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Imara Africa Safaris
Family-Friendly Safaris

A Safe, Fun Kenya Family Safari

Give your kids the trip of a lifetime — without the stress. Private vehicles you control, family-friendly lodges with pools, child-friendly pacing and lower-malaria parks. Planned by a KATO-bonded team that travels with families every week.

KATO bondedPrivate family vehicleChild-friendly pacing
Ages 0+
Welcome
Private
Vehicle & guide
Kids
Often discounted
Family-friendly lodgesPrivate 4×4, your paceLower-malaria parksKid-friendly pacing

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Licensed, bonded & top-rated

KATO bonded, TRA licensed and rated by real travellers on Google & TripAdvisor.

KATO Bonded Member

Kenya Association of Tour Operators

TRA Licensed Operator

Tourism Regulatory Authority of Kenya

Santa Imara Africa Safaris Limited (trading as Imara Africa Safaris) · Registered in Nairobi, Kenya. Our KATO bonded-member number and TRA licence details appear on the official certificate above — click to view and verify.

Is a Kenya safari good for families with kids?

Yes — Kenya is one of the best family-safari destinations in the world. The key is a private vehicle so you control the pace and can return for naps, family-friendly lodges with pools and interconnecting rooms, and compact, lower-malaria parks for younger kids. Ages 5–12 are the sweet spot, but with the right planning toddlers and teens both thrive. Many lodges offer free or discounted child rates, and a beach finish at Diani keeps everyone happy.

5–12
Sweet-spot ages
All ages welcome though
Private
4×4 & guide
You set the pace
Low-risk
Park options
Lower-malaria choices
Kids
Discounted
Free under-3s at many lodges

Sample Itineraries

Family safari itineraries

Family-tested starting points — tap a length. Pacing, rooms and activities are all customisable to your kids' ages.

Easy First Family Safari

Short, compact and low-stress — perfect for younger children's first safari.

from ~$1,300 pp
  1. Day 1

    Arrive Nairobi

    Family welcome; optional Giraffe Centre or elephant orphanage in the afternoon.

  2. Day 2

    Lake Nakuru NP

    Short drives, rhino, flamingos and easy wildlife spotting for little ones.

  3. Day 3–4

    Masai Mara

    Family-friendly camp with a pool; paced game drives and a Maasai village visit.

  4. Day 5

    Return to Nairobi

    Morning drive, then road or flight back for departure.

Family-First Planning

How we make family safaris work

Your own private vehicle

No shared seats with strangers — you control the pace, stops, snack breaks and early returns.

Family-friendly lodges

Pools, family suites, interconnecting rooms, kids' menus and early dinners — fenced where there are predators.

Lower-malaria parks

We favour compact, lower-risk parks for younger children and advise on health precautions.

Pacing built for kids

Shorter, well-timed drives, downtime in the middle of the day and plenty of pool and play time.

Junior-ranger fun

Spotting checklists, bush walks, tracking, Maasai visits — engaging activities beyond the game drive.

Smart child pricing

We build in the best available child rates — free under-3s and discounts for under-12s at many lodges.

Best Family Parks

The best Kenya parks for families

Where we send families and why — pick a park to see what makes it kid-friendly.

Amboseli

Elephants & Kili

Open plains make wildlife easy to spot, the elephant herds delight children, and short driving distances suit younger kids.

Easy wildlife spotting5/5
Short drives5/5
Kid 'wow' factor5/5
Lower malaria4/5
Big elephantsOpen viewsShort drives

What It Costs

Family safari price guide

Per adult, per day sharing — including a private 4×4, guide, park fees, family-friendly lodges and most meals. Children are usually charged less.

Mid-range

$280–$450 / adult / day

Family lodges and camps with pools, private vehicle, reduced child rates.

Luxury

$500–$850 / adult / day

Premium family suites, more space and elevated guiding and activities.

Ultra-luxury

$900+ / adult / day

Exclusive-use villas and conservancies — ideal for multi-generation trips.

