Family Holidays

Safiri Tours Africa have designed family holidays to Kenya with a lot of fun activities to keep the whole family happy. The packages take a minimum 10 days and start in Nairobi, then the Mt. Kenya-Laikipia region (alternativelySamburu – Meru National parks), followed by Kenya’s Central Rift Valley Lakes, then the world famous Maasai Mara National Game Reserve (a Must).

If you have been to the Mara before or for whatever reason you do not wishto go to the Mara, then we can do the western Kenya -Lake Victoria circuit or Amboseli. The holiday ends at the Kenya Coast.

Why is Kenya the perfect destination for a family holiday?

Among other things, because Kenya is home to some of the world's fastest, fiercest, largest and also most bizarre-looking creatures.The landscape is also so varied you would think you are in a different continent every few kilometers. It is the only place we know where you have a zillion mammals, birds, reptiles and marine things, all kinds of flora, a limitless horizon, and 26 national parks and game reserves. There are snowcapped mountains, over 600km of a magnificent coastline, raging rivers and some of the world’s largest lakes, earliest archaeology in the world, and perhaps the largest concentration of extinct volcanoes.

Just so you know, the word “Safari” was invented here.

A safari holiday is usually centered on an early-morning game drive, lunch, and then another game drive, followed by a perky sundowner as the sun sets over the plain. It is an early-to-bed, early-to-rise culture –usually followed by a few days of relaxation at Kenya’s glorious coast.

What are we going to do in ten days?

With the kind of package that we have, do not be surprised to find yourself asking: what happened to all the ten days? And don’t be surprised if the children don’t want to go home yet !

In brief, we will do game drives, bush whacking and walking, participate in culture events and activities such as Bao Board game competitions, donkey derbies and even camel rides !. At the Kenya coast we will do snorkeling, sport fishing, sea shore net ball and volleyball, scuba diving, skating, boat racing among others. If you want, we will also get you to participate in cultural dances, and we can also arrange for night game drives in select game reserves. Sometimes we get requests for visitation to rural villages where guests get to mingle with villagers in whatever manner.

Nairobi: Nairobi is one of the world's few capitals where one gets to see all manner of wildlife right by the city and as your plane gets to land. The city also has a vibrant arts scene, a surprising café culture and lively nightlife. Nairobi’s nature trail, the Giraffe Centre, Mamba Village and the Bomas of Kenya are also places you may want to visit. You may also want to visit any of the several world class museums and culture centers such as the Karen Blixen House, the Nairobi National Museum, the Nairobi Snake and Reptile park, and the Railway Museum.

Mt Kenya region and Laikipia: Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and second highest in Africa after Kilimanjaro, reaching 5,199m. Its often-jagged terrain is best suited to adventurous families. The scenery on your way from Nairobi is simply unbelievable. The luxurious (and expensive) Mount Kenya Safari Club is an institution that's worth a visit. Our select attractions here include the NaroMoru River where Mt. Kenya towers in the distance and the Laikipia private conservancies. The Sweetwaters Game Reserve offers excellent game viewing, and has been instrumental, through its breeding programme, in helping to conserve the endangered black rhinos. Others include Lewa and OlPajeta, perhaps some of the less than five places on earth where you can observe Chimpanzees.

Samburu and Meru: Samburu is part of a lava plain that includes a diverse landscape of thorn scrub, red dirt, dried river beds, broken volcanic rock, steep hills, and rocky outcroppings. This reserve is becoming one of Kenya's most admired stops after the Mara.

Meru National Park is where 'Born Free' lioness cub Elsa lived out her days. One of the lesser-visited reserves, it begins in the foothills of Mount Kenya and stretches over 1,800km2 down towards the Tana River in the east. More rain in this area means it's naturally lush, and trust me, you want to be here.

Central Rift Valley lakes: Lake Nakuru’s fame is anchored on its flamingos and the over 400 species of birds that are found here. The lake itself is a soda lake on the floor of the rift valley. The usual sighting is at least a million flamingos at any time, which is quite spectacular. From a distance the lake appears ringed in pink. The Lake has also earned a reputation as an important haven for endangered species- particularly the Rothschild Giraffe and the black and white rhino. Lions, waterbuck, buffalo and baboons are all residents here. Other points of interest include the archaeological and prehistoric sites at Hyrax hill and Kariandusi, as well as the Lord Egertons Castle.

At Lake Naivasha, you will view hippos from a cruise boat (optional). Around Naivasha one can also visit Hell’s Gate National Park and ride bikes to climb Mt. Longonot while viewing magnificent thermal springs at Olkaria along the way.Hell’s Gate has more than 100 species of resident birds including buzzards, vultures and the rare lammergeyer eagle.

Masai Mara Game Reserve:  It is a world famous game reservethatcomprises vast plains stretching through the Great Rift Valley towards Tanzania..The “great migration”, one of the wonders of the world,also happens here. In our view, the Mara is not only Kenya's top tourist attraction, but it is also the most beautiful place on earth. Actually we consider it the Garden of Eden. A safari here is a particularly good option for family holidays.

The Mara offers wildlife in such variety and abundance that it is difficult to believe: over 450 species of animals have been recorded here. Sightings of the ‘Big Nine’ (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, cheetah, giraffe, zebra and hippo) are common, as are herds of wildebeest and Kongoniwhich roam across the plains.

You will easily see crocodiles, impala, gazelles, warthogs, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, and many kinds of rare antelopes such as the Topi and Kudu.
Hot air balloon trips are an entirely outstanding way of seeing the savannah plains and the wildlife after which you come back down for a beautiful champagne breakfast. These trips can be arranged at our office upon booking.
MasaiCulture :You will also get to meet the semi-nomadic Maasaiand learn about their fascinating culture - including lessons on how to play the Bao game, throw a rungu, and even learn how to throw a Maasai hunting spear.

