There is a moment, somewhere between the golden grass of the Maasai Mara and the sound of a lion's distant roar, when you realise that bringing your baby on safari was the best decision you ever made. It might also be the most logistically complex. But with the right preparation, a safari with a baby or toddler in Kenya is not only possible — it is extraordinary.
This guide covers everything you need to know, from choosing the right time of year to packing the right gear, finding childcare support, and keeping little ones safe and happy in the bush. 

When is the best time to go?

Kenya's safari high season runs from July to October, coinciding with the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Maasai Mara. This is spectacular but it is also the busiest and most expensive time to travel. For families with young children, the shoulder seasons (January to March and May to June) offer excellent game viewing with fewer crowds, lower prices, and cooler temperatures that are easier for babies.
Avoid the long rains (April to May) if you can, as muddy roads and afternoon thunderstorms can make game drives uncomfortable and access to some camps difficult. A

How to chose the right lodge or camp.

Not all safari properties are created equal when it comes to families. When researching places to stay, look for:
• Camps that explicitly welcome children under five - many properties have age limits. 
• Properties with private vehicles available (essential for flexible game drive timing around nap schedules)
• Camps and lodges that have swimming pools - cooling off after a game drive is crucial to restoring morale!
• Properties that offer a children's menu or are happy to adapt meals and mealtimes. 
Safari Sitters works with a network of family-friendly lodges across Kenya. Ask us for recommendations! 

Do you need a safari nanny?

Hiring a professional safari nanny is one of the smartest investments a
travelling family can make. A trained nanny who understands the safari environment can look after your child during longer game drives, at mealtimes and during afternoon rest periods, giving you the freedom to experience the bush fully. 
Safari Sitters provides vetted, trained nannies who are experienced in the safari environment. Our nannies are highly trained, insured,
background-checked, first-aid certified, and understand the unique demands of childcare at remote lodges and camps.

What baby equipment do you need?

Packing for a safari with a baby is an exercise in careful editing. You want to bring enough, but not so much that you're lugging a buggy through the bush. The good news: you don't have to bring everything from home.
Safari Sitters rents premium baby gear including travel cots, highchairs and car seats and delivers directly to your lodge or Nairobi address. This means you can travel light and still have everything you need on arrival.
• Travel cot: essential for safe sleep in lodge tents and rooms. Comes with a mosquito net!
• Portable car seat: required for transfers and game drive vehicles
• High chairs: turn sundowners into kids supper. 
• Baby monitor: peace of mind while your little one sleeps

Game drives with children. 

The magic of a game drive can be lost on a tired two-year-old. A few tips that make all the difference:
• Schedule morning drives around your child's waking time and pack breakfast!
• Keep drives short at first — 90 minutes is plenty for toddlers
• Bring snacks, a favourite soft toy, and a small bag of quiet activities
• Download animal sound apps and wildlife identification books
• Your nanny can stay at the lodge with a sleeping baby while you do a longer afternoon drive

While bringing small children on safari does require additional planning, the joy in sharing this experience with your kids is unmatched!