atravelynn

Kenya is a good choice. I'd go as late as you can for Kenya.

Mid-June the migration would likely be better in the Serengeti in Tanzania. By mid-July there will likely be large herds in both the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara.

Here is one thing you should be aware of in choosing Kenya so you are not surprised when it is time for final paperwork. The US State Dept. does have a travel warning out for Kenya. It has had one for many years and just keeps renewing it, most recently in February. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p...w/tw_1764.html If you compare the wording for Kenya and other spots, the language is less dire for Kenya.

Many travel agents will have you sign papers indicating your knowledge of this warning before departure. I'm not trying to be alarmist. In fact I think Kenya is a great destination for a family safari, but if such paperwork would deter you or the grandparents, especially since kids are involved, you should know up front. And maybe you've been well aware all along.

In broader terms there is an East Africa warning and I think a worldwide travel alert.

Tsavo West - Finch Hattons x 2
This is supposed to be a lovely, rather fancy camp with an active hippo pool. I would not think of this place as a first choice for kids and family, but I have not been there either. It would be interesting to note why the agent chose this. I have a feeling there is a reason.

Samburu - Larsens Camp x 3,
How nice that a 3 night stay is suggested. Larsen’s is a good camp.

Masai Mara - Kichwa Tembo x 4). Any thoughts on this? Given the time of year, should we do the Serengeti (or other areas of Tanzania) instead of Masai Mara?
Good choice for late July, not as good for late June. Four nights here is nice because of the wildlife and it’s less moving around for kids.

Do you have time in Nairobi? I would think the Giraffe Center, where you can feed giraffes, or even splurging on Giraffe Manor, where the giraffes stick their heads into your room for breakfast, would be worth a stop. Maybe adopt an ele at Sheldrick. That would be a meaningful gesture and lesson for the kids.

I also think The Ark might have appeal for kids (and adults). This is in the Aberdare region and can be visited between Samburu and the Mara. It is shaped like a big ship and rooms are like ship cabins. You can walk around in a safe enclosure outside and see animals closely on the other side of the enclosure. There is an active waterhole and you can be awakened in the night for different animal sightings. This establishment is in contrast to your other camps, but could be fun and offers a more forested terrain. The usual routine is lunch at the Aberdare Country club beforehand and then you walk around the grounds with the peacocks. You could probably alter this routine to suit your needs. A one night stay is common and that would be sufficient.

In this general region is also Sweetwaters, a tented camp, and less bustling than The Ark. There is a Jane Goodall Chimp Sanctuary for rescued chimps and you can do night drives. There is a lit waterhole for night viewing like The Ark. One or two nights is common here.

If you want to go mid-June, then I'd consider Tanzania--Arusha, Manyara and/or Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Western Serengeti, not necessarily in that order.

Of course, if it is for this June/July availability is the big thing.

Kavey

My first trip to Africa was at about 10 or 11 and I loved the wildlife and landscapes. There were some negatives to that trip (illness and some bad treatment at the hands of some officials but those are not relevant to your trip).

If you have the money, one thing that might help avoid fractious kids is to try and take flight transfers between parks rather than drive where the distance is very long and there's little of interest along the way.

The flights are an excitement in themselves anyway!

sandi

For mid-June/July, your best bet is Tanzania, especially in the Western corridor of the Serengeti. And, if for next year, you have time to plan and get space.

You can also, depending on how long a trip, visit in Kenya... at least the Masai Mara. The large wildebeest herds usually don't arrive here till about mid-July earliest, but the Mara, in general, deserves 3/days.

In Tanzania, Tarangire will provide your elephant experience; the Ngorongoro Crater... well, it's the crater; and the Western Serengeti.

Depending on into which airport you arrive (and depart), your itinerary can be routed in any number of ways. You can book an "open jaw" airline ticket, arriving Kilimanjaro (JRO) Tanzania, do the northern circuit - Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti - then fly to Nairobi (NBO) Kenya and conclude in the Masai Mara, allowing yourself 1/day for sightseeing in/around Nairobi - Sheldrick Ellee Orphanage, Giraffe Center, Snake Farm... there's something for children of all ages. Or the itinerary can be in reverse - arriving NBO and departing JRO, or back to NBO for homebound.

