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Traveling through Kenya: safari with kids!

In the blog series 'Kenya with Kids', you'll discover how amazing a trip through Kenya can be with your family. There's something for everyone: from active hikes and water sports to relaxing on white sandy beaches, adventurous camping among wild animals, or a tribal trek. In this article, we share tips for the best safari experiences with kids!

Charlie's Travels | Blog | Traveling through Kenya: safari with kids!
Which animals capture your imagination more? A sheep and a house sparrow, or an elephant? The elephant, of course! And where better to admire this majestic creature - and many other iconic animals - than on a safari in Kenya? Experience magical moments with your children, like a baby elephant playfully darting alongside its mother, a lion stalking its prey, or a majestic giraffe suddenly emerging and nibbling on the leaves above your car. Kenya is home to the Big 5 and is incredibly family-friendly, making it the perfect destination for an unforgettable safari adventure with your little ones!

Masai Mara

The Masai Mara is one of the most famous wildlife reserves in Kenya. Although some parents might find it too touristy, it is absolutely fantastic for kids. Big cats, in particular, capture the imagination of little ones, and luckily, in the Mara, you’re almost guaranteed to see lions, cheetahs, and leopards. So, if you're looking for a destination where your children will have the time of their lives, the Masai Mara is definitely a must-visit! "Children find big cats really fascinating, and in the Mara, you’re almost always guaranteed to see lions, cheetahs, and leopards!" leeuwinnen met kinderen

Amboseli

Amboseli National Park is teeming with elephants, and as the cherry on top, it offers a stunning view of the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Amboseli is also the perfect stopover on your way to the coast, and the Amboseli Bush Camp is an amazing place to stay. Relax on the elevated terrace of your accommodation and enjoy a beautiful view of the elephants quenching their thirst at a waterfall. If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience for the whole family, Amboseli is the place to be!

Samburu National Park

The Samburu National Reserve may not be as well-known as some other national parks in Kenya, but it’s definitely worth a visit if you want to spot a wide variety of animals. The reserve is home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, and an impressive 900 elephants. But it also offers the chance to see animals you won’t find easily anywhere else. Think of the rare Grevy’s zebra, the elegant reticulated giraffe, the quirky Somali ostrich, the beautiful gerenuk, and the speedy East African springbok. “Grevy’s zebra? Somali ostrich? You’ll only find them in Samburu.”

Ol Pejeta

If you’re looking for a less touristy park, Ol Pejeta is definitely worth a visit. This reserve is home to the last two northern white rhinos in the world, and it’s different from most parks you might know; it’s spacious, clean, and alongside the usual animals, Ol Pejeta also has a chimpanzee sanctuary. A visit to this chimpanzee-rich nature park is perfectly combined with a road trip through Samburu, which is well worth the journey. Lay down your picnic blanket by the Ewaso Ng’iro river and spot monitor lizards and crocodiles while enjoying your packed lunch.

Nairobi National Park

Don’t feel like sitting in the car for hours before the safari starts? Kenya is the only country in the world with a national park right next to its capital: just outside the bustling center of Nairobi, you can enter the smallest—yet certainly not small—park in the country. With the city’s skyline in the background, you’re guaranteed to see giraffes, buffalo, zebras, and antelope, and spotting lions is more of a rule than an exception. If you’re lucky, a family of endangered black rhinos might even cross the road right in front of your car!

Here’s a little tip from Charlie...

Make sure to have an animal guide with you, so your kids can make a game out of ticking off all the unique animals they spot. With everyone holding binoculars, you can go on safari together and enjoy the beautiful nature and wildlife. "With everyone holding binoculars, you can go on safari together and enjoy the beautiful nature and wildlife."

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