Enjoy family safari and beach holidays in Kenya
A Kenya family safari is particularly well-suited for older and active children who will be captivated by the excitement of game drives, the rich traditions of the Maasai people, and the chance to spot Africa’s Big Five up close. Many lodges and safari camps welcome families, though most have age restrictions for safety reasons. However, these rules are often flexible, and younger children may be accommodated depending on the lodge’s policy. Another option, for ultimate privacy, is Kenya’s exclusive-use private villas and houses.
It’s important to note that Kenya’s safari lodges are typically unfenced, meaning wildlife can roam freely through the camps. Many are also located near rivers or feature high walkways, steep steps, or open balconies, so constant parental supervision is necessary. That being said, Kenya’s hospitality is renowned, and many lodges offer flexible and personalised activities to engage younger visitors, even if structured children’s programs are rare. Expect friendly staff, engaging storytelling, and interactive experiences tailored to curious young minds.
A family safari in Kenya can also be beautifully combined with a beach holiday along the country’s spectacular coastline. Diani Beach, Watamu, and Lamu offer some of Africa’s most pristine beaches, perfect for unwinding after an adventurous safari. Families can enjoy snorkelling along coral reefs, boat trips in the Indian Ocean, and relaxing under swaying palm trees - the ideal way to balance adventure with relaxation.
With its diverse landscapes, incredible wildlife, welcoming culture, and breathtaking beaches, Kenya provides the perfect family-friendly getaway. Whether you’re seeking thrill, culture, or relaxation, Kenya offers something for every family looking to create lifelong memories in one of Africa’s most iconic destinations.
Explore our collection of Kenya family safaris and family-friendly camps and lodges, and find answers to frequently asked questions about family safaris in Kenya.
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Best camps & lodges for family safaris and beach holidays in Kenya
Kenya has a great selection of family-friendly camps and lodges. And with its beautiful coastline, it also offers some of Africa’s loveliest family beach holidays, making it a great option for combining safari and beach experiences.
When planning a family safari and holiday in Kenya, it's essential to choose accommodation that provides activities that children will love, but also prioritise their safety and comfort. While many lodges and camps in Kenya are well-suited for family stays, it's important to note that age restrictions may sometimes apply, and the Expert Africa team can guide you on the best options to suit your family.
There are many camps and lodges to choose from. One option for families with active children aged 5 and above is Sosian Lodge in Laikipia, which offers a range of activities children will love, such as horse riding, camel trekking, and nature walks. Another is Lewa Wilderness, located in the Lewa Conservancy. Alongside nature and wildlife experiences, children can enjoy swimming, tennis, and visits to local villages and schools. Or, for those interested in a more rustic adventure, Selenkay Adventure Camp offers comfortable dome tents and a down-to-earth atmosphere in the wildlife-rich Mara ecosystem. Families can immerse themselves in the sounds of the bush, providing an authentic safari experience.
And there are many more. You can browse through our hand-selected recommendations below, or speak to one of our specialists for recommendations and advice on where to stay that perfectly suits your family’s needs.
Offbeat Mara
Offbeat Mara is great for families with children aged 8+, offering a classic safari in a private conservancy. With flexible game drives, family tents, and guides who enjoy working with kids, it’s a great way to experience the Mara’s wildlife in a relaxed, child-friendly setting.
Kinondo Kwetu
Set on a private stretch of white sandy beach, Kinondo Kwetu is great for a family safari beach escape, with a pool, spacious cottages and interconnecting rooms. A range of child-friendly activities and watersports ensures plenty of fun for all ages on Kenya’s stunning coast.
Sosian
Sosian Lodge is perfect for adventurous families, especially with kids aged 5+. With horse and camel rides, game drives, fishing, tennis, archery, swimming, and river rock-jumping, it’s a fun-filled base for exploring Kenya’s wildlife in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Governors' Camp
Governor’s Camp offers a classic safari experience suited to families with children aged 8+. With spacious tents, excellent wildlife viewing, and flexible guiding, it’s a great choice for families wanting comfort, adventure, and unforgettable moments in the Maasai Mara.
