Kenya Family Safari

Q: Is Kenya good for family safari holidays?

Yes – Kenya is one of the best countries in Africa for a family safari holiday. It’s easy to combine excellent wildlife viewing with comfortable, family-friendly lodges and private guides who work at your pace. Many camps in areas like the Masai Mara and Laikipia are well set up for children, offering flexible game drives, child-focused activities, and even bush schools or junior ranger programmes. Whether you’re travelling with young kids or teenagers, a Kenya family safari is exciting, educational, and genuinely memorable

Q: Is it safe to take kids to Kenya?

Kenya is a safe and welcoming country for families when you travel with the right support. We carefully choose tried-and-tested lodges, routes, and private guides to make your trip as safe and smooth as possible. You'll also have access to 24/7 support while you travel. With proper planning, a Kenya safari with kids is both enjoyable and reassuringly secure.

Q: What age is best for children to go on safari?

We recommend safari for children aged 6 and up, though some camps accept younger children. By this age, kids can enjoy game drives, engage with guides, and get more from the experience. Teenagers will get even more out of a safari, especially with interactive activities like bush tracking, wildlife photography, or visiting local communities.

Q: Are there family-friendly lodges or camps in Kenya?

Absolutely. Kenya has a fantastic range of family-friendly safari lodges and tented camps, many with family suites, pools, and kid-focused guiding. Properties in Laikipia and the Masai Mara are especially good, with flexible mealtimes, childminding options, and hands-on experiences designed with younger travellers in mind.

Q: What kind of activities can children do on safari?

Kenya safaris for families can include bush walks (where age-appropriate), animal tracking, junior ranger programmes, storytelling around the campfire, and even hands-on conservation experiences. Some lodges also offer wildlife-themed arts and crafts or visits to local schools and villages – a great way to connect with Kenya beyond the game drives.

Q: Can we do shorter game drives for younger kids?

Yes – and it’s something we recommend. Private vehicles allow you to plan shorter, more flexible game drives with plenty of breaks. Some family-friendly lodges even offer children’s drives with tailored guiding, giving kids a fun and manageable introduction to wildlife without spending too long in the vehicle.

Q: Are there malaria-free areas in Kenya?

Most of Kenya is within a malaria zone, but the risk can be managed with preventive measures such as mosquito nets, repellent, and medication where advised. While Kenya doesn’t have official malaria-free safari areas like South Africa, many higher-altitude regions, including parts of Laikipia, carry a lower risk. We’ll guide you through the best options and practical precautions.

Q: Can we combine safari with some time at the beach?

Yes – combining safari and beach is a brilliant option for families. After a few days in the bush, fly to the Kenyan coast (like Diani or Watamu) for some relaxed beach time. It’s the perfect way to break up the trip, keep things varied for kids, and end your holiday with a bit of downtime.

Q: What should we pack for a family safari in Kenya?

Bring lightweight, neutral-coloured clothes for the safari, plus a fleece or jumper for cooler mornings. Sunhats, sunscreen, insect repellent, and binoculars are all useful. For the kids, pack comfy shoes, swimwear, and entertainment for travel time. Most lodges offer laundry services, so you can pack light. We’ll give you a full family safari packing list when you book.

Q: Is it possible to have a private guide or vehicle for more flexibility?

Yes – and it’s one of the best ways to travel as a family. A private guide and vehicle mean you can plan game drives around your children’s needs, whether that’s shorter outings, later starts, or extra snack stops. It adds flexibility and comfort and creates a more personal experience overall.

Family memories that last a lifetime

Experience your child's amazement as they see African wildlife for the first time

Kenya has long been regarded not just as one of the best wildlife destinations in the world, but renowned as one of the best spots for a family safari. The opportunity to witness your children's excitement, enthusiasm and energy at seeing animals in the wild is truly special, and with many unique experiences available from sunrise hot air balloons over the Masai Mara to camping out under the stars, we'll ensure your family safari is a holiday you never forget.

At Far and Wild, we have real experience taking our own families away on safari so we understand your concerns and priorities when planning a family safari. A key element of your trip is where you stay, and we've hand-picked our favourite properties in Kenya for a family adventure. Lodges which don't just tolerate children, they embrace their curiosity with 'poo safaris', expand their horizons with safe sleepouts complete with hot chocolate over a fire, have swimming pools for them to burn off extra energy in the afternoon and guides who know how to keep kids engaged when out in a vehicle. We'll advise you on which camps are suitable for younger children based on safety elements, activities and room layouts, and where it might be more appropriate for teenagers and we'll guide you on driving options where you have your own car and guide so can dictate how long your safari days are vs the benefits of a fly in safari where you might have other people on your game drive with you.

Game drives are always a highlight as you watch your children's faces light up as they see a lion lounging in the shade or an elephant playfully squirting water, but Kenya has many activities which take a family safari beyond game drives. Take a camel safari across the plains of Laikipia, watch swathes of pink flamingos on the rift valley lakes, spend time with Masai warriors and take part in their 'bush schools' or perhaps even share your breakfast with a giraffe,

Many of our clients choose to combine their safari with a few days of relaxation on the beach afterwards, heading either to the Kenyan coast or taking a short hop across the waters to Zanzibar. There is plenty to entertain children from playing in the sand to snorkelling and kite surfing. Whether you are looking to stay in a beachside hotel or to have your own villa, we can tailor it to your needs.

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