Masai Mara National Reserve is always the top place to visit in Kenya during a family vacation. But did you know there are so many other places in Kenya to see? There are and you won’t want to miss many of them. If you are thinking about a family vacation in Kenya, you will want to keep in mind the best places in Kenya to visit. Spending time in just a few of these destinations will have you making memories with your family, as you go on thrilling adventures. Today, I am going to share the best places in Kenya to see during your next family vacation. I guarantee at least a couple of them will check off all the boxes for you.  

Best Places in Kenya to See During a Family Vacation 

Masai Mara National Reserve 

Since I already mentioned Masai Mara, I thought I would share this destination first. Most people love to visit this area during the Great Migration. That is when millions of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope travel between here and Serengeti.  

If you miss the Great Migration, there are still plenty of things to do in Masai Mara. I recommend heading down to the Mara River. At the river, you can watch hippos bathing in the water. Keep an eye out though. Crocodiles spend lots of time in the river too. And those crocs will think nothing of coming after you like they go after wildlife.  

Other animals you can see during a Masai Mara safari include cheetahs, leopards, and lions.  

Amboseli National Reserve 

There are quite a few national reserves in Kenya. This is excellent news if your family loves to spend time out in nature!  

Amboseli is a dry area of Kenya. However, inside this national reserve, you will find sulfur spring wetlands, woodlands, and savannahs too.  

This is the best place in Kenya to visit if you want to see large groups of elephants. Other wildlife living in this unique area include giraffes, impala, gazelle, waterbuck, and eland.  

While in Amboseli, visit the Maasai people if you can. These locals can share lots of information about this part of the country.  

Tsavo National Park 

Tsavo National Park is the largest park in Kenya. It is divided into two sections. Those sections are called Tsavo East and Tsavo West. Tsavo East is located between Nairobi and Mombasa. Elephants spend their time in that section of the park rolling around in the red dust.  

Tsavo East is also where you will find the Yatta Plateau, Mudanda Rock, and Lugard Falls.  

Over in Tsavo West, hippos can be found in Mzima Springs. Rhinos live within the Ngulia Rhino Santuary. And the Chaimu Crater is a fabulous spot for birdwatching.  

Lake Nakuru National Park 

Thousands of flamingos can be seen wading in Lake Nakuru, which is within Lake Nakuru National Park. That isn’t the only wildlife you will see in this park though. More than four hundred fifty other species of birds call this park home.  

Other wildlife you will spot inside Lake Nakuru National Park include pythons, warthogs, and leopards. Oh, and don’t forget about the elusive white rhinos!  

Make sure you have your camera with you during a visit to this park. It happens to be the largest euphorbia candelabrum forest on the continent of Africa. The tall succulents add quite the statement to an otherwise arid and barren destination.  

Lamu Island 

Lamu Island is a historic island in Kenya. People have been living on this island since the 12th century. I recommend starting your visit by wandering around the labyrinth of streets. Pay close attention to the intricate carvings on the wooden doors, as well as the coral stone buildings. Stop in the hidden courtyards if you can find them. And talk to the locals in between your sightseeing adventures.  

Making memories is easy when you spend time on this small island in Kenya.  

Lake Naivasha 

A trip to the Great Rift Valley will have you spending time at Lake Naivasha. Head out onto the lake in a boat for the best experience. Giraffes, zebras, and buffalo can often be seen grazing at the edge of the lake. Hippos spend a lot of their time in the lake, splashing around.  

Make sure you look up into the trees. That is where you will spot numerous birds, as well as colobus monkeys.  

Nairobi  

One of the best places in Kenya to visit during a family vacation is Nairobi. Spending time in the city is an excellent way to reflect on your time out on safari. While in Nairobi, your family can visit museums, wander around the city streets, and check out the local markets.  

Not too far from the center of the city is Nairobi National Park. A quick fifteen-minute drive will have you amongst the wildlife within this national park. Head out on the Nairobi Safari Walk to see the animals. Or choose a traditional safari by vehicle.  

Before you leave the park, check out the rhino sanctuary and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery. The latter is home to orphaned elephants. Watch the staff bottle feed the babies. Then decide to adopt an elephant and help support them until they are able to be released back into the wild.  

Malindi 

Over in Malindi, you can relax on the beach if you need a little downtime. Of course, if you don’t want to stop seeing what Kenya has to offer, head to the two pillar tombs from the 14th century or the Church of St. Francis Xavier.  

Marafa Depression is not too far away from Malindi. Those sandstone gorges were sculpted by the rain and winds.  

Hell’s Gate National Park 

Hiking is only one of the family friendly activities you can do in Hell’s Gate National Park. When you head out on your first hike, consider going to the Obsidian Caves, Hell’s Gate Gorge, or Fischer’s Tower, which is a former volcanic plug.  

You’ll never know when you will stumble across a natural geyser or hot spring in this park. Just keep an eye out for the wildlife while here. They can be directly in front of you without a moment’s notice. 

These are the best places in Kenya to see during a family vacation. Choose your destinations carefully if time is short or see them all during a longer family trip. I can help you decide which places in Kenya should be at the top of your list, as I am creating a personalized family vacation itinerary for you.  

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your trip to Kenya or another destination?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click on the link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

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