10 Best Family Safari Tours Across Kenya And Tanzania
Remember, all our itineraries are totally flexible and can be changed to suit you.
Top 10 Best Kenya And Tanzania Family Safari Experiences For Families
Picture going on your first Kenya family safari holiday, waking-up to the distant roar of African lions as the first light breaks across the park. Or visualize your children watching in wonder as the large herds of elephants silently match through Amboseli’s golden floodplains. The best family safaris in Africa create moments of shared discovery and lasting connection, visiting through some of the Africa’s top safari destinations.
At the same time, planning Kenya family safari holidays can seem overwhelming. Any African family safari has game drives as its main focus, but with a supporting list of safari activities and family-friendly accommodations that perfectly suits young travelers. This is a holiday that not only feature excellent wildlife sightings, but also offers time to relax, to learn and to meet the people, as well as the animals, that call Africa home.
“Birthlace of African Safaris”
Best Trips for Families
9 Days | 8 Nights
Planning a Kenya and Tanzania Family Safari Holiday
Africa’s safari destinations offer countless safari experiences, but choosing the perfect one for your family trip means considering factors such as travel time, safety, wildlife experiences and age-appropriate activities.
You might ask yourself, which destinations offer the richest experiences? Where are the best family safari lodges that blend adventure with comfort and safety? When is the ideal time to embark on your family journey to Africa? You’ve probably pictured the part where your children are amazed as a lion stroll past the 4X4 safari jeep, or a herd of elephants crossing the dusty plains at golden hour. But planning a Kenya safari that truly works for the whole family, right lodge, right wildlife safari park, right age-appropriate activities, is far more involving than most travel guides admit.
In this guide, we’ll answer these questions clearly and thoughtfully, helping you plan the 10 best Kenya safari experiences meant for families, complete with recommendations, activity breakdowns, and the practical details that make a family safari that is luxurious, enriching and deeply memorable.
Why You Should Book An African Family Tour Safari?
Africa offers the best family-friendly safari experiences across distinct safari destinations, from the Masai Mara’s Wildebeest Migration safaris to Amboseli’s marching elephant herds against Mount Kilimanjaro, and the extensive plains of Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater.
Family safari lodges in Africa typically accommodate children aged 5 and above, with many top African safari lodges offering dedicated kids’ programs, inter-connecting family suites, and junior ranger activities.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Samburu, Tsavo, and Laikipia Plateau are among Kenya’s top picks for families seeking both wildlife immersion and cultural education in a single stay whereas Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire offer suitable family safari holidays in Tanzania.
Thanks to our knowledge in the industry, we are a family-safari specialist operator — and we know because we go. We’ll match you with the best lodges, suitability family-friendly activities, and deliver top-notch on-ground logistics for traveling parents.
Availability of things to do on a safari: there exists junior ranger programs, Maasai cultural village visits, and hot-air balloon safaris, consistently rated among the most memorable experiences for children on a Kenya safari.
Best family safari accommodations: Today, safari accommodations are built with families in mind, and they offer comfortable suites, tents that are connected, and swimming pools that are fun for kids. Some safari camps offer guides who know how to keep children occupied during shorter and more exciting game drives.
What Makes Africa the Best Destination for a Family Vacation?
Educational safaris with kids: East Africa family safaris provide a hands-on learning about wildlife, the safari ecosystem, and species diversity, offering insights far beyond traditional learning.
Adventure: Africa represents adventure, allowing families of any generation to explore diverse landscapes and witness wildlife in their natural settings, offering experiences unmatched by any other journey.
Quality time: Safari with kids offer a rare opportunity for families to bond deeply, sharing memorable moments away from daily day to day distractions.
Cultural insights: A safari with teenagers will also facilitate meaningful cultural exchanges, introducing families to local traditions and ways of life, enriching their understanding and broadening their views of the world.
Wildlife conservation awareness: Most of the family trip operators often focus on conservation education, helping guests appreciate the importance of protecting nature and wildlife.
Wildlife experiences on a family safari game drive: Experiencing the Big Five safari in their natural environment gives families an appreciation of nature that a zoo simply cannot provide. Observing a pride of lions or a herd of elephants roaming in the wild sparks the imagination of a child.
Safe family safari destinations: Safety is a concern for parents and families, and this is why malaria-free destinations such as the Eastern Cape of South Africa or Laikipia in Kenya are so sought after. These destinations provide a safe and often fenced environment that is ideal for families with young children. This means that your entire family can focus on the fun of the wildlife and the surroundings. Book a chat with us today and let us help you find the best trips for families.
Home to Big Five Wildlife
Family Safaris To Africa
In today’s world, where families are spread across multiple time zones, an East African family safari perfectly unites and strengthens the bonds of love, togetherness, and kinship. We are African safari specialists in planning fully inclusive family safari itineraries, and our journeys comprise moms and dads from local communities who go the extra mile to make your stay is a magical experience. We extend our luxury family tours in Kenya and Tanzania, and we will treat you as our own family too.
