Top 5 family friendly stays in Kenya and Tanzania

Kenya and Tanzania have long been among those destinations which people regarded ideal for honeymooners, adventure getaways and so on. Rarely did they include the younger people in the household. However, there is little more rewarding than taking your kids on a safari in Africa, or showing them some of the most stunning tropical beaches and islands in the Indian Ocean. Luckily things have changed a lot and nowadays family travel has found a firm spot in these two stunning countries. To make your life easier, I’ve selected 5 properties across different regions, making it easier for you to design your next getaway in East Africa.

Angama Amboseli, Kenya

For many the name Angama might sound familiar, and that’s because they equally have one of the most luxurious safari lodge in the Masai Mara. However, Angama Amboseli shouldn’t be ignored, on the contrary. With only 10 guest suites this is certainly not another giant safari lodge, overpromising and underdelivering your next experience. No, it’s the total opposite. Situated in its own private sanctuary called Kimana (which by the way is the first community conservancy created in Kenya) it delivers the ultimate safari luxury…..privacy and no crowds. Certainly something you can’t take for granted anymore nowadays.

Out of the 10 suites, 2 are specifically designed for families where they connect 2 units with a hallway, allowing the kids to freely move in between. That’s off course just the start, as the property also boosts a beautiful kids area, not to mention the spoils they receive throughout their stay. A welcome goodie bag upon arrival with a cool safari hat (my daughter even went to bed with it), a guide book in which they can tick all the animals they’ve seen and other fun items which come in handy for their stay. Besides that, the team organises fun activities throughout, making sure the little ones are kept occupied in between the game drives. My kids favourite spot to hang out? At the sublime pool with a view of Mt. Kilimanjaro. 

andBeyond Grumeti River Lodge, Tanzania

Everyone knows the famous Serengeti, however when you drop the name Grumeti, many have no clue where it is situated. It’s actually located on the western side of Serengeti, and with only a handful of lodges and camps, it’s also a lot less crowded that the central part of the park. Nonetheless the wildlife is abundant and for those searching for an alternative place to witness the great migration, look no further. AndBeyond Grumeti River Lodge is not only located in this unique area, it’s name also refers to the water which is right in front of the lodge, providing a home for countless hippos. You’ll hear and see them throughout the whole stay, creating a wild backdrop when you’re sitting on your terrace or having lunch. 

The family room here is right next to the main area and provides ample space for 2 adults and 2 kids. With their own room and bathroom, the kids can really feel like they have their own private sanctuary while the parents are still near. Of course this works vice versa too. Also here the kids will find a backpack on their bed filled with goodies. There’s even a magnifying glass to study the smaller animals which they’ll come across on safari. One of the main attractions for the kids however is the private plungepool on the terrace. I’m not sure if the hippos expected guests that would enjoy the water even more than they do. Another hit is the stunning pizza oven where the youngster can create their own pizza together with the chef, giving the safari some Italian flair. 

Legendary Lodge Arusha, Tanzania

Arusha might not be the main destination for many, but it is the gateway for most of the Tanzanian safaris so most visitors will stay here either before or after their safari as flight connections aren’t always ideal. But it’s not because it’s mainly a stopover, that you can’t enjoy your time here, on the contrary. Located in the midst of a coffee plantation, you’ll find Legendary Lodge surrounded by stunning gardens. They have 12 cottages but you can call them villas as they are all separately located across the verdant greenery, and 2 of them are 2-bedroom villas, making it ideal for families. With a square footage that makes you dazzle, and a tasteful interior design, you really can’t ask for more. 

What I like most about Legendary Lodge, is the fact that the whole family can freely roam around without any hassle and in all safety. They even provide bicycles for everyone to ride around the grounds if you feel like it. But surely don’t forget to take a dip in the pool while the staff brings you the most delicious cocktails and kid friendly mocktails. This is a place to wind down after a long flight or an intense safari, and everything is made in such a way that you can instantly feel at home as a family (or couple). Want to play croquet in the garden or rather find your inner Van Gogh with the easels that are invitingly standing in the garden? Not a problem. It’s truly a home away from home. 

Segera, Kenya

Up in the northern part of Kenya, in the Laikipia area, you’ll find a superb lodge called Segera. Great for couples but ideal for families (or friends travelling together) thanks to the 10 villas which are dotted around the main building. Here you come to connect, not only with nature, but equally with each other. From the superbly designed villas to the common areas, everything is created in such a way that it lends itself for the perfect family safari getaway. And with its huge conservation efforts, it also allows for some superb game drives with lots of wildlife during your stay.

Segera proud itself to work closely with the local communities and organisations in the area, and that only benefits its guests. Imagine the memories your kids make when visiting the K9 unit, where they show exactly what their work entails and how they keep the wildlife safe. Or how about a night in the Nest. Yes, your read that correctly. It’s a unique experience where a couple or a family stays in this specially built suite in the middle of nature. Let the kids sip some hot chocolate under a blanket of a million stars, while your breath is equally taken away, yet with a slightly different drink in hand. 

andBeyond 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 sense the true island paradise  vibe, however andBeyond Mnemba is the perfect solution. Located north east of Zanzibar, just a couple of kilometres from the main island, Mnemba feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of Stone Town and the busy beaches. Here, on your own private island, you’ll find only 12 Banda’s (including a family Banda) spread out over the whole west side, allowing all of them some stunning sunset  views. Mnemba has a rule to only allow a maximum of 2 kids on the island at any given time, hence why there’s only one family Banda. 

No pool or kids club on the island, but there’s no need for it. There’s an endless pool all around and the kids are kept busy in multiple ways. Key players are of course the team on the island that happily take the kids for a sushi making class, or an epic snorkelling trip in the crystal clear waters surrounding Mnemba. The island itself is of course also a great place to hang out, and it houses Africa’s most rare antelope species, the Ader’s duiker. It’s a conservation effort happening right under your nose, yet one only a handful of people can witness. 

Would you take your family to one of these properties? Or would you rather keep safari and Eastern Africa as a couples only destination where you can truly unwind and relax while looking at some of the most amazing wildlife in the world or sitting at one of the stunning beaches with a cocktail in your hand? Or both of these options combined…..

Kristof Eyckmans

Kristof Eyckmans is a travel writer from Antwerp, Belgium. He’s been living all across the globe and while he loves wildlife and nature, he can still enjoy a good urban jungle.