...Trip idea
A Family Safari in Kenya
Take your tribe on an eye-opening journey across the best of safari in Kenya. From extraordinary wildlife to the best beaches in one trip, is this the ultimate family holiday?
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
A lovely pool and acres of grounds to let off steam, award-winning restaurants and inter-connecting suites mean that Hemingways is ideal for families to relax at the start of the trip in beautiful surroundings. Situated in the leafy Karen district, with restaurants like Cultiva just around the corner – the blossoming foodie scene is on the doorstep and the other attractions are a short taxi ride away. The hotel is immediately impressive with its grand staircase in the entrance lobby yet has a relaxed atmosphere, so everyone feels instantly at home.
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.
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 just another arrow in this amazing ecosystems quiver alongside interaction with the Masai where families can learn the secrets of the wilderness with a warrior on a hunter-gatherer bush walk.
STAY: Cottars Bush Villa
The perfect self-contained house with panoramic views over the sweeping plains. The staff are omnipresent to assist with every family member, excellent guiding comes as standard and a stay here is hugely informative on the conservation element of safari. Rooms are elegantly furnished and spaciously comfortable, the perfect tonic after early morning or late afternoon game drives.
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.
The review
Sosian Lodge – Kenya
In the folds of the Laikipia plateau, Sosian seamlessly blends a luxurious safari experience with a beautiful working cattle ranch.
Booking with Bailey Robinson means access to the finest travel experiences. When planning your holiday we do all the hard work – in-depth research and meticulous organisation. You can be confident in the individual care for your holiday from your dedicated and experienced Personal Travel Designer and Concierge.
Just back from
Just Back From… Kenya
Insight
The Great Migration – When & Where
