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.
Kenya hotels and accommodation
Diamond Beach Village (Lodge)
Diamond Beach Village may be a stone's throw from the Peponi but it's a world away. There is nothing pretentious about this eco-resort. But that's its beauty. The grass beach huts called bandas are truly basic. The restaurant serves fresh but simple fare. It's all quiet at 10pm. There is littl ... Read More
Diamond Beach Village may be a stone's throw from the Peponi but it's a world away. There is nothing pretentious about this eco-resort. But that's its beauty. The grass beach huts called bandas are truly basic. The restaurant serves fresh but simple fare. It's all quiet at 10pm. There is little but sand on this side of the channel. Family Travel Tips: The twin banda sleeps 4; the family banda sleeps 6. There is no beach at high tide. Bring water shoes and lots of bug spray. It's a 10-minute dhow trip to Shela, 20 minutes to Lamu. Diamond Beach Village is one of two hotels on Manda beach.
Manda Island
Alfredo De Simone
Che Shale (Lodge)
Che Shale is remote, rustic and intimate, from 4pm to 11am. The dynamics of this thatched roof Robinson Crusoe-style lodge change dramatically with the arrival of the lunch crowd and kite surfers. But you needn't stroll far to find privacy. Che Shale is the only hotel on the bay! Family travel tips: Che S ... Read More
Che Shale is remote, rustic and intimate, from 4pm to 11am. The dynamics of this thatched roof Robinson Crusoe-style lodge change dramatically with the arrival of the lunch crowd and kite surfers. But you needn't stroll far to find privacy. Che Shale is the only hotel on the bay! Family travel tips: Che Shale has 5 budget bandas and 5 stylishly decorated huts. The food is excellent. Snorkeling is best from December to March; silt turns the blue bay a murky brown from June through October.
Che Shale, Malindi
Alfredo De Simone
Tamarind Village (Self-Catering)
Tamarind Village is a top stay in Mombasa. The 2 and 3-bedroom full service apartments offer a distinctive view of Tudor Creek and Mombasa's Old Town. The award winning Tamarind Restaurant is located next door. Tamarind Village is a ten-minute drive from tourist attractions. This self-catering accommodation has two swimming pools and a surprisingly well-kitted fitness club. ... Read More
Tamarind Village is a top stay in Mombasa. The 2 and 3-bedroom full service apartments offer a distinctive view of Tudor Creek and Mombasa's Old Town. The award winning Tamarind Restaurant is located next door. Tamarind Village is a ten-minute drive from tourist attractions. This self-catering accommodation has two swimming pools and a surprisingly well-kitted fitness club. It is located in a secure part of town. What's more, it is air-conditioned.
Tamarind Village, Mombasa
Alfredo De Simone
Petley's Inn (Hotel)
Built in 1946, Petley's Inn is a Lamu landmark. It's the town's oldest hotel and is colonial in style. The terrace and rooftop bar claim exceptional views of Lamu's bustling waterfront. Problem is, this 11-room inn is looking worn. The renovation in 2003 didn't make it modern or quirkily c ... Read More
Built in 1946, Petley's Inn is a Lamu landmark. It's the town's oldest hotel and is colonial in style. The terrace and rooftop bar claim exceptional views of Lamu's bustling waterfront. Problem is, this 11-room inn is looking worn. The renovation in 2003 didn't make it modern or quirkily colonial but rather left it looking dumpy. Family travel tips: The rooms are noisy. The penthouse is the only room large enough for extra beds. Air-conditioned. The pool is too small to swim.
Petley's Inn, Lamu
Alfredo De Simone
New Lamu Palace Hotel (Hotel)
New Lamu Palace Hotel is ideal for families that put a premium on location. The hotel sits on the quay. It's situated on Lamu's eastern edge and start of the footpath to Shela. And while the New Lamu Palace Hotel isn't the island's most exclusive, it offers modern convenience and is tastefully ... Read More
New Lamu Palace Hotel is ideal for families that put a premium on location. The hotel sits on the quay. It's situated on Lamu's eastern edge and start of the footpath to Shela. And while the New Lamu Palace Hotel isn't the island's most exclusive, it offers modern convenience and is tastefully decorated. The terraces, street level and rooftop, are great places to relax and watch the comings and goings along the waterfront. What's more, the hotel is clean. Family travel tips: The small rooms have air-conditioning and mosquito nets. The bathrooms are basic. The clientele is predominately Italian, so is the food. Airport transfers are included in the room rate.
Lamu Palace Hotel, Lamu
Alfredo De Simone
Kijani House Hotel (Hotel)
Hotel Reviews
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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.
Kijani House Hotel, Shela
Peponi Hotel (Hotel)
Hotel Reviews
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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.
Peponi Hotel, Shela
Mark Vorwerg courtesy Peponi Hotel
Baytil Ajaib (Hotel)
Hotel Reviews
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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.
Amboseli Porini Camp (Camping & Caravan)
Hotel Reviews
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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.
Ol Tukai Lodge (Resort)
Hotel Reviews
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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.
