Tailor Made Holidays - A Family Safari in Kenya

HIGHLIGHTS

Wildlife spots aplenty to amaze little safari-goers
Tribal interaction to broaden cultural mindsets
All the fun of safari including bush activities, fishing, riding and hunter-gatherer bush walks
A spell on the Swahili Coast for amazing seafood, watersports and total relaxation
Suitable for every age range – from tots to teens and well beyond
Easy connections and a long summer season
Travelling nanny service available

Sam’s View

Kenya is a fantastic choice for a family safari – world-class wildlife viewing, excellent family-friendly lodges and camps with child focussed activities, guides who are trained to engage children in the wonder of the bush – the ecosystems, animal behaviour and the important work of conservation plus all the unique and diverse experiences that are possible – it is an almost must for any family.

HIGHLIGHTS

Wildlife spots aplenty to amaze little safari-goers
Tribal interaction to broaden cultural mindsets
All the fun of safari including bush activities, fishing, riding and hunter-gatherer bush walks
A spell on the Swahili Coast for amazing seafood, watersports and total relaxation
Suitable for every age range – from tots to teens and well beyond
Easy connections and a long summer season
Travelling nanny service available

Sam’s View

What

A family exploration around Kenya that includes both wild safari adventure, wilderness camps and an exotic beach finale.

When to go

June to November and December to March mean you could take the family over summer holidays or at Christmas.

Who for

A family travelling with offspring of any age – we can adapt the itinerary to make sure every family member has an incredible and memorable time.

Day 1-2

Nairobi

Your first few nights on African soil are an important first step and a chance to acclimatise after the flight and gain your first taste of Kenya. Nairobi has been the springboard for safaris for decades with its world class hotels, restaurants and a surprising amount of activity for families to engage with.

A visit to Nairobi National Park could see your first glimpse of Kenya’s wildlife with epic photography opportunities of rhino and lions against the iconic cityscape backdrop of Nairobi. Sheldrick’s Wildlife Trust and elephant orphanage allows a gentle introduction to animal rehabilitation and the increasing importance of conservation. Meet and feed curious giraffes at eye level at the Giraffe Centre and learn about the protection of the endangered Rothschild giraffe.

Stay

Hemingways Nairobi

Manzili House is a luxurious boutique home nestled in the serene suburb of Karen, Nairobi. Inspired by the elegant Swahili architecture of Lamu Island, this exclusive retreat offers a harmonious blend of traditional Kenyan design and modern comfort. You have a choice of booking rooms or book exclusively either the 4-bedroom main house or Ndoto, a 2-bedroom house. Both of the houses overlook a peaceful courtyard and a large swimming pool for the family to cool off in.

Day 3-5

Laikipia

Known as the playground of Africa, only here in Laikipia can you explore from the saddle by horse or camel, swim in the rivers, climb mini mountains, try your hand at fishing, go on game drives and meet the locals. A giant outdoor adventure, Laikipia is enormous fun with endless escapades for the whole family to embark on, allowing families to truly feel the freedom of a safari in Kenya.

With an activity to suit every family member from visiting a local market, rock climbing, watching elephants drink from the river or simply reclining by the pool; the camps and lodges on this plateau excel at delivering exhilarating experiences against spectacular backdrops.

Stay

Tumaren

Originally the home of the famous Karisia walking safaris, Tumaren is brilliantly set up for family groups with four huge, dedicated family tents. Set in a rich wildlife region; from the swimming pool watch elephants come to the waterhole or head out to explore with your local Samburu guides. Tumaren is very much part of the landscape and time spent here is to fully appreciate this unspoilt haven of Kenya. Wildlife abounds on the plains whilst your day-to-day can be as active as you wish.

Day 6-8

Masai Mara

From Laikipia, little explorers will be thrilled by lifting off in a scenic flight along the Great Rift Valley, giving you a bird’s eye view over a patchwork landscape below. Small blocks of crops interspersed with the circular bomas housing cattle give an insight into the rural way of life in the fertile valley before the scenery opens up to the vast dotted plains of the Masai Mara.

Expect exceptional wildlife year-round – with the Great Migration during July to October being another draw to this amazing ecosystem. Abundant predator populations, iconic landscapes and cultural interaction with Maasai tribesman make it a must stop in any family safari to Kenya.

Stay

Ol Seki Mara Camp

Ol Seki Mara Camp borders the Masai Mara, in the heart of Naboisho Conservancy. As it is a conservancy, the number of clients within the area is limited, allowing for a private game experience. Recent research shows that Naboisho one of the highest density of lion in Africa, as well as impressive numbers of elephant, giraffe and plains game. The private tented camp has 9 exclusive tents with breath-taking, panoramic views of the Mara plains. There is no typical day whilst staying at Ol Seki Mara as your stay is personally tailored to you and how you want to make the most of your time in the Mara. Activities for kids can include aside from game drives; bush survival classes, guided walks, learning to identify animals through their scat and footprints as well as learning about the Maasai and their pastoral way of life. If this is all too much, the infinity pool is a chance to cool off in-between activities.

Day 9-13

The Swahili Coast

A perennial favourite of families in the know – your own slice of Indian Ocean beach life overlooking the warm turquoise seas and with water sports on tap. The Swahili coast has a flavour all of its own – a melting pot of cultures, exquisite seafood and great service under the palm trees. Kilifi has a lo-fi beach scene – a back-to-basics approach for the simple appreciation of family time in a dreamy location for post-safari downtime in the most idyllic of settings.

Spend your days being active or idle, whether that’s snorkelling off the beach, exploring the region’s heritage at Gedi Ruins – a ruinous Swahili-Arab settlement or wandering around Malindi Old Town and colourful market. You can tee off on a local golf course or cycle plantation trails; out at sea thrill-seekers will enjoy water-skiing, kitesurfing or windsurfing.

Stay

Nderit House

Set impressively on the Kilifi coast with commanding sea views over the Indian Ocean, Nderit House is a sprawling shoreside Kenyan home with three pools, a flourishing garden studded with baobab trees and private access to the beach. Nderit is your very own fully staffed beach house within walking distance of the best watersports and beach clubs. The pool and lawns look out onto the Indian Ocean and the house has a stripped back style with airy rooms and a homely, tasteful ambience.