A family safari adventure: what to expect on your family trip to Kenya

At Africa Born, we believe there’s no greater adventure than exploring Africa as a family. 

Few destinations bring family travel and wilderness together quite like Kenya. Its incredible wildlife, rich culture and warm-hearted people make it our number one recommendation to those travelling with children.

Here’s a quick run down on what to expect on a family trip to Kenya…

Planning the perfect Kenya family safari

For families in search of adventure, Kenya is unmatched - and our safaris are expertly crafted to immerse you in its extraordinary wildlife, culture and landscapes.

Kenya combines exceptional wildlife viewing - from the Big Five to rare endemics - with breathtaking landscapes that span savannahs, forests, mountains, deserts and palm-lined coasts, and a rich cultural heritage. Add to that an extraordinary range of family adventures - from quad biking, horse riding, spear-throwing and fly camping to kite surfing, fishing and sailing - and you have a blend that’s uniquely Kenyan.

We love to offer families genuine, authentic encounters with local communities. Some of our favourite Kenya itineraries include: watching the unique ritual of the Singing Wells, where Samburu herders sing traditional songs to call their cattle to drink, or spending time with the Pokot, a proud, pastoral people in Northern Kenya. And kids always love visits to lively local markets and traditional kijijis (villages). 

Kenya is best seen - and navigated - from the skies. We recommend private charter flights over driving, especially for families, as Kenya’s excellent network of bush airstrips makes travel between destinations quick, seamless, and great fun. A bird’s-eye view of the country never fails to captivate guests of all ages, revealing an extraordinary diversity of landscapes and ecosystems in just a short flight.

When to travel: aligning school vacations with the best wildlife

Kenya is a year-round destination, although the dry seasons (January - February and July - October) tend to offer the best wildlife viewing and neatly coincide with school vacations. 

For those that prefer to travel in the quieter ‘shoulder’ season, April can be a bit rainy but is beautifully green and lush, great for birdlife and an ideal time to come to the coast.

If witnessing the Great Migration is a must, plan to travel between late July and September. We recommend our Masai Mara mobile camp: ideally positioned in a private conservancy for an exclusive, crowd-free experience in the heart of the action.

Holiday budgets: anticipating your safari spending 

Your safari with us is end to end, meaning there are no hidden costs. Everything in your itinerary - including your internal flights and transfers - is already included in the cost of your trip and can be found in the documents we’ll share with you well ahead of your trip. 

Before you touch down in Kenya you’ll need full travel and medical insurance (we partner with Global Rescue) as without this we cannot make you a member of AMREF / Flying Doctors: a must for all safaris. You will also need to sort your own international flights and entry Visas - we’ll walk you through it. 

Of course if you opt for any additional last-minute activities while in Kenya - hot air ballooning for example - you’ll need to settle up separately. 

A word on tipping. Although not compulsory, tipping is always very much appreciated. We usually suggest budgeting $30 - $40 per guest per night, split between the communal lodge / camp tip box and the lodge-based driver/guide. For ease, we usually suggest that you hand over tipping cash to your private guide at the start of the trip - they’ll handle it on your behalf. Again, our recommendations on tipping will form part of your pre-arrival information pack.

All our safaris contribute to conservation through essential park and conservancy fees. We believe in safaris that have a greater purpose; a positive impact on local communities, environments and wildlife. In Kenya, all visitors pay park and conservancy fees. National park fees are paid to the Kenya Wildlife Service in areas such as the Masai Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo. Conservancy fees are paid to community - or privately-managed conservancies such as Borana, Westgate and Namunyak. All fees will be wrapped into your safari costs and - as company policy - we always donate a portion of your safari funds to our conservation partners.

Health, safety and peace of mind

Essential health prep:

As we are safari experts, not medical professionals(!) we always recommend that you chat directly to your family physician ahead of your trip, although we can of course give you a few pointers. 

There are no required vaccinations in order to enter Kenya, although the CDC recommends that you have Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid and Rabies, and are up to date with all your routine vaccinations. They do mention yellow fever but if you are arriving directly from Europe/USA and returning directly to Europe/USA you will not have to show proof of yellow fever vaccination.

