Hands-On, Family-Friendly Exploration of Kenya

From $2,650 pp

  • Duration

    11 days

  • Bookable From

    Year-round

  • Trip Style

    Self-Guided

  • Country

    Kenya

  • Physical Rating

    Average

Overview

Come with the whole gang and roll up your sleeves: this hands-on, family-friendly exploration of Kenya highlights its wildlife and beaches in a fun and engaging way!

Embark on an immersive and educational adventure across Kenya that's perfect for families with curious kids, active teens, and adventurous parents. Classic and informative wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and relaxing beach days create the perfect blend of excitement and relaxation. From exciting safaris to painting by the ocean, this itinerary is packed with activities designed for all ages. Whether it’s walking through the bush, going to Bush School, or visiting a recycled glass art studio, every moment is an opportunity for families to connect and create lifelong memories.

Highlights

  • Stay at a working farm lodge and engage in hands-on activities for kids and adults alike
  • Experience the magic of the Maasai Mara with guided nature walks and interactive children’s programs
  • Walk among wildlife at Crescent Island, a paradise for nature-loving families
  • Enjoy a private safari in Laikipia with bush school, wildlife monitoring, and fishing
  • Relax in Diani Beach with fun-filled activities, from painting by the ocean to a sunset canoe ride
A local souvenir shop with colorful glass products is shown in Kenya.
Accommodation at a safari lodge in Kenya shows a bed with a view of the grassy savannah.
A view over a blue pool with an orange tent in the background and the royal Swahili accommodation behind, at sunset and with palm trees around.
Farm fresh ingredients from Ololo Farm in Kenya are shown in two colorful rows on a wooden serving tray.
A family room at Ololo is shown with three twin beds in a row.
A farm in Kenya in shown, with a packed orange dirt path and a green garden surrounding it.
An activity of painting by the beach in Kenya is shown, as a painter dabs their brush on canvas with the ocean in the background.
A sunset canoe ride shows several people being gently paddled around a lake in Kenya.

Seasonal Notes

Kenya is a year-round destination, offering something very special in every season.

  • January to March & July to October are the driest months. These months are great for pairing city tours with safaris or beach escapes. Days are typically hot and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 85-95°F (29-35°C).
  • April to June & November to December are the rainy seasons. Expect short, intense showers and cooler days around 75-85°F (24-29°C). The rains bring vibrant greenery and fewer tourists, making this a great time for slower, more intimate travel.

Weather can be unpredictable, but that’s part of the magic! Pack layers, stay open-minded, and Kenya will always deliver unforgettable moments.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Arrival to Nairobi; Transfer to Farm Life at the Edge of the Wild

Start your journey by arriving at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi. Here, a private driver will be waiting to greet you and take you to your first destination, about 45 minutes away. On the way, you'll cross the city’s outskirts and skim the boundary of Nairobi National Park. The route gives you your first glimpse of Kenya’s unique contrast—urban life blending seamlessly with wildlife and open skies.

As you approach your stay, you’ll cross a footbridge over the Mbagathi River—the natural border of the park—arriving at a peaceful retreat set on a working farm. Here, animals roam nearby, organic gardens flourish, and a warm welcome awaits. Depending on your flight and arrival times on the first day, you may have the chance to explore the grounds, spot wildlife from your veranda, or simply relax after your travels with a fresh, home-cooked meal.

Once you're here though... embrace a slower pace and get hands-on with life on a working farm!

Young travelers can gather eggs, feed the animals, or plant herbs, while adults enjoy the peaceful surroundings and freshly sourced meals.

You'll be able to learn about regenerative agriculture and sustainability while spending time with goats, cows, and chickens. Guests can help collect ingredients used in the day’s meals.

During your time here, you will also visit the Kitengela Glass Studio and discover the world of recycled art. Venture across a swaying bridge to the studio and watch local artisans transform glass into colorful mosaics, beads, and sculptures. Feeling crafty? Give it a go yourself!

