Family-Friendly Safari Holidays in Africa

Africa Family Holiday Destinations

Safe, fun, and adventure-packed journeys across Africa.

Spending time with family and loved ones on vacation is one of the best ways to create memories that last a lifetime. Whether it’s witnessing incredible safari sightings up close, sharing stories around a crackling campfire, or enjoying a peaceful sundowner in the heart of the African bush, a destination holiday has a magical way of bringing people together.

Planning the perfect family getaway can feel overwhelming, which is why we’ve curated a collection of family-friendly safari packages. Each itinerary is thoughtfully designed to combine exceptional lodges, exciting destinations, and immersive activities—ensuring comfort, safety, and adventure for travellers of all ages.

8 Days Kenya Family Safari Adventure

Overview

The 8 Days Kenya Family Safari Adventure is thoughtfully designed to offer families a safe, engaging, and rewarding introduction to African wildlife while maintaining a relaxed pace suitable for both adults and children. This itinerary balances exciting game viewing with shorter driving distances, comfortable accommodations, and activities that encourage learning, discovery, and meaningful shared experiences.

Covering some of Kenya’s most family-friendly safari destinations — Lake Naivasha, Maasai Mara National Reserve, and the scenic Great Rift Valley — this safari prioritizes wildlife-rich areas, gentle landscapes, and lodges known for their hospitality and child-friendly amenities. Professional guides experienced in hosting families ensure that game drives are educational, interactive, and enjoyable for younger travelers.

This safari can be customized for families traveling with children of different ages and works equally well for multigenerational groups seeking a memorable and bonding African adventure.

Safari Highlights

  • Family-focused safari pace with shorter driving times
  • High chances of seeing the Big Five in the Maasai Mara
  • Boat safari and walking opportunities at Lake Naivasha
  • Child-friendly lodges with spacious rooms and safe environments
  • Educational game drives led by experienced guides
  • Optional cultural visits and interactive experiences

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Family Welcome

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where your family will be warmly welcomed by a Safari Continents Travel representative. Transfer to your hotel in Nairobi for rest and relaxation after your journey.

Depending on arrival time, optional visits such as the Giraffe Centre or Nairobi National Park can be arranged to ease children into the safari experience.

Accommodation: Family-friendly city hotel

Day 2: Nairobi – Lake Naivasha

After breakfast, depart Nairobi and travel through the dramatic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley toward Lake Naivasha. Arrive in time for lunch before enjoying an afternoon boat safari on the lake.

Children will enjoy spotting hippos, fish eagles, and water birds, while parents appreciate the gentle introduction to Kenya’s wildlife. The relaxed atmosphere makes Naivasha an excellent first safari stop.

Accommodation: Lodge or safari camp, Lake Naivasha

Day 3: Lake Naivasha – Leisure & Nature Activities

Spend a full day at Lake Naivasha enjoying optional activities such as a guided nature walk on Crescent Island, cycling through wildlife areas, or simply relaxing at the lodge.

These low-impact activities allow children to explore nature safely while learning about animals, plants, and ecosystems in an engaging way.

Accommodation: Lodge or safari camp, Lake Naivasha

Day 4: Lake Naivasha – Maasai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, depart for the Maasai Mara National Reserve, traveling through scenic countryside and traditional Maasai lands. Arrive at your lodge or tented camp in time for lunch.

In the afternoon, enjoy your first family-friendly game drive in the Mara, with guides adjusting the pace and explanations to suit younger guests.

Accommodation: Family-friendly lodge or tented camp, Maasai Mara

Day 5: Maasai Mara – Morning & Afternoon Game Drives

Spend a full day exploring the Maasai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives. Expect to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and predators such as lions and cheetahs.

Game drives are paced to maintain children’s interest, with regular breaks and opportunities for questions and learning.

Accommodation: Family-friendly lodge or tented camp, Maasai Mara

Day 6: Maasai Mara – Extended Exploration

Enjoy another full day in the Maasai Mara, allowing flexibility to revisit favorite wildlife areas or explore new regions of the reserve.

Optional activities include a Maasai cultural visit, offering children insight into local traditions and daily life, fostering cultural understanding alongside wildlife education.

