10 Best Family Safaris in East Africa

Of all the destinations in the world, we’ll wager that Africa offers the best family safari vacations. Family safari packages in East Africa offers a range of adventure activities in luxury lodges and private safari villas that are perfect for family vacations. Plus, there are plenty of attractions to please everyone: mom and dad, children, grandparents, and even teenagers. The variety and novelty of a family vacation in East Africa provide a rich setting for you to reconnect with one another and a wonderful way for children to learn about nature, encounter completely different cultures and see wild animals close up in their natural habitat.

Going on a private safari means that your family’s whole itinerary is shaped around their tastes and preferences. It’s the best way to get the most out of a once-in-a-lifetime vacation – nothing beats exploring with a professional guide in a private vehicle at your own pace and focusing on what really interests you all.

Travelling with Children 8-14 Years

When travelling with children younger than 15 years old, it’s best to choose a lodge that offers closed or private vehicles, a junior rangers programme and professional guides who enjoy sharing the wilderness with youngsters. Under-15s will love the excitement of nature walks, learning basic tracking skills, picnics in the bush and even getting some time at the beach.

1. A Lion King Adventure for Kids
Duration: 10 Days | Countries: 1 | Locations: 5

The original 1994 Lion King film and much of the 2019 remake take inspiration from Kenya’s picturesque, untouched landscape. On this 10-day tour, you and your children will get to explore some of the country’s most game-rich regions, including Amboseli National Park, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Meru National Park and the world-renowned Masai Mara. Spend your days spotting all your favourite African animals featured in the hit Disney film while enjoying quality time with your little ones.

Highlights:

• See lion, cheetah, hyena & elephant in Amboseli
• Guided bush walks with Maasai warriors
• See the Big 5 in Meru National Park
• Full-day excursion in the Masai Mara with picnic lunch
• Night drives in exclusive-use areas
• Up-close encounters with endangered black rhino
• Stay at award-winning safari camps in stunning locations

2. Kenya Classic Safari
Duration: 8 Days | Countries: 1 | Locations: 2

Take your family on an 8-day journey deep into the wilderness of Kenya, exploring the Ol Pejeta Conservancy and the iconic Masai Mara. Experience the awe-inspiring Great Migration up close and personal, and seize the opportunity to encounter Africa’s most endangered species – the critically endangered northern white rhino. Both Ol Pejeta Bush Camp and Rekero Camp provide unparalleled game viewing experiences, and offer an ideal blend of excitement, conservation education, and relaxation for family safaris in Africa.

Highlights:

• Front-row seats to the Great Migration
• Fly-in itinerary for more time spent on safari
• Big 5 & big cats
• Cultural interactions with the Maasai guides
• Observe inspiring conservation efforts

3. A Family Bush & Beach Getaway for Young Kids
Duration: 10 Days | Countries: 1 | Locations: 3

A getaway that combines both safari adventures and beachside fun is the perfect way to keep parents and kids entertained. This 10-day itinerary offers land-based fun in the form of exciting game drives through the iconic Masai Mara, where children and adults alike will have the opportunity to spot all their favourite African animals in action. Then it’s time for some beachside luxury in Mombasa. Kids are kept busy at the Ozone Kids Club or can play freely on the child-friendly beach while the parents soak up some sun with a chilled drink in hand.

Highlights:

• Evenly-spaced itinerary with easy travel logistics
• Fantastic game viewing in the Masai Mara
• Witness the Wildebeest Migration (August to November)
• Babysitting services, kids’ menus, fishpond & bird sanctuary at Sarova Mara Game Camp
• Kids’ activity club, playground and child-friendly beach in Mombasa

For families with children 8-14 years old, we suggest staying at…

Travelling with Teenagers 15-18 years

The teenage years are often depicted as an angsty. Although these can be tough times, there’s no better way to spark joy than with an epic adventure in East Africa. Teens are mature enough to join you for game drives in classic open safari vehicles and encounter the majestic mountain gorilla on gorilla treks in Uganda.

If you have a sensitive teen, it’s a good idea to discuss the possibility of witnessing dramatic predator-prey interactions you might see in the wild, especially in the Masai Mara and the Serengeti during the Great Wildebeest Migration. It’s important that your teen understands that nature is all about balance, where hunters and prey are a necessary and a normal part of the cycle of life.

We recommend choosing lodges that offer multiple activities like walking, boating, cycling or horseback riding in addition to game drives.

4. East Africa’s Migration, Safari & Highlands
Duration: 13 Days | Countries: 2 | Locations: 4

Spend 13 days on this family safari traversing some of the Kenya and Tanzania’s most famous reserves. You begin in Nairobi for one night of relaxation before heading off to Kenya’s Masai Mara, staying at an eco-friendly camp that offers some of the best game viewing. You continue to see the Great Migration in the Serengeti at a mobile camp that moves with the herds. You wrap up an incredible experience at Gibbs Farm, a historic plantation in the Ngorongoro Highlands.

