A Guide to Luxury Family Travel in Kenya

Luxury family holidays in Kenya can be as exciting or relaxing as you like. Of course we suggest spending some time on safari; families can request private vehicles for game drives to ensure that the experience is adapted to the ages and interests of each family member. 

We highly recommend hot air balloon safaris and active adventures like walking safaris for teenagers. Many safari areas also offer the chance to meet local community members and learn about Indigenous culture and heritage.

Kenya has plenty to offer beyond the classic safari experience, too. For a well-rounded family trip, spend some time on the beautiful Kenyan coast or in the Lamu Archipelago. You can try snorkelling, sailing or kitesurfing together or simply relax on the sandy shores.

The best places for a Kenya family safari include some of the country’s most famous wildlife areas and a few lesser-known spots that are equally alluring. Each one has its own perks and reasons to visit, so we often recommend visiting a few different spots on the same trip.

The Maasai Mara is Kenya’s classic safari destination, with high concentrations of wildlife and plenty of chances to see the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo). We suggest visiting outside of the peak season (July–August) to avoid overcrowding.

You can request a private guide and vehicle for your family to design your days however you like. Morning and afternoon game drives can be complemented with picnics in the bush, evenings by the pool and kid-friendly nature walks to discover small creatures and insects.

The Laikipia Plateau is located northeast of the Maasai Mara in central Kenya, offering a quieter and more exclusive atmosphere. There’s a long list of outdoor activities to enjoy here; think horse riding, mountain biking and quad biking.

You can see all sorts of rare East African wildlife, including black rhinos, Grévy’s zebras, wild dogs, black leopards and reticulated giraffes. The region also includes the private Lewa Wildlife Conservancy: a wonderful place to learn about wildlife protection initiatives with your family, staying at the hilltop Lewa House.

The Samburu National Reserve is a fantastic choice for families interested in both nature and culture. The region’s rocky and arid terrain is home to elephants, big cats, ostriches, antelopes and many other animals that you can spot on family-focused game drives. 

Teenagers and adults can explore the area on scenic hikes and nature walks, and children of all ages can attend the Warrior’s Academy at Saruni Samburu to learn traditional skills like tracking, spear throwing, archery and beading with Samburu guides.

The Mathews Range is located within Samburu County, north of the Samburu National Reserve. We recommend staying at Sarara Camp to best enjoy this mountainous region, a place of stark beauty and remote adventures. Families can visit the famous sliding rocks (natural water slides) for some adrenaline-filled fun.

This is also where you’ll find the locally owned Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, dedicated to caring for and rehabilitating rescued elephant calves. Here, children and adults alike can learn about conservation first-hand and see an example of community-led wildlife preservation.

Amboseli National Park is among the best places in Kenya to see elephants. The high likelihood of sightings means younger children will stay engaged on game drives, and the park’s relatively small size makes it easy to split your time between wildlife viewing and fun back at camp.

Angama Amboseli is an ideal lodge for young children, with activities including peaceful nature walks, weaving workshops, jewellery making, photography, painting and roasting marshmallows. There’s also a well-stocked games room that offers endless entertainment.

Although many camps and lodges in Kenya welcome guests of all ages, we generally recommend travelling with children aged five and up to ensure that they can enjoy a variety of activities.

Older kids and teenagers will have more options when it comes to things like walking safaris, which usually have a minimum age of at least 12. Regardless of age, the best way to ensure that everyone in your family enjoys the trip is to include a variety of locations and experiences.

The ideal length for a family trip to Kenya is around ten days, including two or three destinations. For instance, you can spend half your time seeking out wildlife in the Maasai Mara and the other half on outdoor adventures in Laikipia.

Travelling between locations in Kenya often involves light aircraft journeys of around one or two hours, so it’s best to stay in each place for at least three or four nights. Families of four or more people can also opt for private charters to make the trips smoother and shorter.

The best time to visit Kenya with your family is during one of the two dry seasons: January–February or June–October. 

July and August are the peak months for the Great Migration river crossings, which attract more visitors to the Maasai Mara. We suggest travelling outside of these months or visiting alternative areas that are quieter.

September, October and December tend to be quieter in general, with pleasant temperatures and good conditions for safaris. We recommend avoiding April and May, as the seasonal rains can make safaris unpleasant or impossible and some camps close down.