Kenya with kids: planning a family safari in Kenya

Written by: Yuna Tiya, Local Expert

One of the most thrilling aspects of any Kenyan safari is sharing it with your loved ones which of course, might include children. But how do you go about planning a family safari? And is a safari in Kenya with children safe? Here are a few practical guidelines that can help make your dream of a family safari a reality.

How do I plan a family safari in Kenya?

First, some practical matters. Due to the safety considerations with proximity to wild animals, many lodges and tour operators will accept kids younger than a certain age, which is usually in the 8 – 12 year-old range. Read the fine print before booking your family vacation in Kenya or making payment. Have an actual phone conversation with someone at the lodge or tour company about what family-friendly means to them.

The smallest details such as booking accommodation with a swimming pool and other children’s activities or a city hotel with babysitting services can make a difference when traveling with the entire family. Working with a locally-based safari operator with intimate local knowledge is key to ensuring all of your family’s unique needs are attended to.

Additionally, traveling with a reputable tour operator that has previously worked with families is essential for engaging young kids, educating the family, and showing you both big game and creatures you may otherwise miss in Kenya’s wildlife rich national parks.

When is the best time of year to go on a family safari in Kenya?

The best time to go on a family safari in Kenya is during the dry season from late June to October. During this time, the lack of rain forces the animals to congregate at watering holes, making them easier to spot. The annual wildebeest migration usually reaches the Masai Mara sometime in August and stays until October when the wildebeest circle back to the Serengeti in Tanzania. So, if you want to be certain you see the migration, plan to be in the Mara in early September.

Natural World Kenya Safaris’ experienced guides will track the migration across the vast plains and make sure you see the Mara River crossing. This way, your family adventure will include the greatest wildlife show on earth!

What is the cost of a family safari in Kenya?

The cost of a Kenya family safari varies depending on whether you want a private safari or group safari. In other words, do you want a private vehicle for your family or are you willing to include other guests in your vehicle, which may reduce costs. Safaris can range from about $200 per person, per day to upwards of $1,000 per person, per day. Natural World Kenya Safaris can accommodate almost any budget and any family size. Read more about how to budget for a safari in Kenya.

What age is appropriate for safari?

Each safari camp, lodge, and tour company has their own minimum age, and this is sometimes flexible. Typically, eight years old is considered the benchmark of age appropriateness on safari. By then, kids can engage with the guide or someone from a local village and appreciate seeing animals run free in the wild. Patience is also a virtue while on safari, as it often takes many hours in a safari vehicle to spot one of the Big Five.

What’s more, kids eight and older tend to be better behaved on game drives which is, of course, a safety consideration around wild animals. Natural World Kenya Safaris operates customized off-road 4×4 safari jeeps with wide windows and children’s seats, making it easier for kids to see the animals while out on game drives.

A trip such as a Kenya safari will have a more lasting impression if the kids are of an age to remember. And remember they will, as any safari in Kenya is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience.

Is it safe to travel to Kenya with kids?

East Africa may seem like an overwhelming place for kids, but rest assured that the continent – and specifically Kenya – is an excellent place to travel with kids, especially when traveling with a reputable tour operator. Everyone in the family will need vaccinations, but if you’re prepared to spend a bit extra and are prepared for adventure, then you’re guaranteed to have the vacation of a lifetime.

As with any location, a little common sense goes a long way. Also, ask your lodge or tour company to arrange for airport pickup so you don’t need to hassle with taxi cabs after a long flight.

Things to see and do in Kenya with kids

There are so many child-friendly activities in Kenya, it’s hard to choose! From traditional game drives where kids will see the Big Five roaming the savannah plains in Maasai Mara National Reserve or Amboseli National Park to guided bush walks to hot air balloon rides high above the landscape, the choices are many. When you visit Kenya, feeding the baby orphaned elephants at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi National Park and seeing the colorful garments of Masai tribesmen during cultural visits to a local village in the Great Rift Valley or during walking safaris in the bush are other child-friendly favorites.

And of course, the great wildebeest migration will stun everyone, most of all young children. More than just excellent game viewing, this is a wildlife spectacle like no other, and exactly what people come to Kenya for.

Further towards the Indian Ocean coastline, young children can picnic on Kenya’s pristine beaches, swim with dolphins at Kisite Marine National Park, sail on a dhow from Lamu, or discover life under the Indian Ocean waters on a family-friendly snorkeling excursion. The possibilities of fun for the whole family are endless in Kenya. It is the perfect destination for adventurous families.