- Destinations: Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater
- Best For: Families with kids (3+ years)
- Safari Type: Private family safari
- Price Range: From $4,950 per person
- Best Time: June – October (Migration), January – March (Calving)
Planning a family safari in East Africa can feel overwhelming — especially when balancing wildlife experiences, travel time, and comfort for children. This carefully designed 11 Days Kenya & Tanzania Family Safari combines the best of both countries while keeping the journey smooth, safe, and enjoyable for families.You can explore more options in our Kenya Safari Packages and Tanzania Safari Tours for similar family-friendly itineraries.
From our experience organizing family safaris across the region, this itinerary focuses on shorter travel distances, flexible game drives, and carefully selected lodges that offer family-friendly amenities such as swimming pools, spacious rooms, and relaxed dining options. You will explore iconic destinations including the Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater — home to the Big Five and the world-famous Great Migration.
Explore the full itinerary below, including pricing, inclusions, and expert tips.
Quick Safari Overview
| Safari detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 11 days / 10 nights |
| Countries | Kenya and Tanzania |
| Route | Nairobi → Masai Mara → Lake Nakuru → Lake Naivasha → Serengeti → Ngorongoro → Arusha |
| Safari style | Private family safari |
| Best suited for | Families with children aged 3 years and above |
| Transport | Private safari vehicle with professional guides in Kenya and Tanzania |
| Accommodation | Family-friendly hotels, safari lodges and tented camps |
| Meals | Full board during the safari; meal plan varies in Nairobi and Arusha |
| Starting point | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Ending point | Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport, Tanzania |
| Best time to travel | June–October for dry-season wildlife viewing; January–March for the Serengeti calving season |
| Starting price | From USD 4,950 per person sharing |
This private 11-day Kenya and Tanzania family safari combines the Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater with a comfortable overnight stop near Migori or Isebania. Private game drives can be adjusted around your children’s ages and interests, while carefully selected accommodation provides suitable rooms, flexible meals and time to relax.
The quoted price depends on your travel season, family size, children’s ages and preferred accommodation category. Contact us for a personalised family quotation based on your exact travel dates.
Kenya and Tanzania Family Safari Route 2026/2027
Nairobi → Masai Mara → Migori/Isebania → Serengeti National Park → Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha
- Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi
- Days 2–4: Masai Mara
- Day 5: Migori/Isebania overnight stop
- Days 6–8: Serengeti National Park
- Day 9: Ngorongoro/Karatu
- Day 10: Ngorongoro Crater and Arusha
- Day 11: Departure from Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport
11-Day Kenya and Tanzania Family Safari Highlights
- Private family safari through Kenya and Tanzania
- Three nights exploring the wildlife-rich Masai Mara
- Flexible game drives adapted to your family’s preferred pace
- Comfortable overnight stop near Isebania before crossing into Tanzania
- Three nights in Serengeti National Park
- Opportunities to search for the Big Five and Great Migration herds
- Optional Serengeti hot-air balloon safari
- Full Ngorongoro Crater game drive
- Family-friendly lodges, camps and meal arrangements
- Professional local safari guides in both countries
Who Is This Safari For?
This safari is ideal for:
- Families travelling with children aged five years and above
- First-time visitors seeking Kenya and Tanzania’s major wildlife areas
- Families who prefer a private vehicle and flexible daily schedule
- Wildlife lovers hoping to see the Big Five and migration herds
- Multi-generational families seeking a balance of adventure and comfort
Why Choose This Family Safari?
A Comfortable Cross-Border Route
An overnight stop near Isebania breaks up the journey between the Masai Mara and Serengeti, making the border crossing more comfortable for families.
Flexible Family-Friendly Pacing
Private game drives can be adjusted around your children’s ages, interests and energy levels, with time available for meals, comfort stops and relaxation.
Three Iconic Wildlife Destinations
Explore the Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater—three outstanding wildlife areas with excellent opportunities to search for the Big Five and seasonal migration herds.
Local Support in Both Countries
Professional Kenyan and Tanzanian guides manage the game drives, border transfer and daily logistics, giving your family reliable assistance throughout the safari.
