Why select Kenya for your Family Safari Vacation?

Animals

Across several ecosystems, including the Big Five—lion, rhino, leopard, elephant, and buffalo—Kenya offers an incredible variety of fauna. Look out for the Northern Five (also called the ‘Special Five’ in Samburu National Reserve) in Kenya’s northernmost areas. Unique to the region, these species are beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Grevy’s zebra, and gerenuk. Further south, the Maasai Mara is famous for the yearly Great Migration and its amazing big cat sightings, but there is also much to see at Laikipia, Amboseli, Samburu National Reserve, and the breathtaking Great Rift Valley lakes.

Great Migration

One of the most amazing animal displays on Earth is the Great Migration. Thousands of wildebeest smash across the Mara river from northern Tanzania into Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve during the most dramatic moment in the migration, creating spectacular animal viewing. It happens annually between July and October, which fits the summer vacations. Though hectic, this is usually a well-liked time for families with school-age kids.

Adventure Activities Adventure-fueled activities abound in the Laikipia highlands, where horse riding, fly-fishing, sleep-outs, quad-biking, and bush treks prevail. You may even go camel trekking here! Private ranches are ideal for multi-generational vacation and families looking for flexible timing and schedule-free luxury safari experiences.

Watching Birds

For novice birdwatchers, Kenya is a fantastic place. Easily reachable from Nairobi, the Rift Valley lakes provide boating, nature walks, and beautiful bird watching, especially during months when millions of lesser flamingos congregate to the alkaline waters of Lake Bogoria. With so much variety in Kenya’s national reserves, ornithologists will find them incredible; the Maasai Mara alone contains about five hundred distinct bird species.

Sandy shores

Finally, give the family some well-deserved post-safari relaxation at one of the beautiful beaches on the Kenyan coast, including Diani, Watamu, and the interesting ancient Swahili village of Lamu. With its friendly welcome, abundance of water sports, and never-ending white sandy beach lengths, the Swahili coast is a great spot to relax and have some good family time.

When should one go to Kenya?

Almost a year-round destination, Kenya has lots of pleasant sunshine during most months. Two rainy seasons mark its climate: the long rains, often between April and May, and a second, more transient spell of downpours, usually in November and early December, followed by two to three months of dry weather. Consider July to September for maximum wildlife activity in the Maasai Mara since the Great Migration is at its most spectacular and colder temperatures make Samburu National Reserve more pleasant. When the Kenyan coast is perfect, a bush-and-beach mix is effective between December and January.

Suggested Family Activities in Kenya Game Drives

Second to none, Kenya’s game drives offer a front-row view to some of Africa’s most abundant animals. Particularly during the Great Migration, when herds of wildebeest thunder across its territory, the Maasai Mara ranks among the Top Five bucket list destinations for many. You would hardly see another car when exploring large areas of Laikipia. Among its varied animals are lion, elephant, leopard, cheetah, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, hippo, buffalo, and many antelopes.

Walks with Guides

Beyond the national reservations, chances for guided walking safaris let adults and older kids discover some amazing places on foot. Walking safaris have reduced age restrictions for safety reasons, so be sure to verify the criteria with your safari expert. Your family will explore the smaller aspects of Kenya’s several ecosystems—including birds, grasses, and insects—on a guided walking safari. Know precisely which wildlife species you have encountered encounters with by learning to spot animal tracks and spoor. Walk over country with people whose forebears have walked these areas for millennia and interact with nature in a special and unforgettable way.

Equestrianism

Horse riding brings you close to plains game and invites an unmatched relationship with nature, so offering a whole new dimension to wildlife safari. Anyone can go to the bush for the experience of a lifetime while surrounded by the sights and sounds of the outdoors as there are horses appropriate for all riding skills. Adventurous travelers with older children might want to combine this event with an exciting night fly camping.

Riding Camels

Camels are an amazing way to trek regions of northern Kenya since they can go large distances and access difficult-to-reach locations. Every turn will reveal stunning scenery and dry riverbeds to cross, thereby sharing your discoveries with almost no one else. Driven by very knowledgeable guides, you will see the animals and traditions of the area, appreciating its uniqueness from a totally other viewpoint.

