Nairobi with young children?

[PurBal]

We have the opportunity to visit Nairobi next summer, flights and accommodation paid for. DC will be 5 and 3.

I know this is very young for a safari and some tours won’t take them under 5. But is it worth doing? DC1 loves elephants but I know they’re mostly in a different part of the country.

So as not to drip feed, paid for by a relative who is working in the region however we don’t know how long for so may not be able to guarantee 2027 onwards. The last few jobs they’ve had have been sub 2 years.

It seems like too good an opportunity to pass up but I need to get some perspective with such young children. Any advice of how to go about it all much appreciated.

Bear in mind they will need a number of vaccinations and potentially anti malaria medication.

Personally I wouldn’t think Nairobi itself would be particularly enjoyable with young kids, so it depends if you can use it as a base for safari/beach… safari is expensive!!.

It’s been years since I went but frankly Nairobi was rough as boots back then. I was a well-travelled, hardy woman but it was frenetic, the traffic was insane and it wasn’t particularly safe. LOTS of harassment from men in a way that didn’t happen in any of the surrounding countries, all of which were lovely (Uganda particularly). There was a sanctuary for orphaned elephants so check if there still is and if visiting with your kids is possible, and maybe it’s an idea. I wouldn’t though.

Thanks both.

@minipieit’s early days and hadn’t thought to check the FCDO so will do.
@MrsTerryPratchettI’ve travelled to some pretty dangerous places pre kids (including with armoured vehicles and armed escort) but taking them feels different somehow. I’m so much more nervous about it!

I live in Africa (although I’m not from here) and have taken my kids to Nairobi and other parts of Kenya a few times over the last 3 years. They were 3 and 6 the first time and enjoyed it. In Nairobi, we went to the elephant sanctuary, giraffe centre, Ocean Sole workshop (https://oceansolekenya.com), Kazuri bead factory, and various other places. There is also Nairobi national park for a mini safari, but we haven’t been. There are also lots of amazing places for kids outside Nairobi. I would definitely take up the opportunity, especially as you have travelling experience!

Wildlife orphanage is still there: David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Also look up Giraffe Manor. Nairobi Game reserve is worth a visit. If you can do a day trip try Hell's Gate National Park. We found Nairobi fine with kids as long as you are at someone's house.