The Ultimate Family Safari in Kenya

"From day and night game drives, walking safaris, camel trekking and quad biking to picnics in the bush, beading workshops and archery, the options are endless."

Ol Lentille, Laikipia – Relax and unwind after travelling

After a long-haul flight, I recommend easing into your family safari gently. Arrive early into Nairobi and take a short flight past the snow-dusted peaks of Mount Kenya to Laikipia in time for lunch. Stay at one of my favourite safari lodges – Ol Lentille. This magical private 40,000-acre conservancy is owned by the local community who benefit from the lodge in many ways. 

You can easily spend three to four nights in this spectacular setting. There are four luxury villas to choose from which can be booked individually, or taken exclusively by a large group. With an open-air viewing deck, an infinity pool overlooking two watering holes and a serene spa, Ol Lentille is the perfect destination to unwind and relax together. 

What I also love is the lack of a set timetable here – you can do as much or as little as you wish. From day and night game drives, walking safaris, camel trekking and quad biking to picnics in the bush, beading workshops and archery, the options are endless. There are also opportunities to meet the friendly Maasai and Samburu people who look after you; a fantastic way for the whole family to learn about the culture and way of life here. 

Cottar’s 1920s Camp, Masai Mara – an authentic African safari for all generations

After spending a few glorious days in Laikipia, take a scheduled light aircraft flight to the luxurious Cottar’s 1920s Camp, situated in the 7608-acre private Olderkesi Conservancy. Step back in time to a bygone era with 1920s-style canvas tents boasting luxurious furnishings, original safari antiques, hand-woven rugs and traditional Kenyan artefacts. The camp has eleven tents in total, including four open-plan family tents with living rooms and en-suite bathrooms. Relax beside the 25-metre swimming pool and dine privately on your veranda or gather in the pavilion for a signature cocktail, African barbecue dinner or seasonal feast. If you prefer a more permanent accommodation style, then opt for the exclusive-use Bush Villa where everyone can relax under one roof. 

The team at Cottars are mostly Maasai and brilliant at entertaining and captivating young minds. Children can learn to make a bow and arrow and light a fire in the Maasai Warrior School, spend time beading with Mamma Naishuro Batian, learn all about conservation and Maasai culture in the Explorers Tent and identify constellations in the starry African sky on a bush walk with hunter-gatherer, Letilet. 

Days on safari unfold at your own pace depending on your interests and the time of year. Cottars have the highest number of Gold Safari Guides within one camp in Kenya so you are in safe hands. 

Ithumba Camp, Tsavo East National Park – spend time with Kenya’s orphaned elephants

After spending time in the Masai Mara, it’s time to try something different. Head to the heartwarming Ithumba Camp in Tsavo East National Park, an exclusive-use rustic tented camp designed for the intrepid traveller who relishes being off the beaten track. Up to eight guests are accommodated in four permanent tents and there’s a comfortable mess building with an open-plan dining and sitting room too.

Although this is a place to immerse yourself in nature and appreciate some of Kenya’s most spectacular species, the main purpose of staying here is to spend time at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, visiting the elephant orphanage and sharing in the lives of the elephant orphans. Spend your days with guides learning about the elephant’s histories and personalities, meeting them at the watering holes and dust baths and seeing them being fed. In the dry season, you can enjoy an amazing spectacle when herds of ex-orphans return for visits to the stockade. They seem to know this place is a refuge and safe haven for them.

Alfajiri Villas, Diani Beach – barefoot luxury and exclusivity on the Kenyan coast

Tear your family away from the elephants and head further south to the beautiful white powdery beaches of Kenya’s stunning coast. For a taste of luxury, Alfajiri Villas offers three completely unique villas – Cliff Villa, Garden Villa and Beach Villa. Each villa has its own butler. Accommodating up to nine guests in four en-suite bedrooms, the best villa for families is Cliff Villa. Perched on the edge of a cliff, enjoy uninterrupted ocean views, a lush private garden and a spectacular infinity pool. 

Fresh seafood is brought daily to order from the beach and includes some of the best crab, prawns, lobster, octopus and fish available. The food served here has a strong Mediterranean influence (after all, Fabrizio and his wife are Italian!) with oils, Parma ham and some cheeses flown in weekly from Europe. The salads and fresh vegetables come daily from local farms and the fruit is handpicked from trees and bushes around Diani.

Children of any age are welcome at Alfajiri and a 24-hour nanny service is included in the price of your stay – the staff are wonderful at entertaining children and teenagers to allow parents time to relax. The chefs will prepare children’s meals at any time to suit and can tailor the meals to particular tastes and requirements.

There are plenty of activities included in your stay too. Indulge in a relaxing massage, go snorkelling to the coral reef or visit the Marine Education Centre. It is also possible to arrange PADI diving courses, kite surfing, a game of golf, deep-sea fishing and sailing excursions on a traditional Dhow. 

Msambweni House, Mombasa – post-safari chilling on the beach

An alternative to Alfajiri for your ultimate Kenya family safari is Msambweni House, a small boutique lodge on a private three-kilometre stretch of white sand. The property comprises the Main House and three private villas, each with their own pool, garden and panoramic sea view. 

Aside from swimming in the ocean and soaking up the sun beside the pool, there is so much to do here. Embark on a boat ride to Sandbanks near Funzi Island, stopping for a BBQ lunch prepared for you by your private chef. Visit Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park for views of dolphins, snorkelling and diving. Explore your surroundings and catch a glimpse of the local community while enjoying a bike ride or head out on a guided quad or buggy drive. The list goes on. 

How to get to Kenya for a family safari

It’s only an eight-hour direct flight from the UK on either Kenya Airways or British Airways. There is now a direct flight from the USA (JFK into Nairobi) daily taking only 14 hours. There is a simple e-visa system where you can apply online in advance to avoid unnecessary queues at the airport. 

What time of year is best for Kenya family holidays? 

The school summer break is a fantastic time to be in East Africa as this is the dry season so you won’t have to deal with torrential rain. It is also cooler at this time of year and you will not be uncomfortably hot.