Why Kenya is perfect for families
A sheep in the meadow or an elephant next to your jeep? For kids, that’s a no-brainer. Animals spark imagination, especially the kind you find in Kenya. Experience magical moments together: a baby elephant trotting beside its mother, a lion creeping through the grass, or a towering giraffe suddenly appearing to snack on leaves above your car. No wonder Kenya is one of the top destinations for families looking for an adventurous yet safe safari. The country is surprisingly child-friendly, with lodges designed for families, guides who understand short attention spans, and relatively little travel time between destinations. Add vast wildlife parks, diverse landscapes, tropical beaches, and incredibly friendly locals to the mix, and you've got the recipe for an unforgettable family trip. Still unsure if it's right for you? Read the travel story of a family who went before you.
Safari in Kenya: magical and kid-proof
A safari with kids might sound like a big deal. But don’t worry, with the right planning, child-friendly lodges, and a good balance between game drives and chill time, a Kenyan safari becomes one of the most amazing experiences you can share. Kids are naturally curious, hand them a pair of binoculars and an animal guide, and they’ll be junior wildlife experts in no time. We’ve listed the best parks for families below.The best wildlife parks for families
Masai Mara: The Lion King classic
The Masai Mara is Kenya’s most famous wildlife park, and with good reason. It’s where The Lion King comes to life: lions, cheetahs, zebras, and giraffes steal the show. It’s a classic safari experience, and young children are often completely fascinated by the abundance of big cats. Though the park can be a bit touristy, it’s perfect for families. Short game drives, high wildlife density, and spacious lodges make it an ideal first safari destination.Elephant paradise in Amboseli
Amboseli is a firm favorite among families. Why? Because you can spot herds of elephants here, sometimes dozens at a time, all with the snowy peak of Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. It’s the kind of scene your kids (and you) won’t forget anytime soon. Amboseli is also conveniently located on the route to the coast, making it a great stopover. The best place to stay? Kili Springs Eco Camp, where you can watch elephants drink from a natural spring right from the raised terrace. Add a wood-fired pizza oven, and dinner becomes a party too.Head north: Ol Pejeta and Samburu
For those craving something a little different, less crowded but just as epic, Kenya’s north has some of the best parks. In Ol Pejeta Conservancy, you’ll find the Big Five, tons of rhinos, and even a chimpanzee sanctuary. It’s not only stunning but educational too: this is home to the world’s last two northern white rhinos.The park is spacious, clean, easy to navigate, and peaceful, a dream for families with younger kids who need calm but still want action. It also pairs well with a road trip through Samburu or a visit to Mount Kenya.
Just a few hours away, you’ll find Samburu National Reserve, the ultimate wildlife bingo board. This park is home to rare animals you won’t see elsewhere in Kenya: Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, Somali ostriches, and gerenuks. “Make sure you bring an animal guidebook,” says Yoon, dad of three kids aged 7, 14, and 18, “so your kids can turn spotting into a game.” Samburu is Yoon’s favorite park to visit with his family. “Everyone’s got binoculars, and it’s a race to be the first to spot a new animal. At the end of the day, we compare lists. It's a safari and a game in one.”
Nairobi National Park: Safari with a skyline
Don’t feel like spending hours in a car for your first safari? No problem! Nairobi is the only city in the world where you can drive straight from the urban center into a national park. Giraffes and zebras in the foreground, skyscrapers behind, it’s one of the most surreal views in the world. One minute you’re in the hustle and bustle of downtown, the next you’re in the wild with animals all around. And if you're lucky? You might even spot a pride of lions or a critically endangered black rhino. Extra bonus: the park is compact, easily accessible, and pairs perfectly with a visit to the Giraffe Center or the elephant orphanage in the city.Child-friendly accommodations in Kenya
A good night's sleep (or afternoon nap) is essential on a family trip. And no, you can't do that in a noisy hotel room without outdoor space. Fortunately, there are plenty of child-friendly stays in Kenya where parents can relax too. Especially after a long game drive, it is nice if there is a pool to splash in, enough space to play and wifi (for the adolescents among us). Here are a few gems that score perfectly with families:Kili Springs - Amboseli
The place for elephant lovers. Nestled in greenery less than a 30-minute drive from the park. With cosy tents in the middle of the bush, where you can chat in the evening after your Amboseli adventures by a crackling fire. With a bit of luck, you might see a cute bush baby or hear them running across the roof of your tent at night. A nice base with peace and quiet, views and plenty of room to play.The Brandy Bus - Nairobi
This old-school double-decker bus in a green district of Nairobi has been transformed into a cheerful accommodation with garden, tennis court and a playful dog. You can cook your own meals here, but there are also plenty of restaurants nearby. A special and unique place to acclimatise before leaving for the wildlife parks. Cool place to sleep? Check. Wifi? Check. Fun? Double(decker)check.Timau River Lodge - Nanyuki
Located on a lively little river, Timau is an ideal stopover for a trip north. And those kids, they really love it here. With a trampoline, a rabbit hutch where you can cuddle with the bunnies, waterfall and a zip line, boredom is utterly out of the question here. It's run by Indians, and you can sit down and eat what's in the pot. There's even a cosy fireplace for cooler evenings. Plus: it's ideally located between Ol Pejeta and Mount Kenya.Mwamba Conservation Centre - Watamu
On the coast, 80 metres from the beach as well as the National Marine Park, you can sleep at a very special place. At this research centre, you can stay and participate in activities. How much fun would it be for the kids to go along when the turtles are released, to tag birds or to get a lesson in rockpooling? On the coast, near the beach. A relaxing place to end your trip, and to learn something about conservation through play.Other adventures for curious kids
Safari is, of course, the beating heart of any family trip through Kenya, but this country has so much more to offer. From volcanic caves to surf beaches, from city trips full of smells and colors to walking among giraffes: it’s precisely this variety that makes traveling through Kenya so much fun.How about a visit to Mount Suswa? This ancient volcano lies just a few hours from Nairobi but feels like a completely different world. Here you can hike along deep gorges, camp on the crater’s edge with views of the Rift Valley, and descend into a labyrinth of lava caves. What makes it extra special? The caves are a spiritual place for the local Maasai, who proudly guide you and share their stories. It’s a unique opportunity to learn not just about nature, but also about culture.
