East Africa Family Holiday Advice
Safe, Fun & Educational Safaris for the Whole Family
East Africa Family Holiday Advice
The family-friendly nature of an African vacation often surprises visitors but it pays to be prepared before you go. Use our Africa family holiday advice feature to get answers to the most important questions you have about the best safari destinations to visit with family.
Malaria & Malaria-Free Destinations
Although malaria risk in East Africa varies by region and season, many of the region’s top safari destinations—such as the Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater—lie within areas where malaria is present. It’s important to consult with both your safari planner and a medical professional to understand if your itinerary includes malaria-prone zones and what precautions you should take, especially when traveling with children.
Families with babies or toddlers are generally advised to avoid high-risk areas, particularly during the rainy seasons(March–May and November), when mosquito activity tends to increase. If you do visit a malarial area, prevention is key: apply mosquito repellent regularly, wear long sleeves and trousers during early mornings and evenings, and sleep under mosquito nets, which are provided at most lodges.
While fully malaria-free safari destinations are rare in East Africa, some areas—such as parts of Laikipia in Kenya and highland regions—have significantly lower malaria risk due to elevation and cooler climates. These areas often offer excellent Big 5 game viewing and are well-suited for family-friendly safaris with younger children.
Taking the right precautions and planning your trip around seasonal malaria patterns can help ensure that your East African family safari is both safe and memorable.
Safari Activities
If you’re planning a family safari holiday in East Africa, activities like game drives, guided nature walks, and canoe trips are often highlights—and children are usually eager to take part. However, it’s important to confirm age restrictions in advance. Some safari lodges and camps in Kenya, Tanzania, or Uganda allow children as young as six on game drives, while others may require a minimum age of 12, especially for walking safaris or group excursions.
To ensure everyone in the family can fully enjoy the experience, consider hiring a private safari vehicle and guide, which often allows for more flexibility with younger children. Many family-friendly safari lodges across East Africa also offer special kids’ programs, interactive learning experiences, and child-minding services, giving parents peace of mind while ensuring the whole family is engaged and entertained.
Always consult with your safari specialist to find properties and activities suited to your children’s ages and interests. The right planning makes all the difference in crafting a safe, exciting, and age-appropriate family safari adventure.
Kids Clubs
Many of the best family-friendly safari lodges in East Africa offer dedicated children’s programs and activity clubs that make traveling with kids easier and far more enjoyable. These programs take the pressure off parents while providing young adventurers with fun, educational, and safe experiences tailored to their age and energy levels.
In Kenya, top safari destinations like the Masai Mara and Laikipia Plateau feature lodges with excellent kids’ clubs, junior ranger programs, and engaging bush-based activities such as tracking animal prints, learning traditional Maasai skills, or participating in conservation workshops. Tanzania also offers a growing number of lodges in areas like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater that cater specifically to families, offering child-minding services, nature walks, and storytelling around the campfire.
If you’re looking to combine safari with beach downtime, the Indian Ocean coastline and islands offer fantastic family-friendly options. Zanzibar is a standout destination, with several beach resorts that feature supervised kids’ clubs, cultural activities, and plenty of space for safe play and exploration.
Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, school-aged children, or teens, East Africa provides a blend of safari adventure and family comfort, ensuring your children are engaged while you enjoy a stress-free holiday. We’ve also put together a helpful guide for families traveling with babies and toddlers to help you plan your ideal East African safari with confidence.
Villas/Family Accommodation
Exclusive-use accommodation is an ideal choice for families seeking privacy, flexibility, and comfort while exploring East Africa. Renting a private safari villa or family-friendly cottage allows you to enjoy the freedom of a home-like environment with the benefits of a fully serviced holiday.
Across top East African safari destinations—including Kenya’s Masai Mara, Laikipia, and Tanzania’s Serengeti—you’ll find exclusive-use properties that come with private guides, chefs, house staff, and even childminding services. These accommodations are perfect for multi-generational families or those traveling with young children, offering a personalized safari experience at your own pace.
At the coast, destinations like Zanzibar and Kenya’s Diani Beach also offer spacious beachfront villas with options for self-catering, reliable Wi-Fi, and entertainment spaces—ideal for unwinding after a wildlife adventure.
Whether you’re after a private safari base or a relaxing beach retreat, East Africa’s exclusive-use accommodations provide the perfect balance of freedom, safety, and tailored service for unforgettable family holidays.
Self-Drive Holidays
Ideal for families seeking flexibility and adventure, a self-drive safari holiday in East Africa offers a unique way to explore the region at your own pace. While self-driving is more limited than in South Africa, there are still rewarding routes—especially in Kenya and northern Tanzania—where road conditions are manageable and major parks are accessible.
In Kenya, a family road trip might include stops in Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, and the Masai Mara, offering incredible wildlife, cultural experiences, and scenic landscapes along the way. In Tanzania, routes between Arusha, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti are popular with adventurous families, though guided support or drivers are often recommended for ease and safety.
Once you arrive at your lodge or camp, guided game drives, nature walks, and family-friendly activities allow you to relax while still enjoying the full safari experience. With proper planning, a self-drive or semi-guided safari in East Africa can be a deeply rewarding option for families looking to combine independence with unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Start Planning Your Africa Family Holiday
Chat with someone who’s been there. Get in touch with one of our Africa Travel Experts to help tailor-make a trip to East Africa with your family that’s right for you.
