Kenya with Kids: My Family Safari in Kenya Guide -Top Destinations, Packages, and More
So you want to take your brood on a family safari in Kenya? A pretty good decision if you’d ask us because Kenya has just the fun destinations for you and your kids. We are talking of various adventure-packed parks and reserves with every kid-dream animal as well as activities.
Were are also taking of family-friendly accommodations, exciting beaches, kid-friendly menus, and itineraries structured around your family’s needs to have a lifetime memory. Here, we will look at a well-thought-out list of the 12 best destinations for a once-in-a-lifetime Kenya safari with children.
But before that, let’s see how you can book your safari with us as well as our most booked family packages and other tours.
Reach Us Now to Book the Best Family Safari in Kenya with Us
Reach one of our team members at +254-748-258-880 or email us at james@ajkenyasafaris.com or safarioffers@ajkenyasafaris.com to book your safari with us. You can bet on us to provide your family with the best African safari experience of Kenya.
Our Most Booked Kenya Family Safaris and Other Packages
| Best Family Safari in Kenya Packages | Detailed Itinerary | Price Per Person Sharing |
|---|---|---|
| 6-Day Nairobi & Masai Mara Family Safari | View the Itinerary |
Adult From USD 2000 Child From USD 628 |
| 3-Day African Safari in Kenya | View the Itinerary | From USD 880 |
| 3-Day Masai Mara Budget Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 880 |
| 4-Day Ashnil Mara Camp Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 1190 |
| 4-Day Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 1180 |
| 4-Day Mara Serena Safari Lodge Trip | View the Itinerary | From USD 1262 |
| 4-Day Masai Mara Flying Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 1450 |
| 4-Day Masai Mara Group Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 750 |
| 4-Day Masai Mara Migration Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 1430 |
| 5-Day Naivasha & Masai Mara Group Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 854 |
| 6-Day Amboseli, L. Naivasha, & Masai Mara Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 1764 |
| 6-Day Amboseli, L. Nakuru, & Masai Mara Group Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 1186 |
| 6-Day Hell’s Gate, L. Nakuru, & Masai Mara Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 1788 |
| 6-Day L. Nakuru, Hell’s Gate, & Masai Mara Group Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 1123 |
| 6-Day Nairobi, L. Nakuru, & Masai Mara Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 1795 |
| 7-Day Amboseli, Naivasha, & Masai Mara Group Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 1130 |
| 13-Day Kenya Wildlife & Beach Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 5258 |
The Top 12 Best Kenya Family Safari & Tour Destinations
Kenya is a family-friendly safari destination and offers several attractions that cater to younger explorers during a trip. We have looked at some of the leading Kenya family vacation attractions to visit while in a family safari in Kenya.
Best Family Safari in Kenya Destination #1. Masai Mara National Reserve
There’re roughly 90 different wildlife species in the Masai Mara. And you can count on your kids to have an exciting time spotting each one of them, from the most popular Big Five to the wildebeests, giraffes, dik-dik, leopards, hippos, buffaloes, waterbucks, bushbucks, elands, you name it.
There’s also a staggering amount of birds to spot during a trip to Mara, over 450 species, including a huge number of which can be spotted on game drives or nature walks. Speaking of game drives, your kids will absolutely love the Masai Mara list of things to do.
They include nature walks, Maasai village visits, hot-air balloon safaris, sundowners, game drives, and bush dining. They may even choose to have an engaging bird walking tour. That is complemented by kid-friendly camps like Basecamp Masai Mara, Fairmont Mara Safari Club, Masai Mara Sopa Lodge, and others.
Top Destination for Family Safari #2. Amboseli National Park
Amboseli has the markings of a great Kenya family safari destination. First, there’s its over 56 different wildlife species, which your kids can spot from the land cruiser while on game drives around the park. These include over 1000 individual elephants, wild dogs, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, lions, giraffes, dik-dik, and the lesser kudu, to mention but a few.
There’s also a pretty impressive bird population in the park, over 600 species to be specific, which can be spotted on nature walks or while on picnics in the heart of the park. Families can also enjoy intimate lunches, horseback riding, and camping during their safari to Kenya.
Family-friendly accommodations in the Amboseli include Amboseli Serena Lodge, Kibo Safari Camp, and Elewana Tortilis Camp.
Leading Destination for Families to Visit #3. Diani Beach, Mombasa
No matter how many times you’ve been, nothing is as magical as spending time together as a family on a beach. And Kenya is a haven for beaches, including Diani at the Indian Ocean. It sure helps when the beach is as stunning and unique as Diani. Diani was made for family vacations and getaways with striking turquoise waters, velvety beach sands, and an almost ethereal ambiance.
Chase your kiddos down the beach, and you will be making memories to last forever. Play a beach game or two while at it. Enjoy some beverages as you soak in the sun. Swim, snorkel, and surfboard, and for kids over the age of 8, enjoy some deep-sea diving. Or bond over intimate dinners on the shores of the Indian Ocean.
