Kenya Family Safari Holidays: Child-Friendly Parks, Lodges and Itineraries

A safari is one of the most memorable trips a family can take, and Kenya is one of the easiest places to do it. Short drives, English-speaking guides, family rooms and huge herds of animals make a Kenya family safari a hit with children of all ages.

What age is right for a safari?

There's no minimum age for most game drives, but some lodges and activities set limits:

• Hot-air balloon safaris: usually 7+
• Walking safaris: often 12+
• Gorilla trekking: 15+ (Uganda and Rwanda)
• Some luxury camps: may set minimum ages, so always check.

Children receive reduced rates on all our safaris, and you can add children's ages when you book.

Best parks for families

• Ol Pejeta Conservancy: rhinos, the chimpanzee sanctuary, and just 3–4 hours from Nairobi. It's ideal for younger kids.
• Lake Naivasha: boat rides with hippos and a walking safari among giraffes on Crescent Island.
• Masai Mara: the big cats every child wants to see, best with older kids who can manage longer drives.
• Nairobi: baby elephants at the orphanage and hand-feeding giraffes. See our Nairobi day tour guide.

Sample family itinerary

Our 6-Day Kenya Family Safari: Nairobi, Ol Pejeta & Naivasha is built around short drives, swimming pools and hands-on activities, from about $1,835 per person sharing, with reduced child rates. Older children who want the Mara can do the 6-Day Kenya Classic instead.

Family-friendly tips

1. Choose a private vehicle. Stop when you need to, and take breaks.
2. Stay 2–3 nights per place to avoid packing up every day.
3. Pick lodges with pools and family rooms. We'll flag them for you.
4. Bring binoculars for each child. They make the game drive theirs.
5. Ask about malaria. Your doctor can advise on medication for children. Higher, cooler areas such as Laikipia carry a lower risk.

When to go

Kenya's main school-holiday windows work well:

• July–August: great weather and the migration in the Mara (book early)
• Christmas and New Year: dry, festive and busy
• February half-term and Easter: quieter, with good value in many lodges.

See the best time for a Kenya safari for more.

Multi-generational safaris

Travelling with grandparents? We can arrange larger vehicles, accessible rooms and gentler schedules, and celebrate a milestone birthday or anniversary with a bush dinner. Read about group and celebration safaris.

See all family safaris or build your own.