12 Days Best Family Safari in Kenya
Discover the ultimate 12-day family safari in Kenya, a journey that blends wildlife, culture, and conservation across some of East Africa’s most iconic landscapes. From Nairobi’s urban wilderness to the remote Northern Frontier and the legendary Maasai Mara, this luxury family safari is carefully designed to keep both adults and children inspired, engaged, and comfortable every step of the way.
Day 1–2: Nairobi National Park – The Emakoko
Your adventure begins the moment you arrive in Kenya. After landing at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you’ll be on safari in just 20 minutes. Nairobi National Park is the only protected area of its kind in the world, where lions, rhinos, and giraffes roam against the backdrop of a bustling capital city.
Stay at The Emakoko, a boutique safari lodge located on the edge of the park. It’s the ideal way to start (or end) your safari, offering comfort, wildlife, and warm Kenyan hospitality. Experiences include:
- Game drives with the chance to spot four of the Big Five.
- A visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, home to orphaned baby elephants.
- Birdwatching, with over 400 species recorded.
- Relaxation for parents while children enjoy nature at their doorstep.
This unique introduction sets the tone for your family’s safari adventure.
Day 3–5: Lewa Conservancy – Lewa House
Fly north to the award-winning Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has become one of Kenya’s greatest conservation success stories.
At Lewa House, a family-run lodge perched on a hilltop with panoramic views, you’ll feel right at home. The lodge welcomes children of all ages, with spacious family cottages and engaging activities tailored for young explorers. Highlights include:
- Day and night game drives with chances to see rhinos, elephants, and big cats.
- Guided bush walks and visits to prehistoric sites.
- Picnics, bush breakfasts, and magical sundowners.
- Adventure in Ngare Ndare Forest with its canopy walkway and waterfalls.
- Optional horseback safaris or camel treks for a unique perspective.
Lewa offers an intimate balance of wildlife encounters and family-friendly activities, making it one of the best safari destinations in Kenya for families.
Day 6–8: Northern Frontier – Sarara Camp
Venture further north into the remote Mathews Range and Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, 850,000 acres of pristine wilderness. This is the wild Kenya of old—dramatic, authentic, and unforgettable.
At Sarara Camp, you’ll experience one of Africa’s most inspiring conservation stories. Activities include:
- Visiting the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, the first community-owned elephant orphanage in Africa.
- Witnessing the Samburu “singing wells”, where herders sing to their cattle in a centuries-old tradition.
- Game drives, horseback riding, nature walks, and even seasonal water slides.
- Optional fly-camping under the stars for adventurous families.
Sarara combines wildlife, culture, and community conservation, offering an enriching experience for families who want to connect deeply with Kenya.
Day 9–11: Maasai Mara – House in the Wild
Your journey continues with a flight to the world-famous Maasai Mara, staying at House in the Wild, a boutique lodge on the Enonkishu Conservancy. With a swimming pool, spacious cottages, and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s ideal for families looking for comfort alongside adventure.
Activities at House in the Wild include:
- Unlimited game drives in Enonkishu, Ol Chorro, and Lemek Conservancies.
- Bush breakfasts, sundowners, and picnics in the wilderness.
- Nature walks and cycling safaris, perfect for active families.
- Visits to local Maasai communities and conservation projects.
- A chance to experience the Mara’s incredible wildlife away from the crowds.
The Mara Conservancies offer the same spectacular wildlife as the central reserve—sometimes with even higher predator densities—but with the exclusivity of fewer safari vehicles.
Day 12: Departure from Nairobi
After a morning game drive, you’ll take a scheduled flight back to Nairobi. Depending on your international departure, enjoy a city tour, shop for souvenirs, or visit the Karen Blixen Museum before heading to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your flight home.
Why This Is the Best Family Safari in Kenya
- A carefully balanced itinerary combining Nairobi, Lewa, the Northern Frontier, and Maasai Mara.
- Family-friendly safari lodges with pools, cottages, and activities for children.
- Exclusive access to private conservancies with fewer vehicles and more flexible activities.
- Immersive cultural experiences, from elephant sanctuaries to the Samburu singing wells.
- Opportunities for both relaxation and adventure, making it the perfect Kenya safari for families.
This 12-day luxury family safari in Kenya is a once-in-a-lifetime journey—an unforgettable blend of wildlife, culture, and family connection in Africa’s most spectacular settings.
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