Accommodation: Family-friendly lodge or tented camp, Maasai Mara

Day 7: Maasai Mara – Return to Nairobi

After breakfast, depart the Maasai Mara and return to Nairobi by road or optional scheduled flight. The afternoon is free for relaxation or optional activities such as souvenir shopping or a farewell dinner.

Accommodation: City hotel in Nairobi

Day 8: Nairobi – Departure

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your family safari adventure in Kenya.

Wildlife & Family Safari Experience

This itinerary offers excellent opportunities to encounter the Big Five, as well as a wide range of plains game and birdlife. The combination of Lake Naivasha and the Maasai Mara provides variety and keeps younger travelers engaged through changing landscapes and activities.

Guides tailor wildlife interpretation to be educational and age-appropriate, making the safari both fun and enriching for children.

Accommodation Style

This safari uses carefully selected family-friendly lodges and tented camps featuring:

  • Spacious family rooms or interconnected tents
  • Safe, enclosed environments
  • Flexible dining options
  • Welcoming staff experienced with children

Specific properties can be recommended based on family size and preferences.

What’s Included

  • Airport transfers in Nairobi
  • Transport in a private safari vehicle
  • Services of a professional driver-guide
  • Park and conservation fees
  • Accommodation on full-board basis during safari
  • Game drives and activities as specified

What’s Not Included

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses and gratuities

Best Time to Travel

This family safari operates year-round. June to October and January to March offer excellent wildlife viewing, while school holiday periods can be planned well in advance to ensure availability.

Who This Safari Is Perfect For

  • Families with children
  • Multigenerational groups
  • First-time safari travelers
  • Travelers seeking a relaxed, educational safari

Customization Options

  • Adjust pacing for younger children
  • Upgrade to luxury family lodges
  • Add beach extensions to Diani or Zanzibar
  • Include Nairobi-based wildlife activities

This family-focused Kenya safari can be tailored to suit your family’s needs, travel dates, and comfort preferences. Contact Safari Continents Travel to begin planning a safe, enriching, and unforgettable family adventure.

Planning the perfect family getaway can feel overwhelming, which is why we’ve curated a collection of family-friendly safari packages. Each itinerary is thoughtfully designed to combine exceptional lodges, exciting destinations, and immersive activities—ensuring comfort, safety, and adventure for travellers of all ages.

Essential Tips for Planning a Family Safari in Africa

Unforgettable Family Game Drives at Rekero Camp

1. Choose the Right Family Accommodation

After selecting your destinations, the next important step is choosing where to stay. Whether it’s a private-use villa or a spacious family-friendly lodge, make sure the property offers the right facilities. Some lodges provide child-care services, making it easier to travel with babies or toddlers. Many family safari packages include accommodations designed specifically for young children, teens who want privacy, or multi-generational groups who need extra space.
These considerations are especially important for families planning a self-drive holiday in South Africa. Below are some of the most recommended family-friendly lodges and safari camps.


2. Look for Family-Friendly Activities

The best family safaris offer a mix of fun and educational activities. Before choosing your package, check age limits for game drives, the availability of kids’ clubs, and other activities like guided nature walks suitable for different ages.
Some lodges allow you to book a private game vehicle, letting younger children join drives at the guide’s discretion.
Our experts focus on safe, well-managed and memorable family travel, ensuring every experience is planned with your family’s needs in mind.


3. Add Unique and Exciting Experiences

Kids who love wildlife stories or movies often dream of seeing animals up close. While game drives provide amazing sightings, many family safari packages offer additional ethical wildlife experiences.
Every activity we recommend has been personally checked by our Africa travel specialists, ensuring it is safe, responsible, and meaningful for your family.


4. Combine Multiple Destinations for an Amazing Family Safari

When planning a family trip to Africa, you don’t need to limit yourself to one place. Africa offers a range of incredible destinations that pair beautifully together.
For example:

  • Enjoy a South Africa family holiday with time in Cape Town, a malaria-free game reserve, and the peaceful Garden Route.

  • Experience a Kenya family adventure that includes the Maasai Mara, Laikipia Plateau, and a relaxing finish on Zanzibar’s tropical beaches.

  • Explore Botswana with mokoro rides in the Okavango Delta, elephant encounters in Chobe, and a final stop at Victoria Falls.

Africa is full of unforgettable places just waiting to be explored with family.

Share a peaceful family lunch by the ocean at Kinondo Kwetu on Diani Beach.

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