El Karama Lodge
El Karama is a fantastic family safari choice. Owner-managed by parents with a young family, it offers a relaxed vibe, bush camping adventures, a pool, and daily Bush School sessions, making it ideal for children of all ages to explore and learn in Kenya’s wild.
Basecamp Maasai Mara
During a Kenyan family holiday at Basecamp Maasai Mara, children can join in with activities offered by the Dorobo club. This camp is a great example of eco-friendliness and cooperation with local communities, for ages 6+. Walks require children to be aged 15+.
Desert Rose
The luxurious, beautifully set Desert Rose is the perfect choice for northern Kenya family safari holidays with robust, adventurous children and teens, who can enjoy a pool, local walks and a natural waterslide. Children’s food needs will be happily discussed.
Basecamp Mara Houses
Basecamp Mara Houses is a good option for family safaris, with private vehicles for flexible game drives tailored to your pace. A shared pool offers space for kids to unwind, making it a relaxed and adaptable base for exploring the Maasai Mara together.
Ekorian's Mugie Camp
Choose Ekorian's Mugie Camp for an adventurous family safari, with large tents and ample space for kids to play safely. Activities include kayaking, camel riding, game drives, and bird walks, offering a mix of traditional and unique safari experiences.
Elephant Bedroom
Elephant Pepper accepts children of all ages at competitive rates and the camp has a friendly, welcoming feel. Children enjoy the lawn area, hammocks and swing chairs, the nature walks and the Maasai-led activities that take place around the house.
Lewa Wilderness
Lewa Wilderness is a great option for a varied family holiday. Aside from doing game drives, children can swim, play tennis, visit the local village and school, and even ride horses and camels. The cottage rooms have plenty of space for families.
Laikipia Wilderness
This camp has an adventurous, outdoors feel. The owners’ children have grown up with the camp and this shows in their family-friendly approach and the immersive bush experiences offered. Several spacious family tents accommodate 4 to 6 people.
Mara Expedition Camp
Mara Expedition's spacious family tent, fun pool, and interactive kitchen experiences make it a brilliant base for fun-loving families whose children are sensible with wildlife. Children can also be involved with the camp's vegetable garden.
The Emakoko
As the Emakoko’s owners have small children themselves, this upmarket, spectacularly set Kenya lodge is well-suited for family safari holidays with children of all ages. There are two cots, a nice pool and the Nairobi National Park nearby.
Basecamp Samburu
The family tent offers privacy whilst allowing connectedness, and a Young Explorers Club is available for younger travellers. Children under 5 stay free of charge when sharing with parents/adults and child-friendly meals are available.
Lions Bluff Lodge
Lion’s Bluff provides a great-value, imaginative two-storey family unit with fantastic views as base for family safari holidays near Kenya’s Tsavo West National Park. Children aged can learn bow-and-arrow skills and fire-making.
Borana
As well as game drives, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. These include: horse riding, mountain biking, conservation activities, forest visits and fly camping. Children under five stay free at Borana.
Satao Camp
Satao makes for relaxed family safari holidays in Kenya with children 8+. Kids usually have great fun watching impala, baboons and giraffe right by the tents. The staff offers free child minding.
The Sands At Nomad
The Sands at Nomad is a low key, unpretentious beach hotel where families will feel comfortable with children. There are also lots of activities to keep kids entertained during their stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kenya family safari FAQs
Planning a family safari to Kenya is exciting, but it does lead to a lot of questions. To help, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most frequently asked questions about Kenyan family safaris and holidays. From recommended safari areas, the best time of year to visit, to age limits and activities available for children, we’ve got you covered.
Explore our expert tips on planning a safe, enjoyable, and memorable family safari and holiday in Kenya, and feel free to get in touch for personalised advice and recommendations!
Is Kenya a good destination for family safaris?
Renowned national parks and reserves such as the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Samburu provide opportunities to see and experience iconic species like lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos in their natural habitats. The annual Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains, is a captivating spectacle that will grab a child’s imagination and leave lasting memories.
Many lodges and camps are family-friendly, providing accommodation and activities tailored to younger guests. However, it's essential to choose lodges that cater specifically to families to ensure safety and engagement for children.
