A family guide to Kenya

Few children could resist squealing with excitement at the idea of visiting Kenya—a land of storybook animals, tribal culture, warm seas, and volcanic mountains. While safaris are the heart of the Kenyan experience, there are so many other activities you can incorporate into a family vacation in Kenya with kids to make it fun for everyone.

Kenya is a safe and welcoming destination with decades of experience catering to families, and it shows. The infrastructure is well developed for the region, travel distances are generally manageable, and there are plenty of family-friendly lodges to choose from. While younger children might not be ready for long game drives, there are plenty of ways for them to join in on the adventure.

Kenya with kids

Here we have rounded up some of the best reasons for considering Kenya for your next family adventure, together with tips and ideas to help you plan the perfect trip. With the help of local experts who specialize in crafting bespoke Kenya itineraries, you can tailor every detail to suit your family’s needs. From tiny toddlers to picky teens, there are endless options for all age groups.

Get a cultural insight

It may not be the most obvious of reasons, but one of the things that consistently captivates children is interaction with Kenya’s many tribal communities. It can be a valuable insight into different ways of life and the opportunities for learning – dancing, music, tracking animals, lighting fires and creative expression are numerous. The Maasai tribe are perhaps the most striking in terms of their willowy, red-robed appearance and their traditional lives and homes.

Safari camps for kids

There are a handful of lodges in Kenya that are designed with children in mind, and our handpicked local experts can help you decide which of these would work best for your family and itinerary. Some pointers would be to consider what your children would enjoy doing outside of wildlife viewing activities. Lodges with pools are often a good bet, and some even offer a program of supervised kids events so the grown-ups can put their feet up for an hour or two as well.

Don’t overload your children

As adults we have learned the skills of patience and understand how rare and precious the opportunity to witness the magnificence of Africa’s wildlife really is. Most pre-teen children will be absolutely awestruck by seeing big game in the wild the first few times, but beware overkill. A week of exploring various reserves and wildlife spectacles on game drives, even mixed up with other child-friendly activities, is usually enough. Add a few days at the beach for a change of scene. If you’re traveling with younger kids, plan for shorter game drives in the morning or late afternoon when animals are most active. Keep plenty of snacks, books, or toys on hand to keep them entertained between sightings.

Keep it simple

Family vacations are all about having some well-deserved, stress-free time with your nearest and dearest. Don’t try to pack in too much on your trip or you may risk turning your hard-earned break into a grueling test of patience as you try to keep youngsters busy and calm on frequent or long journeys. Use the expertise of our trusted partners based in Kenya to pick the most suitable destinations and plan on fewer locations with longer spent in each – this can really pay off, especially with small children in tow.

Gain a different perspective

Variety keeps things interesting, so think about including some different wildlife experiences as well as the classic game drives on your trip. Walking safaris give an opportunity to get closer to the small scale nature which is everywhere, while enjoying your surroundings from a more immediate perspective. Hot air balloon safaris, boat safaris, and safaris by camel are just a handful of the ways you can get out into nature.

Have a bit of beach time

Kenya has a long coastline indented with plenty of beautiful sandy beaches for some water-based fun before or after your wildlife adventures. There are destinations, resorts and accommodations to suit everyone, whether you prefer the culture and history of the Lamu archipelago, or you just want sun, sea and sand. You can make your beach stay as relaxed or as active as you like, with optional sailing, surfing, fishing, diving and swimming all available. For families, Watamu Beach is a great option. Its shallow, calm waters are perfect for young swimmers.

Kid-friendly national parks and reserves

Kenya is home to a long list of family-friendly parks. Masai Mara offers engaging wildlife guides, while Amboseli has shorter game drives and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. You can even learn about rhinos at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, which is home to the last two northern white rhinos in the world. For a unique adventure, head to Lake Naivasha and join a boat safari to see hippos and waterbirds up close. Finally, if you’re looking for an easy introduction to safaris, Nairobi National Park combines wildlife with attractions like the Giraffe Center.

The best time to visit Kenya with kids

The best time to visit Kenya is during the dry seasons, which are from June to October and January to February. These months offer sunny weather, easy wildlife spotting, and fewer travel challenges. If you’re an animal enthusiast interested in seeing the Great Migration in the Masai Mara, plan a trip to Kenya from around July to early September. While the rainy seasons in November and May bring lush landscapes and fewer crowds, travel can be trickier with the need for flexible planning.

Discover our top Kenya itineraries:

Family-friendly Kenya beach & bush adventure

The family-friendly Kenya beach & bush adventure combines thrilling safari experiences with a tranquil coastal getaway. From spotting leopards in the Maasai Mara and herds of elephants beneath Mount Kilimanjaro to watching flamingos at Lake Nakuru, this tour is all about wildlife-watching opportunities. You’ll wrap up your adventure with a sunny trip to Mombasa’s white-sand beaches, where the only thing on the agenda is relaxation.

Secret safaris of Kenya 10-day trip

The Secret safaris of Kenya tour showcases the country’s lesser-known reserves in a 10-day adventure. Each stop offers a unique wildlife encounter, from admiring flamingos at Lake Elmenteita and rhinos in Ol Pejeta to spotting rare species of Buffalo Springs. This off-the-beaten-path adventure leads you through Kenya’s untouched wilderness, unveiling remote landscapes most travelers don’t get to see.

Unexplored northern Kenya: an 8-day safari

The unexplored northern Kenya safari offers the perfect mix of incredible landscapes, abundant wildlife viewing, and eco-friendly lodgings. You’ll have the chance to explore the rainforests near Mt. Kenya, the natural beauty of Meru National Park, and the unique Samburu National Reserve, spotting lions, cheetahs, elephants, and more along the way. The highlight is a visit to the Solio Protection Area, where rare rhinos roam freely.

Make it happen

Kenya has so much to offer for any family, and with the wealth of local knowledge available from our expert Kenyan partners you can craft the perfect family trip with as much or as little action as you like. Fill in a simple inquiry form to start the process today.