Kids’ Program: Little ones can paint, garden, and join in on farm-themed games designed to inspire curiosity and joy.

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Accommodation: 2 nights in a charming lodge perched on the edge of Nairobi National Park, combining farm life, natural surroundings, and sweeping views—perfect for a restful start to your Kenyan adventure.

Days 3-4 Maasai Mara – Big Cats & Bush Adventures

Travel west toward the world-famous Maasai Mara, home to vast savannahs teeming with wildlife.

Your days will be filled with thrilling private safaris, as you do safari drives in the morning and afternoon with expert guides. Keep an eye out for lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, and much more.

When you’re not on game drives, your children can participate in specially designed nature-based programs.

  • Art in the Wild & Scavenger Hunt (ages 5–12), blending creativity with exploration.
  • Guided bush walks (for ages 7–12) to learn about tracking and local ecosystems.
  • Make Your Own Bow & Arrow and dress like a Maasai (ages 7–12).
  • Spoor Casting: take home a mold of an animal footprint you tracked!

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Accommodation: 2 nights in a secluded safari camp along a quiet bend in the river, offering family tents, bonfire evenings, and direct access to wildlife.

Days 5-6 Naivasha – Wildlife on Foot & Water

Head north to the Great Rift Valley and unwind by the shores of Lake Naivasha. Here, nature isn’t just viewed... It’s walked through, paddled across, and personally experienced.

You'll go on a walking safari on Crescent Island, where you'll meander among giraffes, zebras, and gazelles in a setting that feels like a scene from “The Lion King” except with no predators, just awe-inspiring encounters.

There's also the option to go on an adventure at Hell’s Gate: Older children and active families can hike, bike between volcanic cliffs, and even swim in a natural geothermal pool.

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Accommodation: 2 nights in a lakeside resort nestled in acacia woodland, perfect for peaceful sundowners and waking up to the calls of fish eagles.

Days 7-8 Laikipia – Off-the-Beaten-Path Safari

Venture into one of Kenya’s most conservation-focused regions, where safaris are as much about learning as they are about spotting animals. During walking safaris and game drives, you'll keep an eye out for elusive wildlife such as wild dogs, leopards, and rhinos in a private wilderness area.

Kids can attend a Bush School, where they can:

  • Learn to set camera traps and monitor wildlife
  • Sculpt animals with clay
  • Make bead bracelets and paint
  • Have fun learning with ranger patrols and discover how to interpret animal signs

There are also plenty of hands-on activities that teens can enjoy:

  • Going fishing in the river with guides, using a handline and rod
  • Playing a game of football with the staff.
  • Helping guide vehicles down a private airstrip.
  • Creating artwork inspired by their surroundings on a guided botany walk

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Accommodation: 2 nights in a family-run wilderness lodge beside a river, with cozy shared spaces, hands-on conservation, and endless skies.

Days 9-10 Diani – Beach Bliss & Coastal Culture

End your trip with three days on Kenya’s sun-kissed southern coast. Powder-soft sand, warm Indian Ocean waters, and creative coastal experiences await.

On one of the evenings, go on a sunset canoe ride. Paddle along gentle waters fringed with mangroves and enjoy a golden sunset as you glide over the tide.

You'll also join a local artist for a painting session by the beach. You'll be guided in capturing the essence of the sea on canvas—perfect for families or solo expression.

There's time for an optional activity, too, to visit Hell’s Kitchen, an underrated attraction in Marafa. Add on a day trip to this dramatic sandstone canyon, where vibrant red and orange rock formations glow under the afternoon sun.

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Accommodation: 2 nights in a small eco-friendly beach retreat steps from the sea, featuring family rooms, beach games, and freshly prepared seafood.

Day 11 Diani to Nairobi (departure day)

This morning, catch your included domestic flight from Diani back to Nairobi and continue on your homeward journey.

Customization

The trip is fully customizable to match your interests.

