Planning a holiday that keeps toddlers, teenagers, parents, and grandparents happy can feel like an impossible task. Different ages, different interests, and often very different ideas of what a “perfect trip” looks like. The good news? A safari in Kenya brings everyone together in a way few other destinations can. From thrilling wildlife encounters to warm hospitality and family-friendly lodges, it’s the perfect choice for a truly memorable multi-generation adventure. In this blog, we’ll share why Kenya works so well for families travelling across generations, along with some of our favourite camps and lodges designed to make everyone feel like they’re on holiday.
When you’re travelling with several generations, the key is balance. Everyone wants to enjoy the holiday, but comfort, flexibility, and variety matter just as much as adventure. Kenya delivers this all!
First and foremost, the wildlife. Few places in the world can match the diversity that you will find here. The Big Five are just the start – from huge herds of elephants in Amboseli, the wildebeest migration and impressive big cats of the Masai Mara, and the packs of wild dogs and elusive leopards roaming Laikipia. Crucially, you don’t need to spend hours bumping along rough tracks to see it (which you often have to do in other destinations). The wildlife is abundant and easily accessible, so game drives remain exciting without being too exhausting for younger children or older family members. And honestly, because there’s so much to see, you don’t get that constant, “When are we going to see an animal?” from the children. The answer is almost always: within minutes. Whether its giraffes browsing by the roadside or elephants suddenly appearing on the horizon, the sheer abundance of wildlife means everyone stays entertained right from the start.
Then there are the lodges and camps. Kenya really has mastered the art of welcoming families from all ages, from little ones through to grandparents. Some camps offer spacious family tents, interconnecting tents, or even private houses, so you can all stay together but not feel like you’re on top of each other. Many also have swimming pools, children’s activities, and guides who love sharing the bush with young explorers, while at the same time offering a great level of service that adults will also appreciate.
Logistics are another big win that Kenya has hit on the head., Kenya’s safari circuit is designed to be convenient and not too draining for families before the trip has even begun. Internal light aircraft flights connect the major parks and reserves quickly, avoiding long days on the road. If you prefer to drive though, distances between areas are generally shorter than in other safari destinations, which makes it easy to keep everyone comfortable and avoid to many arguments!
Flexibility is often the deciding factor on a multi-generation safari, and this is where Kenya really shines. Normally with a big group you will be given a private vehicle and guide, this means the experience is completely tailored to your family. If the teenagers want to stay out all day in search of cheetah while a grandparent would rather return for a siesta, that’s no problem. Your guide can simply drop some of the group back at camp while others continue exploring. If a toddler needs an afternoon snack earlier than planned, then the schedule adapts around you rather than the other way round. This freedom means no one feels rushed or restricted, and every member of the family gets to enjoy the safari in their own way.
Like everywhere you travel to, where you stay can really make or break a holiday, so it’s worth giving some thought to the type of camp or lodge that you think will suit your family best - and then we can match you to the lodge that will work perfectly for you.
The good thing about Kenya, is that there a lot of options available, from luxurious lodges with every comfort you could imagine (and more) to more traditional safari camps that immerse you fully into the wild. Both have their appeal, and the right choice often comes down to the mix of ages and personalities in your group.
Room configuration is often the first practical consideration. Many lodges now offer family tents, which allow parents to be close to children while still having a bit of privacy – these are usually two separate rooms but with an interconnecting bathroom, or something similar. Also, for most camps you can normally add in a bed or two to a double tent which is great if you’ve got three older children, or maybe just one small child who you want in your tent with you. For larger groups, some properties also have private houses or villas with several bedrooms, shared living areas, and even your own team of staff. These can be a fantastic option for families who want to spend time together in one space without losing the comfort of a well-run safari lodge!
Facilities are another key factor. A swimming pool is always a winner with younger travellers, giving them a chance to burn off energy between game drives (because unlike us adults who are normally shattered after a day on safari, they seem to not be affected). Some lodges also offer bush schools or junior ranger activities, which keep children entertained but also learning at the same time. For the older members, comfort and accessibility matter – think level pathways, supportive chairs, and attentive service that makes life easier for them.
Now that we have covered why Kenya works so well and what to look for in accommodation, I’m going to share a few of Far & Wild’s favourite camps and ldoges. The list is honestly endless, but these are places that we know work brilliantly for multi-generational families.
El Karama is one of those lodges that really feels like it was designed with families in mind. It’s family-owned and run by Murray and Sophie Grant, who live here with their own children. They have added thoughtful, imaginative details that make the place magical for younger guests and adults.
One of the highlights is The Hobbit House – a cottage with treehouse-style floors and quirky interiors that children absolutely love. For larger groups, there’s the Nilotica Private House, an exclusive-use camp that sleeps up to 10. With its own pool and a private waterhole just in front, you can relax while elephants, giraffe, and other wildlife come to drink!
What really sets El Karama apart, though, are the activities that they offer. No two days are ever the same, and everything is tailored to your family. You might spend the morning exploring on foot, head out on horseback in the afternoon, or enjoy a relaxed drive. For children, there’s also the brilliant bush school - a couple of hours each day where they can learn, explore, and have fun with knowledgeable guides, while parents enjoy some time to themselves. The best part is hearing the excitement as they come back to share everything they have discovered!
In my opinion, this is one of the very best places to stay as big group. Set in the heart of Laikipia, it combines varied landscapes with flexible accommodation options that really work for families. The camp has four different locations - the main camp, Leopard Springs, River Camp, and Palm Camp - with the latter two available on an exclusive use basis, making them ideal for larger families or groups wanting their own space and dedicated team.
What makes this camp so special is the sheer range of activities. This isn’t just about going on game drives (though those are excellent too) - it’s about creating a proper adventure. For me, it really is an adventurous and active family’s idea of heaven. You won’t want to leave, and I say that from personal experience.