Kenya has a well-established tourism infrastructure, with reliable transport, high-quality facilities and experienced and qualified guides, making it a relaxing and comfortable experience for families. The country’s warm climate, ranging from 23°C/74°F to 35°C/95°F, also means that you can travel with children all year round, giving you flexibility to travel around your family’s schedule and commitments.
What is the best time to visit Kenya for a family safari?
Additionally, the Great Migration typically occurs between July and September in the Maasai Mara, providing a unique spectacle for visitors.
Are there age restrictions for children on safari in Kenya?
Walking safaris generally have stricter age restrictions, often not permitting children under 12 years old, due to safety considerations. Booking exclusive-use safari vehicles can be a good option for families traveling with young children, allowing for flexibility in scheduling and activities.
Expert Africa can guide you to the best lodges, camps and areas to suit your children’s ages.
What activities are available for children on a Kenyan safari?
The classic experience is game drives and looking for wildlife. Many lodges provide shorter, interactive game drives tailored for younger guests, allowing children to observe wildlife in their natural habitats without extended periods in the vehicle. Guided nature walks and bird-watching excursions offer hands-on learning, teaching children about diverse plant species, animal tracks, and bird identification. Or for cultural experiences, you can visit local communities, such as the Maasai or Samburu tribes, where children can take part in traditional dances and crafts. For an unusual perspective (and one almost guaranteed to get children excited) some conservancies offer camel-assisted walking safaris – a very different way to experience look for wildlife.
Another exciting option is early morning hot air balloon rides, which offer panoramic views of the vast savannah and its inhabitants, providing an unforgettable experience. Many family-friendly lodges offer tailored educational programs where children can learn bushcraft skills, animal tracking, and participate in art projects inspired by their surroundings.
Combining safari with relaxation, Kenya's coastline, especially areas like Diani Beach, provides families with pristine beaches, water sports, and marine life exploration, including snorkelling and dolphin watching.
What are the best family-friendly safari destinations in Kenya?
- Maasai Mara National Reserve and conservancies
Renowned for its abundant wildlife and the annual Great Migration, the Maasai Mara (and its conservancies) is a premier safari destination. Many lodges and camps here cater specifically to families, offering educational game drives and cultural interactions with the Maasai people. There are also a number of exclusive-use family safari houses that are ideal for families. - Amboseli National Park
Famous for its large elephant herds set against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli offers breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife. The park's relatively open landscape makes animal spotting easier, which can be particularly engaging for children. Family-friendly lodges in the area often provide tailored activities to enhance the safari experience for younger guests. - Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Located between the foothills of the Aberdares and Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta is a 360km2 not-for-profit wildlife conservancy. It offers engaging educational experiences about wildlife conservation, making it ideal for families. It is also home to the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa, and to the last two remaining northern white rhinos. - Nairobi and surrounds
If staying in Nairobi, children will thoroughly enjoy a visit to Nairobi Elephant Orphanage, or Nairobi Giraffe Centre, which will give them a chance to experience these animals up close, or for more cultural experiences there is an interactive beading workshop where kids (and adults!) can learn beading with local Maasai artisans. Nairobi National Park, situated just outside the capital, offers a convenient safari experience without long travel distances. Families can enjoy game drives to see lions, giraffes, and rhinos against the backdrop of the city skyline. The proximity to Nairobi allows for flexible planning, making it suitable for families with younger children or if you have limited time. - Laikipia
Laikipia, nestled between Mount Kenya and the Great Rift Valley, is emerging as one of Kenya's premier family-friendly safari destinations. The area offers a wide range of experiences that families will enjoy, from cultural interactions with local communities to big game viewing, walking safaris, horse-riding, fly-camping, river swimming, helicopter flights, camel riding, and climbing. Accommodation options in Laikipia are often family-run and eco-friendly, providing intimate settings well suited to families. - Samburu
Samburu National Reserve, situated in northern Kenya, offers a distinctive safari experience ideal for families. The reserve is home to the "Samburu Special Five": Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx, making it a special destination in Kenya. Accommodation options provide spacious villas designed for families, with panoramic views and swimming pools. Its combination of unique wildlife, engaging activities, such as game drives, walking safaris, camel trekking, and cultural visits to Samburu villages, as well as family-oriented lodgings, makes it an ideal destination for families.
