Families traveling with kids will find Amboseli national park a safari destination matched to no other, with less tourist traffic, breathtaking open spaces, easy access from Nairobi, the list is endless.

The park described by writers as ‘ a home for the Gods’ covers 150sq mile south of Nairobi and lies just at the foot of Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain at 5,895m. The park is currently on the cross roads with the government and the local communities both claiming ownership, with Kilimanjaro’s snow capped peaks dominating every aspect of this Park and form a stunning backdrop to the wildlife found here – elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, cheetah and a host of plains game and its breathtaking beauty, the tag is well worth the effort!

The area is home to the Masai people, tall, colorful, proud, nomadic warriors famous for their legendary prowess in battle and single handed acts of bravery in fights with wild animals.  Perhaps, more than any other people they have learned to live in complete harmony with the wildlife which surrounds them, this knowledge they proudly shared to visitors and well worth the time. Kids will be allowed to get really close and explore the simple but fascinating homesteads, adults will also enjoy the cultural aspect of the lifestyle.

Amboseli’s Oltukai lodge is one of the best spots in the world where children can watch elephants and study their fascinating wilderness behavior, This is where you will find the highest concentration of elephants than anywhere else in Africa, they can be seen spread well over the savannah woodland, just remember to ask your driver guide on how this clever mammals mourn and pay last respect to a dead member or how they cross their tiny young on a fast flowing river. .

Quietly tucked away from view, The Kibo family Villa crouches undisturbed, an elegant three-bedroom log cabin built in stone and gum tree, in complete harmony with its surroundings. Own entrance, a lounge, a fully fitted kitchen and a barbecue area. Secluded by a copse of indigenous Acacia Tortilis trees and five acres of garden, Kibo Villa is peace and privacy made perfection. Two or threes small families traveling together love the self-catering option, use the lodges facility is welcome. Detailed attention is taken on security issues and a resident nurse is available on call.

Kids will love the lavish private family buffet breakfast or dinner set out specially as a family package in wonderful secluded detting amongst the tortillas trees only a tone away from the family of the resident elephants also having a feast of their own, breakfast works out best.

Selenkay conservation area lies east of Amboseli is well off the beaten track, never visited by tourist till now, birdlife is prolific especially bird of prey. The 6 tents Porini luxury camp caters for 12 guest at a time, the camp is in the lines of a traditional luxury family camp, comfortable family tent rooms, ensuite bathrooms, flush toilets, solar powered electric lighting and an amazing chef completes a safari family haven.

At Amboseli locally trained masai naturalist or walking guides will get Kids out in the mornings in a small group of say 8 kids for an adventurous nature exploration. This walking trips to the nearby sites in most cases will include lessons on the masai hunting techniques, catching and naming butterflies, treasure hunts, tree planting, hide and seek in animal camouflaged clothing and an interesting Q and A session answering every question they have ever had on wildlife and tribesmen.  

The young rangers club is available to 10 – 15 year olds, could be a temporally or annual membership with letters, post cards and birthday cards sent to members all over the world from deep down wild.

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I recently graduate from college and thinking about purchasing my first real estate property. At first I was looking at single-family homes and town homes, but now I am thinking that a multi unit might be a better investment. I am making around $60K and looking at possible investment. My mind-set is that with a multi unit I can live on one of the apartment and rent out the rest to tents. Bases on my calculation and the kind of property I buy (condition and location) I can have zero percent vacancy within a short period and the income would cover all my expenses, and I would be pretty much be living there for free take home any additional income. Thanks a lot for your inputs in advance.

The only cons I have thought of are maintenance cost . Unplanned, emergency maintenance cost is my only worry, because if something major happens to the building, then I might not have the huge amount of money to repair. I appreciate all the inputs I can get

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There are several affordable family vacations to choose from if you want your family to experience a great vacation at lower costs. With today’s fuel and travel prices, it would seem that the best option would be to take them somewhere not too far from home; to a place where every family member can have fun. It is also important to choose when to travel. Planning family vacations after the peak season will not only leave you with more choices for family vacations, but often vacationing during these off-peak times is less expensive.

Vacation expenses pile up due to the high cost of fuel as well as pricey overnight accommodations. The best alternative is to ignore airline travel and go on a road trip. Travel closer to home and choose a great campsite where the whole family can have fun. Affordable family vacations are available “just around the corner” in most states. For those who think that camping may not be as creative as planning a vacation on your own, consider this: it saves a lot of time and money. It also presents alternatives like camping in tents or traveling in RVs (recreational vehicles) that will bring your whole family closer.

