A safari with children can be an incredible educational adventure when you incorporate age-appropriate activities. Here are engaging ideas to keep kids entertained and learning throughout your Kenya safari:
Pre-Safari Preparation
- Wildlife Bingo Cards: Create custom bingo cards with animals they might spot
- Safari Journals: Provide notebooks for drawings, observations, and collecting memories
- Research Project: Assign each child an animal to become the “family expert” on
During Game Drives
- Scavenger Hunts: Create lists of things to spot beyond just animals (bird nests, specific trees, animal behaviors)
- Photography Challenges: Give kids a camera and daily themes to photograph
- Safari Alphabet: Find animals or items starting with each letter of the alphabet
- Animal Behavior Watching: Task them with counting behaviors (how many zebras are eating vs. walking)
- Story Creation: Invent stories about the animals you observe
In Camp Activities
- Track Identification: Learn to identify common animal footprints around camp
- Star Gazing: Many camps offer night sky viewing with guides explaining African constellations
- Local Crafts: Try kid-friendly versions of local crafts like beading or making simple instruments
- Local Games: Learn traditional Kenyan children’s games
- Camp Wildlife Log: Keep a daily record of all species seen
Cultural Connection Activities
- Language Learning: Practice basic Swahili phrases with guides and staff
- Cooking Lessons: Some lodges offer kid-friendly cooking experiences with local foods
- Maasai Jumping Contests: Many Maasai guides enjoy teaching children their traditional jumping
- School Visits: Some safari operators can arrange appropriate visits to local schools
- Music & Dance: Learn simple traditional songs or dance movements
Educational Components
- Junior Ranger Programs: Some conservancies offer special programs where kids earn badges
- Guide Q&A Sessions: Arrange special time for kids to interview guides about wildlife
- Conservation Projects: Participate in age-appropriate conservation activities
- Animal Adoption: Many conservancies offer symbolic animal adoption programs
- Wildlife Documentaries: Some camps screen wildlife films in the evenings
Practical Tips
- Timing: Plan shorter game drives for younger children
- Breaks: Include swimming pools or other active breaks between wildlife viewing
- Gear: Kid-sized binoculars and field guides increase engagement
- Snacks: Always have favorite snacks available during drives
- Flexibility: Be prepared to adjust plans based on energy levels and interests
The best safari operators and lodges can tailor these activities to your children’s ages and interests, creating memorable experiences that spark a lifelong appreciation for wildlife and conservation.