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.
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.
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Kenya hotels and accommodation
Che Shale, Malindi
Type of Accommodation: lodge / cabin / hut
Malindi, Coast tel: +254 722 230931
Far from the throngs in Malindi, Che Shale isn't just for kite surfers and the lunch crowd. The six en-suite thatched rooms have a distinctive local touch. The food is excellent and local flavors prevail. Snorkeling is best from December to March. Silt from a nearby river turns the water a murky brown from June through October.
   Tamarind Village, Mombasa
Type of Accommodation: vacation rental / self-catering
Mombasa, Coast tel: +254 (0) 41 474600
The 2 and 3-bedroom full service apartments at the Tamarind Village offer a distinctive view of Tudor Creek and Mombasa's Old Town. Located next to the award winning Tamarind Restaurant, this 'resort' is ideal for families transiting through Mombasa or touring the city's Old Town. Air-conditioned.
     Diamond Beach Village, Manda Island
Type of Accommodation: lodge / cabin / hut
Manda Island, Coast tel: +254 720915001
The Diamond Beach Village may be a stone's throw from the Peponi but it is a world away. The six bandas (huts) made out of local materials are truly down-to-earth. The restaurant serves fresh but simple fare. And the emphasis is on ecotourism. Of note: There is no beach at high tide.
 New Lamu Palace Hotel, Lamu
Type of Accommodation: hotel / motel
Lamu, Coast tel: +254 42 633272
Situated on the edge of Lamu town, the 22-room New Lamu Palace Hotel offers modern convenience but very little local charm. The street level terrace is great place to relax and watch the comings and goings along the waterfront. The clientele is predominately Italian.
 Petley's Inn, Lamu
Type of Accommodation: hotel / motel
Lamu, Coast tel: +254 42 633272
Built in 1946, the 11-room Petley's Inn was Lamu's first hotel. While the hotel oozes with colonial charm, it shows its age notwithstanding a complete restoration in 2006. The terrace and rooftop bar offer views of Lamu's bustling waterfront and Manda Island across the channel. Air-conditioned.
 Amboseli Porini Camp, Selenkay Conservation Area
Type of Accommodation: camping / caravan
Selenkay Conservancy, Rift Valley tel: +254 (20) 7123129
The six tent Amboseli Porini Camp caters to just 12 guest at a time. What this safari camp lacks in luxury it makes up for in nature. And there are no minibus safaris here. Wildlife viewing takes place in an open-side landrover. Children 6 and up.
  Baytil Ajaib, Lamu
Type of Accommodation: hotel / motel
Lamu, Coast tel: +254 121 32033
This delightfully restored townhouse - 2 apartments and 2 suites - is the most upscale accommodation in Old Town Lamu. The charm is in its simplicity. All rooms open on to the courtyard and nooks call out to weary travelers in search of tranquility. Families can be accommodated in the superior suite only.
Kijani House Hotel, Shela
Type of Accommodation: hotel / motel
Lamu, Coast 80500 tel: +254 42 633235/6/7
The Kijani House Hotel in Shela is both elegant and unassuming. Situated on the footpath between Lamu town and Shela, the hotel's whitewashed walls and rich brown door veil ten stylishly decorated rooms and a lush tropical garden. Rates are B&B, half and full board.
  Ol Tukai Lodge, Amboseli National Park
Type of Accommodation: resort
Amboseli National Park, Rift Valley tel: +254 (20) 4445514
The area surrounding the Ol Tukai Lodge in Amboseli is one of the best spots in the world to watch elephant. Yet this 80-room safari lodge is not for families in search of an 'Out of Africa' experience but those seeking the comforts of a resort.
   Peponi Hotel, Shela
Type of Accommodation: hotel / motel
Lamu, Coast 80500 tel: +254 (0) 42 633421/2/3 or
The small, 24-room Peponi Hotel in Shela is the preferred address of the hip crowd on Lamu Island. If money is no object that is. Situated on a promontory, Peponi offers commanding views of Manda Beach. At high tide, there is no beach. The hotel restaurant is excellent, the prices European.
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