11-Day Kenya and Tanzania Family Safari Itinerary 2026/2027
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, a member of our team will welcome your family and transfer you to your Nairobi hotel. The remainder of the day is deliberately kept relaxed, allowing everyone to recover from the international flight and adjust to the local time. Depending on your arrival time, you can rest at the hotel, enjoy the swimming pool or take an optional short Nairobi excursion. Your safari guide will explain the itinerary, answer your questions and help prepare the family for the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Nairobi hotel
Meals: Depending on your arrival arrangements
Day 2: Nairobi to Masai Mara – Scenic Drive and Afternoon Safari
After breakfast, leave Nairobi and travel through the Great Rift Valley towards the Masai Mara National Reserve. A short stop at the Rift Valley viewpoint provides an opportunity to stretch, admire the scenery and take family photographs. Continue to your lodge or tented camp, with additional comfort stops arranged when needed. After lunch and time to settle into your accommodation, take your first afternoon game drive across the Mara plains. Look for elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and the reserve’s famous big cats before returning for dinner.
Approximate travel time: 5–6 hours, depending on traffic and lodge location
Accommodation: Family-friendly lodge or tented camp in Masai Mara
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3: Masai Mara – Full-Day Wildlife Safari
Spend the day exploring the Masai Mara with your private safari guide. You may choose a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch or divide the experience into shorter morning and afternoon drives, allowing time to relax at the lodge between activities. The reserve provides excellent opportunities to search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, cheetahs, leopards and numerous plains animals. From July to October, your guide may explore the Mara River area in search of migrating wildebeest and zebras, although river crossings and wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Accommodation: Family-friendly lodge or tented camp in Masai Mara
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4: Masai Mara – Flexible Family Game Drives
Enjoy another day in the Masai Mara, giving your family more time to experience the reserve without rushing. An early morning drive offers cooler temperatures and excellent opportunities to observe predators and other animals when they are most active. Return to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation, or continue with a picnic lunch if the family prefers a longer game drive. An optional Maasai village visit can be arranged at an additional cost. The day’s schedule remains flexible and can be adjusted according to your children’s ages, energy levels and wildlife interests.
Accommodation: Family-friendly lodge or tented camp in Masai Mara
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5: Masai Mara to the Isebania or Migori Area
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely departure from the Masai Mara and travel towards Migori or the Isebania border area. Breaking the journey here avoids an exhausting same-day drive from central Kenya into Serengeti National Park. The journey passes through rural communities, farmland and the rolling landscapes of western Kenya, with comfort and refreshment stops arranged along the way. Arrive at your hotel in the afternoon and spend the remainder of the day relaxing. This quieter overnight stop allows the family to approach the international border refreshed the following morning.
Approximate travel time: 4–6 hours, depending on your Masai Mara camp and overnight hotel
Accommodation: Hotel near Migori or Isebania
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6: Cross into Tanzania and Continue to Serengeti
After an early breakfast, drive to the Isebania border and complete the Kenya and Tanzania immigration formalities. Your Kenyan guide will assist with the crossing before introducing you to your Tanzanian driver-guide and safari vehicle. Continue through northwestern Tanzania towards Serengeti National Park, stopping for refreshments and lunch along the way. After entering the park, enjoy an en-route game drive as you travel to your camp. Although this remains a substantial travel day, the previous night’s stop makes it considerably more comfortable for families than travelling directly from Lake Naivasha.
Approximate travel time: 6–8 hours, depending on border formalities, road conditions and camp location
Accommodation: Family-friendly lodge or tented camp in Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7: Serengeti National Park – Full-Day Safari
Today is dedicated to exploring Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife areas. Depart after breakfast with a picnic lunch or arrange separate morning and afternoon game drives according to your family’s preferred pace. Your guide will search for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes and large herds of wildebeest and zebras. Wildlife locations vary throughout the year, so the day’s route will be selected according to current conditions. Regular breaks can be incorporated to ensure that younger travellers remain comfortable and engaged throughout the experience.