Whether you live in the Midwest, the South, or the Wild West, some of the least expensive family vacations can be found near your home. There are exciting camping spots nestled away in every part of the country, from sea to shining sea. 

Discover the Midwest

If you live somewhere in the Midwest, there are cost-friendly campsites near the Wisconsin Dells area. “The Dells” as it is referred to by the locals, is a popular tourist destination with 18 indoor and 3 outdoor waterparks. “The Waterpark Capital of the World” is home to several RV parks and campsites as well. Wisconsin vacation rentals are available at several campgrounds within the vicinity. These campgrounds also have economy campsites for families on tight budgets. Their grassy, simplistic tent sites and RV amenities beckon many campers and families. For those without tents or RVs, most of these campsites offer alternative lodging such as cozy cabins, chalets, bungalows, or lodges. There are also camp resorts that rent out tent sites for big groups like those in a Church group, a school field trip, a company outing or family reunion.

Most of these Wisconsin campgrounds come stocked with amenities that nearly every family member can enjoy.  These amenities may include boat rentals, playgrounds, board games, picnic tables, and game rooms. When searching for campsites, try to find one that features an interesting line-up of events and activities which the whole family can take part in. You and your family will thoroughly enjoy your vacation time! When visiting the Midwest, the Wisconsin Dells should definitely be on your list of places to see. 

Slow Things Down in the South

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of North Carolina and Tennessee’s major tourist attractions and should definitely be a vacation destination if you are traveling to the South. An affordable family vacation destination, it is home to a wide range of colorful flora and fauna. It is found in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, one of the country’s most popular vacation resorts. If you decide to park and stay at any of the Gatlinburg cabins available within the Smoky Mountains, your family can enjoy the beauty of this scenic National Park. Campsites in the Gatlinburg area have relaxing forest settings complete with creeks and streams. Vacation spots in the South are perfect for the family who loves the outdoors!

Some of the campsites offer tours of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and other nearby attractions such as Civil War Battlegrounds or memorials. After a long day of sightseeing, Gatlinburg cabins are a welcoming retreat since many come fully equipped and furnished. Families who prefer to stay outdoors may use tent campsites and RV camping areas. These outdoor camping areas usually have full hook-ups for RVs. Gatlinburg campsites typically have complete restroom and laundry facilities, as well as recreation/entertainment areas. If your family stays in one of the camp sites, access to the usual amenities like game rooms, swimming pools, and mini-golf courses might also be available. For those living near the Smoky Mountains, the best way to make your vacation worthwhile and affordable is to rent one of the Gatlinburg cabins – available at many campgrounds and ready for you to enjoy!

The Big Sky State Will Leave You Breathless

If you are located out west, consider traveling a bit to the north to a state that rarely gets the attention it deserves, Montana.  Montana’s Glacier National Park is home to more than 130 lakes, over a thousand plant species, and hundreds of animal species. The equally beautiful Yellowstone Park has 3,468 square miles of lakes, canyons, rivers, and mountain ranges. To experience the wonders of these parks, consider staying as close to nature as possible in a Montana vacation rental.

Driving through Montana, you will discover a number of RV parks that offer complete amenities like pull-through sites and full hook-ups. There are also sites that rent out equipped and furnished cabins to families and individuals who are looking for a little more space or personal comfort. The areas surrounding these campsites are blessed with abundant wildlife and areas perfect for fishing. Montana vacation rentals are comfortable and fun camp areas. Recreational activities like swimming and exploring are common.  Other popular amenities include heated pools and mini-golf courses. Most Montana campsites also have playgrounds, game rooms, and clean restroom facilities.  In some places, Wi-Fi connections are available, but with so much nature surrounding you, it might be best to close the lid of your laptop and drink in all the surrounding beauty.

For those who are strictly interested in the natural aspect of all that Montana has to offer, some camps arrange sightseeing tours to Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. Your family is sure to enjoy every moment spent in any of the campgrounds in Montana. It’s an affordable vacation the whole family will surely enjoy.

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My grandma wants to buy a motor home or conversion van to take us kids camping around the U.S. this summer. We know nothing about camping and hooking up to electric /water in these camp sites. Any suggestions besides getting motels(we tried that)she wants to camp.Are there Camp grounds that set up for u?Books or web sites?

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I heard there are now some tent cities in LA.

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