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🐘 Kenya Safari: Into the Wild with Family
This time we chose to explore Kenya through a guided safari tour. This made the trip smoother and stress-free. With private 4×4 jeeps, experienced local guides and family-friendly stops, it allowed us to relax and fully experience the wilderness. We visited in March, when the weather was pleasantly cool and perfect for game drives and outdoor excursions.
Kenya, being famous for its safaris, offers so much more. Vibrant cities like Nairobi, rich cultural experiences with the Maasai and other tribes, scenic lakes like Naivasha, unique landscapes like Hell’s Gate and fascinating local markets. From watching hippos wander into hotel lawns at night to witnessing traditional Maasai dancing, every day brought a new side of Kenya to discover beyond just the wildlife.
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
We landed in Nairobi on a Saturday evening and were greeted by our tour guide who drove us to the hotel. The roads were smooth and surprisingly traffic-free for a capital city. There was plenty of greenery along the way which gave the city a relaxed feel right from the start.
We stayed at Mövenpick Hotel & Residences. The hotel was comfortable, clean and perfect for a short city stop. Since we reached after 5 PM most local markets were already winding down. So we just went for a short stroll nearby, grabbed a few snacks and eased into vacation mode.
Finding vegetarian food was easy. The hotel had a good spread with warm meals, fresh fruits and plenty of continental options. It was a great way to kick off the trip.
Day 2: Off to Masai Mara – Safari Begins
We began our 5-hour journey to Masai Mara after breakfast, entering the reserve via the Musiara Gate. As soon as we crossed into the park, a leopard lounging under a tree greeted us. Our safari luck had begun!
We checked into Keekorok Lodge, one of the oldest safari lodges in the Mara. The setting was pure magic surrounded by wilderness, with animals freely roaming near the property. In fact, after 7 PM, we were advised to call for a security escort any time we stepped out of our room. This was a reminder that we were truly in the wild.
We were lucky enough to catch a traditional Maasai jumping dance performance there. The locals, dressed in bright red attire, sang and danced with incredible energy, offering us a vivid glimpse into their rich culture and traditions.
Our evening safari was unforgettable. We spotted a cheetah calmly perched on a tree, eyes locked on grazing deer nearby. We also saw elephants, impalas, giraffes, zebras and more.
The lodge offered excellent vegetarian options at every meal. From soups and salads to curries and pasta, fresh, filling and kid-friendly too.
Day 3: A Day Deep in the Wild
We started the day early with a morning game drive. The first thing we spotted was a pride of lions lazily lying under a tree, completely unbothered by our presence. We also spotted wild buffaloes, hippos, ostriches, jackals, hyenas and many more.
Instead of returning to the lodge for lunch we stayed out the entire day. We drove all the way to the Tanzania border. This was a dreamlike moment as we stood just steps away from the Serengeti side.
We had packed our meals and had a picnic lunch in the middle of the wilderness. By now we had seen four of the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo. The rhino remained hard to pin down but the variety and volume of wildlife we encountered more than made up for it.
Keekorok Lodge remained a comfortable and scenic stay. After 7 PM, as a safety measure we were advised to call for a security escort when walking outdoors, since wildlife could wander close to the property.
During dinner that night, we enjoyed a traditional Maasai dance performance. The locals, dressed in bright red attire sang and danced with incredible energy, sharing a glimpse of their rich culture.
Day 4: Drive to Lake Naivasha & Sunset on the Water
After breakfast, we checked out and drove to Lake Naivasha. The landscape changed beautifully along the way. From open plains to lush green lakeside views.
We arrived at Lake Naivasha Country Club, a colonial-style retreat nestled along the lakefront. In the evening, we took a boat ride gliding past hippos, waterbirds, and even spotting African fish eagles in action.
At night, the real surprise began! Hippos from the lake strolled onto the hotel lawns to graze. Guests are strictly asked to call for a security escort after 7 PM, and it felt thrilling to be that close to the wild. Safely, of course!
Dinner again featured great vegetarian dishes, including Kenyan stews, pasta and fresh grilled vegetables.
Day 5: Hells Gate National Park
We spent the day exploring Hell’s Gate National Park, known for its dramatic cliffs and geothermal steam vents. You can walk or cycle through the park, a rare opportunity to be among wildlife without a vehicle.
We walked alongside giraffes, zebras, gazelles, and wildebeests in the open. There were no predators here, just open grasslands and grazing animals. A perfect spot for photography and quiet connection with nature.
Day 6: Giraffe Centre & Farewell to Kenya
After breakfast, we drove back to Nairobi, and spent the afternoon at the Giraffe Centre, where we got up close with the beautiful Rothschild Giraffes. It was fun feeding them and learning about conservation efforts.
We then headed to the airport with beautiful souvenirs, hearts full of memories and camera rolls full of wildlife.
🧒 Kid-Friendly Highlights from Our Kenya Safari 🐾
- Giraffe Centre, Nairobi – Feeding giraffes by hand is a gentle and exciting experience. Kids love the tickly feel of their long tongues and enjoy learning about giraffe conservation in a fun setting.