Highlights:

• Two iconic safari destinations in Kenya & Tanzania
• Fantastic wildlife sightings including apex predators
• Witness the Wildebeest Migration
• Stay at a historic plantation house in the Ngorongoro Highlands
• Authentic safari accommodation including mobile camps

5. Family Kenya & Seychelles
Duration: 12 Days | Countries: 2 | Locations: 3

This 11-night family safari adventure begins with a tranquil retreat at Ololo Safari Lodge near Nairobi. You then transition to the heart of the Masai Mara for your stay at Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, where expert-guided game drives unveil the secrets of Africa’s iconic wildlife, an immersive experience for the whole family. Evenings are filled with gourmet dining and cultural encounters around the campfire, fostering bonding moments and shared adventures. Your journey ends at the Ephelia Resort in the Seychelles, where pristine beaches and turquoise waters provide the perfect backdrop for family relaxation and underwater exploration.

Highlights:

• The ideal bush & beach family safari
• Glide over the Masai Mara in a hot air balloon
• Year-round game viewing
• Snorkelling & watersports
• Spa treatments

6. Tanzania’s Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Serengeti 
Duration: 9 Days | Countries: 1 | Locations: 4

This is an enriching family safari in Africa. Begin your journey with a night of relaxation and rejuvenation at Arusha Coffee Lodge, amidst the lush coffee plantations of Arusha. It’s then on to Olivers Camp, offering an authentic safari experience in Tarangire National Park. Your days will be filled with game drives, encountering masses of elephants & lions. Next, spend two nights at Gibbs Farm, on the slopes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Engage in cultural experiences, explore the lush gardens, and bond as a family over farm-to-table dining. You end your safari journey with three unforgettable nights at Sayari Camp in the Serengeti, where luxury tented accommodation provides the perfect base for exploring the iconic plains and witnessing the Great Migration.

Highlights:

• Walking safaris in Tarangire & Serengeti
• Game drives & night drives
• Exceptional game viewing
• Stay at a working coffee farm
• Maasai-inspired healing spa therapies

For families with teenagers, we suggest staying at…

Travelling with Adult Children

Even though they’re over 18 and considered adults, they’ll always be your children. Spending quality time together might be a bit more difficult now that you all lead separate lives, but this only makes taking time off together even more special. Make it count by treating your grown-up brood to an unforgettable safari experience in East Africa.

7. Kenya’s Amboseli, Samburu & Mara (Fly–In)
Duration: 6 Days | Countries: 1 | Locations: 4

Over 6 days, immerse yourself in the traditions of the Maasai people in Amboseli, witness the unique wildlife of Samburu National Reserve, and experience the iconic Masai Mara. Encounter elephants against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, interact with Samburu tribes, and witness the Great Migration in the Mara. Expert guides, luxurious accommodations, and authentic cultural experiences await, making this tour an unforgettable exploration of Kenya’s cultural and natural wonders.

Highlights:

• Visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
• Outstanding game viewing
• Learn about Samburu & Maasai culture
• Luxurious accommodation & fly-in for convenience
• Optional spa treatments, helicopter flips & hot-air balloon safaris

8. Explore Tanzania’s Highlights
Duration: 9 Days | Countries: 1 | Locations: 4

Tanzania is touted as one of Africa’s premier safari destinations. There’s so much to see and do, from witnessing the awe-inspiring Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti National Park to exploring the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, the Ngorongoro Crater. And this nine-day itinerary covers it all. Not only will you have fantastic game viewing in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, but you’ll also be able to explore other popular destinations like Tarangire and Arusha.

Highlights:

• An itinerary designed to showcase the Wildebeest Migration
• Excellent Big 5 & wildlife viewing throughout the tour
• Game drives, bush dining, guided walks & night drives
• Explore the Ngorongoro Crater
• Experience farm life at Gibb’s Farm
• See red-dust-coated elephants & upside-down trees in Tarangire

9. East Africa’s Gorillas, Safari & Beach
Duration: 14 Days | Countries: 2 | Locations: 3

This is an exciting 14-day adventure through East Africa, combining three of the region’s most sought-after experiences. Your journey kicks off with gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and continues with a classic African safari in the Serengeti, staying at the luxurious Namiri Plains. Your final stop brings you to the idyllic shores of Zanzibar, where you’ll unwind at the exquisite Zawadi Hotel. Here, white sands and crystalline waters offer the perfect backdrop for ultimate relaxation. For a family safari with adventurous teens, this tailored tour promises to fulfill your East African dreams.

Highlights:

• Trek to see mountain gorillas & golden monkeys
• Exclusive beach villa in Zanzibar
• Big Five game viewing in the iconic Serengeti
• Classic mobile safari to see the Migration
• Adventurous activities for families with adult children

For families with adult children, we suggest staying at…

10. Kenya’s Big Five Conservancy Safari (Fly-In)
Duration: 7 Days | Countries: 1 | Locations: 3

A remarkable 7-day safari expedition across three of Kenya’s most renowned wildlife havens, your adventure begins at Nairobi National Park. Here, just a stone’s throw from the city, you can have incredible encounters with Africa’s majestic creatures. It’s then on to the Laikipia Plateau. Delve into Big 5 game drives and venture to Sweetwater’s Chimpanzee Sanctuary for a unique opportunity to interact with these intelligent beings. Last, but certainly not least,  the legendary Masai Mara, famous for its sweeping plains and abundant wildlife, including the Great Migration.

Highlights:

• Visit Kenya’s only chimp sanctuary
• Safari walks & game drives with Maasai guides
• Both day and night drives
• Fly-in for more time spent on safari
• Big game encounters

Ready To Start Planning Your East Africa Family Safari?

Our African Safari Experts have over two decades of first-hand knowledge and experience in travelling around East Africa. Get in touch and start tailor-making the best African safari to suit your travel wishes: