For many Kenya embodies the spirit of Sub-Saharan Africa and a classic Kenya family safari is the ultimate wildlife experience with kids. The location where ‘Out of Africa’ was filmed is a place of seemingly endless plains dotted with herds of elephants, with solitary acacia trees silhouetted against a flaming sunset. It’s also the setting for the greatest migration on Earth, when millions of wildebeest stampede across the plains in search of sweet fresh grasses.

Kenya is spectacularly beautiful with a huge variety of landscapes. The harsh beauty of the parched semi-desert in the north is offset by the snow-capped splendour of Mount Kenya. There is thick equatorial jungle that cloaks part of the west and idyllic golden beaches lining the coast. Add to these the legendary rolling plains of the Masai Mara, one of Africa’s most iconic settings, and you have the perfect backdrop for a family safari.

Even the very youngest travellers enjoy experiencing Maasai culture…

Why take the kids?

The top reasons to choose a Kenya family safari include:

• Superb game viewing with the possibility to spot the Big Five
• The chance to make a bow and arrow with a Maasai tribesman
• Opportunities for camel trekking, hiking and river swimming
• Wide, sweeping golden-sand beaches and exciting watersports
• The opportunity to track animal spoor across the plains
• The wonderful selection of accommodation on safari
• The boutique beach hotels, many with lush gardens and gorgeous pools

Safari game drives in Kenya are ideal for teenagers with plenty to keep younger family members happy too

Children adore the excitement and thrill of a family safari in Kenya. Tourism here is very well organised and they’ll love searching the horizon to be first to spot a cheetah family or a lion pride. Within minutes of starting your first game drive, they’ll have become avid ‘species collectors’, scouring the landscape to ensure that they tick off the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, elephant). This is a land that they will have seen a hundred times on film and they will be delighted to actually be in the heart of it, watching the animals as they hunt and play.

Kids also love the experience of sleeping in a tented camp in the heart of a game reserve, hearing the roar of a lion in the night, and of seeing animals up close on a walking safari.

Look for big cats in the Masai Mara

Example Kenya family itineraries

All of our itineraries are bespoke, which means that they are tailor-made for your own specific family. We take into account the ages of your children, your interests, your budget and so on.

But to give you an idea of what you could do on a Kenya family safari or holiday, have a look at our sample itineraries, Highlights of Kenya and Kenya Out of Africa, both including time on the beach. Also, check out some of the other places that you might like to visit on your trip and if you need further inspiration, have a look at our Kenya photo gallery.

Lastly, don’t forget to check what the weather will be like at the time you want to travel. Or simply give us a ring and we’ll be delighted to advise you on the best Kenya family safari for you and the children.

Learn bush survival skills with your Maasai guides

Will the children enjoy a Kenya family safari?

For expert advice on family-friendly safaris in Kenya, and to compare with other safari destinations, check out our family safari holidays section.