Kenya: a land of wild wonders and family adventures. But where do you start? From game drives on a safari in the most popular national parks in the world to pristine coastal sandy beaches, discovering kid-friendly Kenya isn’t as hard as you think. Let us explore the places where your family can create lifelong memories.
Up-close with wildlife at the Nairobi Animal Orphanage
Located in Nairobi, Nairobi Animal Orphanage is a good spot for children to learn about animals and see animals up close. It’s a place where injured, orphaned and rescued animals are kept safe. The orphanage was setup to rescue injured animals and rehabilitate them till they are healed.
Children can see and learn about animals such as cheetahs, lions, baboons and giraffes. The guides share the interesting facts about the animals to educate them about how they were rescued, the type of diet they feed and many more.
If you visit on the right time kids, can watch animals been fed and even interact with them. This can make kids to have fun as they connect with the wildlife. The orphanage has picnic site and playgrounds where family relax and enjoy spending time together.
The Nairobi Animal Orphanage is a good place for families to enjoy and learn about the animals.
Exploring Mamba village in Nairobi
Mamba village is one of the most unique and kid friendly places to visit. This spot offers a mix of experiences such as wildlife, fun activities and amazing scenery. Hence, it’s a perfect place to take your family to enjoy a day out together.
Mamba village is known for its large crocodile farm. It has hundreds of Nile crocodiles and so many activities for family to enjoy. The village also has serene garden and offers boat rides making it great place.
The sight of both young and adult crocodiles’ amazes kids, learning about their behavior and diets. The kids can even watch feeding demonstrations – this thrilling sight, especially for children is fun action.
Mamba village has variety of tortoises such as Leopard tortoise and Aldabra giant tortoise. These gentle creatures are favorite creatures especially to kids as they can touch, feed and watch tortoises move around. There’s also an opportunity to introduce kids to birdlife as they take a walk around the gardens and watch the different species of birds.
A walk through Kenyan history at the Nairobi Museum
Nairobi National Museum offers fun and educational experiences for kids and adults. It has fascinating exhibits, displays and beautiful surroundings making it a great spot to learn Kenya’s culture, history and wildlife.
The kids can learn about a variety of exhibits that show case Kenya’s wildlife. The displays feature life sized models and artifacts, which is a great way to introduce kids to wildlife found in the national parks. Kids can see the display of various item such as fossils, traditional clothing, jewelry and ancient tools used by early man.
The museum also has exhibits designed to engage kids such as fossil replica to fun puzzles to keep them entertained.
Visit The Giraffe Center to feed the giraffes and maybe even give one a kiss
The Giraffe Centre is one of the top tourist attractions for visitors to Nairobi. Don’t miss the opportunity to spend time with these wild giraffes. As well as a chance to learn all about giraffes in Africa, you will get the chance to feed a giraffe by hand and if you are lucky, even kiss one.
The Giraffe Centre has evolved into one of Nairobi’s most popular tourist destinations. The Giraffe
Sanctuary is a huge protected site where giraffes are able to wander free and safe. Opposite the sanctuary is a 12-acre area of bush where the Giraffe Centre and famous Giraffe Manor are located. The giraffes are really amiable creatures and capturing some memorable shots with them should not be too hard.
A visit at the giraffe center gives kids the chance to play with the giraffes while hand feeding them as they learn about the conservation efforts for the endangered Rothschild giraffes.
Dancing, Crafts and Culture: A Kid-Friendly Maasai Village visit
Located near the Masai Mara National Reserve, these communities warmly welcome families, offering a unique glimpse into their rich culture, traditions and way of life. A visit to the Masai village is a fun and educational experience for family.
Kids can enjoy hearing stories and learning about the Maasai way of life that includes their traditions and unique culture. Explore the Maasai homes known as Enkangs made from natural materials like mud, sticks and grass. It’s a great show for kids to see how Masai live well with the nature. If lucky, they might even get a chance to help in building one.
Kids and visitors can join in for Maasai colorful dances as the Maasai showcase their energetic moves and performance. Kids love seeing bright colors and unique design, Masai women make beautiful beaded jewelry, baskets and unique clothing. Family can engage in bead making and even get the chance to buy these crafts as souvenirs to take back home.
