Some basic information you might want to know:
Just one night’s flight away:After arriving in Guangzhou from Beijing or Shanghai, you can take a direct 14-hour flight from Guangzhou to Kenya. It basically means flying overnight from Guangzhou and arriving at Nairobi Airport the next morning. Kids can sleep on the plane and wake up in Africa!
East Africa is very safe:East Africa has a dedicated tourism police force, and hotels as well as major attractions have their own security. It’s very safe to travel there with children, but when interacting with animals, always follow the guide’s advice and never provoke them!
Visa:In addition to the traditional method of applying for a visa at the embassy or consulate, electronic visas were launched last July. You can register and apply on the Kenyan government’s official website. The advantage is that you don’t need to submit your passport, and credit card payments are supported. Once your electronic visa application is approved, log in to your registered account to download the PDF and print it. Then, bring your passport and the printed copy to complete the transit procedures.
Vaccination:You need to get a yellow fever vaccination before you go (children also need it), and the vaccination is valid for ten years.
No need to adjust your schedule at all—the animals and kids are perfectly in sync:Since animals tend to get sleepy around noon, the ideal schedule for an African family trip is— watch animals in the morning, take a nap at noon, enjoy the sunshine, swim, and have afternoon tea in the afternoon, then head back into the national parks in the evening~
Animal viewing tips:Do not make loud noises, shout, or throw food or other objects to avoid startling the animals or causing unexpected accidents.
Do not leave the group or your vehicle without permission. Always follow the guide’s instructions and move as a unit. Avoid going solo, especially at night.
The probability of seeing the Great Migration is highest from July to September, making it the peak tourist season in East Africa, but it’s still not guaranteed.
Climate and clothing:Kenya has a mild climate with no distinct four seasons—only dry and rainy seasons. The average annual temperature ranges between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius. So Africa isn’t necessarily hot—in some parts of Kenya, nights can even be quite cool. Be sure to pack both short and long clothing. Due to strong sunlight, sun protection is essential.
Must-visit spots for an East Africa family trip:
1. Maasai Mara National Reserve – Get up close with Africa’s Big Five!
2. Amboseli National Park – See Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance
3. Giraffe Centre – Get to kiss a giraffe
4. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (Elephant Orphanage) – Adopt a baby elephant
5. Aberdare National Park – Spot most of Africa’s iconic wildlife
6. Boat ride on Lake Naivasha – One of Kenya’s most beautiful freshwater lakes, where you can see hippos!
7. Ride in a pop-up roof safari vehicle – Track animals by radio!
Maasai Mara National Reserve
The world’s best wildlife sanctuary, where you can witness the thrilling battles of lions and cheetahs over food!
Maasai Mara National Reserve is absolutely amazing and a must-visit!Covering an area of 1,800 square kilometers, it boasts a vast and diverse population of animals, making it one of the best wildlife reserves in the world. You can see herds of live animals running right in front of you, which fills you with awe for nature—it’s totally worth the early mornings and late nights!Especially, you can get up close to the famous African “Big Five”—cheetahs, lions, buffaloes, rhinos, and elephants. If you’re lucky enough to witness lions or cheetahs hunting, it’ll definitely get your heart racing. The reason the Big Five are called the B5 isn’t because of their size, but because European aristocrats hunting in Africa once voted these as the five most dangerous and hardest-to-hunt animals based on painful experiences. In addition, you can also see giraffes and Kenya’s national bird, the Lilac-breasted Roller (yes, that’s really the name—even though it has nothing to do with Buddhism).
When admiring the beautiful scenery, be sure to follow the advice of local professional guides, as they have a deep understanding of animal behavior — listening to them is very important. Sometimes, you might even spot a giraffe right on the road, and with a bit of luck, you can actually touch it with your hand. During midday, the savannah heat is intense, and predators tend to be drowsy from the sun. To see them, it's best to visit during the cooler hours of early morning or evening, which also aligns with kids’ daily routines. Therefore, the ideal travel rhythm for a Kenya family trip is — animals in the morning, naps at noon, sunbathing, swimming, and afternoon tea in the afternoon, then heading back into the national park in the evening.
It’s worth mentioning that one of the world’s top ten most romantic sunset spots is located in the Maasai Mara. Under the golden-red sky bathed in sunset light are rugged plants and peacefully grazing animals — such a breathtaking view will leave everyone spellbound. Just stay still, stay even stiller, and pause right here in this moment.
Amboseli National Park
You can see the snows of Mount Kilimanjaro.
This is a spectacular national park, truly not inferior to the Maasai Mara. Thanks to the view of Mount Kilimanjaro’s snow and the massive herds of African elephants returning in the evening at the foot of the mountain, the scenery is absolutely stunning. The plains are dotted with moving zebras, gazelles, and wildebeest, but the most classic sight is that of elephant herds kicking up clouds of dust as they pass by the foothills.
Aberdare National Park
The highlight is the treehouse-style Treetops Hotel, teeming with elephants.
