The Bush Telegraph To The Perfect Family Lodge in East Africa
03 December 2024
East Africa offers a wealth of family lodges and camps, suitable for all members of the family for the holidays. These combine luxury, comfort, and immersive safari experiences tailored for families. They can include child-specific programs, family suites or tents, and activities like cultural interactions, walking safaris, and junior ranger training. Safaris cater to all ages, making them ideal for multigenerational trips where grandparents, parents, and children can connect over shared adventures.
Tips for booking a family lodge in East Africa
Booking a family lodge for a safari holiday is a seamless process when using African Safari Excellence. The team will consider:
- Lodges that offer family suites, interconnecting rooms or exclusive-use villas for added space and privacy.
- Proximity to key attractions, such as game reserves, crater floors, or migration routes, to minimize travel time. They will also consider family lodges that are easily accessible from main airports, airstrips for light aircraft flights or hubs to avoid long, tiring transfers.
- Opt for lodges offering age-appropriate activities, such as engaging educational junior ranger programs, nature walks, wildlife tracking, guided game drives suitable for children that are usually shorter, personalised itineraries, scavenger hunts, private bush picnics or cultural experiences. Our expert team will ensure the lodge provides activities suitable for children, teens and adults.
- They will check if there are special children menus or can customise meals based on your client’s preferences. Also family lodges that offer flexible meal times.
- There are specific family packages that include discounted rates, complimentary stays for younger guests or added benefits for children like inclusive activities.
- For young children, consider lodges in less crowded areas or private conservancies for a more relaxed experience.
- It is important to consult with our family safari experts as they are familiar with East African family lodges to help narrow down options that fit your client’s family’s unique needs.
Popular family lodges
KEnya
Saruni Mara | Masai Mara National Park
Saruni Mara is an excellent choice for families seeking a luxurious and intimate safari experience in Kenya‘s Masai Mara. The lodge’s Family Villa, also known as the Natural History Suite, is specifically designed to cater to the needs of families, offering a harmonious blend of comfort and togetherness. The villa comprises two bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom, ensuring privacy and convenience for all family members. The full-length veranda offers stunning views of the tranquil hills of Mara North Conservancy, allowing your clients to observe wildlife from the comfort of their accommodation.
They also offer the Young Explorers Club to ensure safaris in Masai Mara are more exciting for both parents and their children.
Ol Malo Lodge | Laikipia
A family-friendly safari destination offering luxury, adventure, and cultural experiences. Set on a private ranch with panoramic views, the lodge provides accommodations ideal for families, including en-suite cottages. Families can enjoy game drives, horseback and camel safaris, bush walks, and even overnight stays in a secure treehouse for a magical night under the stars. Kids will love egg-collecting on the ranch and playing ping pong, while cultural visits to the Samburu community offer a meaningful connection to local traditions. With its infinity pool and activities tailored for all ages, Ol Malo ensures an unforgettable safari experience for families.
Sasaab Lodge | Samburu region
A luxurious and family-friendly retreat offering tailored experiences for all ages. The dedicated family suite features two spacious en-suite bedrooms connected by a central living area, complete with a private plunge pool and open-air bathrooms boasting breathtaking views. Families can enjoy exciting activities such as game drives in the Samburu National Reserve, camel rides along the Ewaso Nyiro River, and guided bush walks. Cultural visits to Samburu villages provide children with hands-on experiences like crafting traditional bows and arrows. With childcare services, an infinity pool overlooking the river, and engaging activities for younger guests, Sasaab ensures an unforgettable safari experience for families in a stunning wilderness setting.
Sasaab recently built a 4C Centre which is a cultural learning hub that immerses your client’s in the rich tapestry of Samburu culture and the geological wonders of northern Kenya. Situated adjacent to the main lodge, it offers captivating imagery, informative displays, and a curated collection of artifacts, fostering a deeper appreciation for the region.
Tanzania
Kili Villa | Arusha
This is an excellent option for families seeking a spacious and private retreat in Tanzania. The villa features multiple en-suite bedrooms, providing comfortable accommodation for family groups. It offers a safe environment within a private wildlife estate, making it ideal for children and adults alike. Families can enjoy a range of activities such as game drives, bush walks, horseback riding, and golf, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Additional amenities like books, board games, and entertainment options make it a welcoming and engaging choice for families on safari.
Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge | Ngorongoro
This is an ideal family lodge choice for those seeking a convenient base to explore the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Located just a few steps from the Game Reserve Gate and a 20-minute drive from the Ngorongoro Crater, the lodge offers easy access to one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife destinations. This close proximity allows families to maximize their time exploring the crater and its abundant wildlife. Families can enjoy spacious private log cabins with king-size beds, a sofa bed, and a large private terrace for relaxing together. Its warm hospitality, attentive staff, and stunning setting ensure a memorable experience for families wanting to explore the crater and unwind in comfort.
Four Seasons Safari Lodge | central Serengeti National Park
Located in the heart of Serengeti National Park, the lodge offers family-friendly accommodation with spacious rooms and private balconies overlooking the savannah or a watering hole, allowing wildlife viewing from the comfort of your room.
The lodge’s Kids For All Seasons program engages children with educational activities about African wildlife and culture, while the Kijana Klub offers games and crafts for younger guests. Families can enjoy guided nature walks with Maasai guides, easy access to thrilling game drives, and a stunning infinity pool overlooking wildlife-rich landscapes. With diverse dining options catering to all ages and a welcoming atmosphere, the lodge ensures an unforgettable family safari adventure.
Benefits of choosing a family lodge for the holidays
Allows your client to share moments of relaxation by unwinding at lodges with infinity pools overlooking watering holes, perfect for animal viewing while relaxing. There will be some unique moments, such as a child’s first elephant sighting or a family meal under the stars and these are bound to become treasured stories for your clients to recount for years to come. Keeping everyone together ensures comfort and privacy.
Children can partake in Junior Ranger Programs where kids can learn animal tracking, bushcraft, and conservation. This is a fun and educational experience designed specifically for children to engage with the African wilderness in a safe and age-appropriate way.
Flexible schedules accommodate children, with shorter drives or private vehicles available.
Staff at family lodges are skilled at meeting diverse needs, ensuring every family member has an enjoyable experience. Babysitting services and kids’ clubs provide parents with time to unwind.
A family safari offers once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to witness the Big Five, the Great Migration, or unique cultures, which are more meaningful when experienced together. When booking a family lodge with African Safari Excellence the team will provide a family packing essentials guide.
Contact African Safari Excellence to start planning your client’s trip in East Africa.
