Best places for family safaris in Kenya
Best places for family safaris in Kenya : Children can have a fantastic (and safe) view of the wildlife on a safari by riding in a vehicle with an open roof. If there was ever a word to arouse a child’s desire to travel, it is this one. In addition to bringing to mind pictures of animals such as lions, elephants, zebras, and all the other childhood favourites, it simply exudes the promise of adventure. Yes, there will be dust, heat, early morning wake-up calls, and even the occasional frustrating game drive where all you see is a lone warthog escaping with its tail raised high like a stubborn victory flag creating a fun family safari tours experience to be remembered.
However, Kenyans have perfected the safari long enough to ensure that family requirements are met; after all, this is where they originated (the word “safari” means “journey” in Swahili). During your holiday safari tours it is important to divide your vacation between a safari and a stay on Kenya’s reef-fringed coastline to experience both kenya safari tours and the beach holiday vacations. Choosing a safari in Kenya may cause you to become mired in complications like the proverbial hippo. Operators provide everything, including low-cost camping trips to Lake Turkana and specialised birdwatching programmes. But there is one safari route that is unbeatable for family outings. It combines the best wildlife viewing locations in the nation with family-friendly lodgings and the least amount of time spent travelling.
Nairobi
Nairobi is the only capital city in the world with a national parks right outside its vicinity. What makes Nairobi number one destination for family safari tours is its proximity to the airport and the plenty of accommodations options that could fit into your preferences, leave your belongings there, and ten minutes later you may be in the lovely, undervalued Nairobi National Park viewing lions or black rhinos among other common wildlife species in Kenya such as impalas, wildebeests, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, bushbucks, spotted hyenas and others. You may also visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Sanctuary, which provides care for orphaned elephants and rhinos, Bomas of Kenya for best Cultural tour experience, where you’ll have a one place to sample all the Kenyan diverse cultures and heritage. There is also a giraffe centre , where you’ll learn more about giraffes and even have a chance to feed them with pellets.
Mt. Kenya
Naro Moru, a tranquil retreat for walks, horseback safari tours, and fishing, is situated deep in the forest on the western slopes of 5,200-meter Mount Kenya. The nearby Ol Pejeta Conservancy is exceptional since it is the only location in Africa where you can observe both chimpanzees and the big five. Ol Pejeta’s Chimpanzee Sanctuary provides a rare glimpse into the misfortunes of these adorable monkeys despite the fact that chimpanzees are not native to Kenya and are instead brought here as orphans from other nations. This is one of the best locations for family safari tour destinations in Kenya.
Naivasha
One of the best places to visit in Kenya for holidays is Naivasha. This stunning lake south of Nakuru is home to an entirely distinct variety of fish and birds. With over 350 species of birds, including herons, kingfishers, and ducks, the freshwater Naivasha is surrounded by papyrus, however there is not a single flamingo. This is one of the best birdwatching safari destinations with several bird watching sites around the lake. Visit the Elsamere Conservation Centre, formerly the residence of the late Joy Adamson of Born Free, to learn about the ecosystem of the lake. The two-hour walk up adjacent Mount Longonot can be appealing to older kids who need to burn off some energy.
What makes Naivasha a best spot for family safari tours is its short drive distance from Nairobi and plenty of tourist attractions in the region from Hell’s Gate National Park, The Crescent island, Elsamere Conservation Centre, boat safaris in lake Naivasha to hiking Mount Longonot.
Maasai Mara National Reserve
If you travel to Kenya for family safari tours between July and October, you might arrive at the best time to Kenya’s best wildlife reserve during the Great Migration, when 1.5 million wildebeest, a few hundred thousand zebra, and Thompson’s gazelle migrate from their breeding grounds in Tanzania’s Serengeti to the northern hemisphere. It is during this time that most people visit the park and many tour operators offer the great migration safari tours to the regions where the great migration takes place especially along the Mara river where crossing is one of the most spectacular sights in the Mara. However, even without the migration, the Mara offers fantastic wildlife watching, first-rate lodging, and a chance to interact with the Maasai.
Amboseli National Park
The main attraction of this renowned park is its over 1,500 elephants, home to the Big Five unmatched game viewing with a magnificent back view of mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa and the only free standing mountain in the world. Matriarchal herds and lone ‘large tusker’ bulls graze the region’s generally parched plains, where dust devils whirl against a hazy Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop. Spotted hyenas are the predominate hunters in Amboseli, far outnumbering lions. Climb Observation Hill for sweeping views of Amboseli Lake, where closer study you will see hippos, buffalo and elephants that are wallowing in muck, as well as a variety of water birds.
Other great places for family safari tours include, Aberdare National Park, Samburu National Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park combining both game viewing and bird watching because of its throughout flamingos presence offering one of the best bird spectacle in the world.
The Kenyan coast
Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline is a seductive combination of coral sand beaches and blue lagoons, making it the ideal place to relax after a safari and clear the dust from your ears. Families with limited time can base themselves at the shore and yet go on safari thanks to the proximity of some outstanding game reserves.
Kenya North coast
Nyali, Bamburi, Shanzu, Kikambala, Vipingo, Takaungu, Kilifi, Watamu, and Malindi are the beaches on the north coast. Malindi, Nyali, Mtwapa, and Watamu are all sizable towns.
Travel to Watamu to the turtle conservation project that the Local Ocean Trust has established. Between January and April, a number of species lay their eggs on the beaches in this area. The most well-known resort along this length of coast is Malindi, which provides glass-bottom boat trips and snorkelling excursions in Malindi Marine National Park. Inland, you may explore Gedi, the ruins of a Swahili trading post from the 13th century, and go on a guided walk to see some of the several hundred bird and butterfly species that call Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve home. The effort to get farther north to the picturesque and hospitable Lamu archipelago is definitely worth it. Spend a day exploring the islands in a traditional sailing dhow, get lost in the meandering lanes that snake through Lamu Town’s World Heritage Site, and then relax on Shela Beach.
South Coast of Kenya
Every type of water sport imaginable is offered along the beaches of Diani and Tiwi, including banana boat excursions, kitesurfing, and scuba diving. There is also no lack of places to stay. Families often choose the large seafront resorts because of their swimming pools and kid-friendly amenities, but you should also take into account the variety of smaller, more private beach cottages. Shimba Hills National Reserve, a protected area of coastal woodland nearby, is home to colobus monkeys and sable antelope. The community-run Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary, which is adjacent to the reserve, offers postcards made from recycled elephant dung in addition to viewing gigantic elephants.
