Kenya Family Outline

Breakfast at Giraffe Manor / Courtesy of The Safari Collection

Itinerary Outline: 12-14 Nights in August 2024

Kenya is a classic safari destination, and the northern safari areas are an amazing place for children of all ages. Childcare can be scheduled for all of the lodges I’m considering. There is a direct flight from New York to Nairobi on Kenya Airways, or you can fly via Europe if you prefer a different airline or a few days dining in London.

I’ve included five stops in this draft, so you have options. However, one should be dropped for a more relaxing pace. There is malaria in the Samburu and Maasai Mara, but it is relatively rare in the dry months and is mitigated by mosquito nets and sprays.

Part 1: Nairobi

Start your trip with a storybook stay at Giraffe Manor that will thrill both children and adults. Tours of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage can also be arranged.

Sunset cocktails at Giraffe Manor, luxury Kenya safari / Courtesy of The Safari Collection Karen Blixon Suite bed at Giraffe Manor, luxury Kenya safari / Courtesy of The Safari Collection Pool at the Retreat at Giraffe Manor, luxury Kenya safari / Courtesy of The Safari Collection A visit to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust at Giraffe Manor, luxury Kenya safari / Courtesy of The Safari Collection

Part 2: Laikipia Plateu

Next, take a short flight to the base of Mount Kenya in the Laikipia Plateu for your first safari. The high elevation makes it a malaria-free safari area, and the temperature rarely gets outside of a comfortable 55-75F range year round. There are more all-ages lodges in the area than most safari destinations here. We like the Borana Conservancy because there are a ton of activities geared towards children. Borana Lodge is great option, or you could stay at Arijiju, one of the most beautiful luxury safari homes in Africa.

Room 8 pool at Borana Lodge / Courtesy of Borana Lodge luxury Kenya safari Bedroom at Borana Lodge / Courtesy of Borana Lodge luxury Kenya safari Game drives at Borana Lodge / Courtesy of Borana Lodge luxury Kenya safari Horseback riding at Borana Lodge / Courtesy of Borana Lodge luxury Kenya safari Arijiju / Courtesy of Arijiju Arijiju / Courtesy of Arijiju Arijiju / Courtesy of Arijiju

Part 3: Samburu

The next stop on your itinerary is Sasaab and the arid Samburu National Reserve. The romantic tents, friendly Samburu people, plentiful elephants, and epic sunsets are unforgettable. The cultural interactions with locals here are much more authentic than you will find in the more touristed areas around the Maasai Mara.

Family suite pool at Sasaab, luxury Samburu Kenya safari / Courtesy of The Safari Collection Bedroom at Sasaab, luxury Samburu Kenya safari / Courtesy of The Safari Collection Game drives at Sasaab, luxury Samburu Kenya safari / Courtesy of The Safari Collection Leopard at Sasaab, luxury Samburu Kenya safari / Courtesy of The Safari Collection Kids activities at Sasaab, luxury Samburu Kenya safari / Courtesy of The Safari Collection Samburu woman at Sasaab, luxury Samburu Kenya safari / Courtesy of The Safari Collection

Part 4: Maasai Mara

August is the start of the Great Migration and peak season in the Maasai Mara. The weather and wildlife will be great, but crowds can spoil your stay. We don’t recommend venturing into the reserve during high season. However, the private conservancies along the border offer a more private way to see the vast herds of wildebeest, zebra, and predators that follow them. The all-ages options are mostly limited to villas here. We really like Cottar’s Bush Villa or House in the Wild.

Cottar's Bush Villa / Courtesy of Cottar's Safaris Cottar's Bush Villa / Courtesy of Cottar's Safaris Cottar's Bush Villa / Courtesy of Cottar's Safaris Family safari at Cottar's 1920s Camp / Courtesy of Cottar's Safaris luxury Kenya safari Game drives at Cottar's 1920s Camp / Courtesy of Cottar's Safaris luxury Kenya safari Game drives at Cottar's 1920s Camp / Courtesy of Cottar's Safaris luxury Kenya safari House in the Wild / Courtesy of House in the Wild House in the Wild / Courtesy of House in the Wild House in the Wild / Courtesy of House in the Wild House in the Wild / Courtesy of House in the Wild

Part 5: Zanzibar

A safari in Kenya finishes well a few days of relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar, which is a 1.5 hour flight from Nairobi. &Beyond Mnemba Island is a tiny private island off the north coast, that is a world away from the many resorts on mainland.

&Beyond Mnemba Island / Courtesy of &Beyond Stand up paddle boards at &Beyond Mnemba Island / Courtesy of &Beyond Family vacation at &Beyond Mnemba Island / Courtesy of &Beyond luxury Zanzibar beach resort Banda at &Beyond Mnemba Island / Courtesy of &Beyond luxury Zanzibar beach resort

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