It's certainly not too early to start planning. Airline flight/prices won't be available before 331/days out of your departure date. At present, 2007 prices are available, though 2008 prices are starting to trickle in, but expect increases over the '07 numbers at 10-15%.

Again, lucky kids!

issy

Thanks for the feedback.

The proposed Kenya itinerary would be for the first few weeks of July. I've also received a few Tanzania only itineraries for late June, but I'm still sifting through those.

Kavey - we would be flying between the different camps in Kenya. Which will be fun, but adds to the cost.

Atravelynn - you've given me some more to think about. Thanks for your thoughtful replies.

Sandi - I hadn't thought about open-jaw, thanks for mentioning.

bob44

It is really late at night while I write this but I felt I had to respond. My wife and I just got back from Tanzania (mainly the Serengeti) and I can't think of a better place to bring children ages 9 and up. They will NOT be bored! They will never say, "Are we there yet?" because you will always be there! There is always something to see. I would like to tell you more but I must get some sleep. There are a few things you should be aware of so if you would like please feel free to email me at: [email protected]

Malpa

Hi Issy,

I travelled with my 3 children to Kenya and Tanzania when my youngest child was just 12.

It was a fantastic experience for him and the other two children aged 15 and 19.

And as someone said in an earlier posting, they all want to go back to Africa.

You have to be really vigilant about maleria. My son and youngest daughter contracted maleria while we were in central Tanzania at Iringa. My son was very ill. We delayed our departure from Iringa and took him to the local clinic.

I can't praise the doctor and nurses enough. They identified maleria and started treatment immediately, which consisted of injections twice daily. Because malaria is so prevalant, the medical staff knew exactly how to treat it.

We took every precaution against mosiquito bites but can identify the one night out of nearly three months when they got bitten.

But the experience of visiting Africa is one they have never forgotten, and it was well worth taking them.

raykingsay

Just go with the crowd choice ---KENYA
If asked choose an itinerary like
NBO-Holiday Inn/Jacaranda Hotel
Located on the outskirts of Nairobi at a quiet place
Afternoon---drive to the giraffe centre or even Daphine Sheldricks--they can play with tamed young elephants--both places found near to each other

Day 2Aberdares or Sweetwaters
either decide to go aberdares--where you can stay either at the Treetops (where Queen Elizabeth learnt of her succession) or the Ark--I had heard children were not allowed there bt nowadays they offer it.

Day 3 Lake Nakuru-
good for kids as lots of flamingoes and they can play in the 40 cm deep lake

Day 4-6 Masai Mara
2 days at mara-Keekorok Lodge with a visit at the Maasai Village kud be a good thing.
Day 7 back to Nbo
then you can spend like 4 days at the coast -Mombasa or Lamu-
Mombasa-Leopard Hotel
Lamu--Peponi
look at this link www.mombasainfo.com
In Kenya i dealt with diwaka safaris-joseph@diwakasafaris.
we did the Kilimanjaro climbing part with Tropical Trails and dealt with Annette.

sandi

Another point to remember, if you are a group of 10, and choose a total or partial drive itinerary, you will require 2/vehicles. Each holds 6/paxs plus your guide/driver. Some tour operators do have "stretch" vehicles that can hold a few more paxs, but not 10/pax.

Also, with children under the age of 12, sharing with parents or with older siblings are entitled to discounts. At some lodge/camps, children up to age 16 are also eligible for discount... something to be aware of.

If traveling in June, note that prices in Tanzania are already at high-season prices, while in Kenya, many of the properties don't raise prices till July 1. A consideration to visit Kenya first and save a few dollars.

In the end, your actual budget will determine the level of accommodations, whether lodges (usually the least expensive option) vs. permanent tent camps or seasonal tent camps. The latter, mostly found in Tanzania. And, as a group, you may want to consider semi-lux camping where you will be set-up on private camp sites, where guide/driver and cook (yes, your own private cook) will set up/breakdown the tents, provide separate bathroom, shower and dining tents... all very private and just for your family.

Yup, lots of options and things to consider, but all doable!