Top Family-Friendly Safari Destinations In Africa
These are some of the best child friendly safari destinations in Africa; they include Kenya (Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Laikipia & Kenya beaches), South Africa (Kruger, Eastern Cape), Tanzania (Serengeti, Zanzibar), and Namibia (Etosha). These offer the best malaria-free safaris, excellent family-friendly safari lodges with swimming pools, interesting kids’ bush activities, and a range of wildlife experiences.
What To Expect On A Family Safari In Kenya
So, what should you expect on our Kenya family safari? Kenya has long been recognized as one of the top wildlife destinations in the world. Its governing customs are among the strongest in Africa, and its habitats sustain remarkable animal populations. Kenya is especially ideal for a family safari because of these features. Kenya boasts an amazing array of wildlife across multiple ecosystems, including the Big Five: lion, rhino, leopard, elephant, and buffalo. In Kenya’s northern reaches, keep an eye out for the Northern Five (also known as the ‘Special Five’ in Samburu National Reserve). These species are unique to the area and comprise beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Grevy’s zebra, and gerenuk. Further south, the Maasai Mara is renowned for the annual Great Migration and its incredible big cat encounters, but there’s also plenty to see around Laikipia, Amboseli, Samburu National Reserve, and the spectacular Great Rift Valley lakes.
Great migration safari in Kenya: During the most dramatic point in the migration, thousands of wildebeest thunder across the Mara River from northern Tanzania into Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, which makes for epic wildlife viewing. It occurs between July and October each year, which coincides with the summer holidays. Although busy, this tends to be a popular time among families with school-age children.
Child-friendly activities: Discover adventure-fuelled activities in the Laikipia highlands, where horse riding, fly fishing, sleep-outs, quad biking, and bush walks prevail. It’s even possible to go camel trekking here! Private ranches cater perfectly for multi-generational travel and families seeking flexible timings and schedule-free luxury safari experiences.
Kid-friendly Kenya beaches: Last but not least, treat the family to some well-deserved post-safari downtime at one of the gorgeous beaches on the Kenyan coast, such as Diani, Watamu, and the fascinating ancient Swahili settlement of Lamu. Featuring endless stretches of white sandy beach, warm hospitality, and plenty of water activities, the Swahili coast is a wonderful place to unwind and enjoy some quality family time.
What To Expect On A Family Safari In Tanzania
A Tanzania family safari isn’t by far different from a general safari. You might, however, want to adjust some few things to make the experience more of a child-friendly safari and appropriate for your kids’ ages. Most Tanzania safari itineraries are often action-packed. Many days you’ll be out looking for animals, mostly on game drives, but possibly also by boat and, age-permitting, even on foot. Activities are usually scheduled in the early morning and late afternoon, when animals are most active, but you could be out for a full day too. You might also have an opportunity to interact with some of Tanzania’s traditional people, such as the Maasai or the Hadzabe. Such cultural experiences are both educational and great fun for children on safari. Whatever your children’s ages, it is important not to push them too hard on such a special African holiday. Make sure to include some downtime by the pool or on the amazing Tanzania beaches.
Kenya & Tanzania Family Safari Experiences
East Africa offers the perfect setting for an exciting and enriching family safari holidays. Every snap on this journey to the stunning savannahs of Kenya and the plains of Tanzania will be spectacular. Vulture African Safaris offers the best safaris for families, ensuring your trip is not just a holiday but a cherished memory. Our top safari tours for families are carefully crafted, featuring expert guides, luxurious lodges, and personalized itineraries to ensure your family’s safety and comfort. There is no doubt that when it comes to East Africa, a combined safari in Kenya and Tanzania makes up some of the best African tours for families. Consider spicing up your family journeys to Africa by mixing these destinations in Kenya and Tanzania.
10 Best Kenya Safari Experiences For Families
1. Masai Mara Family Safari
The Masai Mara is best recommended for children aged 6 and above, with the best safari months from June to December and January to March. The Masai Mara safari tour offers a depth of guiding experience developed over decades that goes beyond wildlife density. In addition to tracking animals, experienced guides are adept at deciphering animal activity in ways that captivate younger guests. These factors make the Mara one of the most alluring locations for families looking to go on a family safari in Kenya. Apart from that, we have the Masai Mara Great Migration safari happening in between July and October, when over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebra cross the Mara River, making it one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles for families on safari. Explore a range of family activities in Masai Mara: From hot-air balloon safari over the Masai Mara at sunrise, and evening Maasai boma visits with traditional dancing.
2. Amboseli Family Safari
Amboseli is one of the more sensible starting points for a family safari in Kenya. The park sits close enough to Nairobi that the drive time is realistic, wildlife is often visible without demanding long tracking hours, and the open landscape is easy for children to read. That combination matters more than most planning guides acknowledge. Amboseli safari is best for all ages, including young children aged 5 and above with the best safari months from June to December and January to March.
