A Rough Guide to Shompole Conservancy

Vaccination Requirements for Kenya

Most international travellers do not need any compulsory vaccinations to enter Kenya unless they are arriving from, or have transited through, a Yellow Fever risk country.

In that case, a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required. Kenya no longer requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a pre-departure COVID-19 test for routine entry.

For safari travel, guests should still consult a doctor or travel clinic well before departure for personal advice on recommended vaccinations, malaria prevention and general travel health.

Kenya no longer issues traditional tourist visas for most international visitors. Instead, travellers are required to apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before travelling to Kenya.

The eTA should be completed before departure and applies to most visitors, including children and infants. Travellers will usually need a passport valid for at least six months, with at least one blank page, as well as travel dates, accommodation details, a passport-style photo or selfie, contact details and a payment method.

We recommend applying well in advance of your safari and checking the official Kenya eTA website before you travel, as entry requirements can change.

Is Kenya Good for Family Safaris?

Kenya is one of Africa’s best destinations for a family safari, especially for children who love animals, nature and adventure. Wildlife is often easy to see, travelling between destinations can be straightforward, and there is a wide choice of family-friendly lodges, private houses and tented camps.

A family safari is not quite the same as a beach holiday or resort-style break. It works best for families who are comfortable with early mornings, game drives, open spaces and some travelling between destinations. With the right itinerary, however, the pace can be kept relaxed and the safari can be designed around the children’s ages and interests.

For younger children, we normally recommend properties with flexible mealtimes, shorter game drives, family rooms, a swimming pool and guides who enjoy working with children. A private safari vehicle is particularly valuable because your family can choose when to leave, how long to stay at a sighting and when to return to camp.

For older children and teenagers, Kenya can be unforgettable. Seeing lions, elephants, giraffes and cheetahs in the wild is only part of the experience. Walking, tracking, meeting local communities, sleeping in a tented camp and spending evenings around the fire can make the safari both exciting and educational.

Family Safari Activities in Kenya

Activities vary between national parks, private conservancies and individual properties, but may include:

• Daytime game drives in search of elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, rhinos and other wildlife.
• The Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, including the possibility of seeing dramatic river crossings during the season.
• Guided nature walks and tracking experiences, depending on the children’s ages and the property’s safety policies.
• Junior ranger programmes, animal-spoor identification and other nature-based activities.
• Night drives in private conservancies, offering the chance to see nocturnal animals.
• Visits to Maasai, Samburu and other local communities, arranged respectfully through your camp or guide.
• Hot-air balloon safaris in selected destinations, usually followed by breakfast in the bush.
• Bush breakfasts, picnic lunches and family sundowners in scenic locations.
• Birdwatching, photography and learning about Kenya’s different habitats.
• Camel rides, horse riding, cycling or fishing at selected lodges and conservancies.
• Visits to wildlife conservation projects, where available.

Where to Go on a Family Safari

The Maasai Mara is an excellent choice for a first family safari because of its abundant wildlife and open landscapes. Private conservancies around the Reserve can be particularly suitable for families, offering fewer vehicles and a wider range of activities.

Amboseli is famous for its elephants and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Its open terrain can make wildlife easier for children to see, and it combines well with Nairobi and the Kenyan coast.

Laikipia and Northern Kenya offer a more varied and adventurous experience. Depending on where you stay, families may enjoy game drives, guided walks, camel rides, conservation activities and time with local communities.

Kenya’s coast is an excellent way to finish a family safari. After several days of early mornings and game drives, families can relax on the beach and enjoy swimming, snorkelling, dhow trips, fishing and other water-based activities.

Things to Consider When Planning

Age of the children: Some smaller camps have minimum-age restrictions, particularly for walking safaris, night drives and shared game vehicles.

Where to stay: Look for family rooms, private houses, flexible mealtimes, swimming pools and guides experienced with children.

Private vehicle: This is one of the best investments for a family safari because it allows you to travel entirely at your own pace.

Length of stay: Three nights in each safari area is usually a good minimum. Changing camps too frequently can make the holiday feel rushed and tiring.

Flying or driving: Flying is normally easier for families with younger children. Driving can offer more flexibility and scenery, but some journeys are long and roads can be rough.

Safari and beach balance: A good family itinerary might include three or four nights on safari, followed by several nights on the Kenyan coast. Longer holidays can combine two contrasting safari areas before finishing at the beach.

In simple terms, Kenya is an outstanding family safari destination—as long as the itinerary matches the children’s ages, the accommodation is carefully selected and the pace is kept comfortable. For many families, it becomes much more than a holiday: it is an adventure they remember for the rest of their lives.