Children often stay free (under 3s) or at 50% at family-friendly lodges, and park fees are lower for kids — so family trips can cost less per head than you'd expect. We always build in the best child rates.

Meet Your Team

The real people who plan & run your safari

From the consultants who design your itinerary to the born-and-raised, professionally certified guides behind the wheel — not a faceless call centre.

Lewis Munuhe — Founder & Director at Imara Africa Safaris

Lewis Munuhe

Team

Founder & Director

Lewis Munuhe is the Director and Owner of Imara Africa Safaris, specializing in tailor-made safaris across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. He leads the company with a passion for authentic African travel, personalized safari planning, wildlife experiences, and exceptional guest service.

EnglishSwahili
Wendy Muri — Marketing • Director • Safari Curator at Imara Africa Safaris

Wendy Muri

Team

Marketing • Director • Safari Curator

Wendy Muri is the Marketing Director and Safari Curator at Imara Africa Safaris, combining strategic brand leadership with a passion for crafting exceptional African travel experiences. She specializes in designing authentic safari journeys that connect travelers with Africa's wildlife, cultures, and breathtaking landscapes while ensuring every itinerary reflects the highest standards of service and personalization.

EnglishSwahili
Catherine Wairimu — Safari Curator • Sales & Marketing at Imara Africa Safaris

Catherine Wairimu

Team

Safari Curator • Sales & Marketing

Catherine Wairimu is a Safari Curator in Sales & Marketing at Imara Africa Safaris, helping travelers plan personalized African safari experiences rooted in wildlife, culture, comfort, and authentic adventure.

EnglishSwahili
Ian Mwangi — Safari Curator • Sales & Marketing at Imara Africa Safaris

Ian Mwangi

Team

Safari Curator • Sales & Marketing

Ian Mwangi is a Safari Curator in Sales & Marketing at Imara Africa Safaris, helping travelers plan personalized African safari experiences shaped around wildlife, culture, comfort, and authentic adventure.

EnglishSwahili
Lincoln Kinyua — Safari Curator • Sales & Marketing at Imara Africa Safaris

Lincoln Kinyua

Team

Safari Curator • Sales & Marketing

Lincoln Kinyua is a Safari Curator in Sales & Marketing at Imara Africa Safaris, specializing in tailor-made safaris across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. He helps travelers design personalized journeys filled with wildlife, culture, comfort, and authentic African adventure.

EnglishSwahili
Eunice Mutua — Safari Curator • Sales & Marketing at Imara Africa Safaris

Eunice Mutua

Team

Safari Curator • Sales & Marketing

Eunice Mutua is a Safari Curator in Sales & Marketing at Imara Africa Safaris, specializing in tailor-made safaris across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. She helps travelers create personalized African journeys filled with wildlife, culture, comfort, and authentic adventure.

EnglishSwahili
Susan Muthoni — Safari Curator • Sales & Marketing at Imara Africa Safaris

Susan Muthoni

Team

Safari Curator • Sales & Marketing

Susan Muthoni is a Safari Curator in Sales & Marketing at Imara Africa Safaris, specializing in tailor-made safaris across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. She helps travelers plan personalized African journeys filled with wildlife, culture, comfort, and authentic adventure.

EnglishSwahili
Faith Njeri — Safari Curator • Sales & Marketing at Imara Africa Safaris

Faith Njeri

Team

Safari Curator • Sales & Marketing

Faith Njeri is a Safari Curator in Sales & Marketing at Imara Africa Safaris, specializing in tailor-made safaris across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. She helps travelers plan personalized African journeys filled with wildlife, culture, comfort, and authentic adventure.

EnglishSwahili
Simon Kimani Waithaka — Senoir Tour Guide at Imara Africa Safaris

Simon Kimani Waithaka

Guide

Senoir Tour Guide

Simon Kimani Waithaka is a Professional Safari Guide at Imara Africa Safaris, offering expert wildlife guiding, guest care, and destination knowledge for tailor-made safari experiences across East Africa.

