Last Updated on February 28, 2025<\/p>\n
Traveling Kenya with kids can be a life-changing experience for both you and your kids. Here is my guide to planning a perfect Kenya family safari.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n For adventurous families, Kenya makes an excellent introduction to Africa. The country is home to world-class national parks, nature reserves, and pristine beaches. Plus, Kenya has improved its tourism infrastructure over the years and is now more family-friendly than ever. <\/span><\/p>\n Of all the 25 African countries<\/a> I\u2019ve been to, <\/span>Kenya is definitely my favorite place in Africa to travel with kids<\/strong>.\u00a0Granted, roads in Kenya can be terrible and poverty is still an issue in Kenya. But there\u2019s so much the kids can gain from a family trip to Kenya, whether it\u2019s a lesson in compassion or learning knowledge on wildlife and geography. <\/span><\/p>\n Pack a sense of adventure and a positive attitude, and you\u2019ll be sure to have an epic adventure in Kenya with kids.\u00a0For those planning a Kenya family trip, here is my complete guide with the best things to do, where to stay and what to pack for Kenya with kids<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n From my experience, trips that revolve around nature and wildlife are always a big hit with kids. Nature is the greatest playground for kids and Kenya sure has plenty of it.<\/span><\/p>\n Kenya is one of the top African countries for wildlife watching<\/a>. It is home to the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, a stomping ground for thousands of animals migrating across its plains each year during the annual migration. For the ultimate Kenya family safari, come face to face with giant elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro in the backdrop at Amboseli National Park<\/a>, or see thousands of flamingos fly above Lake Nakuru. <\/span><\/p>\n Kenya is also blessed with a stunning coastline \u2014 plan in some relaxing time on Diani Beach or cultural walks in the Swahili town of Lamu island in your Kenya itinerary<\/a>, and your kids will thank you for it! Make sure to read this article on things you need to know before traveling to Kenya<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Here are some of the most visited and best-rated safari tours in Kenya that you might want to consider\u2014perfect for a family adventure that kids will love!<\/p>\n If you\u2019re interested in more options, you can explore the latest safari tours available in Kenya on Safari Bookings.<\/a><\/p>\n It is understandable to be concerned about safety in Kenya with kids. After all, Nairobi has a high crime rate and it has experienced several bombings in recent years. But you can easily avoid the city centre and stay in the quiet outskirts or Nairobi National Park (15-min drive from airport). <\/span><\/p>\n Beyond the big city, it is generally very safe in the national parks and nature reserves. You might be worried about your kids\u2019 safety on safari after seeing videos of cheetahs jumping onto safari jeeps, but such things rarely happen. Animals usually prefer to keep their distance from human beings. As long as we don\u2019t disturb the wildlife, they won\u2019t disturb us.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The bigger issue is health and hygiene due to malaria and yellow fever risks and food contamination. It is mandatory to have the yellow fever vaccination to enter Kenya (you\u2019ll be asked for proof). But one shot lasts a lifetime. Refer to my section on health in Kenya<\/a> for details.<\/span><\/p>\n Most nationalities including US, UK, EU and Canada citizens need a visa<\/b> to enter Kenya. You can easily apply for an evisa online. Single-entry visas cost $51 and allow you to stay for 3 months. Note that there are several fraudulent evisa websites \u2014 this is the official evisa website.<\/span><\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n Some nationalities (including mine!) do not a need a visa to travel Kenya. These include nationals from Singapore, Malaysia, San Marino, South Africa. Here is the full list. <\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Good news: Children aged 16\u00a0and\u00a0below do\u00a0not\u00a0require\u00a0a\u00a0visa\u00a0to enter\u00a0Kenya, regardless of nationality.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n The main gateway to Kenya is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBP), around 11 miles (18km) from Nairobi\u2019s CBD. <\/span><\/p>\n I found an amazing deal online: Amsterdam \u2013 Nairobi \u2013 Seychelles<\/span><\/a> and return for just under \u20ac<\/span>600 ($670). I learned about the airfare promo on Fly4Free.com and booked it way in advance.<\/span><\/p>\n You can generally find flights from New York to Nairobi <\/span><\/a>via Istanbul for around US$750 return. For those in Europe, you can fly direct from London to Nairobi <\/span><\/a>(9hours) for around $550 return.<\/span><\/p>\n Search for Cheap Flights to Kenya<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n The best time to travel Kenya<\/a>\u00a0is from July to October<\/b>, which are the best wildlife viewing months. The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Masai Mara in July and remains until October. But note that this is high season and certain parks can get crowded.