If you’re looking for a perfect family holiday destination that lets you soak in pristine scenery surrounded by wildlife, then Kenya is the place you need to mark on your holiday map. You can relax in incredible picture-perfect locations and discover jaw-dropping wildlife on your Kenya family holiday.
This magnificent country has so much to offer from some of the best game reserves and safaris to unique cultural experiences. So let’s plan the perfect family holiday in Kenya for you that covers family-friendly attractions.
Best game reserves and safaris in Kenya
Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara National Reserve in Narok County Kenya is known for the big five – Masai lion, African elephant, buffalo, African leopard, and rhinoceros in addition to other incredible species like Tanzanian cheetahs. This is one of the most well-protected national reserves and is famous for the Great Migration, wherein scores of wildebeest, zebra, and Thomson’s gazelle migrate to and from the Serengeti from July through October.
If you are looking for a wildlife experience with your family on your Kenyan holiday, Masai Mara should be at the top of your itinerary. And did I mention the Insta-worthy pictures and reels you can click with these beautiful wild animals in their natural habitat?
Amboseli National Reserve
One of Kenya’s most popular national reserves, Amboseli National Reserve is crowned by Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. The wildlife commonly spotted at this reserve includes large herds of elephants and big cats, such as lions and cheetahs. You can also spot eland, giraffe, waterbuck, impala, and gazelle, along with 600 plus species of birds.
Tsavo National Park
Tsavo National Park is Kenya’s largest park and is sliced in two: Tsavo West and Tsavo East. These parks are dotted with savannahs, waterfalls, rivers, volcanic hills, a giant lava-rock plateau, and diverse wildlife.
Tsavo East falls midway between Nairobi and Mombasa. You can see large herds of elephants frolicking in red dust on this side of the park. Galena River, which meanders through the park, provides excellent game viewing opportunities.
Tsavo West has some of the most beautiful scenery in the park. Mzima Springs, which is a series of natural springs with large populations of hippos and crocodiles is among the highlights of this area of the park along with Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary.
Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate National Park owes its name to a prehistoric break in the cliffs and offers a unique take on the national park experience. You can cycle or walk through the park instead of sitting in a car or truck as you come across gazelle, zebra, and buffalo to name but a few of the wildlife attractions this park is home to. These guided walking tours give you a chance to admire the breathtaking surroundings at a leisurely pace.
Mount Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya National Park is located in the Central Highlands, east of the Great Rift Valley. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers you the rare sighting of equatorial snow and is home to the country’s highest mountain, Mount Kenya, at 5,199 meters.
You will be enthralled by the striking scenery in this park which varies from lakes, glaciers, and mineral springs to dense bamboo pockets and alpine forests.
White colobus monkeys, leopards, tree hyrax, and hyenas can easily be spotted at Mount Kenya National Park.
Lake Nakuru National Park
This is one national park in Central Kenya that you would never want to miss. The reason is its huge flocks of pink flamingos that throng on Lake Nakuru itself. The park is home to more than 450 recorded species of birds along with a rich diversity of other wildlife including lions, leopards, warthogs, waterbucks, pythons, and white rhinos. The impressive landscape at the reserve ranges from rocky cliffs and woodland to sweeping grasslands bordering the lake.
Family Safari at Laikipia
If you are traveling to Kenya with your kids in tow, the Laikipia Family safari is a must on your itinerary. This camp has hosted families for the last 20 years and has a huge range of adventurous activities to keep families and kids of all ages, engaged.
Places for a unique cultural experience in Kenya
Nairobi
For those of you, who’re looking for things to do other than a safari in Kenya, you’ll be spoilt for choice in the country’s capital and the largest city – Nairobi. Known for its colorful colonial history, Nairobi has several worthwhile places to visit, the Nairobi National Museum is one of them. It is a great place to add to your Kenya itinerary for learning about its history, culture, nature, and contemporary art.
Mombasa
Mombasa is Kenya’s second-largest city and biggest port. The city reflects a rich cultural mix of British, Portuguese, Arab, Indian, and Asian immigrants, with their influence being evident in the architecture, as well as the varied cuisine you would get to relish here. While Nyali and Bamburi are the favorite beaches down north, Tiwi, Shelly, and Diani Beaches are south Mombasa popular spots.
Lamu Old Town
Lamu Old Town was an original Swahili settlement site and is situated on Lamu Island. This quaint town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where tourists can learn about African culture. The town enjoys anonymity and this is why it is often overlooked by travellers. For a peek into preserved Swahili architecture Lamu Old Town is the ideal pick for your Kenya family holiday. Some of the top attractions on this island include the Donkey Sanctuary, Lamu Fort, and the Lamu Museum, with displays on the region’s nautical history and the Swahili.
Unknown to many, Kenya is not just home to wildlife sanctuaries and safaris but also some fabulous beaches. Lamu Island has one of the best beaches in Africa: Shela Beach. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or your partner, this beach is perfect for basking in the sun or for adventure sports like kitesurfing!
Planning a luxury family holiday in Kenya
Planning is the key to having a good Kenya family holiday and you need to be clear about your choices. It will help you save time and have a memorable trip.
1. Decide on the type of vacation and budget
A higher budget could get you more time in the parks with a stay planned at luxury safari lodges. If you are on a not-so-high budget, you can opt for wildlife viewing opportunities closer to popular tourist sites such as the Masai Mara National Reserve or the Laikipia Family Safari.
2. Choose the right family accommodation
If you are on a family holiday and seeking the best comfort and luxury, you can go for family-styled lodges and resorts. For adventure lovers, there is also the option of booking a treehouse or a tent
3. Create memories
While kids will love the wildlife safari experience, it is a good idea to give them a peek into the culture of Kenya. You can add Nairobi, Mombasa, or Lamu Old Town to your itinerary for this.
4. Choose a travel advisor
By organizing your Kenya family holiday with the help of a good travel advisor, you can ensure that you wouldn’t miss out on the must-see locations and national parks.
Ready for your beautiful family holiday in Kenya?
You can be sure you will experience the adventure of a lifetime with a Kenyan safari and its stunning landscapes, spectacular wildlife, and unique cultures. It’s guaranteed to be a unique holiday experience that you and your family will cherish forever!
As a travel blogger, Mirela Letailleur has garnered a reputation as an expert in creating unforgettable family travel experiences. With a passion for exploring unique and off-the-beaten-path destinations, Mirela has gained a wealth of knowledge and insider tips on planning the perfect family trip to Kenya. Her expertise in this area is showcased through her travel blog, The Travel Bunny, where she shares practical and affordable travel advice to families looking to embark on a memorable adventure in Kenya.
As an experienced traveler and problem solver, Mirela has developed a reputation for creating bespoke itineraries that cater to the interests and needs of families traveling to Kenya. Her free travel guides are a testament to her commitment to sharing her expertise with others, and her genuine desire to help families create lifelong memories. So if you’re seeking an unforgettable travel experience, Mirela Letailleur is the go-to expert for planning the ultimate family holiday in Kenya.
After planning the ideal family holiday in Kenya, check out
10 exciting things to do in Nairobi as a tourist
Vacation to Africa – a travel guide for your first trip
Namibian safaris: Why you need a private guide