The celebrated Amboseli National Park delivers those classic, open-space safari views, most famously featuring massive herds of elephants against the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Its never-ending savannahs and acacia woodlands provide unforgettable photographic moments and incredible opportunities to witness Kenya’s wildlife in its purest form.
3. Lake Nakuru Family Safari Trip
Lake Nakuru Park is best for children aged 5 and above. With proximity to Nairobi, the safari pacing is an important factor. Unlike tightly scheduled tours, a well‑designed safari allows flexibility throughout the day. Game drives can be adapted in length, rest periods are built into the afternoon, and mealtimes can be arranged earlier for children when needed. Again, Lake Nakuru Park offers one of Kenya’s most visually spectacular and child-friendly safari settings. The lake’s shores can host tens of thousands of pink flamingos, creating a scene that younger children find genuinely magical, and that requires almost no patience on a game drive because the spectacle is visible from the moment you enter the park. Learn more about the ecosystem on our Lake Nakuru National Park destination page.
4. Laikipia Family Safaris
Laikipia, in Northern Kenya, is often unnoticed in favor of the more famous Masai Mara. However, it has so much to offer with the safari experience made up of vast open spaces, a variety of activities, amazing game viewing and one of the most extraordinary luxury properties in Africa. Family safaris in Laikipia is best for children aged 6 and above, and can be visited all year-round.
Second only to the Masai Mara in terms of wildlife density, Laikipia it is home to more endangered species than anywhere else in East Africa. It is famous for The Special Five which includes Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, common beisa oryx, Jackson’s hartebeests and striped hyenas. In addition to a healthy population of lions, Laikipia boasts over two thousand elephants and many leopards. Other carnivores here are cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, aardwolves, bat-eared foxes and wild dogs – in fact, the region is home to 85 mammal species.
A safari to Laikipia provides a suitable child-friendly safari activities, the utmost seclusion and comfort, this expansive standalone property offers everything from spa treatments, to lion tracking, canoeing, exclusive game viewing, guided bush walks and visits to the local community projects.
5. Nairobi Family Safaris
A Nairobi city safari is best for all ages, offering a full year-round wildlife viewing and great safari experiences for kids and parents. Kenya is brimming with activities that will thrill children of all ages. Below is just an inspiration guide to the best things to do in Kenya with kids.
Visit the Giraffe Centre: Located in Nairobi’s leafy suburb of Karen, the Giraffe Centre serves as a conservation and education centre focused on the endangered Rothschild giraffe. Your family can enjoy feeding these gentle giants from an elevated platform, learning about their behaviour, habitat, and the conservation efforts aimed at protecting them. Don’t forget to explore the adjacent nature trail and visit the Giraffe Manor, an exclusive boutique hotel where giraffes often roam freely, offering a truly unique dining experience. To avoid crowds, consider visiting the Giraffe Centre early in the morning.
Visit the elephant orphanage in Nairobi: The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi is a heartwarming and educational destination for families. The orphanage rescues and rehabilitates orphaned baby elephants, and visitors can watch the elephants being fed and playing in the mud. Daily public viewing sessions offer a chance to learn about the individual elephants and the challenges they face. It’s best to visit during feeding times, usually late morning, when the elephants are most active.
Visit the Nairobi Museum and Snake Park: The Nairobi National Museum and Snake Park provide an engaging and educational outing for families. The museum showcases Kenya’s rich cultural heritage, natural history, and art, with exhibits that are interactive and informative. The adjacent Snake Park houses a variety of reptiles, including snakes, crocodiles, and tortoises, and offers educational talks. For a comprehensive visit, families can join a guided tour which often includes fascinating insights and behind-the-scenes information.
Visit the Butterfly House: Located in the coastal city of Mombasa, the Butterfly House is a delightful attraction for families. It showcases the dazzling beauty of tropical butterflies amidst lush gardens filled with nectar-rich flowers. You and your family can take a guided tour to learn about butterfly anatomy, behaviour, and the importance of conservation while over 20 butterfly species flutter around you. It is part of the Haller Park complex, which also features a reptile park and a fish farm.
6. Diani Family Holidays
Kenyan beach safaris are suitable for children of all ages. Diani Beach is an ideal family holiday destination with its gentle waves, shallow swimming areas, and endless beaches for building sandcastles. The warm climate, welcoming locals, and range of family-oriented activities make it easy to keep children of all ages entertained and engaged. You can also consider exploring other top Kenyan beaches such as Lamu, Watamu, and Maliindi. Featuring endless stretches of white sandy beach, warm hospitality, and plenty of water activities, the Swahili coast is a wonderful place to unwind and enjoy some quality family time.