The visitors also get the chance to learn about how to make fire using sticks. A visit to the Masai village is a very interactive session for kids and should be on the top of your travel bucketlist.
Visit The Park That Inspired the Lion King Film: Hells Gate National Park
Whether you first saw the original version back in 1994, are an aficionado of the new photorealistic computer-animated remake, or were dazed by the immensely-popular Broadway show, odds are that if you’ve seen a version of The Lion King, you’ve wanted to go to Africa.
With its stunning designs, enthusiastic tunes, and heart-pulling anecdote about a lion reclaiming his throne, The Lion King is not only a great film, but an incredible showcase for the African landscape and animals that are as beguiling in 2020 as they were in 1994. Before work started on The Lion King, the illustrators visited Hell’s Gate National Park in Kenya to gain inspiration for the designs in the movie.
Hell’s gate is one of the smallest National Parks in Kenya, but its unusual features and charm compensate for what it lacks in size.
It is characterized by diverse topography and geological scenery. The towering cliffs, water formed gorges, a variety of wild animals (such as African Buffalos, Zebras, Elands and Thomson’s Gazelles), over 100 bird species including Vultures, Verreaux’s eagles, Augur buzzards and unique flora give this park an almost magical feel.
Cycling is the most rewarding way to explore Hell’s Gate National Park. It is the only activity other than hiking which allows for really close interaction with the park’s flora and fauna. Relevant information about cycling trails can be accessed at the main gate, Elsa Gate, where you can also hire bikes. If you follow the buffalo cycling circuit look out for the breathtaking views of Lake Naivasha, Mt. Suswa and Mt. Longonot that are visible from the park.
Hell’s Gate National Park offers a truly unique and accessible safari experience for families. Unlike traditional parks, the freedom to explore on foot or by bike creates a sense of adventure that kids will adore.
Learn about conservation of the last Northern White Rhinos on a family friendly safari
Located in the Laikipia Plateau, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a leading example of successful conservation efforts. It is home to the largest population of black rhinos in East Africa and is also known for its pioneering work with the northern white rhinos. The conservancy offers a blend of classic safari experiences and innovative conservation initiatives. Its diverse habitats support a wide range of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, and cheetahs, making it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.
The conservancy can be explored on a game drive where families sight a variety of wildlife. Kids will love this activity as they will love to spot animals and learn about them. Visiting the Rhino sanctuary to see the last two northern white rhinos up close and learning about their conservation giving more insight.
Horseback safaris are an exciting activity for kids and adult to explore the conservancy. The closer view of the animal from the back of the horse gives the best experience to see the landscape.
A walk on the Island of gentle giants: Crescent Island
Crescent Island located on Lake Naivasha offers exciting adventures for kids and adults where visitors can walk alongside the wild animals in a safe and controlled environment. It’s a game sanctuary to many different types of animals that roams freely in the island.
Families can enjoy guided walks with trained rangers who lead through the island’s trails. This walk enables family to spot various animals such as zebras, giraffes, hippos and many more.
Kids can also have fun spotting different species of birds that includes pelicans, eagles and heron. The island offers the perfect opportunity for a photo session. The family takes photos to capture the beauty of nature and wildlife as also take photos of themselves hence creating long-lasting memories.
Witness playful rescued elephant calves feeding at the Sheldrick Orphanage
Located in Nairobi National Park, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a known sanctuary that specializes with rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants. The trust rescues orphaned elephants who have lost their mothers to poaching or other cases. The elephants are raised until they are old enough to be reintroduced in the wild.
One of the most exciting activity is watching the elephants feeding session. Visitors gather to watch the elephant calves enjoy their bottle of milk. The kids will see this playful act of the young elephants as they enjoy their snack making it a fun and interactive experience.
Kids learn unique story of these orphaned elephant and meet the elephants during their visit. They also learn the challenges faced during rehabilitation process, efforts made to stop poaching and how trust works to protect elephants.
A unique experience at the Trust by the family is to adopt an elephant through adoption program. The family choose an elephant to sponsor, support and helping it care and rehabilitation.