We went on a family trip to Laikipia this past February; my partner, our little one, my sister, her husband, and their kids. They were visiting from abroad, and honestly, they weren’t entirely sure if a safari with young children was the best idea. The long drives, the wild setting, the unpredictability, it made them hesitant. But we convinced them to give it a try, and I’m so glad we did.
Before we even set off, the parents had prepared down to the last detail: snacks packed, naps timed, car activities planned, emergency meds at the ready. There were questions about malaria zones, bathroom breaks in the bush, how early the days would start, and whether the kids would actually enjoy it. There was even a little tension when we got momentarily stuck in the mud on day one. But after the first walk and an easy game drive, something shifted. What remained was picture-taking, pride, and a new wide-eyed attitude, especially the ones who’d worried the most.
There was a moment that really stuck with me. We’d parked near a clearing and spotted two tiny dik-diks darting around. For a solid half hour, the entire vehicle (adults and kids alike) watched them play. No rushing to find lions or tick off sightings. Just everyone quietly locked into this small, funny scene. That’s the thing with traveling with children: even if they don’t fully grasp the enormity of the experience, they notice the little moments, and in turn, you start noticing them too.
Later that evening, while we enjoyed a sundowner drink, the kids had pasta bolognese, a simple, hearty, exactly what they needed after a long day of excitement. When they eventually crashed out under cozy blankets, we sat by the fire under a vast Laikipia sky, listening to distant roars and crackling embers. It was peaceful in a way that only the bush can offer.
By the end of the trip, there were no more doubts. Watching the kids run wild and happy, barefoot and covered in dust, eyes glittering with adventure, it was no longer a question of if they’d come back, but when.
When we design family trips at Nomad Africa, there are a few things we always take seriously to make experiences like this possible:
· Choose small-scale lodges that offer flexibility. With little ones, dinner might need to happen earlier, breakfast might come in stages, and the unexpected is part of the package.
· Look for grassy, open spaces, where kids can safely run around without too many thickets or tricky terrain.
· A swimming pool is always a win, but if that’s not available, extras like horse riding, nature walks, or hands-on bush activities go a long way in keeping kids engaged and curious.
· And most importantly, we know the places where the staff truly love having children around. Playing around, showing them bush tricks, and even sitting them while you have dinner, makes all the difference. It turns a family trip into a real holiday for the parents, too.
Safari with young kids isn’t just possible, it’s magic, when done right. And when you get it right, it’s something the whole family carries with them, long after the dust has settled. Curious how your next family trip could look like? Reach out and let’s start planning your next family adventure!