How to plan a Family Trip To Kenya That Everyone will Enjoy

Kenya, with its variety of wildlife, is a perfect destination for a family adventure. A trip to Kenya can be a life-changing experience for both you and your kids.

However, when it comes to planning the trip, it can be exhausting. How to choose the best safari destinations and activities catering for all family ages, finding out if there any lodges suitable for families...

We have tailored trips across Kenya for families. We know what you are looking for. Based on our experience, we have given you the following tips for planning your once-in-a-lifetime family journey to Kenya.

The Best Things to Do with Your Family in Kenya

Not all of the "best things to do" recommended by the TA may be suitable for your family. Based on our experience, we have recommended the best family-friendly activities below.

1. Take a Boat Ride on Lake Naivasha

Naivasha is a fantastic place for your kids. Take a relaxing boat ride across the lake to enjoy seeing hippos and a wide variety of birds.

Your family could also ride around the spacious wilds on bikes and get close to the wild animals. There are no large carnivores, so you can enjoy riding around without worrying about lions, leopards, or cheetahs. Kenya's most popular area for biking is inside Hell's Gate National Park just to the south of Lake Naivasha.

2. Take an Interesting Walking Safari with Your Family

Your children could get tired of the long game-viewing drives, so a walking safari offers a refreshing change.

During a walking safari, your kids would have the chance to get close to wildlife. Loisaba Conservancy and Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia, as well as some camps in Maasai Mara, offer guided walking safaris, allowing you to explore the wilderness and encounter wildlife up close.

Hell's Gate National Park is one of the few parks in Kenya that allows unescorted walking safaris. You can walk or cycle among zebras, giraffes, and other non-predatory wildlife.

3. Visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

One of the best activities for your kids is probably this elephant orphanage. Kids usually love seeing the adorable elephant calves, some of which may walk up close to them.

Children particularly enjoy watching the playful baby elephants during feeding time and listening to the individual stories about how each elephant was rescued. The

David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is a sanctuary in Nairobi, Kenya, dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants and rhinos before reintroducing them into the wild.

4. Take a Hot-Air Balloon Ride over Maasai Mara

Imagine seeing animals running in the wild beneath you from the sky. Your family could feel the immense excitement of watching a multitude of animals spread across the expansive plains.

Your kids can feel proud as they spot a giraffe among the trees or an antelope on a plain. Your family will enjoy an incredibly beautiful view when the sun comes up. That would definitely be an unforgettable experience for all of your family members.

5. Visit a Tribal Village

You may want your kids to learn about the local culture and people in Kenya. We recommend that you visit a Maasai Village. The Maasai people are famous for their colorful clothes and are good at dancing. We can arrange a visit to the village, and, during the visit, your kids will learn a bit about their life and culture, which would definitely open their eyes.

6. Relax on Diani Beach

After a few days of busy game-viewing, spending a few days on Kenya's inviting beaches is a very good choice. There is a lot to do for families: playing on the beach, snorkeling, kayaking, taking dhow cruises to Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve…

Other family-friendly activities include feeding giraffes at the Giraffe Center and seeing flamingoes at Lake Nakuru — there are so many things to do in Kenya.

Discuss with your family what you are most interested in and tell our travel advisor. He/she will tailor a personalized tour for you based on the interests of your family.

How Long to Travel in Kenya for a Fulfilling Family Tour

There are many things to see in Kenya and we recommend staying for about 10 days to explore at a comfortable pace.

We suggest planning to spend about 2 nights in each of the top national parks. Your children may get tired of safaris if you schedule too many days in the same park. You also don't want to be moving too much and wasting your time on the way by spending 1 night in each park.

Mix your safari experiences with some relaxation (around 2 days) on Kenya's beautiful beaches. Diani is the most famous beach for families. Your family could enjoy just playing on the beach or some activities, such as snorkeling and kayaking.

