The Ultimate Family Safari in Kenya

Our Expert Picks: The Best Kenya Camps and Lodges for a Family Safari

After a long-haul flight, we recommend easing into your family safari gently. Arrive early in Nairobi and take a short flight past the snow-dusted peaks of Mount Kenya to Laikipia in time for lunch.

Ol Lentille, Laikipia

Stay at one of my favourite safari lodges – Ol Lentille. This magical private 40,000-acre conservancy is owned by the local community, who benefit from the lodge in many ways. You can easily spend three to four nights in this spectacular setting. There are four luxury villas to choose from, which can be booked individually or taken exclusively by a large group. With an open-air viewing deck, an infinity pool overlooking two watering holes and a serene spa, Ol Lentille is the perfect place to unwind and relax together.

What we also love is the lack of a set timetable – you can do as much or as little as you wish. From day and night game drives, walking safaris, camel trekking and quad biking to picnics in the bush, beading workshops and archery, the options are endless. There are also opportunities to meet the friendly Maasai and Samburu people who look after you – a wonderful way for the whole family to learn about the culture and way of life here.

Cottar’s 1920s Camp, Masai Mara

After a few glorious days in Laikipia, take a scheduled light aircraft flight to the luxurious Cottar’s 1920s Camp, situated in the 7,608-acre private Olderkesi Conservancy. Step back in time to a bygone era with 1920s-style canvas tents boasting luxurious furnishings, original safari antiques, hand-woven rugs and traditional Kenyan artefacts. The camp has eleven tents in total, including four open-plan family tents with living rooms and en-suite bathrooms. Relax beside the 25-metre swimming pool and dine privately on your veranda, or gather in the pavilion for a signature cocktail, African barbecue dinner or seasonal feast. If you prefer a more permanent accommodation style, opt for the exclusive-use Bush Villa where everyone can relax under one roof.

The team at Cottar’s are mostly Maasai and brilliant at entertaining and captivating young minds. Children can learn to make a bow and arrow and light a fire in the Maasai Warrior School, spend time beading with Mamma Naishuro Batian, learn all about conservation and Maasai culture in the Explorers Tent, and identify constellations in the starry African sky on a bush walk with hunter-gatherer Letilet.

Days on safari unfold at your own pace depending on your interests and the time of year. Cottar’s have the highest number of Gold Safari Guides within one camp in Kenya, so you are in very safe hands.

Ithumba Camp, Tsavo East National Park

After the Masai Mara, head to the heartwarming Ithumba Camp in Tsavo East National Park – a rustic, exclusive-use tented camp for the intrepid traveller who relishes being off the beaten track. Up to eight guests are accommodated in four permanent tents, with a comfortable mess building with an open-plan dining and sitting room.

Although this is a place to immerse yourself in nature and appreciate some of Kenya’s most spectacular species, the highlight of staying here is spending time at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust – visiting the elephant orphanage and sharing in the lives of the elephant orphans. Spend your days with guides learning about the elephants’ histories and personalities, meeting them at the watering holes and dust baths, and watching them being fed. In the dry season, you can enjoy an amazing spectacle when herds of ex-orphans return for visits to the stockade. They seem to know this place is a refuge and safe haven.

Alfajiri Villas, Diani Beach

Tear your family away from the elephants and head further south to the beautiful white powdery beaches of Kenya’s stunning coast. Alfajiri Villas offers three completely unique villas – Cliff Villa, Garden Villa and Beach Villa – each with its own butler. Accommodating up to nine guests in four en-suite bedrooms, the best villa for families is Cliff Villa. Perched on the edge of a cliff, enjoy uninterrupted ocean views, a lush private garden and a spectacular infinity pool.

Fresh seafood is brought daily to order from the beach, including some of the best crab, prawns, lobster, octopus and fish available. The food has a strong Mediterranean influence – oils, Parma ham and cheeses are flown in weekly from Europe, while salads and fresh vegetables come daily from local farms and fruit is handpicked from around Diani.

Children of any age are welcome, and a 24-hour nanny service is included in the price. The staff are wonderful at entertaining children and teenagers, giving parents proper time to relax. Activities included in your stay range from massages and snorkelling to the coral reef to visits to the Marine Education Centre, with the option to arrange PADI diving courses, kite surfing, golf, deep-sea fishing and sailing on a traditional Dhow.

Msambweni House, Mombasa

An alternative to Alfajiri is Msambweni House, a small boutique lodge on a private three-kilometre stretch of white sand. The property comprises the Main House and three private villas, each with its own pool, garden and panoramic sea view.
Aside from swimming and soaking up the sun, there is plenty to keep the family busy. Take a boat ride to Sandbanks near Funzi Island, stopping for a BBQ lunch prepared by your private chef. Visit Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park for dolphins, snorkelling and diving, or explore the local area on a bike ride or guided quad and buggy drive.

Start Planning Your Kenya Family Safari

Ready to start putting your itinerary together? Browse our hand-crafted Kenya family safari itineraries, each designed by our specialists and fully tailorable to suit your family’s pace, interests and budget. From first-time safari families to seasoned travellers looking for something more off the beaten track, we have a Kenya itinerary to inspire you.

Kenya Family Safari: Your Questions Answered

How do I get to Kenya? 

It’s only an eight-hour direct flight from the UK on either Kenya Airways or British Airways. There is also a daily direct flight from the USA – JFK into Nairobi – taking around 14 hours. There is a simple e-visa system that lets you apply online in advance, avoiding unnecessary queues at the airport.

When is the best time for a family safari in Kenya? 

The school summer holidays are a great time to visit East Africa. This coincides with the dry season, so you won’t have to contend with heavy rainfall, and it is cooler, making game drives and outdoor activities much more comfortable for the whole family.

How long should a Kenya family safari be? 

We typically recommend a minimum of ten to fourteen days to do Kenya justice. This allows you to combine two or three safari destinations – such as Laikipia, the Masai Mara and Tsavo – with a few nights at the coast, without feeling rushed. The more time you have, the richer the experience.

Is Kenya suitable for young children? 

Yes – many of our recommended properties are set up specifically for families with young children, offering dedicated family tents or villas, children’s activities, nanny services and flexible mealtimes. Our specialists can advise on the most suitable options based on your children’s ages.