Kenya Family Safari

Day to Day Itinerary

DAY 1 | Nairobi

Welcome to Kenya, a land of dramatic landscapes, rich cultures, and iconic wildlife! Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport our representative will assist with your transfer to a comfortable, family-friendly hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you will have the opportunity to enjoy some of Nairobi’s most heartwarming wildlife experiences.

In the afternoon, visit the Giraffe Centre, home to the endangered Rothschild’s Giraffes. This is a rare subspecies distinguished by its light-coloured patches and white lower legs. Here, families can experience the joy of hand-feeding these gentle giants from an elevated platform. The visit also provides insight into giraffe conservation and the Centre’s efforts to reintroduce these animals into the wild.

If time allows an optional visit to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage can be arranged. This renowned sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates orphaned elephant calves, many of which have been affected by poaching or human-wildlife conflict. During the public visiting hour, guests can observe young elephants being bottle-fed and playing in the mud. Their caregivers will tell their individual stories and learning about their journey back to the wild.

After a day of meaningful encounters, return to your hotel to relax and settle in. Most family-friendly accommodations in Nairobi offer amenities such as lush gardens, swimming pools, and child-friendly dining options.

Overnight in Nairobi at a family-friendly hotel.

DAY 2 | Nairobi to Laikipia

The day begins with a truly magical breakfast at a historic manor where endangered Rothschild’s Giraffes freely roam the grounds. As you enjoy your morning meal, these gentle giants may poke their heads through the large windows. They are always hoping for a treat—offering one of the most iconic and interactive wildlife experiences in Kenya. This unique setting combines elegant colonial architecture with conservation education, making it both memorable and meaningful.

Following this unforgettable start, you will transfer to Wilson Airport for a short scenic flight north to the Laikipia Plateau. Upon arrival, a road transfer brings you into Ol Pejeta Conservancy. This is a private reserve at the foothills of Mount Kenya known for its pioneering conservation work and diverse wildlife. After settling in, head out on an evening game drive to get your first taste of the region’s abundant wildlife. The drive offers the chance to spot the Big Five and endangered species such as Grevy’s zebra and Jackson’s hartebeest. You will also learn about the reserve’s innovative conservation model that integrates livestock and wildlife.

Return to your tented camp in time for a relaxed evening. Unwind with views over the waterhole, where wildlife frequently gathers, and enjoy a hearty dinner under the stars. Overnight in the heart of Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

DAY 3-4 | Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Laikipia)

Spend two enriching days in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. This leading wildlife sanctuary on the Laikipia Plateau combines high-density game viewing with groundbreaking conservation initiatives. Your time here offers a rare blend of wildlife encounters and meaningful learning experiences for all ages.

Begin with a visit to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only one of its kind in Kenya. Established in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute, the sanctuary provides a safe, forested haven for rescued chimpanzees from across Central and West Africa. A guided walk introduces you to the individual stories of these intelligent primates. You will also learn about the the long-term care they receive after surviving the illegal pet trade and bushmeat trafficking.

Game drives across the conservancy’s diverse habitats reveal a remarkable variety of species, from the endangered black and southern white rhinos to reticulated giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, and large lion prides. With luck, you may even catch a glimpse of leopards, elephants, or cheetahs in the open plains or acacia thickets. The conservancy also protects the world’s last remaining northern white rhinos, which you may see in a secure enclosure during one of your drives.

There are also opportunities to go beyond traditional safaris. Families can opt into the Junior Ranger Program, where children enjoy activities like spoor tracking, conservation talks, and wildlife checklists—earning a badge at the end of their training. Alternatively, adults and older teens may choose a behind-the-scenes conservation tour that explores Ol Pejeta’s rhino breeding projects, anti-poaching K9 unit, and community-based conservation programs.

Evenings at your tented camp are a chance to reflect and unwind. Watch wildlife at the waterhole just meters away, gather around the campfire to hear stories from expert guides, or stargaze beneath Laikipia’s famously clear night skies. Your stay blends the best of adventure, education, and relaxation in one of Kenya’s most progressive private reserves.

DAY 5-6 | Samburu National Reserve

You depart for Samburu, traveling by road or taking a short charter flight into this richly varied reserve nestled along the Ewaso Ng’iro River. Upon arrival, you settle into camp before setting off to explore the semi-arid landscapes that support a remarkable array of wildlife.

