Top activities for the whole family

As well as discovering Kenya's wildlife together, there are plenty of other things you can do as a family. A popular option is to spend part of the trip on safari and the remaining days or weeks based in or near Mombasa to enjoy the beauty of Kenya's coastline.

There are pristine tropical beaches here that parents can unwind on while children play in the sand or paddle in the calm sea. Older kids can have a go at snorkelling to see some of the vibrant coral reefs that lie just below the surface.

Colourful fish dart in and out of the corals, while crustaceans, molluscs and other invertebrates hide in the reef. This is a wonderful world to discover while you're in Kenya and one that will captivate grownups just as much as children.

Another excellent family-friendly activity to do on the coast is taking a cruise in a traditional dhow. These boats have been used for centuries to transport people and goods along the coast, with most excursions venturing into the mangroves - yet another of Kenya's diverse ecosystems.

Preparing to travel to Kenya with children

If you are planning to travel to Kenya with children of any age, it is important to be well prepared for your trip. Take appropriate clothing for the places you are visiting - in some parts of Kenya temperatures can drop considerably overnight, so warm clothes are essential, while on the coast it is hot and humid, making lightweight garments preferable.

Kenya is a very exotic destination, where tribal culture has blended with the modern world. This means it's a great opportunity to teach your youngsters more about the world and other societies - it may be beneficial to explain a bit about Kenya and its history before you jet off on holiday to help children understand what they see once they arrive.