Amboseli National Park: Amboseli means ‘the place of water’ in Maasai language. It is one of the most popular parks in Kenya and it offers excellent accommodation facilities.
The park has an endless supply of water which is filtered through thousands of meters of volcanic rock from Mount Kilimanjaro. Animal species seen include elephant, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, impala and leopard. The birdlife seen here includes pelican, bee eater, kingfisher, African fish eagle and the pygmy falcon.
From the Mara (or Amboseli), we shall take you to the magnificent beaches at the Kenya Coast.

Depending on your package, we could fly straight to Mombasa, Diani, Malindi or Lamu. You can also choose the option of driving or flying to Nairobi, and then from Nairobi either flying or riding the Lunatic Express to the coastal town of Mombasa.

The Lunatic Express: This is a colonial Train Ride from Nairobi to Mombasa. Despite its age, the train is an excellent cheap alternative to flying. Definitely something the kids will enjoy and for the adults you cant help but feel you are actually taking a ride on Kenyan history. The railway was constructed in the late 1800's by the British.
The old train runs in both directions at 7pm every day. First class is recommended and actually pretty comfortable. The fare includes a compartment for 2 persons, dinner and breakfast and the most amazing views. Most of the journey is at night and you arrive in Nairobi around 9am and the feeling of waking up in the morning with the African bush rushing past you as you cover the last few miles into Mombasa is worth the ticket price alone.

Kenya Coast: While at the coast, we have three options to choose from: Kenya South Coast, Kenya North Coast and Lamu. The Kenya coast is an endless 500+km of glorious beaches, corals, marine parks and islands. Your family will be spoilt for choices ranging from snorkeling, sport fishing, sea shore net ball and volleyball, scuba diving, skating, boat racing among others.

Mombasa, Malindi and Watamu Bay are especially known for honeymooners, now catering more for families. Malindi has a marine nature reserve that's excellent for snorkeling for all ages, plus scuba-diving for older children and adults. You also take a relaxing sailing trip in the Indian Ocean on a traditional dhow from Lamu Island.
We recommend that you include in your planning a visitation to one of the cultural centers, such as the wood carvings factory at Changamwe, The Mamba Village (crocodile farm) and Haller Park.

Lamu is a hypnotically exotic experience, made even more enjoyable by the relaxed and welcoming attitudes of the locals. It is a very relaxed and relaxing place where its easy going lifestyle has long attracted those seeking an alternative and exotic lifestyle. Life here is lived at its own relaxed rhythm. To visit Lamu is to enter another world, and the visitor finds themselves becoming a part of this world. Life slows down, and long days are spent strolling along the waterfront, exploring the town or relaxing on the beaches.

Please follow our destinations link to view details of attractions in all these sites.

Going Home: You can custom built your package so that you can fly back home from Mombasa or fly from the coast to Nairobi first and then home. We can also take you back to Nairobi either by rail or road. If you choose to fly back home from Nairobi, then you do not want to miss the carnivore experience.

Where to Stay: Accommodation suited to family holidays in Kenya ranges from city hotels and coastal resorts to game-park chalets and remote tented camps for the adventurous. We will arrange for safari lodges, from the most basic 'stick and sheet' camps to boutique 'glamparis' (glamorous camping safaris) and 5-star luxury resorts which despite its stylish interiors also caters for families
When: The rainy season runs March–May (long rains) and Nov–Dec (short rains), with dry seasons in-between. The coastal region is the hottest but is humid Jan-March. The height of the tourist season in Kenya is the great migration in July and August, when nearly 2 million wildebeest, zebra and Thomson's gazelle flee north from the bare lands of the Serengeti to their lush green holiday home, the Maasai Mara.
We recommend family holidays visit during the so called low season because this is when you have less crowds and the prices are also low.
How: There are daily flights to Nairobi from anywhere in the world and there are also charter flights to Mombasa. Please click on our link to Air tickets and let us arrange your Air Flight.
Food: Kenya is a meat eating society. Safari lodges and camps in Kenya generally cater to Local, European, Chinese, Korean and North American tastes. Breakfasts include lots of fresh fruit, porridge, omelets, plus the odd sausage or rasher of bacon, and vegetarians are catered for
For vegetarians, the Indian, Italian, Turkish, Mexican and even Brazilian restaurants dotted around the country are a good option.

Local cuisine varies by area. Inland there's very much a meat-based diet, supplemented with a mix of greens called sukuma wiki and ugali, a stiff porridge made from maize. On the coast it's generally more varied, with fresh fish, lobster and prawns all featuring heavily, plus lots of spiky, and curious-looking tropical fruit and vegetables.

Fruit juices, flavoured sodas and the Colas are the usual thirst-quenchers; mineral water is an expensive necessity as local tapwater can't be relied on.

Locals beers are good and cheap – opt for Tusker, especially the malt lager brand. Despite coffee being one of Kenya's main exports, good fresh coffee is often only found in fancy hotels and at an extortionate price.
Cost: When budgeting for family holidays in Kenya, think about £1700-3000 per adult and £1,400–3000 per child. The actual holiday cost will ultimately depend of how you customize the holiday.

Ordinarily, the agreed cost will be inclusive of all flights, transfers, accommodation, park entrance fees and government taxes,guided forest walks, service of an English speaking professional driver/guide,and bottled water whilst on safari.
Excluded in family trip price:-Tips-Laundry-Drinks-International flights-Visas-Items of personal nature-Any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary