Private, tailor-made family safaris in Kenya, crafted around your children's ages and your pace, planned by us.
Introduction
The best family safari holidays in Kenya are those trips that children bring up for years: the first time they spot a lion in the grass, the elephants crossing in front of the vehicle, the quiet of early morning in the bush. It is also a trip that needs planning with kids in mind. Long drives, lodge rules, early starts and health questions all look different when your youngest is six.
It is important to note that, the best family safari holidays in Kenya are planned around the children's ages and the family's pace.
Safari Yetu Adventures is a safari company in Kenya, operating since 2019. Safari Yetu Adventures plans family safari holidays for parents and grandparents travelling from the US, Europe, Australia and beyond. Every itinerary is written around your family: who is travelling, how old the children are, how much driving suits you, and what you want to remember most.
Moreover, we have sample family safari trips such as 5-day Kenyan safari with Lake Naivasha and Maasai Mara; and 7-days Kenyan safari with Amboseli and Maasai Mara.
Contact Safari Yetu Adventures by filling out this form and one of our travel experts will get back to you with an itemized price in USD in 24 hours. Or, WhatsApp us at +254719314061, send an email to info@safariyetuadventures.com.
Why is Kenya good for a family safari?
Family safaris in Kenya work well because one trip can combine varied landscapes and wildlife, family-friendly lodges and experienced guides, all reached through Nairobi.
Variety in a short trip. Open savannah, Kilimanjaro views, lakes and river country can all fit into one week.
A range of family-friendly stays. Many lodges and camps offer family rooms or interconnecting tents, and some run children's activities. We match your family to the right ones.
Experienced guides. Your guide shapes the whole trip. We pair families with guides who are comfortable explaining wildlife to a seven-year-old and a seventy-year-old.
Easy to reach. Most travellers from the US, Europe and Australia connect through a major hub to Nairobi, and we can advise on arrival timing and the first night.
How does planning a family safari with Safari Yetu work?
Family trip planning takes three steps: share your family's details, receive a day-by-day itinerary and itemised USD price within 24 hours, then confirm with a 50% deposit.
1. Tell us about your family. Ages of the children, travel dates, budget range and anything that matters to you (a first safari, a birthday, three generations travelling together).
2. Receive your itinerary and prices in USD. We reply within 24 hours with a day-by-day plan, named accommodation and an itemised price.
3. Confirm and prepare. A 50% deposit secures your booking and the balance is due 60 days before departure. We help with packing, health preparation and travel insurance guidance.
Sample family safari packages in Kenya: what does a trip look like?
Safari Yetu Adventures' sample family safaris run 5 to 7 days and combine two safari destinations with arrival and departure in Nairobi. These are starting points. Each one can be adjusted for younger children, teenagers or grandparents.
5 days family safari packages in Kenya: Lake Naivasha and the Maasai Mara
Good for first-time safari families and children.
Day 1: Arrive late at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and proceed through immigration and customs formalities. Upon your arrival in Nairobi, you will be met by our representative with a warm welcome and ready for your drive to Naivasha.
Grab breakfast from Nairobi and get ready for your drive to Naivasha. Upon your arrival, get ready to experience the boat ride at Lake Naivasha and then walk safari in Crescent Island to have a personal encounter with the animals at a closer range. After the Lake Naivasha experience, head back to the resort, where you will rest for the night to recover and prepare for the safari adventure ahead.
Day 2: Travel to the Maasai Mara. After early breakfast at the lodge, checkout and transfer to Maasai Mara. Upon arrival at your camp/lodge, you will Check-in with Lunch. Later you will head out for an afternoon game drive till evening Game Drive. Return back to your accommodation for Dinner, campfire experience and Maasai dance entertainment.
Day 3: Full day in the Mara with a dawn and an afternoon game drive and a bush picnic lunch. After an early breakfast, you set out for a full-day game drive with packed lunch, maximizing
your time in this world-famous reserve. You explore vast plains and riverine areas, home to the Big Five and abundant plains game. Have an optional safari visit to the Maasai village. You return to
the lodge in the evening for dinner, relaxation, and overnight.
Day 4: Final morning game drive, then travel back to Nairobi. Following breakfast, you check out and depart Maasai Mara, enjoying a final scenic drive through the reserve. The journey to Nairobi takes you across dramatic landscapes of the Rift Valley floor. You arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon and check in at your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure, allowing time to relax in Nairobi. Dinner and overnight are spent in Nairobi.
Day 5: Departure. Enjoy an early breakfast or packed meal at the hotel. Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in the early morning hours. Complete check-in and immigration formalities. Depart Kenya with lasting memories of wildlife and landscapes.
7 days family safari packages in Kenya: Amboseli and the Maasai Mara
Good for families with older children and teenagers who enjoy more game drives.
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel in the city, a journey that typically takes about 30-45 minutes depending
on traffic. After check-in, you can relax and recover from your journey or opt for a light city excursion if time allows, such as visiting nearby attractions. This day is mainly for acclimatization and
rest, ensuring you are refreshed and ready for the safari adventure ahead.
Day 2: Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve
After an early breakfast, depart Nairobi and begin your journey to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations. The drive takes approximately 6.5 hours
passing through the scenic Great Rift Valley with a brief stop at a viewpoint. You will continue through Narok town before arriving at your lodge or camp in time for lunch. After some relaxation,
head out for an afternoon game drive where you may spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and more. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Full Day in Maasai Mara
Spend a full day exploring with a full-day game drive with a packed picnic lunch. Early morning drives offer the best chance to see predators in action, while
the afternoon provides opportunities to witness large herds of herbivores grazing. You will also visit the Mara River, famous for the seasonal wildebeest migration You may opt for a Maasai village
for a cultural experience. The day involves minimal road travel as most time is spent in the reserve on game drives. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.
Day 4: Maasai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, depart the Maasai Mara and drive towards Lake Nakuru National Park, a journey that takes approximately 4 hours. You will pass through Narok and ascend back into the Great Rift
Valley, enjoying scenic landscapes along the way. Arrive at your lodge in Nakuru in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive in the park. Lake Nakuru is famous for its flamingos,
rhinos, and diverse birdlife. After the game drive, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Amboseli National Park
After an early breakfast, depart Lake Nakuru and drive to Amboseli National Park, located near the Kenya-Tanzania border. This is a longer journey, taking approximately 7.5 hours passing through
Nairobi where you may stop for lunch or a short break. Continue southwards towards Amboseli, arriving at your lodge in the late afternoon or early evening. Depending on arrival time, you may
have a short evening game drive or simply relax at the lodge while enjoying views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Day 6: Full Day in Amboseli National Park
Enjoy a full day game drive in Amboseli National Park with picnic parked Lunch, the park is known for its large elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Start with an
early morning game drive when wildlife is most active and the mountain is often visible before clouds set in.
You will explore swamps, open plains, and acacia woodlands, spotting animals such as lions, cheetahs, buffalo, and a variety of bird species. The day focuses on game viewing. Return to the lodge
for dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Departure
After breakfast, check out and begin your journey back to Nairobi, which takes approximately 4 - 5 hours. The drive offers scenic views of the countryside and local settlements along the way. The
Airport being on the way, you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight.
Where to go for a family safari in Kenya
For a first family safari in Kenya, the Maasai Mara, Amboseli and Lake Naivasha are good places to start, and they are the destinations in our sample itineraries.
Places to visit in Kenya with family for tours
A family tour of Kenya can include more than game drives. Places families often add around the safari include:
Nairobi Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre: easy stops in Nairobi on arrival or departure day, subject to availability, specifically for the Elephant Orphanage which is only open for one hour between 11AM - 12PM
A cultural visit: Cultural engaging visits to Maasai Mara villages, Amboseli villages, and Samburu communities.
A coastal beach extension: Nothing can go wrong with a safari and beach extension in our 9 day Kenya safari and beach holiday for families, or our 10 day Kenya safari tour for families.
