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A group of people on a bush walk with a Maasai guide during a Kenya family safari.

Kenya Safari Family Holiday

Disconnect from the world and reconnect with your family in nature

INTRODUCE YOUR CHILDREN TO A NEW WORLD ON A KENYA FAMILY SAFARI

Kenya is one of the best places in Africa for a family safari thanks to its hospitable people and family-friendly destinations in the wild. This means you can disconnect from the world and bond with your family on an unforgettable adventure.

Your children’s curiosity can flourish in a safe environment while discovering a window into a new world.

Kenya family safaris are private experiences that offer flexibility throughout the day and the choice of numerous wild and tropical beach destinations to discover.

A man helps a child cross a shallow river on a branch. Kenya family safari offer exciting adventures for kids.
Who should go

Families with travel-experienced children who are interested in the natural world

To enjoy your experience, there are some essential things to think about when considering going on a family safari to Kenya.

We suggest planning a safari when your children are old enough to be comfortable in a vehicle for several hours and interested in the wildlife on game drives.

Moreover, some accommodations may not have a fence; therefore, it’s vital that your children can follow instructions at accommodations, especially during the evening.

Every child is unique; sometimes, a five-year-old may be just as engaged as a ten-year-old. As parents, you will know best if you should go on a Kenya family safari now or wait until the right moment.

  • Families with travel experience
  • Children with an interest in the outdoors
Giraffe in Samburu National Reserve
‘We had a wonderful two-week family holiday with Kenya-Experience, which was absolutely amazing! Our guide was so welcoming and fun! He had such a great knowledge of the animals and Kenya, you could really feel how much he loves nature and this beautiful country.’
Lisa | Germany
Two people on bicycles driving past giraffes and zebras. This family friendly activity is facilitated by Kicheche Laikipia Camp.
WHERE TO EXPERIENCE IT

EXPLORE KENYA’S PRIVATE CONSERVANCIES FOR A FAMILY-FRIENDLY EXPERIENCE

Kenya offers incredible wildlife viewing and a beautiful coastline. Our where-to-go guide is a valuable planning resource.

Kenya’s private conservancies are family-friendly, offering unique activities for kids, such as riding electric bikes, horseback riding, joining a lion tracking team, and visiting endangered wildlife like rhinos and chimpanzees.

Excellent examples include Ol Pejata Conservancy, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, and numerous conservancies on the Masai Mara National Reserve’s northern border.

In contrast, Diani Beach offers the perfect balance between beach activities and relaxation.

When to go

Kenya’s equatorial position results in a tropical climate without distinct summer and winter seasons. Instead, there are two dry and wet seasons.

The dry season, from June to October, is the best time to visit Kenya. Wildlife viewing is exceptional during this time, as large concentrations remain close to permanent water sources. The weather is dry inland and at the coast, with pleasant temperatures.

However, since it is the time of summer school holidays in many countries, it is also the high season, so advanced bookings are recommended.

Two male lions lie in the shade of a tree while elephants walk by. The dry season is the best time for spotting wildlife on a Kenya safari family holiday.

Dry Season

June until OctoberThe best time for wildlife spotting

June until OctoberThe best time for wildlife spotting

Kenya experiences two dry seasons. The main dry season is from June to October, and a second, shorter dry season occurs from mid-December to the beginning of March. This second period is also a perfect time to visit Kenya.

The dry weather provides excellent conditions for game drives, and despite the higher temperatures and humidity at the coast, it’s still a great time to go for a beach getaway.

A young hyena stands in tall grass during the rainy season in Kenya.

Rainy Season

November & Mid-March until MayA spectacular time for green landscapes

November & Mid-March until MayA spectacular time for green landscapes

Kenya experiences two rainy seasons. The short rains last from November to mid-December and occur in passing afternoon thunderstorms. Since game drives happen in the early morning and late afternoon, the short rains are unlikely to impact your experience.

The long rains occur from mid-March to May, bringing heavy rainfall and higher temperatures. This period is the low season, so parks are quieter. However, the wildlife disperses into the plains, making wildlife viewing more challenging.