15+ yrsEnglishSwahili
Patrick Maranga — Senior Safari Guide at Imara Africa Safaris

Patrick Maranga

Guide

Senior Safari Guide

Patrick Maranga is a Senior Safari Guide at Imara Africa Safaris, offering expert wildlife guiding, destination knowledge, and personalized guest care on tailor-made safari experiences across East Africa.

16+ yrsEnglishSwahili
Ken Waihenya — Professional Mountain Guide at Imara Africa Safaris

Ken Waihenya

Guide

Professional Mountain Guide

Ken Waihenya is a Mountain Guide at Imara Africa Safaris, helping travelers enjoy safe, scenic, and memorable trekking experiences across East Africa. He brings strong outdoor guiding, route awareness, guest care, and adventure travel support to mountain journeys and safari extensions.

15+ yrsEnglishSwahili
Edward Mathu — Professional Safari Guide at Imara Africa Safaris

Edward Mathu

Guide

Professional Safari Guide

Edward Mathu is a Professional Safari Guide at Imara Africa Safaris, offering knowledgeable wildlife guiding, warm guest care, and personalized safari experiences across East Africa.

12+ yrsEnglishSwahili

Our Own Fleet

Travel in our own 4×4 safari vehicles

We own and maintain our fleet — custom-built Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs, charging, fridges and window seats for every guest. No sub-contracted transport.

4×4 Safari Land Cruiser — Imara Africa Safaris game-drive vehicle

4×4 Safari Land Cruiser

Toyota 78 Series — Game Drive Specialist

7 - 8 guestsGuaranteed window seatUSB charging portsCool box
4×4 Safari Van — Imara Africa Safaris game-drive vehicle

4×4 Safari Van

Toyota HiAce Custom — Budget-Friendly Explorer

6–7 guestsPop-up roof hatchSliding windowsUSB charging ports
Open-Sided Land Cruiser — Imara Africa Safaris game-drive vehicle

Open-Sided Land Cruiser

Photographer's Dream — Unobstructed Views

4–6 guestsFully open sidesTiered seatingBean bag supports
Overland Safari Truck — Imara Africa Safaris game-drive vehicle

Overland Safari Truck

Group Expedition Vehicle — Multi-Country Adventures

12–24 guestsElevated seatingOnboard kitchenCamping storage
Mini Bus / Rosa Bus — Imara Africa Safaris game-drive vehicle

Mini Bus / Rosa Bus

Rosa / Coaster — Large Group Transfers

15–30 guestsAir-conditionedReclining seatsLarge luggage compartment
Land Cruiser Prado / V8 — Imara Africa Safaris game-drive vehicle

Land Cruiser Prado / V8

Luxury Transfer — VIP Experience

4–6 guestsLeather interiorPowerful A/C4WD suspension

Verified Reviews

What travellers actually say

Real, verified reviews synced directly from TripAdvisor and Google — not testimonials we wrote ourselves.

Olivia Pettigrew
Olivia Pettigrew

We have just returned from an incredible safari organised by Imara African Safaris, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. From the very beginning, Wendy was absolutely fantastic. This trip was particularly meaningful to me because my dad visited Salt Lick Safari Lodge over 25 years ago and sadly passed away last year. Returning there was something I had always hoped to do in his memory, and Wendy went above and beyond to make sure every detail was exactly as I wanted it. Her care, attention, and understanding made the experience even more special than I could have imagined. One of the things that immediately stood out was the personal service. It was such a lovely touch that the owner and members of the team took the time to come and meet us at the start of our trip. It made us feel genuinely valued as guests and showed how much they care about providing an exceptional experience from day one. Wendy also worked closely with my partner, who is now my fiancé, to help plan a truly unforgettable engagement during our trip. The proposal was perfectly organised and such a special moment for us both. As an extra touch, the team even created an engagement video for us to keep as a lifelong memory, which was incredibly thoughtful and something we will always treasure. The entire trip was seamless from start to finish, with excellent organisation, communication, and accommodation throughout. A special mention must also go to our guide, Edward. He was outstanding. His knowledge of the wildlife, landscapes, and local area was incredible, and no matter what question we asked, he always knew the answer. Beyond that, he was genuinely one of the friendliest, kindest, and most professional people we have met. His passion for what he does shone through every day and made our safari experience unforgettable. Thanks to Wendy, Edward, and the whole team at Imara African Safaris, we created memories that will stay with us forever. This was much more than just a holiday—it was a deeply personal journey, a chance to honour my dad’s memory, and the place where we got engaged. If you’re considering a safari in Kenya, I would wholeheartedly recommend Imara African Safaris. They delivered a truly exceptional experience, and we are so grateful for everything they did for us. Thank you, Imara African Safaris, for giving us memories we will cherish forever.