Lamu, features an unusual, serene, scruffy, characterful island, perfect for families seeking a blend of history, culture, and relaxation. Explore the ancient Lamu Old Town, enjoy Swahili dishes on the street or exceptional food at Peponis, unwind on an evening Dhow sail or walk for miles along the empty Shela Beach.
Watamu Beach, with its clear waters and soft white sands, is a beach primarily for private homes. It offers safe swimming, snorkelling, and relaxing under the sun with the opportunity to go out for Gelati treats, and pizzerias. Visit the incredible snake park, or go on dolphin tours, and deep sea fishing adventures or there are places to play Padel and pitch & put if that interests you more.
Home to Big Five Wildlife
10 Best Tanzania Safari Experiences For Families
1. Serengeti Family Safari Experience
The Serengeti is best recommended for children aged 7 and above, with the best safari months from June to December and January to March. Having the perfect family holiday in Serengeti is all about picking the right safari lodges: while some don’t allow children under the age of 12, others are particularly family-friendly, offering a host of fun kids’ activities such as learning to use a bow and arrow, getting cooking lessons, roasting marshmallows over the campfire. And then there are some camps and lodges allow children under the age of 10 to sleep and eat for free. When choosing your lodge there are a few things to take into consideration, such as picking a place that has a swimming pool so that your kids have something to do during the long hot afternoons in between safari activities.
2. Ngorongoro Family Safari
Ngorongoro is a good family destination because a single crater drive can produce lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, hyenas, flamingos, and a realistic chance of black rhino. Children should remain inside the vehicle, follow the guide’s instructions, and avoid overlong drives. You need only add a supervised cultural visit, nature walk, or lodge activity for variety. Ngorongoro is best for kids aged 5 and above.
Within the boundaries of Ngorongoro Crater is Karatu. Karatu is usually the most practical family base because it offers a warmer climate, gardens, pools, and easier road access than the crater rim. Rim lodges provide dramatic views and a shorter descent, but they are colder and often cost more. Choose a family room, private vehicle, reliable meals, and space for children to rest.
Most families should sleep in Karatu, not on the rim. It is not the most dramatic sunset view, but children sleep better at warmer temperatures, and the drive to the crater gate is still short. Rim lodges are fine for a one night treat if everyone has warm layers.
3. Tarangire Family Safari
Tarangire is the best recommendation for families because elephants are easy for children to understand and appreciate. The baobab landscape also makes the park visually distinctive. For families, two nights can be better than a rushed day trip. Children have time to settle into safari rhythm, and parents are not packing every morning.
4. Lake Manyara Family Trip
Lake Manyara can be a useful family stop because the habitats change quickly: forest, open areas, lake scenery and primates. Children often enjoy baboons and monkeys as much as lions. The park can work well between Arusha, Tarangire and the highlands.
5. Arusha Family Holiday
Arusha National Park can be ideal after a long international flight because it is closer to the northern safari gateway than Serengeti. The scenery, Mount Meru context and varied activities can provide a gentle introduction. For families, this can reduce the shock of beginning with a very long road day. Any walking or canoeing activity should be checked for current rules, age requirements and availability.
6. Zanzibar Family Holidays
Zanzibar beach is an excellent family finish because it changes the rhythm after safari. The kids will have fun exploring the marine life, coral reefs and a range of beach activities. Choose the beach according to swimming expectations, tides, activities and resort facilities. Nungwi and Kendwa often appeal to families because of services and accommodation choice, but the exact property matters. Do not schedule an excursion every day. Children need recovery too.
How to Choose the Best Family Safari Lodge In Kenya
Not all Kenya safari lodges are equally suited to families. The difference often lies in the day to day operating details rather than the visible accommodation amenities. Flexibility is the first step toward any rewarding family-friendly safari. Schedules that are flexible enough to modify activities according to wildlife movements, weather, or energy levels are beneficial for families.
You want to ensure the level of comfort and privacy are maintained by inter-linked rooms or specially-designed family tents. In this case, the accommodation design is equally important, ensuring that children can continue to see animals even during quiet times in between activities thanks to balconies that overlook wildlife spaces.
Experienced safari guides and camp staff make all the difference on a family journey. Dedicated educational safari elements add even greater depth, with activities such as tracking wildlife, identifying birds, and exploring the basics of wildlife conservation will help bring your family safari experience to life. These programmes work especially when done by local guides who contribute their cultural expertise and personal experiences.
Lastly, when planning a Kenya safari itinerary for families, the location of the lodge is still crucial for a stress free safari. Younger visitors are kept interested without having to spend a lot of time in cars when camps are located in wildlife-rich areas since they shorten travel times and boost the possibility of sightings nearby.
Stay at a Treehouse
How to Choose the Right Family Safari Lodge In Tanzania
Where you stay shapes the trip as much as the parks do. When planning the perfect Tanzania family safari, keep in mind that Tanzania’s accommodation spans genuinely different decisions depending on where you’re headed: mobile camps that follow the Great Migration through the Serengeti, a choice between the Ngorongoro Crater rim and the town of Karatu below it, and a coastline where the tides alone determine which beach actually suits you.