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Rainy season runs from March to May, during which some lodges and camps close down. During high rainfall, it can be hard to see animals as they won\u2019t need to go in search of water. <\/span><\/p>\n November to February are good times to visit Kenya<\/strong>, as prices are lower and showers don\u2019t last long. We visited Kenya in December this time and had great weather. However, we didn\u2019t see as many animals as I did the last time in Maasai Mara, because there were torrential rains right before we arrived and they caused quite a lot of flooding.<\/span><\/p>\n There\u2019s a lot to do in Kenya for kids. I recommend spending at least two weeks in Kenya<\/b><\/a> so you can explore at a comfortable pace.<\/span><\/p>\n I would advise planning 2-3 nights at each national park. Kids can get tired of safari if you schedule too many days at each camp. At the same time, you don\u2019t want to be moving around too much and spending just 1 night at each place. Read more of my tips about going on African safari with kids<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Mix up your Kenya itinerary<\/a> with some relaxation time along Kenya\u2019s beautiful coast. Diani Beach is Kenya\u2019s most popular beach town, but there are plenty of towns along the coast worth visiting, including Malindi, Nyali and Watamu.<\/span><\/p>\n *TIP<\/strong>: Maasai Mara is the best reserve in Kenya, but it\u2019s a 6-hour drive from Nairobi and Lake Nakuru. To go somewhere nearer, the best alternative is Amboseli National Park, a 4-hour drive away.<\/em><\/p>\n The best way to get from Nairobi to the coast is on the domestic airline, Kenyan Airways. It is affordable and fast. Return flights from Nairobi to Mombasa<\/span><\/a> are around US$100. Direct flights from Nairobi to Lamu Island<\/span><\/a> are around US$200.<\/span><\/p>\n It IS also possible to fly from Nairobi to Maasai Mara<\/span><\/a> and other reserves on Safarilink. But it is expensive, with flights costing around US$350 return per person. Flying cuts down the travel time from 6 hours by road to just 40 minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n Search for Domestic Flights<\/a><\/p>\n Roads in Kenya aren\u2019t in the best condition and traffic around Nairobi is a nightmare. You would need a 4WD to drive into the national parks. Renting a Toyota Land Cruiser<\/span><\/a> usually costs around $200-300\/day.<\/span><\/p>\n I wouldn\u2019t advise driving in Kenya with kids, unless you\u2019re very experienced driving 4WD. My husband Alberto has driven in many countries, and even then, we decided to book transport with our lodge (which comes with a driver) as it cost the same as renting a 4WD. <\/span><\/p>\n Search for Car Rental in Kenya<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n What you can do instead is to book a safari lodge\/camp and arrange a \u201croad package\u201d through them. The package includes a driver, 2 game drives per day during your stay at the lodge as well as pick-up and drop-off from any hotel in Nairobi. <\/span><\/p>\n Most lodges quoted us $150\/day for a Toyota van and $250\/day for a Land Cruiser safari jeep. We paid for the cheaper option and were fine for it. But for both options, you\u2019ll only get a driver \u2014 not a wildlife guide who\u2019s experienced in spotting animals! If you want a wildlife guide, book an all-inclusive safari tour<\/a>. (More details here<\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n If it\u2019s your first time on an African safari with kids<\/a>, I recommend booking a safari package that includes an experienced wildlife guide. A guide knows where to spot the animals and can share lots of interesting information about each animal. <\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s also important to book with responsible tour companies that have policies in place to thread carefully. It\u2019ll be a great opportunity to travel with other families and your kids will make lifelong friends. Check out this 8-day National Geographic Kenya safari trip<\/span><\/a> from G Adventures. I\u2019ve traveled with them many times (to Antarctica, Brazil, Nepal etc) and each trip has been epic! You can also combine Kenya with Tanzania, and join this Kenya and Tanzania camping safari.<\/span><\/a> The minimum age to join is 12.<\/span><\/p>\n To save some money, we booked the safari lodges ourselves and arranged transport through them. These road packages still cost around US$150-250\/day, but they include a driver, pickup from Nairobi, and 2 game drives\/day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re on a tight budget, I suggest exploring Nairobi independently and booking budget safari tours departing from Nairobi.<\/a> Note that these 3\/4-day tours are usually camping safari. That means you\u2019ll actually be camping and sleeping in small 2-person tents. This was what we did when we first backpacked East Africa<\/a> 10 years ago.<\/span><\/p>\n There is just something so special about going on an African safari with kids<\/a> \u2014 I will never forget the awe in my daughter\u2019s kids when she saw her first giraffe. For kids like Kaleya who love animals, Africa is pure magic.<\/span><\/p>\n However, they are kids after all. Remind them to be patient on game drives \u2014 wildlife reserves are not zoos. Animals roam freely and sightings are not always guaranteed.<\/strong> You might also come across predators hunting or feeding on their catch, warn your kids that it can get graphic. Read my tips about going on safari with kids<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Game drives usually take place around dawn and sunset, as animals are the most active during these times. That means early wake-up calls at 5am. <\/span>Because of the game drive schedule, your family will have lots of free time during the day. Bring cards or games to play as a family and reading materials.<\/span><\/p>\n Since you will be spending lots of time at the lodge, it is important to find one that can keep the entire family happy. Don\u2019t expect kids\u2019 clubs or program at the lodge \u2014 you\u2019ll be lucky to have a swimming pool. Remember you are in the wilderness after all!<\/span><\/p>\n When we traveled Swaziland<\/a> and South Africa<\/a>, we noticed that many safari lodges and reserves don\u2019t take kids below 6, for safety reason. But this isn\u2019t the case in Kenya \u2014 most lodges here are happy to take toddlers and babies.<\/span><\/p>\n Things to consider when choosing a lodge for your Kenya family safari: <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Kenya](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-dFgfGSv\/0\/FQCPjjsg5xTVbtgLjcWqSGXGg4fNkzxDqmk8Cn6Z5\/O\/i-dFgfGSv.png\"\/)
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\nKenya with Kids Guide<\/span><\/h2>\n
Why Travel Kenya with Kids?<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
Recommended Safari Tours in Kenya<\/span><\/h4>\n
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\nIs It Safe to Travel Kenya with Kids?<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"Kenya](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Africa\/Kenya\/Nairobi-National-Park\/i-NzQDPhh\/0\/L5W7pD3VKK9ZSfr47Rj6XFbVqmXwNhg2m6T4sFDwH\/X2\/PC160281-X2.jpg\" "\\"Kenya")
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\nTravel Visa for Kenya<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"kenya](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Africa\/Kenya\/Masai-Mara-2\/i-M6QFhsB\/0\/Mqx8zmdHMchsZFksr3DVGN6rgJz5zrBNRLM83G5Qr\/X2\/PC180611-X2.jpg\"\/ "\\"kenya")
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\nHow to Get to Kenya<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
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\nWhen to Travel Kenya with Kids<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"family](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Africa\/Kenya\/Masai-Mara-2\/i-BjmLnRw\/0\/f182df70\/X3\/2020013020451047-IMG_7792-X3.jpg\"\/ "\\"family")
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\nHow Long to Travel Kenya with Kids?<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
2 Weeks in Kenya with Kids<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
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1 Week in Kenya with Kids<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
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\nHow to Get Around Kenya with Kids<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
By Plane<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
![\"kenya](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-Fq7DdD8\/0\/41d50653\/X3\/i-Fq7DdD8-X3.jpg\"\/ "\\"kenya")
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nBy Car Rental<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
![\"kenya](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Africa\/Kenya\/Masai-Mara-2\/i-jJFK75v\/1\/X3\/2020013020435114-IMG_7754-X3.jpg\"\/ "\\"kenya")
![\"kenya](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Africa\/Kenya\/Masai-Mara-2\/i-jJFK75v\/1\/X3\/2020013020435114-IMG_7754-X3.jpg\" "\\"kenya")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nBy Hiring a Driver<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
![\"kenya](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Africa\/Kenya\/Masai-Mara-2\/i-FcxKgnN\/0\/Mjg7gSGsLR34JrQmnWcmZnXHpG3BtZ6L6ShvCFzFC\/X2\/PC190706-X2.jpg\"\/ "\\"kenya")
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\nTravel Kenya Independently or on Guided Tour?<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
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\nBudget Kenya Family Safari<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
\nThings to Know about Kenya Family Safaris<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
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\nWhere to Stay in Kenya with Kids<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
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\nBest Family Hotels in Kenya<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
Nairobi National Park: The Emakoko<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n