Safari photo from Olivia Pettigrew's review
oliviar880
oliviar880
Glasgow, Scotland

Life changing!

We have just returned from an incredible safari organised by Imara African Safaris, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. From the very beginning, Wendy was absolutely fantastic. This trip was particularly meaningful to me because my dad visited Salt Lick Safari Lodge over 25 years ago and sadly passed away last year. Returning there was something I had always hoped to do in his memory, and Wendy went above and beyond to make sure every detail was exactly as I wanted it. Her care, attention, and understanding made the experience even more special than I could have imagined. One of the things that immediately stood out was the personal service. It was such a lovely touch that the owner and members of the team took the time to come and meet us at the start of our trip. It made us feel genuinely valued as guests and showed how much they care about providing an exceptional experience from day one. Wendy also worked closely with my partner, who is now my fiancé, to help plan a truly unforgettable engagement during our trip. The proposal was perfectly organised and such a special moment for us both. As an extra touch, the team even created an engagement video for us to keep as a lifelong memory, which was incredibly thoughtful and something we will always treasure. The entire trip was seamless from start to finish, with excellent organisation, communication, and accommodation throughout. A special mention must also go to our guide, Edward. He was outstanding. His knowledge of the wildlife, landscapes, and local area was incredible, and no matter what question we asked, he always knew the answer. Beyond that, he was genuinely one of the friendliest, kindest, and most professional people we have met. His passion for what he does shone through every day and made our safari experience unforgettable. Thanks to Wendy, Edward, and the whole team at Imara African Safaris, we created memories that will stay with us forever. This was much more than just a holiday—it was a deeply personal journey, a chance to honour my dad’s memory, and the place where we got engaged. If you’re considering a safari in Kenya, I would wholeheartedly recommend Imara African Safaris. They delivered a truly exceptional experience, and we are so grateful for everything they did for us. Thank you, Imara African Safaris, for giving us memories we will cherish forever.

Safari photo from oliviar880's review
robertG4479NC
robertG4479NC
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Rift Valley Province

Unforgettable experience

Our trip to Kenya and Zanzibar with Imara Safari was truly the experience of a lifetime. From start to finish, everything was exceptionally well organised, allowing us to relax and enjoy every moment of an unforgettable adventure. We travelled through Nairobi, the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, and finished with a wonderful stay in Zanzibar. Each destination offered something unique, from incredible wildlife sightings and breathtaking landscapes to beautiful beaches and unforgettable memories. A special mention must go to our guide and driver, Eddie. His knowledge of the wildlife, local culture, and the parks was outstanding. He always went the extra mile to ensure we had the best possible experience, and his expertise helped us spot an amazing variety of animals throughout the trip. His passion for Kenya and its wildlife really enhanced our safari. I would also like to thank Wendy, who played a huge part in helping me organise a surprise proposal to my girlfriend at the stunning Salt Lick Safari Lodge. Everything was arranged perfectly, and it created a magical moment that we will cherish forever. The attention to detail and support from Wendy made the occasion completely stress-free and incredibly special. This was far more than just a holiday—it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with adventure, romance, and memories that will stay with us forever. I cannot recommend Imara Safari highly enough and would happily book with them again in the future. Thank you to the entire team for making our dream trip a reality!