- Masai Mara Safari – Spotting animals like lions, elephants, zebras and cheetahs in their natural habitat feels like being inside a nature documentary. The thrill of a real-life safari keeps kids wide-eyed and curious.
- Maasai Cultural Experience – Watching the traditional Maasai jumping dance is lively and colourful. Kids are drawn to the bright clothes, rhythmic singing and high jumps, making it a fun cultural moment.
- Lake Naivasha Boat Ride – Gliding on the water past hippos and birds is a calm adventure. Seeing animals from a boat adds a unique twist and spotting hippos up close always gets a big reaction.
- Wildlife on Hotel Grounds – Staying in places like Keekorok Lodge and Lake Naivasha Country Club means kids might spot animals like zebras, monkeys or even hippos right from the room safely, of course! It adds excitement to the stay and makes bedtime stories come alive.
- Hell’s Gate National Park – Walking or cycling near zebras and giraffes without being in a jeep is unforgettable. The open paths, steam vents and rocky cliffs feel like a natural playground for adventurous families.
- Touching the Tanzania Border – Standing at the edge of Masai Mara where it meets the Serengeti is a cool geographical moment. Kids love the idea of being just steps away from another country.
- Picnic in the Wild – Having lunch out in the middle of the reserve surrounded by nature adds a sense of fun and freedom. It is not every day that mealtime includes views of giraffes or gazelles walking by.
- Souvenir Moments – Local markets, beadwork and hotel gift shops offer colourful, handmade items that are perfect for kids to remember their adventure by.
🌿 Best Time to Visit Kenya
Tip:
Make sure to carry binoculars to help spot animals from a distance. It really enhances the safari experience.
Best Time: July to October
Dry season with the Great Migration in Masai Mara. Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals gather around water sources.
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Good Alternative: January to March
Another dry season with great game viewing and fewer tourists. A bonus is spotting newborn animals in the wild.
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Avoid (If Possible): April to May
Long rainy season. Roads get muddy, lodges may close, and game drives are limited. Still beautiful for birdwatchers and green scenery lovers.
March Travel (Like Our Trip)
Transition season. Lucky animal sightings possible, but weather is unpredictable. Expect cold mornings, warm days, and some rain.
Tip:
Always pack layers, especially for early morning safaris, and don’t forget a rain jacket if you’re traveling between March–May or October–November (short rains)
Getting Around Kenya
Private Safari Jeeps (4x4) – Best for Wildlife Trips
Most travellers exploring national parks (like Masai Mara, Amboseli or Naivasha) book a guided safari package, which includes a private 4x4 Land Cruiser or Jeep with a driver-guide.
These are ideal for rough terrain, giving you the flexibility to stop for wildlife sightings and photos.
Tip: Choose open-roof vehicles for better views and photography.
Tour Vans
A more budget-friendly option than jeeps, tour vans are still suitable for safaris but may not handle rough park roads as smoothly as 4x4s.
Often used for small group tours or mid-range packages.
Domestic Flights
To save time, many visitors fly between Nairobi and safari destinations (e.g., Masai Mara, Amboseli, Diani).
Small aircraft land directly on airstrips within national parks.
Ideal if you are short on time or want to avoid long drives.
Transfers & City Travel
In cities like Nairobi, hotels or tour operators arrange airport transfers and city drives.
Traffic can be heavy in Nairobi, so plan buffer time for flights and activities.
Road Conditions
Major highways are generally in decent condition.
Roads leading into the parks can be bumpy, dusty or muddy especially during the rainy season, which is why 4x4 vehicles are recommended.
Final Tip
Traveling with a reliable tour operator simplifies everything. From navigating long drives to ensuring park entry, meals and accommodations are seamless. This was especially helpful during our trip, ensuring a smooth, worry-free experience across multiple regions.
Things to See Around
- Famous for the Great Migration (July to October).
- One of the best places in the world to spot the Big 5.
- Ideal for first-time safari goers
- Known for boat rides among hippos and birdlife
- Close to Hell’s Gate National Park and Crescent Island.
- Unique park where you can walk or cycle among zebras and giraffes.
- Dramatic cliffs and gorges, also home to geothermal activity.
- White-sand beach along the Indian Ocean, ideal for relaxing post-safari.
- Great for snorkeling, diving and kite surfing.
- Kenya’s highest peak and Africa’s second-highest mountain.
- Popular for trekking, with diverse alpine landscapes.
- Get up close and feed endangered Rothschild giraffes.
- Educational and fun for kids and adults alike.
- A sanctuary for rescued baby elephants.
- Visitors can see feeding and mud-bath time.
- A full safari experience just 15 minutes from the city center.
- Lions, rhinos, giraffes — all with Nairobi skyline in the background.
- UNESCO-listed Swahili coastal town with no cars — explore by foot or dhow boat.
- Rich culture, historic architecture, and serene beaches.
- Marine national parks, coral reefs, and dolphin-spotting.
- Great for snorkeling and deep-sea fishing.
Each city offered a mix of learning, fun and festive magic. From kangaroo-spotting and fairy bread to science shows and Santa booths!
Captured Moments
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