Family Safaris Collection
Private family safaris across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda, guided by a team that has done this for 13+ years.
Explore SafarisPlanning a family safari is a special journey that truly requires thoughtful consideration of every family member’s needs. It’s important to remember that each person has their own preferences and comfort levels. For instance, the safari vehicle should be spacious enough for a little one who might need a cosy spot to nap, while also catering to a teenager who might prefer to relax by the pool rather than join in on the wildlife adventures. A knowledgeable guide can make all the difference, especially one who approaches their role with patience and understanding, ready to answer those curious questions—like why lions don’t wear seatbelts! Moreover, selecting accommodations with family suites is a wonderful way to ensure that everyone has room to unwind and feel at home together, rather than squeezing into a standard room. A well-planned safari can create unforgettable memories for the whole family!
For over 13 years, we have dedicated ourselves to crafting precisely these kinds of itineraries. Each family safari we design is entirely private, ensuring that you have your own vehicle and guide, allowing you to explore at a pace that suits your family’s preferences. We carefully select destinations and lodges in alignment with the ages and interests of the children travelling. This thoughtful approach guarantees that a family with a lively six-year-old will experience a safari tailored to their energetic spirit, while a family with three teenagers will engage in a completely different adventure—both starting their journeys in the breathtaking Maasai Mara, yet enjoying uniquely crafted experiences that resonate with their specific needs and desires.
Kenya’s Maasai Mara and the Laikipia conservancies are often considered the ideal starting points for family adventures in East Africa. These regions are renowned for their exceptional wildlife density, making it easier to spot incredible animals, from lions to elephants, in their natural habitats. The convenience of short flights between various luxury camps enhances the overall experience, allowing families to maximise their time spent enjoying the diverse landscapes and breathtaking scenery. Most lodges in these areas have a long history of welcoming families, offering amenities and activities tailored specifically to children, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay for guests of all ages.
On the other hand, Tanzania’s Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater present an excellent choice for families looking to minimize travel time between locations. The vast landscapes of these famed parks provide ample opportunities for extended game drives, where families can bond while spotting wildlife together. This setting allows for more immersive experiences as you explore one of the richest ecosystems on the planet. Additionally, the option to extend the adventure with a relaxing beach getaway on Zanzibar adds a delightful balance of exploration and leisure, perfect for families seeking the best of both worlds.
Uganda and Rwanda offer exciting opportunities for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, making these adventures suitable for children aged approximately 12 and above who can manage a forest hike. Additionally, we create multi-country itineraries that provide families with the chance to explore diverse landscapes, such as transitioning from the plains of Kenya to the volcanoes of Rwanda, all while ensuring a relaxed and unhurried travel experience.
Kenya and Tanzania provide some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly from June through October, when the dry season sets in. During this time, animals gather around dwindling water sources, making them easier to spot in their natural habitats. This period is especially significant as it coincides with the Great Migration. In this spectacular event, millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the Serengeti, crossing the Mara River in search of greener pastures.
Additionally, this timeframe aligns perfectly with school holidays, which makes it a superb option for family trips. Families can enjoy unforgettable moments together while witnessing breathtaking landscapes and encountering an incredible diversity of wildlife, from majestic lions to playful elephants, all while creating lasting memories amidst Africa’s stunning wilderness. This unique combination of wildlife activity and the opportunity for family bonding makes the dry season an ideal time to plan a safari adventure in these magnificent countries.
For those interested in gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, Uganda and Rwanda offer more flexible timing. The best months for drier forest trails are June to September and December to February, though sightings of habituated families can occur year-round as they are monitored daily. When planning a trip, we prioritise your children’s school calendar, then select the most suitable destination and season to enhance your adventure.
Mornings and afternoons are spent on game drives in a private vehicle, with stops built around attention spans rather than a fixed schedule. Beyond the drives themselves:
Every activity on the itinerary is optional. Some families want a packed day; others want long stretches by the pool between two game drives, and we plan for either.
When recommending properties for families, we only select those we have personally experienced. Our evaluation process includes several key criteria: the availability of interconnecting rooms or private villas, on-site pools, children’s menus that cater specifically to young diners, and staff who are genuinely comfortable around children. Many of the camps we partner with feature family suites that overlook waterholes, allowing for wildlife viewing from the comfort of your room during downtime.
Additionally, some lodges offer kids’ clubs or nature activities designed for the hours when adults may prefer a quieter game drive. We take these factors into account when planning your itinerary, ensuring that we incorporate elements that matter most to your family while omitting those that do not.
A safari and a beach extension pair naturally, and for families it gives the trip a second gear: active mornings tracking wildlife, then a stretch of days with nothing scheduled. Kenya’s coast and Zanzibar are the two extensions we use most, both a short flight from the main safari circuit, both set up for families with snorkelling, dhow sailing and calm water for younger swimmers.
Rwanda pairs differently: after gorilla trekking, Lake Kivu offers a quieter finish with kayaking and island visits, better suited to families who want rest rather than more activity.
We plan the destination, pace and activities around who is actually travelling, not a template trip. A family with toddlers and a family with teenagers get different itineraries, even for the same country.
George Nchau's team includes guides who have spent years explaining migration patterns and predator behaviour to curious kids, not just spotting wildlife for adults.
Every family safari we run uses your own vehicle and guide. No joining a departure with strangers, no fixed schedule you did not set
We have stayed in the camps we recommend. If a property does not handle children well in practice, it does not go on your itinerary, regardless of how it markets itself.
Tell us the ages of the children travelling and how many days you have. We will shape a private itinerary across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda or Rwanda around your family.
Tell us the ages of your children and where you would like to go. We reply within 24 hours with a private itinerary built around your family.