Private or small-group family safari: which is better?
A private safari suits families with young children or grandparents because the schedule is flexible. A small-group safari costs less and suits families with older children.
A private safari gives your family its own vehicle and guide. You set the schedule, stop when a child wants to watch the cubs a little longer, and can build in naps and early nights. It costs more because your family covers the whole vehicle, but it suits families with young children, grandparents or specific interests such as photography and birds. And of course, safety and the luxury to move at your own pace.
A small-group safari shares a vehicle with other travellers, which lowers the price and follows a fixed schedule. It works well for families with older children who enjoy meeting other travellers.
Not sure which suits your family? Tell us the ages in your group, interests and preferences, and we will recommend one.
Is a family safari in Kenya safe, and what health precautions do families need?
Kenya is an established safari destination with trained guides and experienced operators. Families should speak to a travel medicine clinic 6-8 weeks before departure about malaria prevention and vaccinations, and buy travel insurance that includes medical evacuation.
Health: Speak to a travel medicine clinic 6-8 weeks before departure about malaria prevention and vaccinations for your family. We can share our packing and insect-protection advice.
Travel insurance: We recommend cover that includes medical evacuation, and we can help you arrange it.
In the vehicle: First-aid kit in every vehicle, drivers' training, vehicle type, seat belts and child seats.
Accommodation: Family rooms or interconnecting tents where available, and lodges chosen with access to medical help in mind.
Entry requirements: We confirm the current Kenya entry requirements (eTA or visa) for Africa, US, UK, EU, Australian, and beyond, passport holders and issue accurate information to our clients
When is the best time for a family safari in Kenya?
Two periods suit family safaris in Kenya: July to October, the peak season for the Maasai Mara and the Great Migration, and January to March, which is drier and usually cheaper.
Frequently asked questions About Family safari Packages in Kenya
Here’s what families ask about where to go and what to expect for family trips in Africa
What is the best time for a family safari in Kenya?
July to October is the peak season for the Maasai Mara and the Great Migration, with premium pricing and early booking needed. January to March is drier, usually cheaper and works well for
families.
April, May and November bring rain and can make travel harder with young children. If you want school holidays to line up, tell us your dates and we will suggest what fits.
How old do children need to be for a safari?
National parks in Kenya generally have no official minimum age, but individual lodges and camps set their own rules, often around age 5 or 6 for shared game drives. On a private safari there is
more flexibility even with a one year old.
Is a family safari in Kenya safe?
Kenya is an established safari destination with trained guides and experienced operators. Safety also depends on the vehicle, the guide and sensible preparation, and we plan with all three in mind. Ask us about our safety standards and the medical facilities near each lodge.
How much does a family safari in Kenya cost?
It depends on the season, the number of days, the standard of accommodation, and whether the trip is private or group. See the price table above for our starting prices, and send us your family details for an itemised quote.
Should we choose a private or a group safari?
Private is the most flexible choice for young children and grandparents. Group is cheaper and works for older children. See the comparison above.
How do we get there from the US, Europe or Australia?
Most travellers fly to Nairobi's main international airport, usually with one connection. We arrange the airport pickup and can suggest an overnight stay if you arrive late or tired.
How do we book and pay?
Send Safari Yetu Adventures your family details and the team replies within 24 hours with an itinerary and price. A 30% deposit secures your booking, and the balance is due 60 days before departure.
What should we pack?
Neutral colours such as khaki, olive and beige, light long sleeves, sun protection, insect repellent and a headlamp. A simple camera or binoculars for each child keeps them engaged.
How do I choose the best family safari packages in Kenya?
Check that the operator holds a valid Tourism Regulatory Authority licence, gives an itemised price in USD, names the lodges, explains its guides' experience with children, and shows recent reviews with each guest's country. Ask about vehicle safety, the first-aid kit and what happens if a child is unwell.
Tell us who is travelling and when, and we will come back with ideas and honest advice.