10 Days in Kenya: An Exclusive Family Safari

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you’ll be met and transferred to Aberdare National Park, about 150km (3 hours) north of Nairobi. This is genuinely one of the most scenic family road trips you’ll ever experience. After arriving at the park, you’ll check in at The Ark Lodge and enjoy lunch.

After settling in, you’ll embark on a thrilling afternoon game drive, a stunning introduction to the beauty and grandeur of Aberdare National Park. The park is known for its picturesque ravines and open moorlands featuring cascading waterfalls, abundant wildlife, lush grasslands, river valleys, and rocky ridges. The game drive ends at sunset, and you’ll head back to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Aberdare’s habitat ranges from sub-alpine pine vegetation to sub-montane forests, grasslands, and xeromorphic evergreen forests. These diverse environments provide shelter for incredible wildlife, including antelopes, giraffes, lions, buffaloes, rhinos, reedbucks, hyenas, monkeys, leopards, zebras, warthogs, bushbucks, baboons, bongos, and duikers.

After a hearty breakfast, embark on scintillating morning and afternoon game drives to spot the park’s resident game including over 250 species of birds, most of which are easily seen around the waterfalls. Enjoy incredible sightings, marked by a sumptuous picnic lunch in the heart of the park.

Start day 3 of your 10 Days Kenya Family Safari with an intimate family breakfast–the perfect thing to do when you’re in the heart of a fascinating safari park. At 8 a.m., you will pack up your bags and transfer to Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

Located between Mt. Kenya and the Aberdare Mountain Ranges, Ol Pejeta is a popular safari destination in Kenya, offering authentic yet unforgettable off-the-beaten-path adventure experiences in a unique setting. Combined with its distinctly luxurious accommodations and a wide range of activities, this remarkable sanctuary is ideal for any Kenyan family safari.

Upon arrival, you will check into Kicheche Laikipia Camp, a set of six luxurious, custom-designed camps that will make your stay at Ol Pejeta super comfortable. After settling in and enjoying a delicious meal and the great atmosphere, embark on a thrilling afternoon game drive to explore the parks abundant wildlife. Two of the world’s only remaining northern white rhinos are a stirring marvel in Ol Pejeta. The sanctuary is also home to the Big 5, wild dogs, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, black rhinos, buffaloes, hyenas, and hippos. Enjoy great sightings of some of the world’s rare and endangered species. Later, return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Expect uninterrupted views of wildlife at Ol Pejeta Conservancy. One such experience is the hippo hide walk, a camouflaged shelter on the Ewaso Nyiro River bank that offers fantastic views of hippos and wildlife without disturbing them.

Your next stop is the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary—a lifelong home to about 40 rescued chimpanzees, some of which are orphaned and abused. Spend some time with Poco and others like him who’ve learned to walk, clap, spit, and even smoke like humans! Watch them eat their fruit meal, play with them, and also support this honourable cause.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is also home to over 140 critically endangered black rhinos. Spend the afternoon following them around. Enjoy your delicious, packed lunch in the park and then resume game drives an hour later until sunset and head back to the base.

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll check out of the lodge and transfer to Lake Naivasha, a perfect choice for families seeking scenic beauty and wildlife. It’s situated within the Great Rift Valley region about a 3-hour drive away.

On arrival, start the adventure by visiting Sanctuary Farm for a 2-hour horseback safari. This exciting, adrenaline-packed excursion lets you explore Naivasha in style. Discover the scenic lake shores which host thousands of flamingos and other bird species, wildlife, and diverse vegetation. After the excursion, you’ll check into Naivasha Sopa Lodge, a child-friendly property with rustic charm nestled along the shores of Lake Naivasha. Enjoy a delicious lunch and then continue exploring the park with a boat ride to Crescent Island followed by a walking safari.

The dramatic Mt. Longonot has long attracted hikers to brave its challenging climb to catch a glimpse of its scenic beauty. This 4-hour hike offers the opportunity to explore the mountain’s unique gems, from its forested crater floor to sweeping wilderness views. You will start the hike at 7 a.m. This is what many regard as the most challenging summit they’ve ever completed. We’ll admit it: this 9-kilometer climb is no joke, especially if you’re unfit—consider your fitness levels before traveling. Those who brave the climb are in turn rewarded with stunning views of Longonot’s volcanic terrain, particularly its bubbling geysers and arresting Rift Valley cliffs. You will also enjoy scenic views of Lake Naivasha as well as wildlife, including giraffes, Grant’s gazelles, elands, buffaloes, leopards, bushbucks, and lions.

Note: Longonot’s official hiking age limit for children is 7 years old. You will probably have to leave those below this limit behind (for this one). No worries! After all, we only consider resorts with excellent babysitting services.

On the seventh day, your 10 Days Kenya Family Safari heads to the world-famous Masai Mara. Upon arrival, you will check into Ilkeliani Mara Camp, an intimate, elegant, and family-friendly safari retreat tucked away on the banks of the Talek River in the heart of the reserve. You’ll be impressed by the faultless, kid-friendly amenities at this camp. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

You have two full days to explore the vast plains of Masai Mara and experience raw drama. After a quick breakfast, pack your lunch and embark on a full-day game drive each day in the plains. Heading out early increases your chances of spotting wildlife when they are at their most active before the heat of the day sets in. Explore the landscape in search of leopards, cheetahs and lions. During migration season, watch as the terrain is flooded with waves of zebras and wildebeests.

Enjoy bush picnics organized under a croton tree shade overlooking the vast plains and then go as far as the edges of the reserve to witness scenes of the great migration, including the dramatic river crossings. Experience more memorable wildlife encounters on exhilarating privately guided game drives and end your days with sundowners, enjoying drinks and snacks while watching the sunset over the open savanna. Although Masai Mara promises excellent wildlife viewing all year round, many travelers plan their trip around the Great Migration.

Optional: A Masai Mara hot air balloon flight over the plains offers breathtaking views of wildlife, lush vegetation, thronged grasslands, meandering rivers, and scattered acacias below. The balloon can be maneuvered to meet varying needs; it can be lowered to view wildlife closer or flown higher for panoramic views. The ride ends an hour later with a sumptuous breakfast served in the heart of the wilderness.

The morning activity is a cultural experience with one of Kenya’s most famous indigenous tribes – the Maasai. It offers a glimpse into their culture and way of life. Return to your vehicle an hour and a half later, for your 4-hour scenic road trip to Nairobi for your connecting flight back home.