Accommodation: Family-friendly lodge or tented camp in Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 8: Serengeti – Flexible Game Drives or Optional Balloon Safari
Begin with an optional sunrise balloon safari, subject to availability, age restrictions and an additional charge. Family members not participating can enjoy a morning game drive or a relaxed breakfast at the camp. Spend the remainder of the day exploring another section of the Serengeti, allowing your guide to follow recent wildlife movements and search for animals missed the previous day. Families may choose a full-day outing or return to camp for lunch and relaxation before taking an afternoon drive. This flexible arrangement balances rewarding wildlife viewing with adequate rest for children.
Accommodation: Family-friendly lodge or tented camp in Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 9: Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Enjoy a final morning game drive while leaving Serengeti National Park and travelling towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The route provides further opportunities to observe wildlife across the plains before the landscape gradually changes into the cooler Ngorongoro highlands. An optional visit to Olduvai Gorge may be arranged, depending on timing and family interest. Continue to your lodge near the crater rim or in the Karatu area and spend the evening relaxing. Saving the crater descent for the following morning provides more time for a complete and comfortable game drive.
Approximate travel time: 4–6 hours, excluding wildlife and sightseeing stops
Accommodation: Lodge near Ngorongoro or in Karatu
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 10: Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Transfer to Arusha
After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a rewarding game drive. The crater supports lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, zebras, wildebeest and many other species, with a possibility of spotting the endangered black rhino. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated site before continuing the game drive. Later, ascend from the crater and travel through the scenic highlands towards Arusha. Arrive in the late afternoon or evening and settle into your hotel, where the family can relax and reflect on the wildlife experiences shared across Kenya and Tanzania.
Approximate travel time to Arusha: 3–4 hours after leaving the conservation area
Accommodation: Arusha hotel
Meals: Breakfast and lunch; dinner according to your hotel arrangement
Day 11: Departure from Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and spend the morning at leisure, depending on your flight schedule. A representative will transfer your family to Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey. If your flight departs later in the day, optional activities such as an Arusha city tour, cultural visit or coffee-estate experience can be arranged in advance. Your 11-day family safari concludes with memorable experiences from the Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, along with the convenience of a carefully paced cross-border journey.
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer: Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport
Family Safari Accommodation Options
| Nights | Destination | Mid-range option | Luxury option |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nairobi | Tamarind Tree Hotel | Emara Ole-Sereni |
| 2–4 | Masai Mara | Zebra Plains Mara Camp | Mara Serena Safari Lodge |
| 5 | Migori/Isebania | Calabash Hotel or similar | Best available upgraded hotel |
| 6–8 | Serengeti | Serengeti Kati Kati Camp | Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge |
| 9 | Ngorongoro/Karatu | Bougainvillea Safari Lodge | Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge |
| 10 | Arusha | Forest Hill Hotel | Gran Meliá Arusha |
Family rooms, interconnected rooms and extra beds are subject to availability. The final accommodation will be confirmed according to your family size, children’s ages, travel season and preferred budget.
Guide and Safari Expert Insights
A successful family safari depends on comfortable pacing, suitable accommodation and realistic driving times. Based on our experience organising Kenya and Tanzania safaris, we recommend the following:
- Choose private game drives so the daily schedule can be adjusted around your children.
- Split the Masai Mara–Serengeti journey with an overnight stop near Migori or Isebania.
- Select family rooms or interconnected rooms well in advance, especially from July to October.
- Pack snacks, sun protection, warm morning layers and activities for longer transfers.
- Alternate longer wildlife-viewing days with relaxed evenings at the lodge.
- Never rely on guaranteed sightings; your guide will use current wildlife movements to plan each game drive.
Expert Tip from John Peter
“With more than 16 years of experience planning East African safaris, I have found that families enjoy their journey most when the itinerary allows time to rest. A private vehicle, flexible game drives and a well-planned border crossing make this Kenya and Tanzania safari more comfortable for both children and adults.”
John Peter
East Africa Safari Expert
Family Safari Information
Child Rates and Rooms
Child prices depend on age, park-fee rules and room arrangements. Please provide each child’s age when requesting a quotation. Family rooms, interconnected rooms and extra beds are subject to availability and should be reserved early.
Child Seats and Meals
Child seats can be provided when requested in advance. Most lodges can accommodate vegetarian, halal and other dietary requirements with prior notice.
