Fig Tree Camp, Lake Bogoria

This place does have the 'wow factor'! To get there we drove off the main road out of Nakuru just before the equator and entered n the south side of the Lake - needs 4wd but fine in the dry. Its pretty remote, so I'd go with another vehicle. The campsite is right next to the saline lake (no crocs or hippos) and has a wonderful stream going through. The kids could spend DAYS just in tat stream. We walked out to some hot springs right next to the campsite, and walked up the stream to a little pool which is just big enough to lie in and entertained 10 kids for hours.

We also drove round to the main hot springs/geezers which was about 30 minutes drive (we saw zebra, water buck and wart hogs as well as thousands of flamingos) and is quite a sight. Back at the campsite you could just sit and watch the flamingos floating and flying past all day. There are three areas of the campsite which would fit lots of tents altogether. There are some long drop toilets but no taps - water is from the stream. Its a lovely place!

Roberts Campsite, Lake Baringo

Lake Baringo is a beautiful fresh water lake and the road to it is good all the way, about 5 hours from Nairobi. The campsite is right next to the lake and very beautiful, with hippos wandering right around it, munching next to the tents at night. You can pay to swim at the lodge next door - a very short walk away, or swim on the magical Island Camp - a boat ride away. There is a cafe with lovely food and the best cup of coffee I have EVER had!

A day trip to Bogoria lake is a nice option too.

Mara conservancy public campsite

The Mara conservancy part of the Mara have several public campsites, this one is right next to the Mara Serena lodge whch is on a hill in the middle of the conservancy. It has no facilities and not even much flat land, but a few tents can huddle in under the trees. Its nice and shady and was right next to the river with all the crossings when we went (September) so the location was fantastic. We were raided by baboons when we were out at a game drive - we were naive enough to leave food in the tent and they even drank wine and opened tins! Hippos, hyena and many other animals are all around you at night which is quite an expereience, and we had elephants and warthog walk right through the campsite during the day. We went to the Serena to go to the loo and have drinks (just once - very expensive!) too. We also had a driver/guide who stayed at the staff accommodation at the Serena and ate there - which he liked.

So, its a very basic campsite and good for a full-on Mara experience!

Ol Donyo Sabuk KWS campsite

Its quite a plain place, just a grassy field with a wooden fence around it - no 'wow factor' here! It is right beside the gate at the bottom of the mountain and has a smelly long-drop loo at one end and some taps at both ends. It was safe and easy to find, and not too far from Nairobi. We drove up the mountain and it has wonderful views on both sides.

Fourteen falls is a nearby tourist site with all the attraction of an open sewer. It sounds like a nice place and does have lots of water falls but it costs a fortune and smells disgusting and looks foul. I'm sure its a health azard just to stand next to it!

Carnellys, Lake Naivasha

We love this campsite! Just an hour and a half from Nairobi - easy to find along the South Lake road, just before Fish Eagle camp. Very nice loos and hot showers and a bar/restaurant which has just be done up. There are picnic tables you can move to your site and its very grassy and shady. The views out onto the lake are stunning.

Hippos wander about nearby, but the other side of a ditch and electric fence after dark. So you can go down with a torch and see them which the kids love!

There is a pool at Fish Eagle camp next door, which you can pay to swim in. Its a nicer campsite as it is much more quiet.

From the camp you can easily go to Mt Longonot (can climb with children - takes, about 2 hours to the top), Hells Gate National park (with a grea gorge walk, also possible with children of al ages, good shoes help) and out for boat trips on the lake from the camp.