Kenya and Tanzania have long been among the destinations people consider ideal for honeymooners, adventure getaways, and more. They rarely included the youngest in the household. However, there is nothing more rewarding than taking your children on a safari in Africa or showing them some of the most beautiful beaches and tropical islands in the Indian Ocean. Fortunately, things have changed a lot and today family trip has found its place in these two superb countries. To make your life easier, I’ve selected 5 properties in different regions, making it easier for you to design your next East Africa getaway.
Ambassadors, Kenya To many, the name Angama may sound familiar, and that’s because they also have one of the most luxurious safari lodges in the Masai Mara. But we should not ignore Angama Amboseli, quite the contrary. With only 10 suites, this is definitely not another giant safari lodge, which promises too much and doesn’t deliver on your next experience. No, it’s quite the opposite. Situated in its own private sanctuary called Kimana (which incidentally is the first community reserve established in Kenya), it offers the ultimate luxury of a safari… privacy and no crowds. Certainly something we can no longer take for granted these days.
Of the 10 suites, 2 are specially designed for families where they connect 2 units with a corridor, allowing children to move freely between the two. This is of course just the beginning, as the property also offers a lovely space for children, not to mention the gifts they receive throughout their stay. A welcome goody bag upon arrival with a cool safari hat (my daughter even went to bed with it), a guidebook where they can write down all the animals they saw, and other fun items that will come in handy for their stay. On top of that, the team organizes fun activities throughout the route, ensuring that the little ones stay occupied between safaris. My kids’ favorite place to hang out? At the edge of the sublime swimming pool with a view of Mount Kilimanjaro.
andBeyond Grumeti River Lodge, Tanzania Everyone knows the famous SerengetiHowever, when one drops the name Grumeti, many have no idea where it is located. It’s actually located on the western side of the Serengeti, and with only a handful of lodges and camps, it’s also much less crowded than the central part of the park. Nonetheless, wildlife is abundant and for those looking for another place to witness the great migration, look no further. AndBeyond Grumeti River Lodge is not only located in this unique area, its name also refers to the water that lies directly in front of the lodge and is home to countless hippos. You will hear and see them throughout your stay, creating a wild setting when you are sitting on your terrace or eating lunch.
The family room here is located just off the main area and offers enough space for 2 adults and 2 children. With their own bedroom and bathroom, kids can truly feel like they have their own private sanctuary while parents are still nearby. Of course, it also works vice versa. Here too, children will find a backpack filled with treats on their bed. There’s even a magnifying glass to study the small animals they’ll encounter on safari. One of the main attractions for children, however, is the private plunge pool on the terrace. I don’t know if the hippos expected guests to enjoy the water even more than they did. Another hit is the superb pizza oven where young people can create their own pizza with the chef, giving the safari an Italian touch.
Legendary Lodge Arusha, Tanzania Arusha may not be the main destination for many, but it is the gateway to most Tanzanian safaris, so most visitors will stay here before or after their safari, as flight connections are not always ideal. But it is not because it is above all a stopover that you cannot enjoy your stay here, quite the contrary. Situated in the middle of a coffee plantation, you will find Legendary Lodge surrounded by stunning gardens. They have 12 cottages, but you can call them villas as they are all separately located in the lush greenery, and 2 of them are 2 bedroom villas, making them ideal for families. With square footage that dazzles you and tasteful interior design, you really can’t ask for more.
What I love most about Legendary Lodge is the fact that the whole family can move around freely, hassle-free and safely. They even provide bikes so everyone can ride around the grounds if you feel like it. But definitely don’t forget to take a dip in the pool while the staff serves you the most delicious cocktails and kid-friendly mocktails. It’s a place to relax after a long flight or an intense safari, and everything is done to make you feel instantly at home as a family (or as a couple). Do you want to play croquet in the garden or rather find your inner Van Gogh with the easels that stand invitingly in the garden? No problem. It truly is a home away from home.
Everything you need to plan your trip in 2026 Soon Kenya In the north of Kenya, in the Laikipia region, there is a superb lodge called Segera. Ideal for couples but ideal for families (or friends traveling together) thanks to the 10 villas spread around the main building. Here you get to connect not only with nature, but also with each other. From the superbly designed villas to the common areas, everything is created in such a way that it lends itself to the perfect family safari getaway. And thanks to its huge conservation efforts, it also allows for great safaris with lots of wildlife during your stay.
Segera prides itself on working closely with local communities and organizations in the area, and this only benefits its customers. Imagine the memories your children create visiting the K9 unit, where they show exactly what their job entails and how they keep wildlife safe. Or how about a night at the Nest. Yes, you read that correctly. It’s a unique experience where a couple or family stays in this specially built suite surrounded by nature. Let the kids sip hot chocolate under a blanket of a million stars, while your breath is taken away too, but with a slightly different drink in hand.
and beyond Mnemba Island, Tanzania Zanzibar has become a very popular destination over the last decade, and it’s hard to find a secluded place where you can still feel the true paradise vibe of the island, but Beyond Mnemba is the perfect solution. Located in the northeast of Zanzibar, just a few kilometers from the main island, Mnemba seems to be a world away from the hustle and bustle of Stone Town and bustling beaches. Here on your own private island, you’ll find just 12 Banda (including a family Banda) spread across the entire west side, offering stunning sunsets from each of them. Mnemba has a rule of only allowing a maximum of 2 children on the island at any one time, hence why there is only one Banda family.
No swimming pool or kids’ club on the island, but it’s not necessary. There is an endless swimming pool all around and the children are kept occupied in multiple ways. The key players are of course the island team who happily take the kids to a sushi-making class or an epic snorkelling excursion in the crystal clear waters surrounding Mnemba. The island itself is of course also a great place to relax, and it is home to Africa’s rarest antelope species, the Ader duiker. This is a conservation effort happening before your eyes, and only a handful of people can witness it.
Would you take your family to one of these properties? Or would you prefer to keep safari and East Africa as a couples-only destination where you can truly relax while observing some of the world’s most amazing wildlife or sitting on one of the stunning beaches with a cocktail in hand? Or these two options combined…..
Kristof Eyckmans Kristof Eyckmans is a travel writer from Antwerp, Belgium. He’s lived all over the world and while he loves wildlife and nature, he can always enjoy a good urban jungle.
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