One highlight is fly camping, which offers a true taste of wilderness living. It usually begins with an afternoon game drive, before heading to your camp set-up where a bush dinner is prepared over the fire. After stories and drinks, you’ll climb into warm bedrolls on stretcher beds and fall asleep under the stars. It’s really the kind of family memory that will stay with you forever.
There’s plenty more too - mountain biking (often with the camp dogs tagging along), seasonal water activities on the Esawo Narok River like rafting, rock-jumping, and fishing for tilapia or catfish. It’s energetic, immersive, and great fun for all ages.
Another wonderful family-owned property, this time located in a private conservancy on the edge of the Masai Mara National Park. With just six beautifully designed cottages and space for a maximum of 16 guests, it’s intimate, welcoming and perfect for larger families who might want to take the whole place exclusively.
Unlike typical tented safari camps, these are solid, spacious cottages - sometimes a better choice for families who might feel a little nervous on their first safari.
What really sets House in the Wild apart is how brilliantly it caters for all ages. Children are spoilt for choice, with activities ranging from guided nature walks and river fishing to baking with the chefs or making beaded bracelets. There’s even a swimming pool for a splash between safari adventures. Adults, meanwhile, can relax in comfort, enjoy sundowners on the riverbank, or just simply enjoy the peace and quiet of this stunning conservancy. And the food? Exceptional.
Of course, the wildlife experience is the star of the show. The private conservancy means uncrowded game drives, where you can explore at your own pace with your dedicated guide and vehicle. Expect spectacular sightings, exclusive encounters, and lots of memories that will stay with your forever.
As you can probably see from the activities that I mentioned in the above properties. One of the things that makes Kenya so well suited to multi-generation family travel is the incredible range of activities on offer. Game drives, of course, remain the highlights. Children and adults alike will be captivated by the sheer diversity of wildlife, from lions and leopards to elephants, warthogs and zebras. With private vehicles and guides, you can set the pace that works for your family – whether that involves a full morning in the bush or a shorter drive for grandparents who prefer to take it easy.
Beyond the wildlife, there’s the opportunity to connect with Kenya’s rich culture. I always recommend visiting a nearby village during your stay. You’ll meet the local community, learn about their daily life, and have the chance to buy some of the beautiful handmade products they create - all of which directly supports the village. This experience is fascinating for the whole family, offering insight into local traditions while providing a meaningful way to engage with the country you’re visiting.
Sports and outdoor activities are available for all ages. From mountain biking and horseback riding to swimming or even sleep out experiences, adventurous families can tailor each day to suit their interests. For younger children, optional experiences such as guided nature walks, bug hunts and arts and crats are a great way to keep them engaged, learning, and entertained while the rest of the family is having fun too.
Meanwhile, grandparents or anyone after less intense options won’t be left out. Scenic drives, photography-focused activities, and even spa treatments in some lodges mean that every generation will have activities that suite their energy levels and interests.
Planning a safari with multiple generations can feel daunting, but we’re here to make the whole process much easier. One of the first things to think about is timing. Kenya luckily is very much a year-round destination, but the dry season, from June to October, is generally the best for wildlife viewing, which conveniently falls during the school summer holidays. However, December-March is also a great time to visit and equally excellent for wildlife viewing
Now onto Health and Safety, which of course is important when travelling with children and older relatives. Make sure everyone is up to date with routine vaccinations and check with your doctor about any recommended travel vaccines well in advance. Lodges are well equipped to provide first aid and can advise on age-specific considerations too.
You might also worry about how all the logistics work. This is all organised by us from the private transfer upon arrival at the international airport to all the light aircraft flights to get to each destination. Light aircraft connect the main hubs, keeping transfers short and straightforward, and the drives to the lodges are generally not to long and very scenic.
Balancing the different interests and energy levels across generations is key. By mixing wildlife, cultural visits, gentle activities for the elders and more energetic pursuits for the younger members, each day can be tailored so everyone get the most out of their safari.
For me, the magic of a multi-generation safari was perfectly captured on my recent trip to Kenya with my own family. One afternoon, during golden hour, we were out on a game drive when our guide spotted a herd of elephants in the distance, slowly making their way towards a nearby stream. We parked the vehicle, opened a bottle of wine, and simply waited. Before long, the whole herd surrounded us. From clumsy babies trying to keep up with their mothers to playful teenagers nudging and chasing each other, it was a remarkable moment. Everyone was completely captivated - a memory we all know we won’t forget.
That sense of shared experience is what makes a Kenyan safari so special for families. It’s not just about spotting wildlife – it’s also about the smaller moments in between, the experiences that each generation can enjoy in their own way. Whether it’s tracking wild dogs with a guide, enjoying a quiet sundowner as the sun sets over the Mara plains, or watching children excitedly learn about elephant dung, every day offers something unique for everyone.
It’s these shared stories and moments that make a safari truly memorable. Around the table at supper or by the fire, recounting sightings, laughing over unexpected antics, and reflecting on the day’s discoveries brings the family together in a way few holidays can.
After seeing how multiple generations of my own family enjoyed Kenya together, I can confidently say that this is the perfect destination for a family safari. The combination of abundant wildlife, the most stunning landscapes, comfortable lodges, and activities for all ages means everyone - from grandparents to grandchildren - can enjoy a holiday that’s adventurous, relaxing, and memorable all at once.
If you’re considering this type of safari, now is the perfect time to start planning. By sharing your family’s interests and preferences with us, we can create an itinerary that perfectly balances adventure with comfort.
At Far & Wild, we specialise in designing tailor-made safaris, taking care of all the logistics, transfers, and private experiences, so you can focus on enjoying your time together and creating memories that will last a liftetime!
and start planning your tailor-made holiday