ENJOY THE PERFECT FAMILY SAFARI IN KENYA

Kenya safari family holidays are best planned as tailor-made tour to accommodate your family’s individual needs and preferences.

One of our Travel Experts will help you design the perfect safari in Kenya for your family. Get in touch for a no-obligation conversation!

Accommodations

FENCED FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION WITH CONNECTED ROOMS

Kenya is among the best countries in Africa for accommodating families with children and their specific needs. When you book with us at Kenya-Experience, your dedicated travel expert will assist you in crafting an itinerary with family-friendly accommodation.

We try to recommend places to stay with a swimming pool to keep your kids entertained when you want to relax.

If you opt for a tented camp, you can choose interconnected family tents, allowing your children to walk to your room at night without going outside. We recommend booking early due to limited availability of family rooms.

Camps like Kicheche Laikipia in Ol Pejeta or Lentorre Lodge in Olkirimatian are well-known for their family-friendly setup and activities.

Exterior of family tent at Kicheche Laikipia Camp

Kicheche Laikipia Camp

Main area at Lentorre Lodge

Lentorre Lodge

Interior of family unit at Lions Bluff Lodge

Lions Bluff Lodge

Interconnected room at Kichwa Tembo andBeyond

Kichwa Tembo Camp

Interconnected family unit at Kichwa Tembo andBeyond

Kichwa Tembo Camp

View from classic safari tent at Karisia Walking Safaris

Karisia Walking Safaris

Interior of Tumaren Camp

Tumaren Camp

A guest cottage at Naivasha Sopa Lodge

Naivasha Sopa Lodge

Family cottage at Elewana Lewa Safari Camp

Lewa Safari Camp

Swimming pool and main area at Tawi Lodge

Tawi Lodge

Interior of family tent at Kicheche Laikipia Camp

Kicheche Laikipia Camp

Family Tent at Leopard Hill Camp in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy.

Leopard Hill Camp

Family tent at Eagle View Camp in Naboisho Conservancy.

Eagle View Camp

The main building at Ol Tukai Lodge in Kenya

Ol Tukai Lodge

Highlights of a Kenya family safari

What to expect on your Kenya safari family holiday

A Kenya family safari is the perfect family holiday. Being in the wild, connected to nature, and then relaxing on Kenya’s tropical coastline offers the opportunity to bond with your family in an unforgettable way. Sharing moments like seeing incredible wildlife, sitting around a campfire while gazing up at the stars, and hearing lions call in the distance will stay with you forever.

Every family safari we organise is unique. Our country experts will work closely with you, offering suggestions on accommodation, travel options, and family-friendly activities without overwhelming you. Together, you’ll design the perfect safari and beach retreat for every family member.

Three children sit on the ground and look at giraffes in Tumaren Conservancy.

There are different options to include exciting family activities to a classic itinerary. Like nature walks with Karisia Walking Safaris.

A family tent at Kicheche Laikipia Camp.

Camps like the Kicheche Laikipia Camp have interconnected family rooms. Book early as availability is limited!

Portrait of private family safari guide Manu.

Private guides share their local knowledge about wildlife and every day life in Kenya. For many families, they quickly become friends and their personal connection to Kenya.

Private bush breakfast setup with set tables.

You can tailor your private family safari with complete flexibility and add activities or a bush breakfast in the great outdoors.

View of the shore from a sandbank at Diani Beach Kenya, a popular destination for beach holidays after a Kenya family safari.

After the safari off to the beach for a tropical beach holiday.

Two young cheetahs are chasing each other.

Wildlife like these two young cheetahs in Samburu National Reserve will always be the stars of the show.

