Kenya
For many, Kenya is East Africa in a nutshell. Dramatic landscapes, spectacular wildlife, bustling cities, historic settlements, coral reefs and white sand beaches. Not to mention shopping, from funky curios to quality African art. Whether you spend your family trip observing animals and birds on a wildlife safari or soaking up the southern sun on a beach vacation there is no one way to describe family travel to Kenya. A trip to Kenya with kids is adventure travel, cultural holiday, and just plain fun all rolled into one.... Read More
From the beat of hoofs in the Maasai Mara to a shimming carpet of pink at Lake Nakura, Kenya is a top choice for a family wildlife safari. And the great migration, wildebeast and zebras, and the cacophony of thousands of flamingos aren't the only show. Tsavo, Kenya's largest national park, is touted by many as the best safari destination in Kenya. Spectacular scenary, African 'Big Five' and varied bird life are the main draw at this game reserve. The much smaller Amboseli, renown for its great herds of elephants and views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, offers a great introduction for families with a limited amount of time.
Coral reefs and white sand beaches may be the main attraction for families traveling to the Kenyan coast but they aren't the only. Lamu and Mombasa, once major trading centers in Arab East Africa, offer insight to coast's rich cultural heritage. A trip to the 12th century ruins at Gede, near Watamu, and remote Paté Island provide an opportunity to explore the region's history in a different way. Diani, Watumu and Malindi may be tourist centers but for the discerning tourist the Swahili culture can be experienced here too.
Crime, an unfortunate fact of life, in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, makes it an unfortunate place to transit and an impossible place to explore with children.
From the beat of hoofs in the Maasai Mara to a shimming carpet of pink at Lake Nakura, Kenya is a top choice for a family wildlife safari. And the great migration, wildebeast and zebras, and the cacophony of thousands of flamingos aren't the only show. Tsavo, Kenya's largest national park, is touted by many as the best safari destination in Kenya. Spectacular scenary, African 'Big Five' and varied bird life are the main draw at this game reserve. The much smaller Amboseli, renown for its great herds of elephants and views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, offers a great introduction for families with a limited amount of time.
Coral reefs and white sand beaches may be the main attraction for families traveling to the Kenyan coast but they aren't the only. Lamu and Mombasa, once major trading centers in Arab East Africa, offer insight to coast's rich cultural heritage. A trip to the 12th century ruins at Gede, near Watamu, and remote Paté Island provide an opportunity to explore the region's history in a different way. Diani, Watumu and Malindi may be tourist centers but for the discerning tourist the Swahili culture can be experienced here too.
Crime, an unfortunate fact of life, in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, makes it an unfortunate place to transit and an impossible place to explore with children.
|
History & Culture
Family travel to Kenya provides an opportunity to introduce the kids to Kenya's history from early settlements to modern times. And it offers a chance to teach kids about the country's many cultures of which Masai and Swahili are but two. Learn about food in Kenya and try your hand at a recipe or two before you depart on a trip to Kenya. Ugali, cornmeal porridge, may be the national dish but on the coast curry and chapati reign supreme.
Maps
Maps are a great way to get the kids involved in family vacation planning. Use online maps of Kenya to plot your route to national parks and beach resorts and learn more about the country's geography.
Books
Books are a great way to introduce younger children to your family vacation destination and get teens and tweens ready for a family trip. Get recommended readings lists for travel to Kenya and whether your interest is novels or non-fiction embark on a journey through books. Read book reviews and annotations on children's books about Africa. Learn about Ernest Hemingway's travels to African countries such as Kenya and find out how his experience influenced several of his short stories and books.
Readings Lists
Longitude kids can travel recommends Children's Books on Africa Africa Access Hemingway in Africa Crawfurd Music & Sound
Music is a great way to introduce children to a local culture and embark on a journey through sound. Listen to Kenyan music online and find out more about the trends in the country's popular song from Kenyan Pop to Benga.
News
Read Kenya newspapers online and brush up on Kenyan current events from politics to economics and sports to entertainment before you depart on a family trip. Read Kenya news online and find out what the locals are reading.
Kids' Stuff
Online resources make learning about Kenya fun. Did you know that Nairobi is the capital of Kenya? Or that English is the most widely spoken language? Discover fun and funky facts about Kenya. Learn more about the people, government and land. Explore Kenya's wildlife, animals and birds. Find out what its like to live in Nairobi and test your knowledge before you travel to this exciting corner of East Africa.
|
Recommended Reads for Family Travel to Kenya