Some Tanzania safari lodges in the parks are unfenced, and wild animals might walk through the property at any time. When traveling with small children, it makes sense to choose your lodging carefully.
Accommodation plays a major role in shaping these experiences, and you’ll quickly find out that most Tanzania family resorts vary widely in style and price range. Some focus on luxury and exclusivity, while others provide affordable experiences for inexpensive travelers.
Many luxury accommodations are designed to blend naturally into their surroundings, and help guests feel connected to nature while still enjoying comfort and privacy whereas the Mid-range safari lodges are popular among families and travelers seeking balance between affordability and comfort. These lodges provide guided safari experiences, comfortable rooms, restaurant facilities, and convenient access to wildlife areas.
Planning a Kenya Family Safari: What Every Parent Should Know
When planning an East African safari with children, parents will often have some of these thoughtful and practical considerations in mind, most notably around duration, comfort, and safety.
So, is a Kenya safari with kids suitable? Yes it is suitable and safe because our expert guides possess extensive training, and safari lodges uphold strict safety procedures, and personnel know how to nurture a comfortable atmosphere for families.
1. Safari duration & pacing is an important factor: Unlike tightly scheduled tours, a well‑designed safari allows flexibility throughout the day. Game drives can be adjusted in length, rest periods are put up in the afternoon, and mealtimes can be arranged much earlier for children when needed.
2. Private family safaris: Going on a private tour is much better as this offers complete flexibility over the pace of each game drive, allowing time to pause for wildlife sightings, photography, or simply to stretch and enjoy the surroundings without feeling rushed.
3. The right accommodation: Your family’s comfort is just as important. The atmosphere of traditional safari camps combined with thoughtful features like spacious ensuite bathrooms, comfortable bedding, and shaded balconies with views of the surroundings, guarantees that an African safari with children is both thrilling and comforting. Go for the camps that understands the needs of a Kenya family travel.
4. Keeping Kids engaged during game drives: Bring e-Readers – as exciting as going on a safari is, the reality is that there will be some long stretches of time where you don’t see any African animals. This can be a lot to ask from a child who will succumb to boredom behaviors. Do everyone a favor and bring along e-readers for the kids.
Bring along binoculars – the safari trucks are typically not allowed to go off the main roads in the game parks, so quite often the African animals you stop to look at will be far away from the vehicle. Giving each child a pair of good binoculars will help them maximize their enjoyment of the game drive experience.
Bring along snacks – family game drives can often exceed 3 – 4 hours at a time. Kids are always better behaved when they have full tummies. This will work well for your family safari trip to Kenya & Tanzania, where we shall have multiple stops at supermarkets to stock up on snacks for the kids.
5. Wildlife safety rules every family must know: You must know how to stay safe around wild animals during a family safari. Do not disturb – even when you’re farther away, leaving wildlife alone can help your viewing experience—plus it’s the law. It’s illegal to feed, touch, tease, frighten, or intentionally disturb wildlife. Give animals room – the best way to stay safe when watching wildlife is to give animals room to move. Know before you go – every park is unique and has specific guidelines, including minimum wildlife viewing distances and food storage requirements. Before you head out on the trail, take a few minutes to review the park’s rules at the gate or by asking your guide.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Kenya For A Family Safari?
The best time and the best months for visiting Kenya with kids, and the best time for wildlife viewing is during the Dry safari season from June to October. The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Masai Mara in July or August and remains in Kenya throughout September. It starts moving back to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park around October. Wildlife viewing is good year-round, but this can differ for some parks, depending on the rains. The months of January, February and March is also a great for a Kenya family holiday.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Tanzania With Children?
Usually, the best time to visit Tanzania with kids is during the Dry season, as from June to October. Reason being, this is a good time for wildlife viewing as animals gather near reliable water sources, such as rivers and waterholes. The Dry safari season is also ideal for spending time on the Tanzania beaches, which usually experience lots of sunshine and minimal rain. In other requests, your timing needs to be more specific if you want to see the wildebeest migration river crossings. Watch the peak of the calving season as from January to February whereas from June to July is the best time to be in the Western Serengeti, and August to September is when you have a good chance to see the Mara River crossing in the Northern Serengeti.
Family Safari Packing Checklist, Essentials for Your Trip
Heading on your first family safari? This practical guide from Vulture African Safaris takes away the guesswork out of packing for a memorable Kenyan safari adventure. From the essentials of clothing to technology and gear, this safari packing list is created with comfort, safety, and making the most out of your family trip experience. Below is what to pack for family safari, our essential safari packing list.
When deciding what to pack for a safari, practicality and comfort are the focus.
-Soft-sided bag or backpack (40–45L).