Camping by Air

Being a pioneering safari destination, Kenya excels with explorer-style fly camps in off-the-beaten-path areas! Depending on the site, you will sleep in lightweight tents out in the wilderness with robust meals under the stars and narrative over the campfire, often only reachable on foot or maybe even horseback.

Quad riding

Kenya earns its image as an action-packed place with lots of adrenaline-rush potential! Riding quad bikes is a thrilling method to get off track and see certain regions. With breakfast and sundowner rides both available on request, set off via untraveled routes and dry riverbeds under the direction of an expert guide. A really interesting and alternative approach to enjoy safari!

Wildlife you may observe on safari in Kenya

Renowned for the Big Five animals roaming the golden grasslands of its Maasai Mara plains, Kenya Its natural variety, however, goes well beyond the Mara habitat and the renowned lion, rhinoceros, leopard, elephant, and Cape buffalo. While Laikipia’s attractions include wild dog sightings, lucky guests may even see the uncommon black leopard here. Samburu National Reserve boasts its own “Special Five”. Home to some of the last remaining bull elephant Super Tuskers in the world, Tsavo is marked by its massive tusks that sometimes even trail the ground.

Kenya’s Family-Friendly Safari Lodges

From its limitless great lodges and camps made to fit all preferences and budgets, Kenya has much to offer. Some estates have been owned by the same families for years, providing warm hospitality, charm, and character in spades! From unfenced, rustic bush camps to mobile camps run by some of the most famous names in the safari sector, modern-chic resorts to extremely opulent private estates for exclusive-use reservations.

Kicheche-Mara

Classic unfenced safari camp Kicheche Mara in Mara North Conservancy offers a choice of cozy, family-friendly tents. Among the great variety of children’s activities available here are bush treks, fly camping, beadwork, tracking, archery, spear throwing, and fire-making.

Serian The First

Another family favorite in the Mara North Conservancy, Serian The Original is a small camp with only five tents, one of which is a two-bedroom family home. Guests are kept occupied by game drives, walking safaris, bush running, fishing, and fly camping!

Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp &Beyond

A luxury Maasai Mara resort, Kichwa Tembo invites kids of all ages. Its distinctive WILDChild programme keeps the young ones busy with a variety of interesting, enjoyable activities in three family tents.

Laikipia’s El Karama Lodge

El Karama Lodge, in the centre of Laikipia, is a wonderful choice for families with young children given the child-friendly activities and lodging possibilities. The lodge features its own Bush School to educate children about the bush and indigenous animals, hence keeping them entertained.

Sosian Lodge

Sosian is the perfect option for families since it is a lovely resort on a 24,000-acre private conservancy near Laikipia. Sosian’s winning streak comes from child-friendly cuisine, a heated swimming pool, and great activities include mountain biking, camel excursions, horse riding, and kayaking.

Borana Lodge

Located also in Kenya’s Central Highlands, Borana Lodge offers two roomy family cottages and other on- and off-site breathtaking adventures. Among its attractions are cultural events, cooking classes, farm trips, and children’s pony riding.

Saruni Samburu

A luxury lodge inside the Kalama Community Wildlife Conservancy, Saruni Samburu offers four family villas. Activities range from helicopter trips to wildlife drives, guided bush walks, mountain cave explorations where you’ll discover old rock art, and even a “Warriors Academy” for kids.

Ol Donyo Lodge

Set in Kenya’s Chyulu Hills, Ol Donyo Lodge is a luxury hotel with breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and quick access to Amboseli National Park. A two-bedroom family suite with its own swimming pool, star-bed, and private game drive car exists.

Enasoit Private Camp

For those looking for a rich yet cozy exclusive-use tented camp in Laikipia, Enasoit is a great option. While relishing great home-cooked meals in the comfortable mess tent, you will probably view lots of game overlooking a lively waterhole.

Kinondo Kwehu

Families may anticipate an amazing beach vacation at Kinondo Kwetu, just south of Diani Beach on Kenya’s southern coast, because of its “home-away-from-home” atmosphere. The variety of activities and family cottages make it a wonderful family choice.