Hello, readers, and welcome to our series on family safaris in East Africa! If you’re looking for a trip that will not only wow your kids but also make the ‘gram pop… then East Africa might just be your next stop 😉 And we’re not just talking about any vacation—this is the safari of a lifetime.
We’ll take this series of posts to share all about East Africa safaris, so you’re all prepped before you take that family vacay. And today, in particular, we’ll talk about why East Africa is the perfect family destination.
Let’s just say—family vacations just got a little wilder 🦁
Forget those theme parks—East Africa is nature’s playground. It’s where your kids can swap out the cartoon lions for the real deal. And your parents can enjoy quite some activities: night game drives, traditional village tours, gorilla trekking… the list goes on.
The region is home to iconic national parks—like Serengeti, Masai Mara, and Amboseli—where the wildlife is plentiful, and the views will leave you breathless (in a good way, not in the I-just-chased-a-3-year-old-around-the-house kind of way 😁).
These parks are perfect for family safaris. A setting where the little ones can learn about the Big 5, while you get some much-needed peace… Or at least a moment to sip your coffee while watching giraffes stroll by.
Worried about the safety of your children—or parents? Don’t be. Safari lodges (and camps) in East Africa know just how to cater to families. From child-friendly game drives to experienced guides, these destinations ensure that everyone involved has an unforgettable (and safe) adventure.
If another one of your concerns is internet connectivity (don’t worry, we’ve all been worried about sneaking in some emails)—many lodges offer Wi-Fi.
And don’t even get us started on the food. Many accommodations cater to fussy eaters, so if your child refuses to eat anything that isn’t pizza-shaped, you’re covered there. Meanwhile, the grown-ups enjoy local delicacies—and perhaps a cold drink (or two).
Here’s what you want to keep in mind when planning your East Africa family safari:
Of all the destinations in the world… We can say with certainty that East Africa offers some of the best family safari vacations. Especially so because beyond the crazy wildlife, there are attractions to please everyone—mom and dad, kids, grandparents, and even teens! So let's dive into the must see destinations through East Africa for your next family vacation.
Serengeti is basically the Beyonce of safari parks: legendary and absolutely unmissable. Famous for the Great Migration (February to September)—when millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the plains—this park gives you some jaw-dropping wildlife encounters.
Actually, migration season or not, the wildlife in Serengeti is good year-round. You can expect game drives (so your little ones can ask the guide a million questions) and family-friendly lodges with pools, where the grandparents can relax and explore at their own pace. Plus, the chance to see the Big 5—lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo—makes Serengeti a family photo op like no other 😉
This is easily a family favorite. Why? It’s basically a wildlife theme park! Masai Mara accounts for half of the Great Migration Route (September and October) and has open savannas for wildlife viewing. If you want to see big cats in Kenya, this is the best place to do it—thanks to the many lions, cheetahs, and even leopards, if you look sharply. It may not be the best spot for sighting rhinos, though.
In the lodges of Mara, you can expect your little ones to stay busy—without those screens. They’ll love the bushcraft lessons and Massai warrior training. And the grandparents will enjoy the nature walks.
If big cats aren’t on your priority list—but a family of elephants are—the Amboseli (at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro) is where to head. You’ll enjoy unrivaled elephant sightings here alongside herds of buffalo and zebra.
Amboseli’s open plains and small size make it easy to spot wildlife. So, it’s perfect for families with younger children—especially if you don’t want to sit in a vehicle all day. (Even then, if you need a break, stop by the Observation Hill to stretch your legs). And with Kilimanjaro as the backdrop, your family photos will look like they belong in a travel magazine 😁
If seeing animals suuuper close is on your bucket list, the Ngorongoro Crater will pleasantly surprise you. Animals here are used to vehicles and can come up close to say hi 😉 Besides such sightings, Ngorongoro for you is a massive volcanic crater full of wildlife. (Which is also why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site—or what we’d like to call, your very own wildlife documentary).
Games drives here are shorter (but full of action), so it’s great for families who want to see as much as possible without spending too many hours on the road. While you’re there, you want to visit the Olduvai Gorge ( “Cradle of Mankind” ) nearby to learn more about history 🤎
East Africa truly delivers the perfect blend of adventure, education, and family bonding, making it an unbeatable destination for your next big trip. From the legendary Serengeti and Masai Mara to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater and elephant-filled Amboseli, there’s something to captivate every member of your family. The region’s family-friendly lodges, expert guides, and unforgettable wildlife experiences ensure a trip that’s as safe as it is spectacular.
Whether it’s watching your kids’ faces light up as they spot their first lion, or savoring quiet moments in the wild with loved ones, an East African safari creates memories that will last a lifetime. So, start planning your family’s ultimate adventure and get ready for a vacation that’s equal parts fun, awe-inspiring, and completely unique. East Africa awaits—are you ready to answer the call of the wild?
