Family Safari in Kenya
Kenya
9 days
Family Safari in Kenya
For the ultimate wild playground, our Kenya family tour is perfect for all ages and is all about extraordinary wildlife and true adventure in style and safety. Kenya is home to diverse game reserves and conservancies, as well as thrilling landscapes and delightful cultural encounters. Kiddos will surely be entertained with bush walks with Maasai guides and resident naturalists while parents enjoy the luxuries of the lodges and camps and time well spent together
Every lodge visited on this journey features something unique from meeting the mammas and local children at House in the Wild to re-wilding at Kenya’s first Bush School for children.
Highlights
Explore Nairobi National Park the oldest park in Africa in search of endangered black and white rhino
Discover the Masai Mara Reserve, one of the greatest wildlife destinations on the continent, for a chance to see Thompson’s gazelles, bat-eared foxes, zebras and giraffe
Experience and contribute to the predator identification program at El Karama Lodge. All you need is a keen eye and a good camera
Enjoy a visit to the Mara Training Centre founded by Tarquin and Lippa Wood and learn how the local communities build their livelihoods in harmony with the wildlife
Accommodations
1. The Emakoko
Kenya, Nairobi
The Emakoko is a family owned, boutique lodge uniquely positioned on the edge of the Nairobi National Park. Nothing is too much trouble for owners and hosts, Emma and Anthony Childs, who live on site with their young family. Well-appointed rooms are designed for relaxation and comfort, with huge, luxurious beds, black-out curtains and private verandas that look out on to the park. Fall asleep to the sounds of Africa, a lion roaring or the cry of a lone hyena, an amazing contrast to the sounds of any sleeping city. The relaxing atmosphere extends through to the open and airy public areas. Enjoy coffee by the pool overlooking the river, or the spectacular park sunsets with a cocktail in hand. Anthony & Emma are deeply committed to the preservation and protection of the Park and to the local communities that border it.
2. El Karama Lodge
Kenya, Laikipia
El Karama Lodge is an owner-operated, award-winning lodge in the heart of Laikipia. Built by Murray Grant, one of Africa’s gifted wildlife sculptors, and his wife Sophie, who live here with their two young children. Specializing in sustainable travel, adventure and wildlife safaris, El Karama offers complete privacy in the wild. The intimate lodge, with only 8 cottages, is set inside a 14,000 acre family-owned private conservancy with access to over 200,000 acres. Each cottage is unique and varies in size and feel. Made of stone, wood, thatch and canvas, the airy cottages have 24 hour electricity (100% solar) for lighting and hot water, eco-friendly flushing toilets and bath/showers. The dining experience at El Karama is always fresh, hearty and creative, and they take great pleasure in offering up home-grown food that is as nutritious as it is delicious. Guests are welcome to visit the Bush Kitchen whenever they like and can get involved in everything from harvesting fresh veggies from the ‘shamba’, collecting the eggs from the chickens, sharing recipes and kneading dough for the daily loaves!
3. House in the Wild
Kenya, Masai Mara
House in the Wild is a boutique family owned lodge tucked away on a 1000 acre private estate, within the Enonkishu Conservancy on the edge of the Maasai Mara. Hosted by the Wood Family and their welcoming team, discover the rich traditions of East African life, while having direct access to some of the world’s best wildlife viewing. Offering all the warmth and rustic charm of a family lodge, the property comprises a main lodge which includes the lounge and dining area, swimming pool with a thatch gazebo and bar. The individually designed cottages feature naturally lit bathrooms with showers and massive bathtubs, huge comfy beds, draped with mosquito nets, and patios with views over the gardens or the Mara River. Electricity is a combination of solar power and generators. The Wood family have a longstanding connection with the Maasai community, the wildlife and the land, encouraging renewable practices that serve as a model for living in harmony with nature.
