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.