We advise that you bring anti-malarial pills for your family, although the best prevention often involves taking simple everyday precautions. Any properties or camps in malaria risk areas will have mosquito nets and linings in all tents and rooms, and will also be sprayed by the room/tent attendant when your bed is turned down at night. We recommend wearing long trousers and shirts in the evening, and - although bug spray will be provided in camp - we suggest that you pack your own small supply as well.

Be sure to bring any medication that your family requires. And - as always with an equatorial country - staying hydrated and using sun protection is key.

Safety around wildlife:

As with any adventure, a little caution goes a long way, especially when surrounded by incredible wildlife. Out in the wild, your guide is your best ally - their top priority is to keep you and your family safe, leaving you free to enjoy your vacation. 

As a general rule, always listen to your guide, whether on foot, in a vehicle, bike, boat, or in the air. Take time to explain to little ones that being safe helps protect both them and the amazing animals they’ve come to see, whether it means staying in a vehicle on game drives, taking care around camp or not venturing into the sea without you.

The best age to take children on safari:

Kenya is incredibly family-friendly. In Kenyan culture it really does take a village to raise a child, with extended families, neighbours and friends all playing a role in raising little ones. And so any visiting children are always doted upon and made to feel right at home.

There are no age restrictions when it comes to an Africa Born safari. We take most camps and lodges on an exclusive basis, meaning that they are set up just for you and your family. From car seats, cots, high chairs and buggies to a kitchen stocked with all their favourite food and plenty of fun and games to keep the whole family entertained. We have it covered.

Having a private guide really takes the pressure of frazzled parents in need of a break. Sam, Paolo and indeed most of our guides all have kids themselves, so know exactly how to keep young adventurers both safe and entertained. Foraging in the bush, tracking down the Little Five, playing endless games of Poo dunnit and building campfires and toasting marshmallows are just some of the tricks up our sleeves.

The itinerary: off the beaten track family adventures in Kenya

We grew up going on safari and have kids ourselves, so we’re experts at designing itineraries that suit younger guests. We’re all about disconnecting from the distractions of daily life and inspiring curiosity, adventure and togetherness across the generations, be it tracking wildlife on a game drive or sharing stories around a campfire.

Here’s a snapshot of one of our favourite family adventures taking you to the wild heart of Kenya, staying at exclusive use properties, set up just for you:

Ultimate Kenya: an intrepid take on luxury

1. Africa Born’s Masai Mara mobile camp: an authentic bush camp perched on the Sand River surrounded by Mara’s iconic endless grasslands, teeming with wildlife
2. Kalepo Camp, Mathews Mountains, Samburuland: an extraordinary spot in remote Northern Kenya. Highlights include visits to authentic kijijis (villages) and nearby Singing Wells, alongside incredible elephant sightings 
3. A heli safari across the Great Rift Valley from Laikipia to Lake Baringo and up to Lake Turkana 
4. Arijuju, Borana, Laikipia: an architectural gem and true bush retreat in one of Kenya’s most successful rhino conservancies, which is also home to the original Pride Rock from The Lion King!

As always, we tailor itineraries exactly to your family’s requirements so bolting on some beach time or swapping out alternative bush properties is always an option. We’d also recommend:

• Africa Born’s private villa, Watamu: an idyllic beachfront property on a pristine stretch of the Swahili coast with plenty to keep the energetic entertained and the laid-back blissfully content
• A traditional dhow safari in Lamu: a journey back in time that combines adventure with age-old sailing traditions. Explore hidden islands and remote beaches,snorkel among coral reefs, enjoy freshly caught seafood or sleep on the deck under the stars
• Fuzz’s Camp, Borana, Laikipia: a very special family home with a laid-back bush camp feel. Ride horses, borrow e-bikes, walk and game drive across Borana

Easing kids into the safari rhythm 

Take some time to prepare little adventurers for life in the bush - the early mornings, the bumpy game drives, the downtime during the hot midday heat and the unforgettable soundtrack of the wild that plays long into the night.

Family safaris are our beat and our guides - many of whom are parents themselves - are absolute pros at keeping the kids engaged while spotting wildlife, trying their hand at some family-friendly activities we offer or sitting around the campfire at day’s end. Your kids will have the time of their lives; every day in the bush sparks an adventure - get a sense of it here.