Driving Times and Comfort Stops
The longest scheduled journey is the Isebania–Serengeti transfer, which may take approximately 6–8 hours. Your private guide will arrange toilet, refreshment and stretching stops whenever practical.
Health and Safety
Parents must supervise children around swimming pools, wildlife areas and unfenced camps. Consult a qualified travel-health professional about malaria prevention, vaccinations and personal medical requirements before travelling.
Passports and Border Documents
Every traveller, including children, must carry the required passport and entry documents. Requirements vary by nationality, so check the official Kenya eTA website and official Tanzania eVisa portal. Families should also confirm whether consent documents are required when a minor travels with only one parent or guardian.
Balloon Safari
Minimum age, height and safety requirements vary between balloon operators. We will confirm each child’s eligibility before reserving this optional activity.
Kenya and Tanzania Family Safari Cost 2026/2027
This private 11-day Kenya and Tanzania family safari starts from USD 4,950 per person sharing. The final cost depends on your travel season, family size, children’s ages, room arrangements and preferred accommodation category.
| Safari option | Starting price | Travel style |
|---|---|---|
| Private mid-range family safari | From USD 4,950 per person sharing | Family-friendly lodges and tented camps |
| Private luxury family safari | From USD 7,500 per person sharing | Luxury lodges, camps and upgraded services |
| Children’s price | Quoted according to age | Based on room-sharing and park-fee policies |
The Safari Price Includes
- Private safari vehicles in Kenya and Tanzania
- Professional English-speaking driver-guides
- Ten nights’ accommodation
- Meals specified in the itinerary
- Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro park fees
- Airport transfers in Nairobi and Arusha
- Kenya–Tanzania border transfer assistance
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Government taxes and applicable levies
The Safari Price Excludes
- International and regional flights
- Kenya eTA and Tanzania visa costs
- Travel and medical insurance
- Optional hot-air balloon safari
- Optional cultural visits
- Tips, alcoholic drinks, laundry and personal expenses
- Activities not specified in the itinerary
Request an Accurate Family Quote
Send us your travel dates, number of adults, children’s ages and preferred accommodation level. We will prepare a personalised quotation based on current lodge availability and seasonal rates.
WhatsApp: +254 728 567 308
Email: info@paradiseafricasafari.com
Factors That Affect the Safari Price
- Travel season: Peak months generally have higher rates.
- Family size: More travellers can reduce the private vehicle cost per person.
- Children’s ages: Child discounts vary by lodge and park.
- Accommodation: Mid-range, luxury and room arrangements affect the cost.
- Transport: Optional flights cost more than overland travel.
- Activities: Balloon safaris and cultural visits cost extra.
Your final price depends on your travel dates, family size, children’s ages and lodge availability
Frequently Asked Questions – Kenya & Tanzania Family Safari
1. Is this safari suitable for children?
Yes, this itinerary is specifically designed for families with children aged 5 years and above. We adjust driving distances, game drive durations, and accommodations to ensure comfort and safety for kids.
2. What is the best time for a family safari in Kenya and Tanzania?
The best time is June to October for the Great Migration and excellent wildlife viewing. For fewer crowds and calving season, January to March is also ideal.
3. How long are the daily drives on this safari?
Most drives range between 3 to 6 hours, with regular stops. We carefully design the itinerary to avoid long, tiring journeys for families.
4. Will we see the Big Five during this safari?
The Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater provide excellent opportunities to search for all members of the Big Five. However, wildlife moves freely, so particular sightings can never be guaranteed.
5. What to Pack for Your Family Safari
Packing correctly can greatly improve your safari experience, especially when traveling with children. We recommend lightweight clothing, comfortable shoes, and sun protection.
For a complete checklist, visit our What to Pack for Safari.
6. Are the lodges family-friendly?
Absolutely. We select lodges with:
- Family rooms or interconnected tents
- Swimming pools
- Flexible meal options
7. Do we need entry authorisation for Kenya and Tanzania?
Entry requirements depend on each traveller’s nationality. Most eligible international visitors must obtain a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation before departure, while Tanzania may require an eVisa, referral visa or no visa depending on nationality. Check the official Kenya eTA website and official Tanzania eVisa portal before travelling.