The Top Kenya Itineraries for Families

Kenya makes a perfect introduction to Africa. Whether you are traveling for a birthday gift or graduation present for your children, there will be an itinerary for you.

Below, we outline two classic Kenya family itineraries to inspire you. All of our itineraries can be tailored to meet your personal schedule and interests, including your preferred travel days and dates as well as any other specific requirements you may have.

1. The Classic 10-Day Kenya Itinerary for Families

This itinerary offers a mix of wildlife, cultural experiences, and relaxation opportunities on beaches. It is considered the best itinerary for families.

Looking for a unique itinerary for your family? Contact us to tailor-make one! Our Kenya expert will contact you within 24 hours and customize an itinerary for you!

2. 1-Week Summer Vacation in Kenya

If you are considering a summer family vacation in Kenya, this quicker 7-day itinerary may be perfect for you. This 1-week adventure combines Kenya's dramatic landscapes and fascinating wildlife.

Interested in this itinerary? Contact us to customize it to your personal journey, tailored perfectly to fit your preferences and travel desires

How Much Does a Family Trip Cost?

For a high-quality travel experience in Kenya, we recommend booking a private tour for your family trip. Our private tours with an experienced local guide, a skillful driver, and a private vehicle offer a more personalized, flexible, and immersive experience. Your driver will know where the Big Five may appear and he can help to maximize your chances of encountering a wide variety of wildlife.

Generally, a 10-day private tour for a family of four can cost between US$1,000 and US$15,000 per family. This cost typically includes lodgings at quality 4- or 5-star hotels, domestic transportation, guided tours, and some meals.

Kenya's most expensive travel season is from July to October during the animal migration season in Maasai Mara. If you want to travel at a more affordable price, you may choose to travel during December, which is the short rainy season.

We have tailor-made trips for families from Europe and America for decades. We understand what once-in-a-lifetime experiences for families should be. Let's tailor-make a Kenya itinerary for your family.

How to Choose Suitable Hotels for Your Family Trip

Choosing family-friendly hotels in Nairobi and by Kenya's beaches is very easy as there are many options available. However, you may need to do some work when choosing safari lodges.

In Mombasa and Diani Beach, Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa and Baobab Beach Resort and Spa are good choices.

• Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa: Offers spacious family rooms, a kids' club, and direct beach access.
• Baobab Beach Resort and Spa: Known for its expansive grounds and excellent facilities, such as swimming pools and a kids' club.

When choosing a lodge for your family for your safari trip, here are some things you may need to know: some lodges have age restrictions for game drives or walking safaris, and not all of the lodges offer kid-friendly meals, a pool, or a play area.

• Sarova Mara Game Camp is a good choice in Maasai Mara. It offers spacious family tents, kid-friendly foods, and a pool.

We can help you book a suitable hotel/lodge for your family if you travel with us.

How to Travel Around Kenya with Kids

The best way to travel around Kenya is definitely by flight. There are flights from Nairobi, Kenya's capital and major entry city, to Mombasa (Kenya's coast) and Kenya's national parks, such as Maasai Mara. There are also flights traveling between Kenya's major national parks, such as between Maasai Mara and Naivasha.

There are other cheap options available, such as traveling by private transfer, but we don't recommend using them unless you and your kids will probably cope well with the longer bumpy and dusty road journeys in Kenya.

By taking a private family tour with us, your guide and private car will transfer you to the airport for your flight to the next destination. It will save you a lot of hassles.

Things to Know Before Going on a Family Trip in Kenya

1. For a safari trip, it is important to remind your kids to be patient during game drives. Unlike zoos, wildlife reserves showcase animals in vast, open areas where they roam freely, so spotting them may take time.

2. Game drives usually take place around dawn and at sunset when the animals are most active. Therefore, be prepared for early starts, often around 5.30 a.m.

3. Roads in Kenya may not be as smooth as those in your home country, so prepare your children for potentially bumpy and dusty rides.