The Best Family Safari in Kenya: Lodges, Tips & Itineraries for All Ages

A family safari in Kenya creates memories that last a lifetime. Watching your children’s eyes light up at their first sight of an elephant is priceless. With the right planning, it can be the most rewarding family vacation you’ll ever take.

The key to success? Choosing the right accommodations and pace. Here’s how to create a magical Kenyan adventure for your entire family.

What Makes a Lodge Family-Friendly?

Not all safari lodges are created equal when traveling with children. Look for these essential features:

• Family Suites or Connecting Rooms are crucial. Having space to spread out makes evenings more relaxed for everyone.
• A Swimming Pool is non-negotiable. It provides the perfect way to cool off and unwind after a morning game drive.
• Child-Friendly Meal Options and flexible dining times show a lodge truly caters to families.
• Supervised Kids’ Clubs or dedicated child-focused activities give parents a welcome break while children have their own adventures.

Our Top Family-Friendly Safari Lodges

Mara Interprids, Masai Mara

This camp excels at family safaris. Their “Adventurers Club” offers guided nature walks, beadwork with Maasai warriors, and animal tracking lessons. The tents are spacious, and the staff are wonderfully engaging with children.

Serena Mountain Lodge, Mount Kenya

A great first stop to beat jet lag. This forest lodge features a tree-house atmosphere with a waterhole that attracts elephants and buffalo. It’s smaller and more manageable for young children before heading to the vast plains.

Saruni Samburu

For families with older children, this lodge offers a truly unique experience. Along with wildlife drives, they provide cultural visits, rock climbing, and guided walks focused on the unique ecosystem.

Smart Itineraries for Families of All Ages

The Classic First Timer

Perfect for families new to safari.

• Days 1-2: Lake Nakuru or Mount Kenya for gentle acclimatization.
• Days 3-5: Masai Mara for the classic safari experience.
• Day 6-7: Fly to Diani Beach for well-deserved relaxation by the Indian Ocean.

The Active Adventure

Ideal for families with teenagers.

• Days 1-3: Samburu for unique wildlife and cultural immersion.
• Days 4-6: Laikipia Plateau for walking safaris and camel treks.
• Days 7-9: Masai Mara for predator action and the Great Migration.

Essential Tips for Your Family Safari

Manage your time wisely

Shorter, focused game drives work better than long, exhausting ones. A 2-3-hour drive in the morning and another in the late afternoon is the perfect balance.

Pack for Success

Beyond clothing, bring binoculars for each child, a journal for them to document sightings, and familiar snacks. These small items can make a big difference in keeping children engaged.

Embrace the Experience

Be flexible and follow your children’s interests. If they’re fascinated by watching dung beetles, allow time for that instead of rushing to find the next big animal.

Creating Memories Together

A family safari is more than a vacation—it’s an education. It teaches children about nature, conservation, and different cultures in the most engaging way possible.

The shared experience of discovering Africa’s wonders together will bring your family closer and create stories you’ll tell for years to come.

Let Us Plan Your Perfect Family Adventure

With our local knowledge and experience planning family safaris, we can handle all the details. We’ll match you with the perfect lodges and create an itinerary that balances adventure with downtime.