What beach destinations are ideal for families in Kenya?
A few of our favourite Kenya beach destinations include:
- Diani Beach: Diani offers white sands, clear waters, and numerous resorts catering for families and children.
- Watamu: Known for marine parks, snorkelling opportunities, and tranquil beaches.
- Malindi: Combines historical sites with beautiful beaches - a great option for relaxation and exploration.
Are there malaria risks in Kenya, and how can families stay safe?
To keep your family safe, it’s essential to take preventative measures. Before travelling, consult a doctor about antimalarial medication, which is recommended for visitors to Kenya. Other key precautions include:
- Using insect repellent containing DEET, especially in the evenings and early mornings.
- Wearing long-sleeved clothing and long trousers at night to minimise skin exposure.
- Choosing accommodation with mosquito nets and well-screened rooms. Many lodges provide nets and insect-proof tents for added protection.
- Avoiding stagnant water where mosquitoes breed, and staying indoors during peak mosquito activity times (dusk and dawn).
Is Kenya safe for families?
Safari lodges and camps operate in remote wilderness areas, far from urban centres, even further reducing risks.
That said, families should take common-sense precautions, including:
- Following safety guidelines provided by safari guides, especially regarding wildlife encounters.
- Keeping children supervised at all times, particularly near water or in unfenced lodges.
- Using reputable safari operators to ensure professional guiding and well-maintained vehicles, as recommended by Expert Africa.
Our collections of family safari holidays across Africa
Discover our hand-picked selections of amazing safaris and holidays for families.
From close encounters with meerkats in the Kalahari, to exploring the world's highest dunes in Namibia, our collections have a great adventure for every family.
Where to see wildlife species in Kenya
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.
Lion
Panthera leo
Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.
81% SUCCESS
3,674 sightings from 4,539 observations
Leopard
Panthera pardus
The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.
47% SUCCESS
2,370 sightings from 5,037 observations
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.
33% SUCCESS
1,289 sightings from 3,855 observations
Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.
83% SUCCESS
3,100 sightings from 3,738 observations
Wild dog
Lycaon pictus
African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.
32% SUCCESS
1,049 sightings from 3,322 observations
Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.
55% SUCCESS
2,632 sightings from 4,798 observations
Striped Hyena
Hyaena hyaena
The striped hyena is the most widespread of the world’s hyenas, but absent from southern Africa. A rarely-seen nocturnal scavenger, it is shyer and more solitary than its spotted cousin.
13% SUCCESS
141 sightings from 1,097 observations
Elephant
Loxodonta africana
By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.
91% SUCCESS
4,431 sightings from 4,871 observations
Black Rhino
Diceros bicornis
The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.
30% SUCCESS
758 sightings from 2,501 observations
White Rhino
Ceratotherium simum
The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. They are larger, easier to see and generally more approachable than the black rhino.
44% SUCCESS
618 sightings from 1,417 observations
Eland
Taurotragus oryx
Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.
49% SUCCESS
1,768 sightings from 3,572 observations
Gerenuk
Litocranius walleri
With its slender frame and extraordinarily long neck, this unmistakable East African antelope resembles an attenuated impala and often stands on its back legs browse high shrubs.
73% SUCCESS
113 sightings from 155 observations
Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.
86% SUCCESS
4,282 sightings from 4,994 observations
Oryx
Oryx sp.
Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.
69% SUCCESS
1,614 sightings from 2,334 observations
Hippo
Hippopotamus amphibius
The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.
89% SUCCESS
3,224 sightings from 3,619 observations
Sable antelope
Hippotragus niger
Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.
24% SUCCESS
578 sightings from 2,440 observations
Wildebeest
Connochaetes sp.
Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.
68% SUCCESS
3,008 sightings from 4,452 observations
Zebra
Equus sp.
The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.
84% SUCCESS
4,654 sightings from 5,533 observations
Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.
2% SUCCESS
82 sightings from 3,987 observations
Pangolin
Smutsia sp.
Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.
2% SUCCESS
70 sightings from 4,029 observations
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