-Light daypack for cameras, water, and suncream
-Wide-brimmed hat for protection from the sun
-Sunglasses (polarised lens recommended)
-Sunscreen (SPF 30–50) and lip balm with SPF
-Insect repellent (with DEET)
-Hand moisturiser and sanitizer
-Some short-sleeved tops
-Some long-sleeved tops (to protect from the sun and insects)
-A few pairs of trousers or convertible cargo pants
-A lightweight jacket or a warm jersey/jumper for chilly morning starts
-A pair of walking/hiking shoes or trail trainers
-A pair of camp sandals
-A few pairs of underwear and socks
What Vaccinations Do You Need For A Family Safari In Kenya & Tanzania?
Your first aid kit safari packing list should include all your personal & children medication and a few basics for general travel health. Camps have some medical supplies in the event of emergencies, but it’s always best to have a small kit of your own.
Below are the vaccinations required for East Africa family safari: REMEMBER – know the difference – A required vaccine is one that a country orders for entry. Without it, you may be denied boarding, quarantined, or turned away at the border. A recommended vaccine is one that health authorities advise you to have for your own protection, but it’s not enforced at the border.
In East Africa, Yellow Fever is the only vaccine that carries a mandatory entry requirement, and the rules differ country to country. Uganda requires proof for all international travellers over one month of age. Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda require it if you’re arriving from, or transiting through, a yellow fever-endemic country. Yellow Fever is relevant for the vast majority of safari travellers. Find out more about the vaccinations for African safaris or call us today for advice.
Recommended Health Tips for Kenya Safari Families
It’s much better to ensure you have at-least the following details with you:
-Prescription medication (with copies of prescriptions)
-Malaria tablets (consult your doctor prior to travel)
-Motion sickness tablets (for bumpy bush plane flights)
-Rehydrate sachets/ rehydration salts
-Antihistamines and painkillers
-Plasters, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers
-Hand sanitiser and tissues
Best Accommodation for Families
The best accommodations for families include top picks from:
Family safari lodges. They provide safe amenities like private safari vehicles and guided nature walks. Swimming pools are also present.
Tented safari camps. They are spacious, private, safe, and convenient. Family-friendly amenities like pools are also available.
Private family safari villas. They have no age restrictions and include personal guides, chefs, and house managers. Private swimming pools and lounges for relaxation are available & facilities provide professional guides or babysitters, improving convenience.
As African safari specialists, we recommend these family accommodations for a rewarding family safari tours. They create some ‘time-alone’ for parents and still ensure kids are safe.
Best Tanzania Parks For Kids And Families
Planning a Tanzania safari with kids not only includes visiting famous parks but, also big decision of choosing the best parks. Parks like Serengeti offer dense wildlife populations that keep children engaged. Parents also need to consider accommodations that are accessible and have the necessary amenities. Below are the best family safari destinations in Tanzania:
Serengeti National Park: Serengeti Park is an exciting destination that offers up-close wildlife viewing. It is well guided, so parents have no safety issues to worry about. It also provides shorter game drives, enhancing engagement and comfort. We recommend it for children aged between 6 and 8 years because of the high presence of big cats. Parents should consider lodges with children’s programs to keep them active throughout.
Ngorongoro Park: Ngorongoro Crater offers unique experiences due to its enclosed location. It allows families a chance to witness a dense view of wildlife in one area. Family-friendly lodges make game drives manageable for young travelers. As African safari experts, we recommend Ngorongoro for families because it offers an “easier” escapade. Families can see the Big Five in a short time, reducing child fatigue.
Tarangire: Tarangire National Park provides a more relaxed and enjoyable family safari in Africa. Its beautiful baobab trees offer a relaxing atmosphere. Whereas its large elephant herds provide enjoyable game drives. We as African travel experts recommend Tarangire when visiting Tanzania with kids. It provides safe, educational, and accessible safari experiences.
Lake Manyara: Lake Manyara Park offers different safari experiences from the ordinary. It is well known for its colorful birdlife and tree-climbing lions. Families enjoy scenic views during their short game drives, providing an enjoyable time.
Best Family-Friendly Safari Activities
African family safari tours need engaging and educational activities. This keeps children calm and entertained- giving parents an easy time on vacation.
The top children’s activities on safari include the following experiences- from thrilling adventures to immersive cultural experiences, there’s something for every child in Kenya & Tanzania:
Short game drives that spot ‘big’ animals fast. It keeps children active and less exhausted.
Private walking safaris and nature walks. Kids above 10 years can take part in this with the supervision of professional guides.
Young Warrior Camp: Spend an adventurous day with Maasai warriors, and learn the basics of bushcraft. Children will learn to start a fire with rocks, to read footprints, to build bows and arrows and songs to keep wild animals away.
Camel Safaris: Experience the wilderness from a unique perspective, on an exciting camel journey which ends at a river where you can go for a refreshing dip.