The park features highly varied terrain, including fault lines, steep cliffs, deep valleys, waterfalls over a thousand feet high, rivers, and plains. Though not large, Aberdare is home to many typical African animal species. Of course, the real highlight is the Treetops Hotel — from its terrace, you can often see herds of elephants, antelopes, and more passing by. Even the Queen of England has stayed here.
Lake Naivasha
It’s truly a spectacular sight to see hippos lounging in the lake — but don’t bother them.
Nestled within the Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha is Kenya’s most beautiful freshwater lake. It abounds with perch and tilapia, as well as hippos and various bird species. Sitting in a small boat gliding across the calm waters, you might spot hippos or flamingos among the water plants. Don’t disturb them — just quietly enjoy this serene moment with these adorable creatures.
Hop on an open-top safari vehicle
Track animals by radio
Another highlight of the trip is a wild, cool, and ultra-comfortable safari vehicle with a removable roof. It allows you to get closer to nature while staying safe. You can drive across the plains following animal signals via radio, enjoy a unique picnic under acacia trees, and before night falls, head back to the resort, leaving the savannah entirely to the animals.
East Africa travel isn’t tough at all
The birthplace of luxury safari lodges — live right in nature.
Don’t assume that traveling in Africa means roughing it. It’s actually the playground of European and American nobility, so accommodations are nothing to worry about. We’ve also invited Katie to introduce a few ultra-impressive luxury eco-lodges she’s visited.
Ashnil Mara Camp
Occupies the best spot to overlook the Great Migration “River Crossing” of wildebeest.
What’s most important when viewing wildlife in the Maasai Mara? Location, location, and location. Choosing a great lodge makes a huge difference. This five-star tented camp, located in the heart of the conservation area, significantly increases your chances of encountering the Big Five. Luck matters, but location matters even more. The hotel enjoys a prime position within the Maasai Mara National Park, overlooking the Mara River — the grand stage for the annual wildebeest “River Crossing.” Sip a drink at the open-air bar, and you might even find a hippo popping out of the water to sunbathe with you. Each tent comes with a wooden deck overlooking the reserve’s sweeping grasslands and wildlife, ensuring the best views.
Ol Tukai Lodge Amboseli
Open your window to see Mount Kilimanjaro.
A great location is everything. Just open your window to take in the breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, and you might even spot elephants from your comfortable private terrace. This excellently located five-star hotel sits right in the center of Amboseli National Park, surrounded by beautiful wetland landscapes. Going on safari is very convenient, and dinner is a rich buffet. One tip: make sure to lock your door, as there are lots of monkeys outside that might sneak in to cause some mischief when you’re not looking, haha.
Aberdare Country Club & Ark Hotel
An English manor frequented by elephants and antelopes.
The Ark Hotel is shaped like Noah’s Ark and is the premium version of a Tree Tops lodge. Operated by the century-old Fairmont family, this elegant English manor offers a refined experience with exceptional quality. The hotel has three floors and 60 rooms, all supported by numerous tree trunks. Whether in your room or on the terrace, it feels like you’re perched in the treetops, offering close-up views of animals drinking — thrilling and exciting.
Located right in the heart of the jungle in Aberdare National Park, the environment is superb. In front of the hotel is a waterhole that attracts large numbers of elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, warthogs, and other animals daily, making it a great spot for close wildlife encounters. Each guest room features classic English decor, with cozy seating areas and fireplaces, making it perfect for families. You could easily stay here for days without getting bored.
Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge
A family-friendly lakeside lodge where animals often visit your little balcony.
A great choice for families, this lodge is situated on the shores of Lake Naivasha and offers a comfortable, natural environment. The guest rooms are private small villas, each building housing 4–5 rooms. Every room has an open balcony, bringing you even closer to the wildlife. Facilities include a restaurant, swimming pool, fitness center, children’s play area, and free WiFi, ensuring you’ll never be bored during your stay.
Fun exclusive to kids
Feed giraffes, adopt a baby elephant, visit the United Nations
Kiss a giraffe
At Giraffe Park, reach out to pet the giraffes right next to your vehicle. Brave kids can even give a giraffe a kiss—the adorable little creatures always show kids their unconditional affection.
Adopt a baby elephant
Adopt a baby elephant at the Elephant Orphanage for your child, helping them contribute to animal protection and giving lonely elephants a chance to grow up healthy and happy with support.
Nature Hiking Safari
Kids can climb hills and run around while zebras, antelopes, and giraffes walk right beside them. For city kids, it’s an unusually friendly and harmonious experience with nature.
Learn to make fire by friction with Maasai children
Visit a Maasai village, enjoy traditional Maasai song and dance performances, try fire-making by friction, and experience the lifestyle of this ancient nomadic tribe—while interacting closely with Maasai kids.
May have the chance to visit the United Nations (on days without events and open to the public)
You may also get to visit the 70-year-old United Nations. Nairobi is home to the global headquarters of the UN Environment Programme—the only UN headquarters-level office located in a developing country.