Family Safaris in Kenya: Traveling to Kenya with Children, Best tips, & Advice

Are Family Safari to Africa a good idea? Families are a natural fit for wildlife safaris in Africa, and Kenya is the perfect destination. Family Safaris in Kenya/ Kenya Family safaris are more than just holidays – they are life changing adventure that bring families together through shared experiences in one of the world’s most popular wildlife safari destinations. Traveling to Kenya as a family is a great idea – Kenya Family Safaris offer unmatched blend of adventure as you’ll witness breathtaking landscapes, rich cultures, and thrilling wildlife encounters on a single journey. Children are known to have a natural appreciation for animals, and during family vacations in Kenya, they will have opportunities to witness all the top wildlife species and moments.

Families will enjoy witnessing a lioness teach her cubs to hunt in the famous Masai Mara National Reserve, spotting elephants at the foot of the giant Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, to participating in traditional Masai Cultural dance in the local villages. No matter if your family means very young children, school-aged kids, teens or grandparents, Family Safaris in Kenya/family safari holidays in Kenya offer a wonderful opportunity for discovery and appreciation not only for natural wonders but of each other. Explore the natural wonders of Kenya with your own family, just call, WhatsApp, email us or fill out the online inquiry form and one of our travel experts will help you plan your family safari holiday to Kenya.

 

Best Family Safaris in Kenya: Where to go on Family Safaris? & Best Kenya Family Activities? 

The Best family safari in Kenya usually includes wildlife viewing; however, Kenya in general is a treasure trove for family-friendly safari destinations and safari activities. A family safari holiday to Kenya offers a range of safari activities and adventures, including wildlife viewing, cultural experiences, and nature walking safaris. The fact that there is a lot on offer on a family safari holiday tour in Kenya ensures that all ages are catered for, from young children, teenagers, and grandparents. Kenya has something for everyone. If you are looking forward to visiting Kenya with your family on your next African Vacation, here are some of the most exciting destinations and experiences that you should include in your bucket list for a Kenya Family Safari Tour/Family Safaris in Kenya.

 

Where to go with your family in Kenya? – Best National Parks and Reserves for Families

Maasai Mara National Reserve: Best Kenya Safari destination for abundant wildlife and easy game viewing with Kids

The Masai Mara National Reserve is located in the southern part of Kenya in the Rift Valley province. This National Reserve is one of the best Safari destinations in Kenya for families. Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the best wildlife viewing destinations in Kenya, hosting a healthy population of wildlife species, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, and rhinos, among others. While on your family safari in Masai Mara, you and your family will be able to witness different wildlife species from your safari vehicle.

The other top experience here is witnessing the spectacular wildebeest Migration – a natural migration that involves the movement of over 1.5 million mammals (Wildebeest, Zebra, and Gazelles) from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to Masai Mara National Reserve in search for fresh pastures and water. On top of wildlife sightseeing, families visiting Masai Mara National Reserve will also enjoy witnessing its spectacular landscapes and natural beauty. Other activities that families can do while here include; hot air balloon rides and cultural tours.

Lake Naivasha & Crescent Island: Best for relaxed experiences & walking with wildlife

Both Lake Naivasha and the Crescent Island are located within the Great Rift Valley Region – known family safari destinations in Kenya. These two destinations are renowned for their relaxed, scenic, and family friendly safari experiences – putting them among the best destinations for Kenya family safaris. These destinations offer a less intense alternative especially to those traveling with families – compared to the traditional game drives.

While at lake Naivasha, families can board a boat and explore the lake – an experience that is perfect for both children and adults. During the boat trip on Lake Naivasha, families will be able to spot the hippos bobbing in the water just a few meters away. This area is also home to other wildlife species like zebras, giraffes, and buffalos that you’ll be able to spot as they grave along the shoreline.

The crescent island on the other hand offer families a rare opportunity to walk amongst the wildlife. This area lacks predators and families will enjoy beautiful sceneries and wildlife viewing while here on foot.

