Kenya and Tanzania Family Safari

Duration

16 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Experience East Africa with your family as you discover the wildlife, history, people, culture and beauty that spans across this incredible landscape.

Highlights

Meet some Maasai Mamas (the name for women artisans in Tanzania) and learn about their village life, including how to prepare a local Swahili dish.
Encounter roaring lions and magnificent zebra in the famous Serengeti National Park as our small safari vehicles get you close to the action in this spectacular wildlife arena.
Keep your eyes peeled for black and white rhinos on an adventure through Lake Nakuru National Park
Make friends with warriors of the Maasai tribe around the camp fire; they'll be on guard for lions while you and your family camp overnight
Venture into the incredible Masai Mara National Reserve for a full-day game drive

Trip Details

Duration

16 days

Transportation

Overland vehicle,4x4 Safari Vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Nairobi, Kenya

Finishes

Nairobi, Kenya

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

Family

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi

Jambo! Welcome to your Kenya and Tanzania Family Adventure. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5 pm. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. If you and your family arrive early, perhaps head out and explore the National Museum of Kenya, the Karen Blixen Museum or the highly recommended Bomas of Kenya where traditional homesteads of several Kenyan tribes are displayed in an outdoor village.

Optional Activities:

Nairobi - City Experience Urban Adventure (45 USD)
Nairobi - Karen Blixen museum (14 USD)
Nairobi - Bomas of Kenya (12 USD)
Nairobi - Langata Giraffe Sanctuary (1200 KES)

Accommodation:

Heron Court Portico or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Arusha

Hit the road after breakfast as you drive across the border to Tanzania and your overnight stop, Arusha. Located at the base of volcanic Mt Meru, Arusha is the gateway to safari destinations and to Africa's highest peak – the 5895 m Mt Kilimanjaro, lying some 100 kilometres northeast. After setting up the campsite on arrival, you and your family can relax and have a swim in the pool.

Accommodation:

Summit Lodge or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Karatu

Take a short drive to the small town of Kisongo where you and your family get to enjoy a fun day with some local ‘Mamas’ (the name for female artisans in Tanzania) First, the women will teach you how to prepare a local Swahili dish for lunch. After enjoying your creations, you’ll get the chance to take a closer look into their lives. With help from a translator, the women will lead smaller groups around their village. Visit their homes and see how a traditional boma (small hut made of mud and cow dung) is set up. You’ll also get to meet their families and learn about Maasai culture. After this illuminating day, drive to the small town of Karatu, the gateway to the Ngorongoro Crater. Have a good night’s sleep before we head on safari tomorrow!

Included Activities:

Kisongo - Cooking class, crafts & village walk

Accommodation:

Kudu Camping Ground with facilities or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Serengeti National Park

Travel from Karatu to the gate of Serengeti National Park and have a picnic lunch at the entrance. Enter the Serengeti and enjoy a game drive on the way to your campsite. The vast plains of the Serengeti – green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry season – are home to thousands of hoofed animals and fierce predators. Flat and rolling, with long grass and acacia trees, these plains get their name from the Maasai word siringet – 'The place where the land moves on forever'. Your campsite is right in the action, within the park itself, so listen out for the sounds of nocturnal animals as you drift off to sleep.

Included Activities:

Serengeti National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive

Accommodation:

Serengeti NP Camping Ground or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Serengeti National Park

Start the day with a game drive at dawn. You will head out while the animals are at their most active, then head back to camp for brunch at around 11 am. After spending the warmer part of the day relaxing, as the animals do, depart again at dusk for another adventure through the wild before returning in time for dinner. There's also the option of a balloon ride over the park today, which makes for an excellent family activity. If you have pre-booked this activity (please see the ‘Notes' section) you will be picked up before dawn and driven to the launch site. After a safety briefing, you will glide through the sunrise, sometimes at tree height, which provides amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes you will ascend, getting an overview of the enormity of the plains and the early morning movements of the teeming herds. After landing, you'll be treated to a five-star bush breakfast, before being returned to your camp.

Included Activities:

Serengeti National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive

Optional Activities:

Serengeti National Park - Balloon Ride (from price) (800 USD)

Accommodation:

Serengeti NP Camping Ground or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Ngorongoro Conservation Area - Karatu

Enjoy a game drive on your way out of the park today. After lunch you and your family will enter the Ngorongoro Conservation area. A gigantic, perfectly intact volcanic crater, Ngorongoro is home to some 30,000 animals. Among these are endangered black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, impalas, zebras and hippos. The crater floor offers excellent game viewing all year round, and the photo opportunities here are unrivalled. We jump in some 4WDs and head into the crater itself for three to four hours where the kids (and adults!) can enjoy spotting the animals. Leaving the park we head to Karatu - our overnight stop were the kids can take a swim in the campsite pool.

Included Activities:

Serengeti National Park - Afternoon 4WD Safari

Accommodation:

Flamingo Lodge campsite or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Mto Wa Mbu

After breakfast take a short 30-minute drive to Mto Wa Mbu where you will camp for the night. Upon arrival, join the local community for a guided afternoon stroll around the farming areas, milling machine and local homes before enjoying a traditional meal. This afternoon you can relax around the campsite or have a swim in the pool.

Included Activities:

Mto wa Mbu - Village walk and lunch

Accommodation:

Twiga Lodge & Campsite or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Nairobi

Set off early this morning (around 7.30 am), heading for the border with Kenya and then on to Nairobi. Upon arrival in Nairobi, you'll be dropped at tthe hotel where the rest of the day is yours to relax.

