Trip idea / Kenya

Kenya Family Adventure:
Savannah to Beach

Discover Kenya’s wildlife heartlands before sailing a traditional dhow along the idyllic, sun-washed shores of the Indian Ocean.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Encounter wildlife up-close in Nairobi National Park and visit the world-renowned Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
  • Spend nights on an intimate tented safari in the Lolldaiga Hills
  • Enjoy exclusive use of the Tusitiri Dhow for a two-day sailing safari through the Lamu Archipelago
  • Access to Kizingoni Beach, a remote and unspoilt stretch of coast on Lamu Island
  • Unwind at a private family villa on remote and pristine Kizingoni Beach

Kenya’s true beauty lies in its remarkable diversity, where hidden gems await at every turn, showcasing a perfect harmony of wild landscapes, rich culture, and stunning coastal charm. This family adventure itinerary begins in Nairobi, East Africa’s most cosmopolitan city and Kenya’s beating heart, before continuing into the rolling hills and wildlife-rich highlands of Laikipia. Here, enjoy discovering one of Kenya’s lesser-known safari spots with an unforgettable game drive and close encounters with elephants. The trip concludes with barefoot days spent sailing dhows, exploring mangrove creeks, and relaxing on untouched beaches along the magical Lamu archipelago.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Encounter wildlife up-close in Nairobi National Park and visit the world-renowned Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
  • Spend nights on an intimate tented safari in the Lolldaiga Hills
  • Enjoy exclusive use of the Tusitiri Dhow for a two-day sailing safari through the Lamu Archipelago
  • Access to Kizingoni Beach, a remote and unspoilt stretch of coast on Lamu Island
  • Unwind at a private family villa on remote and pristine Kizingoni Beach

Kenya’s true beauty lies in its remarkable diversity, where hidden gems await at every turn, showcasing a perfect harmony of wild landscapes, rich culture, and stunning coastal charm. This family adventure itinerary begins in Nairobi, East Africa’s most cosmopolitan city and Kenya’s beating heart, before continuing into the rolling hills and wildlife-rich highlands of Laikipia. Here, enjoy discovering one of Kenya’s lesser-known safari spots with an unforgettable game drive and close encounters with elephants. The trip concludes with barefoot days spent sailing dhows, exploring mangrove creeks, and relaxing on untouched beaches along the magical Lamu archipelago.

How to get there & around

Fly direct from the UK to Nairobi. Internal travel is by short domestic flights, 4x4 jeeps, traditional dhow and local speedboats.

When to go

Kenya is a year-round destination, but for the best bush-and-beach combination, we recommend travelling between June-October or December-March, when conditions are dry, wildlife viewing is excellent, and the Indian Ocean is calm.

Who for

Ideal for families looking to embrace slow travel and discover a breathtaking diversity of landscapes and adventurous, child-friendly activities.

Day 3-6

Laikipia

Spend a day journeying from Nairobi to Nanyuki, then settle into Moon’s Camp, the only safari camp in the Lolldaiga Conservancy. When you’re ready to explore, begin by hopping into a custom-built, open-sided Land Rover to traverse the terrain with a local guide. Each day, your guide will lead you to the best spots to encounter lions, leopards, giraffes, elephants, and will help you track elusive species such as bat-eared foxes and Grevy’s zebras.

After each game drive, set out on treks across the bush to look for the ‘Small Five’, including the leopard tortoise, or choose to spend a night under the stars in a fly-camp. During your stay, visit the Makurian cultural centre to learn about the Maasai – Kenya’s best-known tribe – and experience life in a nomadic community through singing, dancing, and one-on-one discussions.

Stay

Moon’s Camp

During your time in the Lolldaiga conservancy, you’ll stay at Moon’s Camp, a small, owner-managed tented camp located on the slopes of Lolldaiga Hills. Wake each morning to a beautiful view of rolling hills, valleys, and snow-capped Mt. Kenya, and enjoy family time in a two-bedroom family tent and a comfortable mess tent, where meals are cooked by an expert team on a charcoal stove.

Day 9-13

Lamu Island

Following your dhow experience, embrace Lamu Island even further with days unfolding in a wonderfully relaxed rhythm, with activities that make the most of the coast’s warm waters and easy charm. Try waterskiing, wakeboarding, or donuting, or head out on gentle dhow trips, beach walks, and creek swims. Families are especially well looked after, with nature-based games and activities to keep the children entertained. When the heat rises, retreat to the house’s breezy comfort or find shade under one of the many indigenous trees in the garden. Each day ends with sundowners and delicious seafood dinners prepared by the in-house team.

Stay

Chuchungi House

While on Lamu Island, you’ll stay at Chuchungi House, a tranquil three-bedroom villa just 30 minutes by speedboat from town. Perfect for families relaxing after safari, it is one of the few properties boasting both ocean and creek views, with sunrise on one side and sunset on the other. Spread over four elegantly designed floors inspired by Lamu’s old town and Shela, the house feels breezy, soulful, and deeply attuned to its surroundings. With private beach access, spacious areas for lounging and dining, and the calming tempo of coastal life, it’s a haven made for unwinding.

Day 14

Return home

As your journey concludes, you’ll hop on a speedboat and travel to Lamu Airport, where you will board a flight to Nairobi. From here, catch a flight home or begin your onward travels.

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