 

Amboseli National Park: Perfect for viewing the elephants and Mount Kilimanjaro

Amboseli National Park is among the best parks for family safaris Kenya. This National Park is known for its large herds of elephants and the spectacular views of the giant Mount Kilimanjaro. During a family safari in Kenya’s Amboseli National Park, families will enjoy viewing the incredible wildlife including lions, cheetahs, zebras, buffalos, giraffes, and wildebeest.

While here the best way to explore the park on guided game drives.

 

Ol Pejeta Conservancy: Good for rhino viewing – Family Safaris in Kenya

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy, is located on the foot hills of Mount Kenya – one of the leading wildlife sanctuaries in Kenya. Ol Pejeta Conservancy is renowned for its pioneering conservation efforts, including being home to the last two remaining northern white rhinos on Earth.

The sanctuary is also home to several other wildlife species including; the Big Five, chimpanzees at the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, and endangered species such as Grevy’s zebras and black rhinos – making it a great destination for family safari tours in Kenya. This sanctuary is one of the most rewarding destinations for eco-conscious travelers in Africa

What to do during Family Safaris in Kenya? Wildlife Experiences Kids Will Love

Witnessing the African Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant)

During a family tour in Kenya or Kenya safari one of the must witness are the African Big Five. The Big Five Animals were the 5 most dangerous animals to hunt on foot. They are known for their aggressive nature and ability to fight back. Most visitors to Kenya are guaranteed opportunities to witness these iconic species in various safari destinations like Masai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, Amboseli National Park, and the Ol’ Pejeta Conservancy among other destinations.

 

Baby animals during birthing season

If travel is well time with the calving season especially for the wildebeest – families will enjoy witnessing the birth of hundreds of calves each day. The calving season for the wildebeest in Masai Mara National Reserve is  usually between January – March.

Birdwatching and animal tracking

As a family on a safari tour in Kenya, you can embark on a guided birdwatching safari adventure. Both children and adults can embark on this adventure in various destinations of the country. Families can also embark on animals tracking adventures. Animal tracking is usually done with the help of experienced an armed ranger guides who escort the visitors to the wild to look for various wildlife species.

Junior ranger programs and guided nature walks

One of the best kid-friendly safari activities in Kenya include the junior Ranger programs and nature walks. The junior ranger programs inspire curiosity, and unforgettable learnig experiences among youngster during a Kenya Family vacation. These programs are designed with fun hands on conservation activities for children.

These programs equip youngsters with incredible knowledge about different species and at the same time grant parents an opportunity to enjoy a safari with peace of mind while assured that their children are in safe hands. The junior ranger programs include activities like animal tracking and foot print identification, learning to use binoculars, tree and bird spotting, bush survival skills like making fire using traditional tools, and crafts and games among other.

Best Time to Go on a Family Safari in Kenya

Generally, Kenya can be visited at any time of the year; however, depending on what you are interested on witnessing during your trip, some months of the year may offer more ideal conditions compared to the others. Kenya receives two seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The best time for a family safari in Kenya is during the long dry season (June–October). Although this period of the year also coincides with the peak season of safaris in Kenya, it is considered as the best Kenya safari season for kids. The weather during this time of the year is favorable and just perfect for adventures in Kenya.

The other dry season happens between December and January which can also be good for Kenya family safaris. The best time to go on a Family safari in Kenya is between June and October, and between December – January.

What to pack for a family safari in Kenya? – Packing and Preparation Tips for Families

Since you’ll be travelling several miles away from home, it is important to consider carrying along with you some of the most important items that will aid you during your safari. A good Kenya safari with kids checklist includes the following items;

What to pack for kids (clothing, sunscreen, binoculars)

Health and safety (malaria prevention, vaccinations)

Travel documents and insurance

Book your Kenya safari tour with us today and enjoy memorable adventures with your family in Kenya. We also offer safaris in Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda. Contact us today.