Day 9: Nairobi

You will have a free day to do as you please, if you didn't get a chance the first day why not head out to the National Museum of Kenya or the Karen Blixen Museum. Or simply have a day by the pool. You will have a meeting at 5pm to talk through the next part of your trip in Kenya. The meeting will take place in the foyer.

Accommodation:

Heron Court Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Lake Nakuru

Today will be a long day of adventuring. After breakfast, you will visit Langata Giraffe Sanctuary. This conservation project allows you to see the animals up close while learning more about them and their plight in the modern world. After lunch, head out of Nairobi towards Lake Nakuru (approximately 4-5 hours), arriving in time to pitch a tent at the campsite before the sun goes down. The alkaline waters of Lake Nakuru once supported an extremely large colony of flamingos – estimated to be up to two million strong! Over the course of the year the lake changes size considerably, shrinking to its smallest in March at the end of the dry season, and changing the type of birdlife and wildlife that inhabit the area. Unfortunately changes in water levels and chemical concentration caused the permanent population of flamingos to move elsewhere in the 1970s, however the lush area around the lake remains known for its bird life.

Included Activities:

Nairobi - Langata Giraffe Sanctuary

Accommodation:

Nakuru Camp site (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Lake Naivasha

Head out on an early morning game drive around Lake Nakuru. Keep a lookout for the white rhinos that can often be found around the shores. Afterwards, encounter friendly locals on a village visit before moving on to Lake Naivasha (approx: 2-3 hour drive). Lake Naivasha is a birdwatcher's paradise with floating islands of papyrus reeds. Afternoon wind and storms can cause the lake to become suddenly rough and produce high waves. For this reason, the local Maasai christened the lake Nai'posha meaning 'rough water’, which the British later misspelt as Naivasha. There is an option to hire a bike and pedal around the lake this afternoon if you wish to stretch your legs after the drive.

Included Activities:

Lake Nakuru - Village walk
Lake Nakuru - Overland Vehicle Game Drive

Optional Activities:

Lake Naivasha - Bike hire (12 USD)

Accommodation:

Fish Eagle Inn (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Lake Naivasha

After a camp breakfast, head towards Crater Lake and take part in a guided walk along one of the many trails. The waters of the lake draw a great range of game. Giraffes wander among the acacia, buffaloes wallow in the swamps and Colobus monkeys call from the treetops, while the lake’s large hippo population while away the day in the shallows. The easy walk is takes 3 hours and we recommend you bring with you good sturdy foot wear. Later you may like to take an optional boat ride across the lake or simply relax at camp and take advantage of the swimming pool. The afternoon is free to relax around the camp and take advantage of the swimming pool.

Included Activities:

Lake Naivasha - Game Walk in Crater Lake Game Sanctuary (entrance fee)

Optional Activities:

Lake Naivasha - Hell's Gate NP (Game Drive) (65 USD)
Lake Naivasha - Boat trip (4000 KES)

Accommodation:

Fish Eagle Inn (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Great Rift Valley and Loita Hills

Depart Lake Naivasha, making a short stop in Narok to do a spot of food shopping. Continue to Loita Hills (approximately 5-6 hours), stopping for lunch en route. Today's drive crosses the Great Rift Valley, Africa's immense and spectacular great divide, and takes you into the remote region of Loita Hills. This is the home of the traditional Maasai people. Visit the Maasai, who are known for their vibrant red dress and elaborate jewellery, and gain an insight into the culture and ancient ways of this proud East African community. After setting up your tent, meet your Maasai hosts. A local elder will deliver a fascinating talk about the Maasai and their history and culture. You'll be shown around a traditional Maasai home and see where the resident cattle are kept. Showers, upgrades and WiFi are not available at tonight's bush camp.

Included Activities:

Loita Hills - Cultural talk and village visit
Loita Hills - Maasai Village Visit

Accommodation:

Loita Hills Campsite (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Masai Mara

Travel from Loita to Masai Mara (approximately 1-2 hours). The road is dusty when dry, and could be slippery and soft when wet, so the going may be slow. The Masai Mara is the quintessential African experience, with sparse open plains, dramatic skies and some of the world's most tremendous animals. After setting up camp, sit down to some lunch, then jump back in the truck and go for a 3 hour game drive through the wilderness of the Mara. Your campground tonight is located outside of the national reserve and has flush toilets and showers. There is an option to upgrade, depending on availability. WiFi is not available here.

Included Activities:

Masai Mara - 4x4 Game Drive

Optional Activities:

Masai Mara National Reserve - Balloon ride (from price) (470 USD)

Accommodation:

Mara Springs Camp (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Masai Mara

Rise early and venture into the Masai Mara National Reserve for a full day of game driving (6hours). Explore this diverse environment and see a multitude of wildlife. Return to camp for lunch by the side of the Mara River – a great chance to spot crocs and hippos. Relax during the heat of the day before setting off again in the afternoon, expecting to return to camp around sunset. We'll stop en-route for a picnic lunch.

Included Activities:

Masai Mara - 4x4 Game Drive

Accommodation:

Mara Springs Camp (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Nairobi

Cross the plains of the Mara and climb the Rift Valley’s eastern wall past Mount Suswa on the return drive to Nairobi (approximately 6 hours). En route there may be opportunities to stop and make some final purchases. Once back in Nairobi perhaps enjoy a final dinner with the group in a local restaurant and reflect on this incredible African adventure. If you're flying out today, please book a flight after 6:00pm.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $7,045

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 16 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Experience East Africa with your family as you discover the wildlife, history, people, culture and beauty that spans across this incredible landscape.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 27 Dec 2025

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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