Itinerary
Day 1. Arrive Nairobi, Kenya
Jambo na Karibu! Welcome to Nairobi. After a warm welcome, you’ll be driven to your boutique lodge located on the edge of Nairobi National Park. The drive through the park, with its beautiful scenery and plentiful plains game is a superb way to start any East African safari. (D)
The Emakoko
Day 2. Nairobi
Take a private game drive into one of the most unique game parks in the world. Despite its proximity to the capital city, Nairobi National Park, boasts a spectacular assortment of birds and wildlife. In between game drives, relax at the lodge, or perhaps visit the orphaned elephants at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, a unique elephant & rhino relocation program. (BLD)
The Emakoko
Day 3. Nairobi / Laikipia
Fly to one of Kenya’s most exciting wilderness areas, for a fun filled family adventure. Known for its spectacular scenery, Laikipia supports the second highest density of wildlife in Kenya. Home to 4 of the Big 5 including several endangered species, it is one of few places in Africa where wildlife numbers are on the increase. This afternoon set out on a driving safari to explore this ancient landscape, and its abundant wildlife. (BLD)
El Karama Lodge
Day 4. Laikipia
It’s all about freedom and privacy here, whether you like to walk, game drive, track on foot with guides, fish, visit the working farm, pick your vegetables in the organic garden or fly camp under the stars. The El Karama Lodge team will make it all possible. (BLD)
El Karama Lodge
Day 5. Laikipia
Sustainability forms the foundation of El Karama’s ethos and guests are encouraged to get involved. Contribute to the predator identification program. All you need is a keen eye and a good camera. This activity can be done from the vehicles by all age groups including children. The information gathered is shared with Lion Landscapes, the Wild Dog and Cheetah Research Programme and Kenya Wildlife Services. The Bush School for children, focuses on educating and ‘rewilding’ children. Little ones will spend their time clay sculpting, collecting eggs from Sophie’s chickens and making plaster casts records of interesting tracks. While older children can spend time with the wonderful guides and resident naturalists who will teach them Bushcraft, and how to set up and check camera traps for wildlife monitoring. Accompany the antipoaching ranger foot patrol and learn about game counts, de-snaring and tracking for signs of unusual activity (not suitable for children). (BLD)
El Karama Lodge
Day 6. Laikipia / Maasai Mara
Fly to the magical Maasai Mara for an exclusive safari experience at the Wood family’s boutique lodge perched on the banks of the Mara River. This afternoon hop into your safari vehicle and head out into the Enonkishu and Ol Choro Conservation areas, a critical refuge area for wildlife on the edge of the Mara Serengeti ecosystem. The area is home to lion, cheetah and African wild dog. Enjoy sundowners on the plains before returning to a delicious dinner. (BLD)
House in the Wild
Day 7. Maasai Mara
Set out on game drives with experienced guides who know the area intimately. The lodge is surrounded by wildlife who migrate freely between the Enonkishu, and neighboring Ol Chorro and Lemek Conservancies. For the more energetic, a guided walk / climb up the Kileleoni Hill is well worth it. It is the highest point in the Greater Mara ecosystem, and the view stretches out as far as the eye can see. (BLD)
House in the Wild
Day 8. Maasai Mara
When you are not on a game drive, walk around the estate, meet the team, help with day-to-day jobs, which may include tree planting, beekeeping or helping the scouts in their conservation work. Visit the Mara Training Centre founded by Tarquin and Lippa Wood and learn how the local communities build their livelihoods in harmony with the wildlife. Spend an hour or two at the local Maasai Village, learning about how their huts are made, how to make fire with only a couple of twigs, listen to the mammas sing and meet the children. Why not pack a few extra pens, pencils, footballs and donate to the local school children. (BLD)
House in the Wild
Day 9. Masai Mara / Depart
Soak up your last morning on safari before returning to Nairobi. A dayroom is at your disposal until you are transferred to the airport for your international departure flight. (B)
Pricing
Land Arrangements (Price per person)
**Surcharges Apply Child price based on 1 child under 12 years old, sharing with 2 adults. Price for children 12 years and above on request.
Air Arrangements (Internal Airfare)
Tour flights
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Add-Ons
Currently there are no add-ons for this tour
