Hey there, readers! Are you looking for a family trip that is exciting, unforgettable, and great for the gram at the same time? Then, Family Safaris in East Africa should be on your bucket list! It is not just an ordinary vacation but an ultimate wildlife adventure.
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In this series, we’ll guide you to get yourself prepped before you get on that family vacation. Through everything, you need to know about the best family safaris in East Africa. And today, we’ll let you know why it’s one of the most perfect African safari destinations for you and your family.
Best Countries for Family Safaris in East Africa
Below are some of the best countries that you can consider for your next family safaris in East Africa:
1. Kenya
Due to the beautiful landscapes, rich wildlife, and well-developed tourism services, Kenya is a popular family wildlife expedition spot. Families can spot thousands of wildebeest and zebras moving across the plains of the Great Migration in Maasai Mara. The conservation centers become a way through which children get the chance to learn about the protection of endangered species, including rhinos and elephants.
Therefore, families can visit the two tribes of Kenya: the Maasai and Samburu. Through these tribes, you may get a chance to learn about their traditions or cultures, including beadwork, storytelling, and warrior training. In Kenya, many lodges and jungle camps exist that specifically cater to families by offering kids’ clubs, bush walks, and many more attractions, making your trip even more enriching for your younger ones.
2. Tanzania
You may have heard about the world’s famous parks: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. Perhaps the hub for these spots is the one and only Tanzania. It is a family wildlife adventure in East Africa, with a few of the things that make this country famous worldwide. These things may include vast open plains, rich wildlife, and comfortable lodges. It offers accommodations consisting of private safari vehicles so that families can plan their game drives based on their children’s needs.
Coming towards the parks, the first one we have is Serengeti National Park, which is a place at which you may see wildlife action all around the year. Then comes the Ngorongoro Crater, having a smaller, enclosed area for kids. Here, you may spot different animals in a single drive.
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While Tarangire National Park gives you more relaxed nature expeditions. Also, some lodges have fun educational programs about nature and conservation specifically designed for children. These activities are performed through hands-on experiences.
3. Uganda
It is one of the famous gorilla trekking destinations. Besides that, Uganda offers fabulous family safaris in East Africa in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park. Elephants, hippos, lions, and chimpanzees are the wildlife found in these parks. Watching animals in their natural habitat is the most enthralling thing for children.
You may also experience an engaging activity, which is a boat safari along the Nile River – a great alternative to traditional game drives. Another unique highlight adding uniqueness to your adventurous trip is the rare tree-climbing lions in the Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Best National Parks & Wildlife Reserves for Families
The best options in Natural Parks you can look at for your family are:
1. Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is known for its savannahs and incredible wildlife. Families visiting here at the Great Migration get to notice thousands of animals crossing the plains searching for fresh grass. The Serengeti has excellent accommodations for children, along with educational programs about conservation and local ecology.
2. Maasai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)
The Maasai Mara offers abundant wildlife and easy access to game viewing. This reserve is full of big cat families of lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The activities offered by many of the lodges are bushcraft lessons and cultural interactions with the Maasai people.
3. Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
It is often termed as the ‘Garden of Eden‘ because of its green landscapes with an abundance of wildlife inside. Ngorongoro Crater is another excellent spot for spotting elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, and lions in a more accessible space.
4. Amboseli National Park (Kenya)
Amboseli Park is famous for its large elephant herds and views of the stunning Mount Kilimanjaro. The park has an open field that makes it easier for children to explore the animals. The Junior Ranger programs and nature walks are the interactive experiences you may get at these lodges.
5. Tarangire National Park (Tanzania)
Compared to the other parks, Tarangire is less crowded. It is offering more relaxed wildlife adventures for families. The perfect place for young wildlife enthusiasts and a home to giant elephant populations and diverse bird species. Guided walks and storytelling sessions around the campfires are given to keep the kids entertained.
6. Lake Manyara National Park (Tanzania)
Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania is perfect for travelers visiting here for the very first time. The Park is famous for its rare tree-climbing lions and the pink flamingos spread throughout the lake. Activities like canoeing, bird watching, and nature walks make family time more fun.
