Samburu National Reserve is a fantastic destination for family safaris, offering kid-friendly lodges, engaging activities, and safe accommodations designed for families traveling with children. Whether you’re looking for spacious family tents, cultural experiences, or wildlife programs tailored for kids, Samburu has a range of family-friendly lodges that provide an unforgettable safari experience.
This guide highlights the best family-friendly lodges in Samburu, what makes them ideal for families, and the top activities for kids on a Samburu safari.
1. What Makes a Lodge Family-Friendly?
When choosing a lodge for your family safari, look for:
✔ Family Suites & Tents – Spacious accommodations suitable for parents and children.
✔ Child-Friendly Meals – Lodges with kid-friendly menus and flexible meal times.
✔ Guided Family Safaris – Safe game drives and bush walks designed for kids.
✔ Educational Activities – Wildlife talks, nature walks, and Samburu cultural experiences.
✔ Swimming Pools – A must-have for children to cool off after safari adventures.
✔ Babysitting Services – Available at some luxury lodges for younger children.
2. Best Family-Friendly Lodges in Samburu
Here are some of the top lodges in Samburu that cater to families with kids:
1️⃣ Saruni Samburu – 🌟 Best for Luxury Family Safaris
🏡 Why It’s Great for Families:
✔ Spacious family villas with stunning views.
✔ Junior Rangers Program – Kids learn to track animals and identify footprints.
✔ Guided family-friendly bush walks in a safe environment.
✔ Swimming pools overlooking the reserve.
✔ Offers babysitting services.
📍 Location: Kalama Conservancy, adjacent to Samburu National Reserve.
2️⃣ Elephant Bedroom Camp – 🐘 Best for Close-Up Wildlife Encounters
🏡 Why It’s Great for Families:
✔ Family-sized luxury tents along the river.
✔ Elephants frequently visit the camp, providing an up-close experience.
✔ Offers private game drives for flexible schedules with kids.
✔ Child-friendly meals and early dinner options.
📍 Location: Ewaso Ng’iro Riverbank, Samburu National Reserve.
3️⃣ Sasaab Lodge – 🏊 Best for Families Who Love Pools & Views
🏡 Why It’s Great for Families:
✔ Private plunge pools in every villa – perfect for kids!
✔ Camel rides for families – a unique Samburu experience.
✔ Offers family-friendly game drives & nature walks.
✔ Maasai warrior training for kids – an exciting interactive program.
📍 Location: West Gate Conservancy, Samburu.
4️⃣ Ashnil Samburu Camp – 🏕 Best for Budget-Friendly Family Safaris
🏡 Why It’s Great for Families:
✔ Affordable family-friendly accommodation.
✔ Swimming pool for kids to enjoy between safaris.
✔ Offers game drives, nature walks, and birdwatching activities.
✔ Buffet-style dining with kid-friendly options.
📍 Location: Along the Ewaso Ng’iro River, Samburu National Reserve.
5️⃣ Larsen’s Camp – 🏕 Best for Safari Adventure & River Views
🏡 Why It’s Great for Families:
✔ Large family tents with comfortable amenities.
✔ Close proximity to wildlife, offering easy game viewing.
✔ Safe guided walks for kids over 6 years old.
✔ Outdoor campfires & storytelling sessions for families.
📍 Location: Ewaso Ng’iro River, Samburu.
3. Best Safari Activities for Kids in Samburu
A family safari isn’t just about game drives—there are plenty of engaging activities for kids in Samburu!
🦓 Family-Friendly Game Drives – Customized to keep kids engaged with shorter durations and exciting wildlife spotting.
🐘 Junior Ranger Programs – Kids can learn tracking skills, how to identify animal prints, and more.
🏹 Samburu Cultural Experiences – Visit a Samburu village, meet local children, and learn about traditional life.
🐫 Camel Rides – A fun way for kids to explore the reserve!
🦜 Birdwatching for Kids – A great activity for young nature lovers.
🔥 Campfire Storytelling & Star Gazing – Experience African folklore under the stars.
4. Safety Tips for a Family Safari in Samburu
✔ Choose a lodge with enclosed family-friendly accommodations.
✔ Book a private game drive for flexibility and breaks when needed.
✔ Bring kid-friendly safari gear – hats, binoculars, and cameras for engagement.
✔ Keep snacks & water handy for long game drives.
✔ Ensure vaccinations & health precautions are in place before travel.
5. Best Time to Visit Samburu for a Family Safari
| Season | Best For | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season (June – October, Jan – Feb) | Best wildlife viewing | Less vegetation, easier to spot animals. Warm but not too hot. |
| Green Season (March – May, Nov – Dec) | Best scenery & baby animals | Fewer tourists, lush landscapes, and young animals. Ideal for photography & birdwatching. |
🔹 Tip: The dry season is best for spotting animals, but the green season is great for scenic landscapes and lower accommodation rates.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Family Lodge in Samburu
Samburu is one of Kenya’s most family-friendly safari destinations, offering lodges with kid-friendly programs, wildlife experiences, and comfortable accommodations for parents and children.
Top Lodge Picks Based on Your Family’s Needs
✔ Best for Luxury & Kid-Friendly Programs → Saruni Samburu
✔ Best for Close-Up Wildlife Encounters → Elephant Bedroom Camp
✔ Best for Families Who Love Swimming Pools → Sasaab Lodge
✔ Best Budget-Friendly Lodge → Ashnil Samburu Camp
✔ Best for Safari Adventure & River Views → Larsen’s CampFamily-Friendly Lodges in Samburu