Maasai or Samburu Village Visits: Delve into the rich tapestry of Maasai or Samburu culture. Children will learn about responsibility from an early age, gaining insights into herding, home life, and survival skills from the elders.
School Visits: Engage with local children by visiting a school supported by the safari lodges. Join classes, participate in games of football during recess, or for older children, share a lesson with eager young minds.
Movie Under the Stars: Unwind with a magical movie night under the vast African sky. Enjoy hot chocolate just by the campfire as you bond with loved ones.
Beadwork with Village Mamas: Get creative with traditional beadwork alongside village mamas, crafting your own bracelets or necklaces as cherished souvenirs.
A Kenya Safari With Teenagers
A wildlife safari with teenagers is an opportunity to create lasting memories and foster a deeper understanding of the world — and for this, Kenya has a lot to offer when it comes to such private safari holidays.
Let the children explore Kenya’s cultural traditions by visiting Maasai villages, local markets, and historical sites like Fort Jesus in Mombasa. Experiences that offer valuable insights into Kenya’s diverse cultures and traditions. For the adventurous kids, you might want to add water sports or zip-lining to the itinerary. Quad and mountain biking expeditions are also popular.
If possible, visit Kenya during the Wildebeest migration safaris for a truly once in a lifetime experience. We shall involve your teenagers in the trip planning process and suggest destinations, activities, and cultural aspects of Kenya, already getting them excited about the trip.
A Tanzania Safari With Infants And Toddlers
Tanzania can be a great place to travel with young ones, but it does come with its own challenges. When it comes to children safari packing essentials, you’ll find disposable diapers and baby food readily available at supermarkets.
As much as the hotels typically offer a variety of fresh foods and are often happy to accommodate infants’ tastes with a bit of advance notice – bringing along a lightweight, collapsible stroller is a smart move, and also consider packing a child-carrier backpack for added convenience.
Also, be sure to pack some warmer clothing for chilly game drives in the mornings and evenings when temperatures can unexpectedly drop. Keep in mind that very young children may not be able to take malaria prophylactics, so it’s crucial to avoid malaria zones altogether.
While Tanzania wildlife safaris are a highlight for many first time visitors, they might not be the best fit for younger children who can easily become bored or troublesome during long game drives. Keep in mind that some safari lodges have age restrictions for children on safari, both in terms of staying at the camp and joining game drives.
Is it safe to go to on a Kenya Safari with children?
Yes, Kenya is generally a very safe country for all tourists. This is the case too when traveling with children. As long as you book with a reputable safari company like Vulture African Safaris, there is no need for any concerns. Note that for safety reasons there are age limits for certain safari activities, such as walking safaris and hot air balloon safaris in Kenya and Tanzania. Your guide will look out for your family’s safety, but parents obviously have a responsibility to keep a close eye on their children too. Other things to look out for include whether the accommodations are fenced or not and whether there is direct river access.
As the case with anywhere in the world, there is crime in big cities, therefore – walking around the city un-guided with your children is not recommended at all. A private guided Nairobi city safari tour or excursion to one of the city’s many attractions is totally fine. Otherwise, you can safely get around with a registered taxi/uber.
Is It Safe To Travel With Children to Tanzania?
Yes, Tanzania is very safe to take kids on safari. Your guide will look out for your family’s safety. You’ll be fully briefed on how to behave in the bush, as well as how to keep the little ones safe. Please take note that for your children’s safety, there are age limits for certain safari activities, such as walking safaris, canoeing and hot-air balloon safaris in Tanzania. Also, some lodges and tented camps in Tanzania parks are unfenced, and wild animals might walk through the property at any time. When traveling with small children to Africa, it makes sense to choose your accommodation carefully.
Choosing the Best Kenya Itineraries With Kids
Vulture African Safaris is well-known for creating the most exceptional family safari itineraries that are handcrafted to make the experience unforgettable. We understand the importance of listening closely to your specific needs and learning about the unique interests of each family member to craft a safari adventure that suits your family dynamics, we’ll show you how to travel to Kenya with kids.
From thrilling game drives and educational bush walks for the kids to meaningful and respectful cultural experiences, Our family safari packages offer a variety of activities that will keep everyone engaged and entertained. Explore Kenya with your little ones with our family-friendly itineraries crafted by our local Kenya travel experts. Say goodbye to the stress of planning and instead focus on the unforgettable moments of your trip. To help you start planning, here are a few of our most popular and sought-after family safari vacations in Kenya.