8. Is the hot air balloon safari worth it for families?
A Serengeti balloon safari can be a memorable experience for families with eligible older children. Minimum age, height and safety rules vary between operators, so we will confirm eligibility before booking. The balloon safari is optional and costs extra.
Editorial Review
This 11-day Kenya and Tanzania family safari was reviewed for route practicality, family comfort, realistic travel times and destination accuracy. The itinerary includes an overnight stop near Migori or Isebania to make the journey between the Masai Mara and Serengeti more manageable for families.
Accommodation, park fees, road conditions and border procedures may change. The itinerary and quotation should therefore be reconfirmed for each family’s travel dates, children’s ages and room requirements.
Editorially reviewed by: John Peter
Last reviewed: 5 September 2026
About the Author
John Peter – East Africa Safari Expert
John Peter is an East Africa safari specialist with more than 16 years of experience planning private, family and cross-border safaris across Kenya and Tanzania. His expertise includes route planning, family-friendly accommodation, wildlife destinations, border logistics and personalised safari arrangements.
He works directly with travellers to adapt each itinerary according to their dates, family size, children’s ages, interests and preferred budget.
Specialist areas: Kenya and Tanzania safaris, family travel, Great Migration tours and tailor-made itineraries
Contact: info@paradiseafricasafari.com
WhatsApp: +254 728 567 308
What Guests Say About Paradise Africa Safaris
★★★★★ A Memorable Family Safari Across Kenya and Tanzania
Reviewer: Maps and Memories – United States
Travelled: July 2026
Group type: Family travelling with a tween
Safari highlights: Kenya and Tanzania wildlife, lion cubs, knowledgeable guides and family-friendly planning
The family praised John Peter’s patient communication, customised planning and continued support throughout their journey. Their daughter remained engaged during the safari, while the guides made the wildlife experiences educational, comfortable and enjoyable for the entire family.
Source: SafariBookings customer review
★★★★★ An Excellent First Kenya and Tanzania Safari
Reviewer: Polly L – Australia
Travelled: July 2026
Group type: First-time safari traveller; group composition not stated
Safari highlights: Masai Mara, Tanzania, Big Five sightings and professional guides
Polly appreciated the knowledgeable guides working on both sides of the border. She described the safari as safe, enjoyable and well coordinated, with memorable wildlife encounters across Kenya and Tanzania.
Source: SafariBookings customer review
★★★★★ Great Migration and River-Crossing Experience
Reviewer: Hong – United States
Travelled: August 2024
Group type: Group of eight friends
Safari highlights: Kenya and Tanzania, Great Migration and Mara River crossings
Hong praised the patient trip planning and the guide’s experience in locating wildlife. The group’s main highlight was observing the Great Migration and several river crossings in the Masai Mara and Serengeti.
Source: SafariBookings customer review
★★★★★ A Private Multi-Generational Family Adventure
Reviewer: Annabel – United States
Travelled: July 2024
Group type: Multi-generational family of four
Safari highlights: Private Kenya safari, Masai Mara, cheetahs, Big Five and personalised assistance
Annabel valued the company’s willingness to customise the family’s private safari and assist when unexpected travel-document problems occurred. The family particularly appreciated their guide’s wildlife knowledge and ability to create memorable sightings.
Source: SafariBookings customer review
★★★★★ A Wonderful Family Safari in Kenya
Reviewer: Julius G – Kenya
Travelled: October 2025
Group type: Family safari
Safari highlights: Masai Mara, Amboseli, Mount Kilimanjaro and the Kenyan coast
Julius praised the safari arrangements and the guide selected for his family. Their journey combined wildlife viewing in the Masai Mara and Amboseli with time at the coast, creating a varied and enjoyable family holiday.
Source: SafariBookings customer review
Read the original customer reviews on SafariBookings
Ready to Start Your Kenya and Tanzania Family Safari?
Explore the Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater on a private family safari, with a comfortable overnight stop near Migori or Isebania. We can customise the accommodation and activities to suit your travel dates, children’s ages and budget.
WhatsApp: +254 728 567 308
Email: info@paradiseafricasafari.com