Family-friendly resorts in Diani include Diani Reef Beach Resort and Swahili Beach Resort.
Top Family Safari in Kenya Destination #4. Nairobi National Park
How about a park with a city view? Sounds like something your kiddos would love? Yes? Let’s head to the Nairobi National Park. Packed to the rafters with wildlife and gorgeous views, the park is ripe for any and every safari adventure you can think of.
Game drives? Check. From morning till evening, you and the kiddos may cruise around the park ticking giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, lions, leopards, dik-dik, elephants, and so much more off your must-see list.
Nature walks? Certainly, and guided at that. These are a way for tourists to experience wildlife closely and intimately. Photography? You’d be crazy not to take some pics, not with a view like that! (Nairobi is visible from the park)
Also within the park is the Nairobi Animal Orphanage, a rehabilitation center for wild animals. The orphanage hosts baboons, hyenas, lions, cheetahs, jackals, warthogs, monkeys, serval cats, jackals, and buffaloes.
There’s also the Nairobi safari walk from where you can catch uninterrupted views of the park from raised wooden boardwalks.
A Great Destination for Your Family #5. Giraffe Center
What if we told you that you could hand-feed giraffes? That you could pet them, kiss them, and even take selfies with them. Yes, we are talking of the world’s tallest mammal, and this actually happens at the Giraffe Center.
Perfect for Kenya safaris with kids, the Giraffe Center was established in 1979 to revive the quickly dwindling Rothschild giraffe population. Today, tourists trickle in in hundreds for that magical kiss or lick, depending on the giraffes’ moods.
Check out the Giraffe Center’s teahouse. It is among the best teas you’ll ever have.
Best Destinations for Families in Kenya #6. David Sheldrick Animal Orphanage
Family tours in Kenya are incomplete without a stopover at the David Sheldrick Animal Orphanage. From 11 am to midday, you and the kiddos can stick around and watch as caregivers bathe and feed elephant calves.
Watching the calves splash around in muddy waters is also so much fun! And yes, mama bear, it’s all at a safe distance and in a safe place while you are with the kids.
Top Family Safari in Kenya Destination #7. Ol Pejeta Conservancy
One way to make your family vacation grand is to spend it around one of the rarest wildlife species in the universe- the northern white rhino. Only two northern white rhinos are left in the world, and both are found at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
The conservancy also hosts Africa’s fastest-growing rhino population and is the only place in the country where you will be able to catch both the Big Five and chimpanzees. It is also home to 80 endangered black rhinos, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeests, hippos, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, and zebras.
Spend your Kenya safari for families exploring the park on game drives. Get closer to the rhinos on a horseback ride. Enjoy intimate couple or family dinners in the heart of the park.
And if you’re the kind of family that enjoys the outdoors, we can arrange for camping. Family-friendly lodges in Ol Pejeta are Sweetwaters Serena Camp, Mutara Camp, and others.
Best Destination for Your Family Safari #8. Samburu Game Reserve
We heard you’re looking for a quiet yet scenic family holiday destination in Kenya. Honestly, there’s nowhere better than the Samburu Game Reserve. Other than being utterly unspoiled, the Samburu is rich in wildlife and spectacular views.
As an example, the park is home to the Samburu Five, a famous quintet that features the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Somali Ostrich, and Beisa Oryx.
It is also home to over 600 bird species and other wildlife like over 900 elephants, 450 bird species, wild dogs, lions, baboons, warthogs, buffaloes, impalas, gazelles, dik-dik, elands, hyenas, jackals, mongooses, and waterbucks.
Things to do at the Samburu Game Reserve include Game drives, Camel trekking, and Sundowners. Family-friendly accommodations at the Samburu Game Reserve are Ashnil Samburu Camp and Sarova Shaba Game Lodge.
The Most Visited Destination for Families Safari #9. Hell’s Gate National Park
Forget the name; the Hell’s Gate National Park is a home of beautiful uniqueness. We’re talking of towering cliffs, rock towers, scrubby volcanoes, and water-gouged gorges. The park is also a haven for a remarkable variety of wildlife, including baboons, African buffaloes, hartebeests, zebras, elands, and over 100 bird species
Fun activities at the Hell’s Gate include Biking, Game viewing, Hiking, Rock climbing, Camping, and Bird watching. Family-friendly hotels near Hell’s Gate National Park are Crater Lake Tented Camp and Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge.
Best Destination for a Trip with Kids in Kenya #10. Nairobi Animal Orphanage
For a truly unforgettable family vacation in Kenya, visit Nairobi Animal Orphanage. Located in the heart of Nairobi city, this is one of the ideal places to get up close and personal with orphaned animals. Witness baby elephants, giraffes, zebras, and even Rhino play around.
