Overview

World Travel Awards are universally recognized benchmark of global travel excellence and cannot be ignored. In years 2020, 2022 & 2023 Diani's Baobab Beach Resort & Spa Crowned Africa's Leading Family Resort. In the years 2017-2019 Leopard Beach Resort & Spa bagged the same award dominating this category for 3 consecutive years. Pride Inn Paradise, Shanzu have won Kenya's Leading Family Resort in 2021 and 2022, with Enashipai Resort & Spa bagging 2023 Kenya award.

WTA has no award for other family based accommodations except for the obvious coastal resorts. In this article, we attempt to profile 'other' types to combine while on a family safari holiday in Kenya resulting in well curated and crafted Kenya family safari itineraries to consider.

Detailed Itinerary for Suggested Kenya Family Safari Holiday

Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to a B&B hotel in Nairobi

Tamarind Tree Hotel, Nairobi

Ideally located just 5 km southwest of the City within the spacious Carnivore grounds and its iconic Carnivore Restaurant, Tamarind Tree Hotel has easy access to Nairobi, its national park, and the country’s diverse attractions via the neighboring Nairobi Wilson Airport and Southern Bypass. Family-friendly rooms and freedom to explore.

Booking into the Family Suite.

Day 2: Family Activities in Nairobi

Today the family will have the opportunity to visit The Daphne Sheldrick Wildlife Trust where their baby elephant orphanage thrives. The sight of caretakers feeding and playing with them is a joy-bringer.

Later visit the AFEW Giraffe Center to have an encounter with these graceful animals, feeding them hand and hearing their laughter. A visit to the Animal Orphanage and Nairobi Safari Walk is also recommended.

Day 3 & 4: Solio Ranch, Laikipia - 3 hrs drive

Today we leave after breakfast for Solio Lodge in Solio Ranch, Laikipia. This is a classic family adventure destination with a touch of luxury. Many activities to choose from e.g. horse riding etc.

A game drive can also be fitted into the Aberdares National Park on the second day

Solio Lodge, Near the Aberdare National Park – 2 Nights

At Solio Lodge you will see an abundance of game from black and white rhino, to lions and herds of buffalo. You can enjoy a massage in your room by the fire or go horse riding with your family across the plains. 

Day 5: Olpejeta Conservancy - 1 hour drive

Olpejeta Conservancy – 2 Nights

Olpejeta is in South Laikipia and is a Northern Kenya tourism circuit highlight that offers a great offbeat wilderness holiday experience for families, special life moments like a first family visit to Kenya, or a simple out-of-hustles-and-bustles serene holiday destination.

This destination is a favorite with children and adults alike. There rhino sanctuary, the Chimpanzee Sanctuary, and lots to see of the efforts of a great conservation team.

Laikipia Wilderness Camp

Laikipia Wilderness is an authentic, classic safari camp in Northern Kenya. The place offers a huge range of activities providing an adventurous experience for those who wish to do more than just look at Africa through a window. In this most beautiful corner of northern Kenya, families can experience a truly off-beat holiday in a remote, and serene location.

A family Treat

The freedom of this area means you can discover Africa in a more connected way than just witnessing it out of a moving vehicle. Explore rocky outcrops, and walk along the river that carves its way through this part of Laikipia with an experienced guide. Venture through valleys and on top of escarpments with endless views of wilderness. Stop and listen and watch for a while. The place has guides, activities, and a sense of adventure geared toward families of all ages

Day 7 & 8: Samburu National Reserve - 3 hrs drive

Samburu is a northern frontier highlight for visitors in Kenya. The emphasis on game-drive exploration begins here in this family safari. A visit to Samburu cultural village with lots of child-friendly activities at the camp.

Samburu Intrepids – 2 Nights

Samburu Intrepids is a lush oasis on the banks of the great Uaso Nyiro River in Samburu Game Reserve. The tented luxury camp is a delight to be in – deliciously cooled by the river breeze and the forest. The camp sits on raised decks overlooking the brown river where the elephants sometimes make an appearance or the crocodiles come out to lounge by the river's banks.

Day 9: Lion Hill Lodge, Lake Nakuru National Park - 5 hrs drive

Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge is set along "The Lion Hill" in Lake Nakuru National Park. Concealed amidst lush vegetation, the safari lodge features a classic aesthetic and timeless design with a sense of calm and relaxation. It offers the most scenic and spectacular views of the Lake and the National Park from 67 chalet-style rooms, each with its own terrace. Beyond the stunning views and amazing wildlife, the lodge offers world-class cuisine, a panoramic bar terrace, an organic garden, a swimming pool, an outdoor spa, and several activities ideal for the family.

Depart Samburu National Reserve for Lake Nakuru National Park with a brief stop at Thompson's Falls. Lunch will be ready at Lion Hill. Relax for an afternoon game drive while children can choose to be left at play at the Kids Club. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 10 & 11: Naivasha - 1 hour drive

A stay at Elsamere. Visit Mvuke Spa, go on a sightseeing adventure at Hell's Gate National Park, and enjoy boat rides at Lake Naivasha. A picnic lunch by the shores of Lake Oloiden

Day 12, 13 & 14: Masai Mara National Reserve - 6 hrs drive

Mara Intrepids

Overlooking the Talek River, at the very confluence of Mara's four game-viewing areas, Mara Intrepids Camp enjoys one of the most spectacular locations for a family game-viewing experience in Masai Mara. A family-friendly camp allows kids to engage in their activities or join the rest on game drives.

The crest of our family adventure is here at the legendary Mara and at the Intrepids. A place with kid-friendly staff, guides, and a listening management.

3 nights here to give ample time for family to tour wild Africa, interact with residents, and just get tickled.

Day 15: Return to Nairobi or Extend to Beach

Lunch or Dinner at Carnivore with the safari ending with a drop-off at the airport

Information about a Kenya Family Beach Extension

We recommend Pride Inn Paradise, Mombasa for a suitable family beach extension for 4 nights. The additional cost will involve a flight, transfers, and accommodation in a family suite facing the garden or the sea. Other resorts are Diani's Baobab Beach Resort, Leopard Beach Resort & Spa.

Price Guide

Prices for a holiday are determined by:-

• Cost of accommodation facility desired
• Children's ages and room-sharing options
• Type of vehicle to use of safari (a safari minivan or a 4x4 jeep/cruiser)
• Travel season i.e. mid (Jan-Mar, June, Nov-Dec 15), low (April & May), or peak season (July to October)
• Festive season (Easter holidays and Dec 16 to January 3)
• Number of persons in the travel party. Some costs are shared. Single travelers pay a single supplement way close to the price of two travelers.
• Optional activities like a balloon safari or others not exclusively mentioned are not included in the travel package at the appointed destinations.
• Time of booking. Early bookings have attractive cost-saving discounts.