What Really Matters to Young Children on a Kenya Family Safari
In October 2022, that time finally came. Our first family safari in Kenya was perhaps even more special as, like many holidays, it had been postponed twice due to the COVID pandemic but, wow, was it worth the wait!
No previous holiday has had anything like the impact on Isabelle (11) and Jack (8) and three months on I still regularly hear, “mum I miss Kenya, when can we go back?”. From one parent to another, these are my top tips when arranging your family safari.
How long should I spend on safari with young children?
I would recommend two to four nights at each safari location, depending on the variety of experiences available and two or three locations.
It is important to ensure that each location offers new experiences to keep your young ones entertained.
Why is Kenya perfect for a family safari?
As well as wildlife-filled national parks, Kenya has a huge network of private wildlife conservancies where you can experience everything from walking with camels to helicopter flights, Maasai warrior training, kayaking, horse riding, fly camping and so much more.
This diversity makes it a superb destination for a family safari as each day you set off on a new and exciting shared adventure.
What are our family’s top five Kenya safari experiences?
- Kayaking within metres of a herd of elephant from Ekorian’s Mugie.
- Joining in traditional Maasai dancing around the fire at Ol Lentille
- Walking just metres from white rhino at Saruni Wild.
- Honing our wildlife photography skills at Mara Nyika.
- Learning traditional Maasai beading and archery at Angama Mara.
What will make our trip most memorable?
While Isabelle and Jack were amazed by their encounters with Africa’s wildlife, their fondest memories are of the friends they made.
Properties such as Ol Lentille work closely with local communities, funding medical care and schooling and providing employment.
In return, as Ol Lentille guides, members of these communities take guests on a unique discovery of this spectacular natural environment, ancient Maasai traditions and their fascinating relationship with conservation.
What are my top travel tips for a spectacular family safari?
- Don’t waste time on lengthy road journeys, transfers by light aircraft flight will maximise your time on the ground.
- A safari can be tiring, include some time to relax either on the coast or by extending your stay at a safari property.
- Paying for a private safari vehicle will give you maximum flexibility.
- Consider including an insightful cultural dimension to your holiday.
- Get in touch with Journeysmiths' experienced safari specialists to start designing your family’s perfect itinerary!
Journeysmiths and the Kenyan Tourism Board: Inspiring the Next Generation
As a company, we are dedicated to providing the best possible experiences for families to discover Kenya's wildlife, learn about its rich cultural heritage, and make lasting memories.
Through our partnership with the Kenyan Tourism Board, we hope to ignite a lifelong love for travel and conservation in families around the world.
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We will ensure you can enjoy the best of Africa in the exclusivity of Kenya’s private conservancies where walking, riding and other expertly guided activities enable the richest safari experience.
Kenya has the ingredients for an amazing family safari. Your children will love seeing vast numbers of animals in iconic African settings. Stay in amazing and exclusive accommodation on private reserves. Enjoy adventures on foot, horseback and by open vehicle with Africa’s finest guides. Your children can see pioneering conservation work in action and meet remote tribal communities. Maybe end with a few days by the coast.
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