Tailormade Kenya family holiday
Diverse landscapes, magnificent wildlife and activities galore all beautifully blended in with local Masai community makes this trip a unique way to experience authentic African culture - ideal for those wishing to see and feel real Kenya first-hand from a totally unique perspective.
Your safari starts at Ol Pajeta Conservancy. Situated between the foot hills of the Aberdares and the stunning snow-capped Mount Kenya, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy boasts an astounding variety of animals including all the “Big Five” (the endangered black and white rhino , leopard, elephant, buffalo and lion) as well a Jane Goodall’s sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees, which is the only place in Kenya where this highly endangered (and remarkably intelligent!) species can be seen.
You will continue your journey to Lake Nakuru, which is an ornithological paradise with over 400 species found here. The lake is world renown for its masses of flamingos and is often referred to as the “pink lake”. Besides the hundreds of species of birds, you’ll probably see other game like warthogs, impalas, waterbucks, zebras, buffalos, leopards and endangered Rothschild’s giraffes. The park is also known for its white rhino which are one of the most endangered species in Africa.
Your next two days will be hosted by Masai tribesman – this is generally regarded as being the highlight of the trip for many of our past-clients. A totally unique experience of accompanying Masai guides as they walk through the Loita hills, sharing their knowledge of the local plants and animals with you. You can herd cattle with the men, bead jewelry with the women, visit the children in their little local schools and later fill your evenings with their stories by the fire. After your busy day, relax in the waters of natural hot springs – all under the equatorial stars.
Your next destination, the Masai Mara National Reserve, is said to be one of the world’s finest game-viewing destinations. The richness of the fauna and flora and the untouched life of Africa, continuing as it has for thousands of years, is only secondary to the Mara's annual migration of wildebeest. The spectacle of more than a million of these creatures moving as a great mass across the savannah is one of the most breathtaking sights in nature. Unique pleasure of a night game drive will also take a place here, where you can see a wide variety of animals not normally seen during the day, including aardvarks, bat-eared fox, porcupines, bush babies, bushbucks, mongoose, genet cats and a number of nocturnal birds. Why not ask us to book you an amazing hot-air balloon ride over the Masai Mara to see the vast expanses and wildlife from an unforgettable perspective.
After your safari you will immerse yourself in the warm, turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. You can simply read a book under a tropical palm tree while you soak in the sun on one of the world most pristine white beaches, or gaze at the beautiful warm waters and watch local Swahili fisherman sail by or do. If you want some more action, we have you covered. Why not try snorkeling, diving, deep sea fishing, surfing and kite-surfing? Diani also offers an 18-hole golf course. A variety of optional excursions from Diani can be arranged including swimming with dolphins, snorkeling and diving in Kisite Marine National Park, a Mombasa city tour, a visit to a local Swahili village, Nature trails & bird watching tour, a visit to a tropical rain forest, and even a visit Shimba Hills National Reserve.
Going on Safari in Kenya is great throughout the year; however, the best months to view game are from July through to October as this is the time to witness the “big wildebeest migration” in Masai Mara National Reserve. Kenya goes through its rainy season in April / May as well as November, so expect some wet days (though keep in mind the African rainy season is nothing like the Asian monsoon!)