Safari logistics 

The sheer size and scale of Africa means that most of our trips use private charters, each with their own knowledgeable and experienced pilot.

On safari with us, your travel time is absolutely part of the adventure, offering a bird’s eye view of Kenya’s iconic landscapes below. Younger guests usually love life in the skies and many families choose to also weave in additional airborne explorations by helicopter, hot air balloon or fixed-wing scenic flight. 

Family is everything in Kenya, and the Africa Born team love to chip in and lend a hand with visiting wildlings.

Packing for the bush

Well ahead of your trip, we’ll send you all you need to know including a suggested kit list and luggage requirements.  

Flying on small aircraft means you need to be mindful of space. Luggage is restricted to 15kg/33lbs per person inclusive of hand luggage and all camera and kids’ equipment. We recommend you travel with one medium/large soft-sided bag (this is perfect) and one small carry-on bag/tote or camera/gadget bag per person. Hard cases are impossible to wrestle in and out of the plane!

But do not worry, we understand that kids require some serious kit. We can ensure that everything you need will be in place on your arrival - car seats, cots, high chairs and buggies. Likewise, all camps and lodges have an excellent laundry service so guests - however small and messy - only need enough outfits for three days: the laundry turn-around time is impressive! 

Keep in mind the weather:

Weather is usually awesome in Kenya - early mornings on safari can be cool but day time temps are in the mid 70s-80s and it won't get below the mid 60s at night. It's usually a lot warmer on the coast so expect daytime temps between 75 - 90°F.

Layers are the key to comfort on safari - you start with lots of layers in the early morning and peel them off as the sun rises and the day warms up, and then as the evening comes you start to put them back on as the day cools down. 

Family packing essentials:

• Clothing: it’s all about the neutrals! Remember to pack shorts, pants, cardis/sweaters, short and long sleeved shirts (long sleeves ideal for early evening mosquito protection), a lightweight rain jacket, a warm puffer, comfortable walking shoes / trainers, sandals, swimmers, hat, sunglasses, socks and undergarments, gloves and a beanie / warm hat 
• Gear: cameras for all, including the kids (plus spare camera batteries and memory cards), binoculars (again, it’s absolutely worth bringing some of the kids too), chargers, suncream, mozzie repellent, head torches, travel games, cards, scrapbooks and wildlife guide books for the kids 

Your unforgettable family adventure awaits 

A family safari in Kenya is more than a holiday - it’s an adventure that connects you to the wild, to each other, and to a way of life that celebrates nature and togetherness. 

We know that travelling with kids can feel daunting, but in Kenya, it all just works. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel the warmth of a culture that adores children and the ease of having every detail handled by our team. We take care of the logistics so you can focus on the fun - the wildlife, the wide-open skies, the laughter and stories that will be told long after you’re home.

If you’re interested to know more, do get in touch - we’d love to have a chat about what you and your family are after.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  

Q: What is the best age for kids to go on safari in Kenya?

A: There is no right answer to this, a lot depends on you and your family. Young kids fare well on safari and - as we’ve explained - we can absolutely build the itinerary around them. If you had to pin us down on an age, we’d say that six years old and up is the perfect age to really max out on activities and experiences.

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Q: Are there any malaria-free safari areas in Kenya?

A: In general, the prevalence of malaria in Kenya is low, and could be classed as very low in the areas we take guests to on safari. High altitude, dry conditions and low human population lower the risk substantially, although we always recommend that you follow your physician’s advice.

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Q: How much does a family safari to Kenya cost? 

A: Ours is a high end offering, but we always seek to deliver brilliant value. Broadly speaking, we advise guests budget approximately $1,500 - $2,000 per adult per day. Rates for children depend on their age and the specifics of your itinerary.

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Q: What is the recommended length for a Kenya family safari itinerary?

A: 10 days is the sweet spot.

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Q: What is the baggage weight limit for internal flights between camps?

A: These small aircraft flights are a little tight on space. Baggage is restricted to 15kg/33lbs per person inclusive of hand luggage and all camera and kids’ equipment.