Top 5 Best Tanzania Family Safaris & Tours
Home to some of Africa’s best known wildlife parks; excellent Big 5 safari destinations including the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, stunning beaches and well-developed tourist destination, Tanzania is ideal for luxury family holidays. There are plenty of affordable child-friendly tours available to inspire you, when it comes to finding the best Tanzania family safaris, as shown below. Get to choose from 4-day Tanzania family safari visiting Serengeti Park & Ngorongoro Crater, an easy 5-day Tanzania family holiday visiting Lake Manyara , Serengeti &, Ngorongoro Crater, or a slowed 10-day Tanzania family safari tour visiting Tarangire Park, Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro & Lake Natron. On the other hand you can journey on the best of Kenya & Tanzania family trip, a complete ten day family safari itinerary starts from Nairobi all the way to Arusha in Tanzania and ends back in Nairobi.
Cost Of A Luxury Family Safaris In Africa
A typical Kenya family safari costs anywhere between $600 and $1,500 (USD) per person per night while luxury family safaris costs $750 up to $2,500 per night, or more! There is literally a family tour to suit every budget.
Again, the cost of a family safari in Africa all depends on what sort of safari you want and can afford. Kenya has more variety than most other African safari destinations, with excellent safari options from mid-range experiences to luxury Kenya safaris. While accommodation is partly what will determine the price for many travelers, it can also depend on how you wish to travel between the various parks. Find some of our best luxury safari packages for families in Africa. Family safaris by air, usually via Nairobi or Arusha in Tanzania, can be expensive, but dramatically reduce the amount of time you’ll spend on the road, thereby maximizing the amount of time you’ll get to spend in the parks themselves. Keep in mind that most Kenya safari packages will include transport, accommodation, all meals and activities which including game viewing drives.
Conclusion On Africa Family Travel
This isn’t about box-ticking or just going on a safari. We want to show you and your family the world in a way that works for you, and for you alone; which is why we’ve created a selection of African family safari packages that combine fantastic properties, destinations, and activities.
Trips built for families; create precious new memories together, on a life-changing family trip to Africa or the coastal beaches of the Indian Ocean; the likes of Kenya’s Diani Beach or Tanzania’s Zanzibar Island. Witness wildlife in their natural habitat, watch a herd of elephants walk past your safari vehicle, spot cheetahs, or listen to a pride of lions roaring at night on your tailor-made luxury family safari. You can always have a chat with us anytime and find out some of our best Kenya family tours & safaris instore for you. We believe in the power of inspiration that’s why we are so invested in availing to you the best tips for booking family holidays in Kenya and East Africa at large to enable you save your time, stress, and energy figuring it out all by yourself.
Travel Tips for African Luxury Family Safaris in Africa
Believe it or not, an African family safari is never less than a magical experience. Picture yourself seeing the marvels of Africa through the eyes of your children might be the best family holiday you’ll ever take. Many parents think that taking children on holiday to Africa is full of risks, but the truth is there are few safety concerns which are easily avoided by just following simple safari rules & instructions. Having questions? Learn about our Kenya family safari bookings Q&A or let us schedule a call with you as you plan your journey.
What to look out for – We try to mix it up so the holiday is not just safari the whole time. We put something a bit more active in. In Kenya particularly, we visit Masai Mara and Kenya beaches where you can go kayaking or snorkelling. The accommodation is also key. Look out for short journey times, too.
Family safari without Wi-Fi – Some camps will have Wi-Fi, and that can be quite nice as everyone has a chance to crash for half an hour with their phones, but if you’re wild safari camping you won’t. Most teenagers just get into the experience. It’s so different from what you would normally do, with amazing landscapes and wildlife; it’s quite special and most children respond well to that. They should also get on with the other young people on the trip/community, and want to chill out together, and so the lack of Wi-Fi is not a huge problem.
Packing advice – If you are taking malaria tablets, take something to help the children wash them down. Bring walking boots or really good trainers. Take old clothes as they get trashed. Tsetse files are annoying and they’re attracted to black and navy – colours that look like water or a buffalo – so dress in neutral colours. Discover more on our luxury family safari holiday packages.
Why Book a family Safari With Vulture African Safaris
Planning for a family safari is not a mean feat, it requires a lot to plan, and that’s why Vulture African Safaris should be your go-to safari planner. We have experts ready to plan your family safari, as you take a back seat as we crack and come up with the best family safari itinerary for you. We find the best safari camps, best locations, and activities for your lovely kids.
Ready To Book Your Perfect Family Safari Holidays In Africa?
Searching for an adventure for the whole family but not quite sure where to go? Family trips to Africa take time and knowledge to plan, instead of researching endless destinations, chat to one of our Africa safari consultants. With our experience and endless knowledge, we are well-equipped to custom make the perfect safari itinerary for your family.
Best Kenya Safari Packages
Want to plan your Kenya family safari? This is one of the most rewarding safari destinations in southern Kenya that you can easily add on a safari package to Masai Mara. Being close to Nairobi, you can easily start off with short Nairobi daytrip tours then proceed to Masai Mara making it easy to visit in a short time frame, and combine it with other parks as well.
You have plenty of choices to pick from, Kenya midrange safaris to Kenya luxury safaris depending on your travel style. Start planning with an African Safari Expert today.