Route Map

A route map showing the path of the Hands-On, Family-Friendly Exploration of Kenya.

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • Airport pickup in Nairobi

  • Accommodation with meals as stated

  • Exclusive safari Land Cruiser for game drives

  • English-speaking driver guide

  • Park entrance fees (subject to change per government directive)

  • Flight Nairobi to Diani

  • Flight Diani to Nairobi

  • Select alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks included (except in Naivasha)

    • Activities with transport

  • Ololo Farm Tours & Activities

  • Kitengela Hot Glass Walk

  • Maasai Mara Safari & Children's Bush Activities

  • Crescent Island Walking Safari

  • Elkarama Safari & Bush School

  • Sunset Canoe Ride in Diani

  • Painting by the Beach

  • Festive season rates & supplements

  • Additional meals & drinks

  • Gratuities

  • Optional activities

  • International flights and visas

Pricing

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

Prices vary based on season and group size. Children’s pricing varies based on age and whether sharing a room or staying separately.

  • Deposit per person

    50% of the trip price

  • Group of 4 Travelers - price per person

    High Season $6,395 pp (Adult) $3,750 pp (Child, 2-12 years old) Low Season $4,295 pp (Adult) $2,650 pp (Child, 2-12 years old)

Optional Add-ons

  • Birds of Prey Sanctuary: $10 USD per adult / $5 USD per child (under 5)
  • Hell's Gate Park Adventure: Rock climbing, biking, and geothermal swimming - on request

Sustainability

We aspire to bring positive change for our travelers and the countries they travel to through connection, growth, and smiles!

  • Create Connection: Connect deeply with both the local community and fellow travelers, learn together, and make lifelong connections.
  • Create Growth: Provide opportunities to ensure the local economy organically benefits from tourism. Personally, you’ll grow in many ways too; prepare to go back home with a broader perspective.
  • Create Smiles: Take on the challenge to travel consciously and notice the positive impact you will generate! It’ll be one of your most fulfilling experiences – we promise!

Environmental Initiatives

  • Guided nature walks and wildlife tracking teach children to respect and understand the natural world.
  • Participation in walking safaris and low-impact tours helps reduce emissions, minimize disturbance to wildlife, and protect delicate ecosystems, offering families a more mindful, conservation-friendly way to explore Kenya’s natural beauty.
  • Visits to natural sanctuaries promote awareness of ecosystem protection and endangered species.

Accommodation Initiatives

  • Stays at family-run eco-lodges support sustainable land use and environmental education.
  • Accommodations offer nature-based activities for kids, fostering intergenerational learning around conservation.
  • Local staff are trained in sustainability practices, ensuring a responsible footprint across the journey.

Sociocultural Initiatives

  • Creative experiences like painting, storytelling, and scavenger hunts introduce young travellers to local heritage through play.
  • Artisan encounters give families a chance to engage with traditional crafts and community art.
  • Interactions with community educators and guides help instill global citizenship and cultural appreciation in children.

Health & Safety

Be sure you have traveler's insurance.

FAQs

What does the physical level of "Average" mean?

This trip requires an Average activity level, as it includes walking safaris and interactive experiences.

What are the accommodations like?

We carry out an impact analysis on every accommodation to ensure they're creating a positive social and environmental impact. Accommodation is also family-friendly, offering comfort in nature-rich settings.

How is this trip responsible and impactful?

Every trip we run supports local communities, prioritizes sustainability, and partners with women-led and small local businesses. Whether you're staying in an eco-lodge, joining a cultural workshop, or offsetting your carbon footprint, your journey with us leaves a positive impact.

What makes this trip family-friendly?

Children’s activities differ by age group, ensuring fun for all ages. Accommodation is family-friendly, offering comfort in nature-rich settings. The trip is fully customisable to match your interests and the ages of your family members.

Inquire Now

Departure Dates

Choose your own!

Group Size

  • Min: 4

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