In Taita Hills, you can walk through an ancient forest, with local guides leading you on short or long hikes through this lush green oasis, past bamboo groves, indigenous plants, and tropical birds. Along the way, you’ll learn about medicinal herbs, spot colorful butterflies, and likely encounter baboons or colobus monkeys. You can even visit a traditional Taita village for a glimpse of local life. This area is perfect for families who love hiking and want to experience “the other Kenya.”
Lake Naivasha isn’t just beautiful to look at, it’s a true playground for little adventurers. Start your day with a boat trip on the lake, where you’ll spot hippos bobbing in the water and hundreds of birds: pelicans, fish eagles, flamingos, and more. Afterwards? Head to Crescent Island, where you can walk among zebras, wildebeest, and giraffes. It’s like a wild petting zoo, but for real.
Still have energy to burn? Then Hell’s Gate National Park is a must. Here you cycle Dutch-style past towering cliffs, steaming geysers, and grazing wildlife. No lions here, so biking is safe. Along the way, you can take a short hike into narrow canyons and learn how this landscape was formed. It’s no coincidence that this park inspired scenes from The Lion King.
Tip: Rent bikes in Naivasha or at the park gate and bring a picnic, it’s way more fun and relaxed than a restaurant.
Need a break after all that adventure? Diani Beach is the ultimate chill spot on the coast, with an adventurous twist. Think powdery white sand, turquoise water, and more than enough water sports. Try beginner surf lessons, SUP along the reef, or even your first taste of kite surfing. Want something calmer? Snorkeling or a boat trip to spot dolphins are just as fun. And if your kids are tired of the water, they can ride camels along the beach or join in a game of beach soccer with the locals. There’s no shortage of things to do.
And for the parents? Grab a cocktail under a palm tree and watch your kids build sandcastles in the golden light of an African sunset.
And since you’re already at the coast, you can’t miss this city: Mombasa. Here, all your senses will be awakened, and kids love it. The mix of African, Arab, and Indian influences creates a vibrant atmosphere with lots to see, smell, and taste. Start your adventure at the 16th-century Fort Jesus and then wander through Old Town. You’ll find narrow alleyways, brightly colored houses, and little shops where there’s always something to sample.
Looking for a fun, low-key activity? Hop in a tuk-tuk for a ride through the city, and you’re guaranteed some giggles from the back seat.
Food brings people together, and nowhere is that more true than when cooking with a Kenyan mama. In various villages or outer city neighborhoods, you can join a local woman (or sometimes even a grandma!) in her kitchen. Together with the kids, you’ll chop tomatoes, mash ugali, and roll out chapatis. For children, it’s not just fun, it’s educational: they discover new flavors, learn where food comes from, and beam with pride over their homemade lunch.
Bonus: they often end up playing with the neighborhood kids afterwards, football, jump rope, or singing by the fire. Phew, some well-deserved parent downtime…
Practical tips for travelling with kids
Travelling with kids requires some extra preparation. Here are a few lifesavers:- Private accommodation: So your children can sleep peacefully while you enjoy the sunset on the veranda with a glass of wine.
- Short safaris: With a short attention span, a safari of 2 to 3 hours is enough, after which you can relax by the pool or hike
- Pool = rest moment: Bring swimming gear for each lodge, especially if you are travelling with young children.
- Animal guide & binoculars: Turn safari into a game with animal-spotting maps.
- Wifi and powerbanks: Especially with teenagers, not a luxury. Don't forget world plugs and a back-up power bank.
- Sunscreen & snacks: Simple but crucial. The sun is bright, the distances sometimes long.
- What about malaria? Many places are malaria-free or low risk, but it's always good to inform yourself, check our page on malaria or let us advise you.