Safari photo from robertG4479NC's review
657parvathyv
657parvathyv

Amazing Kenyan Trip!

Had a great trip with Imara! Although we had decided to do the Kenya trip with just a months time, Imara ensured we got the best experience. Right from the airport pickup to the safaris, everything was top notch! They even arranged a cake and a singing for a birthday we were celebrating. Simon is truly one of the best guides Imara has! He ensured we were on time and showed the best spottings we could have seen. He also put in effort to ensure that we get the best pictures. He is very experienced and answered all the queries we had, and also explained the different animal behaviours. Our parents, especially, loved his companionship. Overall, great Kenya experience through Imara. They are super responsive and answered all our queries during the booking phase. They also incorporated our requirements and tailor made the itinerary. Would highly recommend Imara for Kenya trip.

Safari photo from 657parvathyv's review
Parvathy Vinod
Parvathy Vinod

Had a great trip with Imara! Although we had decided to do the Kenya trip with just a months time, Imara ensured we got the best experience. Right from the airport pickup to the safaris, everything was top notch! They even arranged a cake and a singing for a birthday we were celebrating. Simon is truly one of the best guides Imara has! He ensured we were on time and showed the best spottings we could have seen. He also put in effort to ensure that we get the best pictures. He is very experienced and answered all the queries we had, and also explained the different animal behaviours. Our parents, especially, loved his companionship. Overall, great Kenya experience through Imara. They are super responsive and answered all our queries during the booking phase. They also incorporated our requirements and tailor made the itinerary. Would highly recommend Imara for Kenya trip.

Safari photo from Parvathy Vinod's review
Tahseen Ahmed
Tahseen Ahmed

Excellent service start to finish. Our first shout out to Lincoln who was our POC for everything from booking the vacation, filling out stuff, answering all our questions and for being always responsive and helpful. Second shout out to the service we received while in the car and at the hotels. Strong free wifi always in the car no matter how remote the location we were in, we always had the fastest and reliable internet. A mini fridge with unlimited water and cold drinks for us at all times. While at the hotels we were always received with a warm welcome, an excellent service, amazing food options, helpful staff, clean and cozy rooms. Lastly, and biggest shout out to our amazing driver Patrick who drove us everywhere from start to finish. From picking us up from the hotels, taking us on game drives, patiently waiting for us to take pictures of all the beautiful animals no matter how many times we ask him to stop for a quick snap, for his impeccable driving skills in one of the most challenging terrains I have even experienced, for his absolutely incredible memory to remember every single location for our hotels, all the crazy roads without any sings, while still managing to find the best spots to see wildlife every single time. Patrick is one of the rare gems who knew was extremely patient with us, kind, caring and helpful. His knowledge of identifying every unique animal and bird was always on point. I cannot recommend enough how much we enjoyed as a family of 4, if we ever decide to do this all over again, we will not hesitate to book again with Imara African Safari.

Safari photo from Tahseen Ahmed's review
raquel franco
raquel franco

An Incredible Safari Adventure in Kenya Our safari through Kenya was everything we had hoped for and more. From the first inquiry to the final day of the trip, every detail was handled with care and professionalism. A huge thank you goes to our guide, Sammy who made this journey truly unforgettable. His expertise, enthusiasm, and deep understanding of the wildlife and local culture added so much value to every game drive. He always knew where to be at the right time, giving us countless opportunities to witness amazing animal encounters and breathtaking landscapes. Throughout the trip, Sammy was reliable, friendly, and incredibly attentive. Whether answering our questions, sharing fascinating insights, or ensuring we were comfortable, he consistently went above and beyond to make our experience special. The itinerary was thoughtfully planned, allowing us to enjoy the diverse beauty of the Masai Mara, Amboseli and Nakuru at a relaxed pace. We would wholeheartedly recommend Sammy and the entire team to anyone looking for a well-organized, authentic, and memorable safari experience. It was truly a trip we’ll never forget.