One of the most captivating experiences here is a camel safari through the northern wilderness. Riding atop gentle camels led by local Samburu guides, you traverse dry riverbeds and open plains, winding your way quietly between Grevy’s Zebras, Somali Ostriches, Reticulated Giraffes, and Gerenuks—creatures collectively known as the Samburu “Special Five.” The slow, rhythmic pace of the camels and the soft tinkle of their bells offer a deeply engaging way to connect with the land and observe wildlife.

On game drives, you search for the reserve’s iconic species: Grevy’s Zebra—Kenya’s largest and most endangered equid—which thrives in these dry lands; the elegant Somali Ostrich with its blue neck; the long-necked Gerenuk; and herds of Elephants that come to drink at the river. Lions, Cheetahs, Leopards, and Beisa Oryx also roam these lands, alongside evocative scenery of Doum palms and Acacia forest.

You will also gain insight into Samburu culture through storytelling by local warriors, who share traditions, explain beadwork, and recount their deep bond with the land. These cultural encounters add richness and context to the wildlife scenery.

Evenings at camp are spent dining under open skies, often accompanied by sounds of wildlife around the waterhole. The lodge offers options for guided bush walks, beading lessons for children, or simply relaxing with a panoramic view of the reserve.

Over these two days you will combine classic safari elements—camel rides and game drives—with cultural discovery and wildlife viewing, experiencing Samburu’s unique spirit in comfort and style.

Overnight both nights in a family-friendly tented camp offering warm meals, firelit evenings, and game-viewing decks overlooking the wilderness.

DAY 8-9 | Amboseli National Park

You will transfer to Amboseli National Park, either by returning briefly to Nairobi and connecting with a regional flight or by driving directly. Amboseli is renowned for its towering views of Mount Kilimanjaro and vast marshes that attract abundant wildlife.

On arrival, begin with a family-focused nature walk led by an expert Maasai guide. Along forested paths and near the wetlands, children can learn to identify bird calls and track elephant footprints, bringing the environment to life through fun, age-appropriate storytelling, and wildlife clues.

Game drives in open-sided vehicles offer spectacular sightings of the large Elephant herds for which Amboseli is famous, often with Kilimanjaro as a dramatic backdrop. You may also encounter Lion, Giraffe, Zebra, Buffalo, Cheetah, and a rich variety of birdlife, including Pelicans and Raptors.

Cultural experiences include interactive beadwork sessions with Maasai women, where children and adults can craft their own jewelry while listening to traditional stories and songs. Visits to nearby Maasai villages offer performances of warrior dances and opportunities to engage with their heritage and daily life.

Evenings are relaxed, with sundowners enjoyed against the setting sun and Kilimanjaro’s silhouette. Meals served outdoors create a magical atmosphere, as the park transitions to night and nocturnal life awakens.

Overnight stays take place at a family-friendly tented camp near Amboseli, where accommodations include scenic waterhole decks, simple nature games for kids, and the subtle sounds of wildlife drifting through the night.

DAY 9-10 | Maasai Mara National Reserve

You will take a short flight inland to the Maasai Mara, landing directly in the heart of one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries. Over the next two days, you will enjoy full-day game drives led by expert guides. Your vehicle tours will track all the Big Five-Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, and Rhino-alongside Cheetah and many other species that roam the open grasslands and wooded riverine areas.

Timing your visit between July and October could mean witnessing dramatic river crossings during the Great Migration, one of nature’s most thrilling events.

A highlight option is an early‑morning hot‑air balloon safari (age 6+), where you will drift over the Mara plains at sunrise. The flight lasts about an hour and often includes a champagne bush breakfast after landing.

Families treasure this shared aerial adventure, taking in sweeping views of wildlife herds and the sweeping landscape from above.

Back on the ground, each evening brings a choice: enjoy sundowners at the river’s edge as the sun sets, followed by a bush dinner under the stars. These meals create unforgettable family moments in the open‑air wilderness.

Overnight both nights at a child-friendly tented camp situated near the Mara, offering cozy accommodations, guided walks, and vantage platforms for wildlife watching.

DAY 11 | Maasai Mara National Reserve to Nairobi for departure

Begin the day with an early morning game drive, when the soft light and cooler temperatures create ideal conditions for spotting big cats on the move, grazing Elephant, and flocks of birds taking flight.

After returning to camp for a hearty breakfast and time to gather your belongings, you’ll transfer to the nearby airstrip for your scheduled flight back to Nairobi. The short flight offers a final aerial view of the savanna before landing in the capital, where a representative will assist you with your international departure—concluding your journey through Kenya’s wild and wonderful landscapes

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