Best Destination for Walking Safari to Kenya #11. Nairobi Safari Walk
A visit to Nairobi Safari Walk is the perfect way to end your family tour in Kenya. Set within a large enclosed area, this open attraction lets you explore the natural environments of the country. With a variety of animal species like lions, cheetahs, antelopes, hippos, buffaloes, and a host of birds, the Nairobi Safari Walk offers a truly immersive experience.
Top Destination for Families in Kenya #12. Lake Nakuru National Park
Your family safari in Kenya should include a visit to the Lake Nakuru. Located on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, this is one of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife sanctuaries. Home to over 400 species of birds, Lake Nakuru is also the home of over 1.5 million flamingos.
Other wildlife species commonly found in the Lake Nakuru National Park include giraffes, black and white rhinos, impalas, zebras, hippos, leopards, hyenas, and lions. So, be sure to book your family safari in Kenya today and explore the wonders of this incredible country!
Kenya Safari with Children – Family Holidays in Kenya FAQs
Find out more about Kenya safari with family from this section of FAQs. It covers most things you need to know, like safari costs in Kenya.
1. Are Kenya family safaris safe for kids?
We get it, it’s only natural for you to worry about the safety of your kids, but Kenya family safaris are 100% safe for kids. Kenya is among the top three safest countries to visit in Africa. This is because;
Kenya’s infrastructure is well-developed. Most parts of the country are connected to durable all-weather roads, which enable easy access to most parts of the country. The country’s network connectivity and access to medical services are also pretty good.
The Kenyan government has heavily invested in the safety of its people. Police stations are everywhere, and weapon control regulations have been enacted and implemented well.
Safari guides have to earn the title. To work in Kenyan national parks like Maasai Mara, you must be a certified safari guide by the government of Kenya who knows how to look for the animals. This helps minimize the risk of danger posed by wild animals.
2. Can Children go on a safari in Kenya?
It’s more of a comfort than a safety concern when deciding the appropriate age for Kenya safaris with kids. Traveling with children under two is arduous, and so is getting them to stay put and enjoy the show on long game drives.
While many resorts and lodges offer babysitting services, it is hard for parents to leave their kids behind to go for game drives or walks. The best-recommended age for kids on family tours in Kenya is 5.
These kids can sit still for a long and are easy to instruct. You should also note that there are lodges with a kids’ age requirement of 8 and above. Please confirm before booking.
3. Is Kenya a good family holiday destination?
If good means packed with many parks like Maasai Mara and exciting activities, Kenya is a helluva family holiday destination. There are 24 national parks in Kenya, 15 national reserves, six marine parks, countless beaches, museums, historical sites, and kid-friendly lodges and resorts.
These parks and reserves hold more than 1,000 wildlife species and even more bird species. The county is also loaded with fun, kid-friendly activities; you just name the activity, and we’ll take you to it.
4. How much does a family safari cost in Kenya?
Several factors influence the cost of family safaris in Kenya. These include the season you book your safari (high and low season) and the type of safari you prefer (Budget, mid-budget, and luxury safari).
During the high season, safaris are typically more expensive. The high season, also called peak season, runs from July to September. The low season, April to July, is preferable for cheaper safaris. Wildlife sighting, however, is better during the peak season.
Luxury safaris are typically more expensive in comparison to budget and mid-budget safaris.
5. What’s the best age to take a child on safari?
There is no hard and fast rule to this question. However, many experts recommend a minimum age of 5 for children on safaris. Children under 5 can have a hard time sitting still while on game drives or walks. Additionally, they are often unable to see wildlife or distinguish between animals and plants.
That said, some lodges in Kenya accept children as young as 3 years old. Please check with your tour operator to confirm the age minimum.
6. Is Kenya a good family holiday?
Yes, Kenya is a fantastic family holiday destination. With more than 24 national parks and reserves, countless museums and historical sites, hundreds of beaches, and dozens of kid-friendly resorts and lodges, there is no shortage of fun activities to keep families busy in Kenya.
In addition to the many amazing places and activities to explore, Kenya also has very friendly people and a welcoming culture. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable family holiday with lots of adventure and excitement, look no further than Kenya!
7. What’s the best month to go on a safari in Kenya?
There is no definitive perfect month for a safari in Kenya, as the weather and wildlife viewing conditions can vary significantly depending on the time of year. Generally, the right time to go on safari in Kenya is between July and October, which is considered the high season, and the migration season at Maasai Mara.
This period coincides with the dry season, which typically offers the perfect wildlife viewing conditions. However, the low season from April to June is also a popular time for safaris, as wildlife viewing can be excellent during this time.
Ultimately, the ideal month for your family safari will depend on a variety of factors, including your budget, personal preferences, and the age of your children. So be sure to do your research and consult with a trusted tour operator before booking your trip.