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1: |
Depart from Nairobi and travel North towards Mt.Kenya. Afternoon game drive at Ol Pajeta Conservancy; visit chimpanzee retreat, wildlife educational centre and meet a friendly rhino. Overnight at Serena Sweetwaters Tented Camp (L,D) |
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Day 2: |
Nakuru National Park. After morning game drive, travel towards Nakuru National Park. Visit Thompson Falls on route. Afternoon game drive at Nakuru National Park. Overnight at Maili Saba Tented Camp (FB) |
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Day 3: |
Travel towards Masai Mara plains, to a local Masai village, where Masai people will be your hosts for two days. Afternoon guided walk and evening hot spring bathing. Overnight at Maji Moto Eco Camp (FB). |
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Day 4: |
Local school visit. Full day Masai cultural experience with local school visit. *Optional mountain bike riding can be arranged. Overnight at Maji Moto Eco Camp (FB). |
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Day 5: |
Morning Masai warrior training, than travel to Masai Mara with game drive on route. Afternoon game drive. Overnight at Mara Tented Camp (FB). |
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Day 6: |
Game viewing at Masai Mara National Reserve & Night game drive. Overnight at Mara Tented Camp (FB). |
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Day 7: |
Morning guided game walk After lunch fly direct to Diani Beach. Overnight at Pinewood Village Beach Resort (FB). |
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Day 8-10: |
Beach at leisure. Overnight at Pinewood Village Beach Resort (B,D). Several optional add-ons are available including a huge array of water sports and diving. |
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Day 11: |
Depart. Transfer to Diani Airstrip for a flight back to Nairobi - Wilson Airport. |
How this holiday makes a difference
Our Responsible Travel Code: We aim to reveal the ‘real’ Africa to our customers. We are only affiliated companies and places that are trusted. Our journey tries to stay off the beaten track as we fully believe in preserving the natural African beauty by aiming to promote local cultures and protecting the environment. We are constantly adapting and enhancing our route plan if we become aware of new points of interest and carefully select our accommodation and lodges after thoroughly evaluating their suitability for our clients. Wherever we can, we use eco-friendly camps and lodges, where management acts responsibly to the environment and local communities in all aspects possible. Our business is small and thus unlike big agents we deal with our clients on a personal basis tailoring their journey to their needs as much as we can. Africa is our passion and we want to pass on all our knowledge and experiences gained over the years to our clients.
Environment
Ol Pajeta Conservancy: The innovative Ol Pejeta Conservancy has a long history. It now benefits from the combined expertise and skills of Fauna & Flora International, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, the Arcus Foundation, the East African Wild Life Society – all major community leaders and conservation groups. The main ethos of Ol Pejeta is to improve local livelihoods and support the agriculturalists living on small plots around the southern side of the ranch. The conservancy acts as a catalyst for the improvement and maintenance of these areas, in order to increase their value for wildlife and ensure a better economic return for local inhabitants than they might achieve by fencing and subdivision for rain-fed agriculture. Following a major rhino transfer in 2007, Ol Pejeta is now the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and is an important national resource for the restocking of other areas. This area also included a 300-acre sanctuary for orphaned or abandoned chimpanzees.
Maji Moto Eco camp: The camp has been designed to be part of the environment and blend in naturally. It features Masai style dining areas, showers and toilets. Only local materials were used (sticks, grass, cow dung, stones). Accommodation is tented, and tents are put down and stored after every departure. No trees were destroyed during the building. The camp is truly a place to escape from the fullness of everyday life, with no generator it is simple and traditional, with candles, lanterns and camp fires in the evening. Small solar panels are in place to provide electricity for charging cameras and mobile phones batteries. There are no game drives from the camp, to reduce the impact of traveling with vehicles thru out the African journey. Exploring the nature on foot with Masai guides, villages and school visits are daily activities here. The camp is also a base for our cycling trips.
Community
Maji Moto Eco camp: The camp is a joint venture between us and a local Masai community. Our key aims are to help the local community through the jobs we are able to provide yet at the same time to encourage young tribesman to preserve and nurture their culture. The camp was built, exclusively by local Masai people. This provided jobs for nearly 50 families at the time of a major Kenyan drought.
Mara Tented Camp: This peaceful, community run tented camp, is located just outside the Masai Mara National Reserve, on a community ranch that borders the Reserve. Nestled into the Acacia tree grove, on the edge of a small, seasonal river, this lovely camp offers fine food, excellent service and all the comforts of home, but under canvas. You can relax on your private veranda, enjoying nature and letting the world to go by. The camp has twelve well furnished tents, dining room and a lounge. All tents have en-suite bathrooms and hot water showers. The camp is run on solar power. Apart from game drives they can arrange walking safaris from the camp and night game drives.
Pinewood Village Beach Resort: Pinewood village is a multi award-winning boutique hotel, where natural beauty and inspired design are merged to create the perfect romantic destination. Situated on the unspoiled shores of the wonderfully warm Indian Ocean, this intimate and stylish beach resort prides itself on exceptional personal service and attention.
