adventure? Sign up now and get your subscription box mailed right to your door! We look forward to having you embark on The Landmark Kids adventure and travel to faraway lands from the comfort of your own home!