Enjoy family safari and beach holidays in Kenya
Many of the lodges and camps that we feature in Kenya are well-suited for family beach and safari holidays, although almost all of them have age restrictions. In practice, these rules can often be bended so that you can go on family holidays with children younger than the theoretical age requirement.
However, you should be aware that during family safari holidays in Kenya children need to be constantly supervised, because some camps are close to a river, most aren't fenced and game risks are usually high. Due to the layout of some lodges, for instance their high walkways, steep steps or missing handrails, parental supervision is additionally necessary.
In general, even Kenya's most child-friendly lodges rarely have specific children's programmes. Nevertheless, in most cases the staff will show a very positive attitude towards younger visitors and may flexibly arrange activities off the ordinary schedule to make your Kenya family safari holidays as enjoyable as possible.
Best camps & lodges for Family holidays in Kenya
Ekorian's Mugie Camp
Choose Ekorian's Mugie Camp for an adventurous family safari in a remote area, with plenty of activities. The tents are large, the camp has plenty of room for children to let off steam in a safe environment, and there's a range of distractions from kayaking to camel riding as well as more traditional safari pursuits of game drives and bird walks.
The Emakoko
As the Emakoko’s owners have small children themselves, this upmarket, spectacularly set Kenya lodge is well-suited for family safari holidays with children of all ages. There are two cots, a nice pool and the Nairobi National Park nearby. Keep children closely supervised!
Kinondo Kwetu
Spend your Kenya family beach holidays with various watersports at the boutique but relaxed Kinondo Kwetu, which has no age restrictions (5+ recommended). It offers interleading rooms, cots, baby car seats, toys, first-aid trained nannies and a large though very deep pool.
Satao Camp
Satao makes for relaxed family safari holidays in Kenya with children 8+. It has cots and high chairs but no specific children’s activities. However, kids usually have great fun watching impala, baboons and giraffe right by the tents. The staff offers free child minding.
Sosian
Sosian is great for family holidays in Kenya with very active children, usually aged at least 5+, ideally 12+. Come for varied activities like horse- and camel-riding, game walks and drives, fishing, tennis, archery, swimming and rock-jumping in the nearby river.
Basecamp Maasai Mara
During a Kenyan family holiday at Basecamp Maasai Mara, children can join in with activities offered by the Dorobo club. This camp is a great example of eco-friendliness and cooperation with local communities, for ages 6+. Walks require children to be aged 15+.
Desert Rose
The luxurious, beautifully set Desert Rose is the perfect choice for northern Kenya family safari holidays with robust, adventurous children and teens, who can enjoy a pool, local walks and a natural waterslide. Children’s food needs will be happily discussed.
Elephant Bedroom
Elephant Pepper accepts children of all ages at competitive rates and the camp has a friendly, welcoming feel. Children enjoy the lawn area, hammocks and swing chairs, the nature walks and the Maasai-led activities that take place around the house.
Lewa Wilderness
Lewa Wilderness is a great option for a varied family holiday. Aside from doing game drives, children can swim, play tennis, visit the local village and school, and even ride horses and camels. The cottage rooms have plenty of space for families.
El Karama Lodge
Owner-managed by parents with a young family, El Karama has a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for safari holidays with children of all ages. With bush camping, a swimming pool and the immersive Bush School sessions every morning, there is plenty to do.
Laikipia Wilderness
This camp has an adventurous, outdoors feel. The owners’ children have grown up with the camp and this shows in their family-friendly approach and the immersive bush experiences offered. Several spacious family tents accommodate 4 to 6 people.
Lions Bluff Lodge
Lion’s Bluff provides a great-value, imaginative two-storey family unit with fantastic views as base for family safari holidays near Kenya’s Tsavo West National Park. Children aged can learn bow-and-arrow skills and fire-making.
Borana
As well as game drives, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. These include: horse riding, mountain biking, conservation activities, forest visits and fly camping. Children under five stay free at Borana.
The Sands At Nomad
The Sands at Nomad is a low key, unpretentious beach hotel where families will feel comfortable with children. There are also lots of activities to keep kids entertained during their stay.
Family holidays elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Family holidays in other countries.
Where to see wildlife species in Kenya
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.
Lion
Panthera leo
Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.
81% SUCCESS
3,438 sightings from 4,247 observations
Leopard
Panthera pardus
The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.
47% SUCCESS
2,220 sightings from 4,721 observations
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.
33% SUCCESS
1,176 sightings from 3,580 observations
Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.
83% SUCCESS
2,909 sightings from 3,496 observations
Wild dog
Lycaon pictus
African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.
32% SUCCESS
997 sightings from 3,116 observations
Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.
55% SUCCESS
2,457 sightings from 4,496 observations
Striped Hyena
Hyaena hyaena
The striped hyena is the most widespread of the world’s hyenas, but absent from southern Africa. A rarely-seen nocturnal scavenger, it is shyer and more solitary than its spotted cousin.
14% SUCCESS
135 sightings from 993 observations
Elephant
Loxodonta africana
By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.
91% SUCCESS
4,153 sightings from 4,563 observations
Black Rhino
Diceros bicornis
The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.
30% SUCCESS
702 sightings from 2,314 observations
White Rhino
Ceratotherium simum
The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. They are larger, easier to see and generally more approachable than the black rhino.
43% SUCCESS
565 sightings from 1,312 observations
Eland
Taurotragus oryx
Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.
49% SUCCESS
1,646 sightings from 3,358 observations
Gerenuk
Litocranius walleri
With its slender frame and extraordinarily long neck, this unmistakable East African antelope resembles an attenuated impala and often stands on its back legs browse high shrubs.
76% SUCCESS
102 sightings from 134 observations
Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.
86% SUCCESS
3,998 sightings from 4,657 observations
Oryx
Oryx sp.
Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.
70% SUCCESS
1,526 sightings from 2,187 observations
Hippo
Hippopotamus amphibius
The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.
90% SUCCESS
3,028 sightings from 3,383 observations
Sable antelope
Hippotragus niger
Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.
23% SUCCESS
545 sightings from 2,337 observations
Wildebeest
Connochaetes sp.
Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.
67% SUCCESS
2,798 sightings from 4,168 observations
Zebra
Equus sp.
The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.
84% SUCCESS
4,367 sightings from 5,189 observations
Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.
2% SUCCESS
81 sightings from 3,741 observations
Pangolin
Smutsia sp.
Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.
2% SUCCESS
64 sightings from 3,780 observations
Other styles of holiday in Kenya
Discover all that Kenya has to offer