Activities: Things to do on a family safari in Kenya

Kenya is renowned for its exciting activities that appeal to all ages. Here are several things to do on a Kenya family safari:

  • The Giraffe Centre and Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage are fantastic educational activities in Nairobi that will help you start your experience with a bang. You can hand-feed endangered Rothchild Giraffes and watch orphaned elephants be bottle-fed.
  • Balloon safaris at sunrise, which last an hour and conclude with a bush breakfast, are magical for older children and take place in the Masai Mara National Reserve and Amboseli National Park.
  • Guided bush walks in private conservancies will leave a lasting impression, especially on children. Lasting an hour, you will walk into the wild to discover medicinal plants, smaller creatures, and nature’s secrets.
  • Lion and rhino tracking experiences, horse riding, and much more occur at private conservancies such as Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. They offer unique and unforgettable experiences in a safe environment.
  • Bush breakfasts are a remarkable experience. After an early morning game drive, your guide sets up a breakfast table under a large acacia tree where you can enjoy an unforgettable breakfast with a vast view.

Kenya beach holidays for families

Diani Beach, on the south coast of Kenya, is a 17 km-long beach lined by palm trees and the turquoise Indian Ocean. Out-to-sea waves break on a coral reef. Various accommodations, restaurants, and cocktail bars are nestled into the palm groves. It is a family beach destination offering activities such as snorkelling, exploring small islands, and water sports for the whole family to enjoy.

Arriving at Diani Beach is seamless when it is the final stop on your itinerary. Thanks to a chain of national parks leading towards the coast, you can safari between these wildernesses, avoiding driving through Mombasa town.

Things to consider when planning and booking a Kenya safari with children

We suggest creating an itinerary with fewer stops to slow down the experience. This avoids frequent moves to new accommodations, packing and unpacking, and spending time in the vehicle.

Moreover, staying in one place longer allows you to explore thoroughly, participate in more activities, and give parents time to unwind.

When young children are on safari, their attention span can be low. Seeing a herd of elephants may interest them for a minute before they want to move on. This is not a problem for our family-friendly guides.

However, to maximise everyone’s experience, it is more rewarding when children are excited and engaged by the wildlife. Age is not a limiting factor; all children are different. Gauging how well your children will respond is an important question to consider.

On a similar theme, as parents, you will feel that you must be more attentive on safari, and for good reason. This role is made vastly easier when your children are at an age when they can listen to and follow your instructions, so asking yourself how well your children can respond to instructions is another good question.

Choosing accommodation with activities that will engage your children adds to the joy of the experience. By adding activities wherever possible and ­ selecting accommodation with pools, kids will remain excited about the adventure.

Be prepared for those unexpected moments

Despite good intentions to disconnect from the world and be together, every parent knows that having a fallback plan is always good for keeping children entertained.

An old-school deck of cards with a list of games is a great way to spend time together. However, there is nothing wrong with downloading books, movies, and audiobooks for moments when you all need time out.

How to plan a Kenya family safari

Kenya has long been known as a safe and family-friendly destination. However, like when travelling to any country, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor before your trip.

In a perfect world, we recommend booking a seven-day safari, allowing you to visit two to three parks without feeling rushed. After the safari, we suggest spending seven days at the coast to relax and recharge before returning home.

It’s advisable to book your safari six months to a year in advance, especially during school holidays, which are peak periods. This will help you secure fenced accommodation and tents with interconnecting rooms.

The saying that a safari is only as good as the guide accompanying you has never been more accurate than on a family safari. We have a superb team, and we can pair you with guides who have children of their own. Their innate skills will instinctively ensure every family member has an unforgettable time.

A classic safari is typically vehicle-based, but with a well-established aviation industry, your country expert can organise domestic flights to the parks and conservancies on your itinerary, saving you hours of travel by road.

Finally, selecting the right tour company with experience creating custom family safaris is crucial when planning your family safari. For example, at Kenya-Experience we can pair you with the right guides, help you choose accommodation with fences, and design itineraries and activities suitable for children. With years of experience and an excellent reputation, we can make your dream family safari a reality.

Private family guide Simon smiling at the camera while in his safari vehicle.
Private Guides

Your friend in Kenya and the key to any successful family safari.

The swimming pool at Elewana Lewa Safari Camp.
Camps & Activities

From swimming pools to family tents and nature-based activities.

A male lion with a large beautiful mane lying on the ground
Kenya Specialist Taher Nassrulla
A safari vehicle is driving in the Masai Mara at sunset.

Experience Kenya with us

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