Best Time for a Safari Tour for Families
The best time for a family safari depends on the experience families want. As per your preferences, you can check out the following:
| June to October (Dry Season) | December to March | April to May (Rainy Season) |
| The rainy season falls under the months from April to May. In this season, you have the advantage of enjoying lush green landscapes with lower safari prices. Perhaps some lodges may even get closed due to accessibility issues. However, you can have a great time for photography. | The best time for viewing is from June to October because, at this time, animals gather near the water sources. This is the dry season, offering you pleasant weather conditions and making game drives even more comfortable for children. | The rainy season falls under the months from April to May. In this season, you have the advantage of enjoying lush green landscapes with lower safari prices. Perhaps some lodges may even get closed due to accessibility issues. However, you can have a great time with photography. |
Age Recommendations for East African Safaris for Families
For family wildlife holidays, there are certain age recommendations. Normally, a safari is best for children from six to older because many lodges have set minimum age limits for bush walks and game drives, usually for children between five and eight years old. Families coming with younger kids can avail of the great option of private game drives. Eventually, this will offer a more relaxed pace and flexibility.
For those parents wanting some downtime, some lodges even provide them with babysitting services. This ensures that both kids and adults have enjoyable plus stress-free wildlife tours.
Family-Friendly Lodges & Wildlife Camps
We have some family-friendly lodges and safari camps. Take a look below:
1. Sanctuary Olonana (Kenya)
The first option on the list is the Sanctuary Olonana in Kenya. A luxurious lodge along the Mara River, offering you guided safaris and spacious family suites. Furthermore, kids can enjoy a walk through the natural trails, learn traditional Maasai skills, and track wildlife with expert guides, experiencing a next-level venture.
2. Four Seasons Serengeti (Tanzania)
The second one we have is the Four Seasons Serengeti found in Tanzania. It is a lodge with high-end attractions like a kids’ club, a swimming pool, and flexible game drives for families. This lodge provides both adventure and relaxation.
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The Kijana Kids Club has numerous educational and fun activities that are specially designed for children to keep them engaged while their parents are busy enjoying spa treatments, etc.
3. Angama Mara (Kenya)
A family-oriented lodge in Kenya is Angama Mara, which introduces you to bushy walks and hot air balloon safaris. These are a few of the activities that help engage everyone, including both kids and adults. Young visitors can also have a great time here by enjoying the storytelling sessions alongside a library filled with Africa’s folklore.
4. Asilia Family Camps (Kenya & Tanzania)
Asilia is a luxurious family-tented camp with child-friendly safari activities, focusing on sustainable tourism and eco-conscious travel. You can find it easily in the Kenyan and Tanzanian regions. Families can enjoy kids’ game drives and junior ranger programs, highlight an enriching and educational experience.
5. Elewana Collection (Kenya & Tanzania)
Elawana Collection is a group of family-friendly lodges and tented camps found in Kenya and Tanzania. They offer you private suites, interactive wildlife activities, and child-friendly dining. Additionally, kids can enjoy bush picnics, treasure hunts, and cultural lessons, which is a plus point for a fun and educational safari experience.
Activities for Children on Wildlife Expeditions
There is a lot more than just spotting wildlife. You may find many other engaging activities for children on Safari. These exciting activities help keep these young travelers entertained while exploring nature. Some of them are jotted down below, but also keep in mind what not to do on a safari in Africa:
- Game Drives: To keep children safe and comfortable during game drives, special vehicles are designed for them. Experts who are knowledgeable enough make these drives even more fun. And this could be done by pointing out the interesting behaviors of animals while engaging well with the kids by answering their questions. This is a way through which good engagement with the kids can be achieved.
- Bush Walks: Children can enjoy the guided walk through the bushy trails, which help them discover small but equally fascinating species of colorful insects, different birds, and native plants used in traditional medicine.
- Junior Ranger Programs: Some lodges offer fun learning experiences where kids can explore conservation, animal tracking, and survival skills. They even earn badges and certificates at the end of their stay.
- Cultural Visits: Another activity on the list we have is the cultural visits for kids. Families can engage themselves in these indigenous communities like the Maasai, Samburu, or Hadzabe. Over here, children can enjoy traditional dance, beadwork, and storytelling sessions.
- Hot Air Balloon Safaris: A breathtaking experience for older children (usually 7+ years), floating over the Serengeti or Maasai Mara at sunrise, offering a unique bird’s-eye view of the landscape and wildlife below.
- Swimming & Relaxation: Activities for swimming and relaxation help to give a refreshing and unwinding boost to your adventurous day. For that, many lodges have featured family-friendly pools and play areas in the wildlife setting in East Africa.
Final Thoughts
East African wildlife safaris for families are beyond a vacation and an unforgettable experience that nurtures a love for nature and adventure. With the right planning, families can enjoy a perfect balance of wildlife, creating lifelong memories. Get ready for an enriching journey into the wild heart of Africa.
Let’s just say family vacations became a wild adventure!