Safari photo from raquel franco's review
Navigate633152
Navigate633152

5 days Kenya Safari

An Incredible Safari Adventure in Kenya Our safari through Kenya was everything we had hoped for and more. From the first inquiry to the final day of the trip, every detail was handled with care and professionalism. A huge thank you goes to our guide, Sammy who made this journey truly unforgettable. His expertise, enthusiasm, and deep understanding of the wildlife and local culture added so much value to every game drive. He always knew where to be at the right time, giving us countless opportunities to witness amazing animal encounters and breathtaking landscapes. Throughout the trip, Sammy was reliable, friendly, and incredibly attentive. Whether answering our questions, sharing fascinating insights, or ensuring we were comfortable, he consistently went above and beyond to make our experience special. The itinerary was thoughtfully planned, allowing us to enjoy the diverse beauty of the Masai Mara, Amboseli and Nakuru at a relaxed pace. We would wholeheartedly recommend Sammy and the entire team to anyone looking for a well-organized, authentic, and memorable safari experience. It was truly a trip we’ll never forget.

Safari photo from Navigate633152's review

Planned and run by us — not a reseller

With kids, the details matter: the right vehicle, the right rooms, the right pace, a guide who's great with children. A reseller can't promise any of that. We operate your safari ourselves, choose the lodges, brief the guide, and stay one message away the whole trip.

Private family vehicle — never shared with strangers
Guides experienced with children
We pick family-friendly, fenced lodges ourselves
No reseller markup on your family trip
Best available child rates built in
KATO bonded — payments protected, 24/7 support
We plan family safaris the way we'd plan our own children's: a private vehicle so nobody's rushed, lodges with a pool to burn off energy, and a guide who turns every drive into a treasure hunt. Get those right and the kids talk about it for years.
The Imara Africa Safaris Team, Family-safari planners, Nairobi
The Imara Africa Safaris Team
Family-safari planners, Nairobi

Ready-Made Itineraries

Family-friendly safari itineraries

Popular starting points — every itinerary is fully customisable to your dates, pace and budget.

7 Days lakes and plains safari: Amboseli, Naivasha, Nakuru & Mara
Safari
Nairobi City
From$1,971/person
mid range

7 Days lakes and plains safari: Amboseli, Naivasha, Nakuru & Mara

  • Evening game drive in Amboseli National Park with Kilimanjaro views when skies are clear
  • Full private day in Amboseli National Park, known for large African Elephant herds
  • Complimentary boat ride on Lake naivasha plus a Crescent Island nature walk
7D / 6NDuration
1–100Group
Full BoardMeals
January – February
Includes Transfers Guide Meals Park Fees
Free cancellation · Local experts · Customisable
Safari
Kenya
Tailor made Easy

1-Day masai mara safari in Masai Mara National Reserve

  • Game drives across the savannah grasslands of Masai Mara National Reserve.
  • Big Five search including African Lion, African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, African Leopard and Black Rhinoceros.
  • July–October Great Migration potential with Blue Wildebeest and Plains Zebra on the move.
1DDuration
PrivateGroup
LMeals
June – July
Includes Park Fees Transfers Meals Stays
Free cancellation · Local experts · Customisable

Family Safari FAQ

Family safari questions, answered

Best ages, safety, malaria, pacing, costs, beach finishes and child discounts.

Ages 5–12 are the family-safari sweet spot — kids have the stamina for drives, love spotting checklists and junior-ranger activities, and most lodges welcome them. Toddlers under 5 can safari comfortably in a private vehicle with shorter, flexible drives, and teens can join almost every adult activity. We tailor the trip to your children's ages.

Plan a safe family safari

Tell us your kids' ages and travel dates and we'll design a private, family-friendly safari at the right pace — with the best child rates and honest pricing, free and with no obligation.

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“Imara” means strongin Swahili. We build every safari with that same strength — expert knowledge, honest pricing, and relentless attention to detail.

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