What’s the recipe for the perfect family bush and beach safari? One part thrilling game viewing at one of Kenya’s most exclusive and soulful private houses; one part messing about on an Arab dhow as you sail through the Lamu archipelago; and one part relaxing at a gorgeous beachfront villa with water sports galore. All that’s needed is you and your crew.
December to January provides the optimal combination for game viewing and sailing a dhow. If you come between April and July, expect rain inland and heavier seas–great for kiteboarding but not for dhow trips which do not operate May to July.
Price depends on the experiences and accommodation included, and your time of travel. It is based on a family of six travelling for 10 nights and does not include international flights.
1 night in Nairobi, 4 nights in the Borana Conservancy, 2 nights in the Lamu Archipelago, 3 nights on Kizingoni Beach
What makes this journey special?
- Heavenly combination of one of East Africa’s top private safari retreats and barefoot luxury in timeless Lamu.
- Join wildlife rangers as they work to protect one of Africa’s most important rhino sanctuaries.
- Enjoy a couple of nights aboard a luxury private dhow as you sail the Lamu archipelago, stopping off to snorkel Lamu’s reefs, wakeboard, explore mangrove creeks and catch lobster for your supper.
- Opportunities to bring in heli-exploration and private tented camps in Kenya’s Great North.
Your Kenya private family safari itinerary
Lovely Laragai
Borana Conservancy
After a night on arrival in Nairobi, you’ll soon be deep in the wild country of northern Kenya, enjoying the run of magnificent Laragai House. Here in the malaria-free Borana Conservancy, you’ll discover a very special private retreat where you can be as relaxed or as active as you choose. When not lounging by the pool, playing tennis or sipping sundowners with forever views, there’s a multitude of exciting adventures to enjoy.
Borana’s diversity of large mammal species is simply extraordinary. Along with the Big Five, species such as Grévy’s zebra, Jackson’s hartebeest and the reticulated giraffe can all be spotted. Black and white rhino also find sanctuary here, and you can track them on foot with the local rangers. You can game view on horseback too, explore on mountain bikes, take a bush walk with the brilliant private guides, and experience Kenya’s stunning landscapes from the air, swooping past snow-capped mountains, and over desert dunes, volcanic lakes and open savannas in a helicopter.
Dhow time in Lamu
Lamu Archipelago
A short flight will bring you to magical Lamu on Kenya’s coast. Over the next three days, ply the waters of the Lamu archipelago aboard NaiSabah, a beautifully appointed private liveaboard dhow. Regardless of whether you prefer to sleep in your cabin or up on deck beneath the stars, you’ll experience Lamu’s rich Swahili history and beguiling cultural mix, stopping off to visit traditional villages, snorkel pristine coral reefs, go wakeboarding, swim with dolphins, catch seafood for dinner or enjoy a picnic on a remote beach. NaiSabah is a way to go beneath the surface of Lamu, escaping jet-set Shela and reconnecting with Lamu’s more far-flung communities and rich marine ecosystems, letting the wind and tides dictate the flow of each day.
Lazy days by the Indian Ocean
Kizingoni Beach
Arriving at Kizingoni Beach on Lamu Island’s southern tip, disembark the NaiSabah and stroll up the beach to your private accommodation at Pepo House. This lovely beach villa is a wonderful way to conclude your Kenya family adventure, with life as unhurried as you choose it to be. Spend your days relaxing by the swimming pool, taking a morning yoga class or being out on the water–kitesurfing, waterskiing and wakeboarding are all available. Or head into Lamu Town to soak up its evocative Arab architecture and explore its hidden galleries, before returning for a lingering al fresco lunch and an afternoon snooze on your hammock. At night, gather round a beach bonfire and watch the waves sparkle green with bio-luminescence.
Where you'll stay on your Kenya family safari
Great journeys need great places to lay your head. These are our tried and tested suggestions.
Hemingways Nairobi
Situated just outside Nairobi with views of the Ngong Hills, Hemingways is a luxury boutique hotel that offers an appealing mix of modern elegance and classic charm. The standard of accommodation and service is unmatched in the Kenyan capital, and it’s an ideal choice for travellers seeking comfort, sophistication and proximity to city highlights such as the Karen Blixen Museum and Nairobi National Park before or after heading out on safari. The on-site restaurant serves excellent cuisine, and the spa provides a range of rejuvenating treatments.
Laragai House
Offering enough wildlife to keep ardent safari-goers excited, but plenty of other activities for those not quite so keen on 5 am starts, Laragai House is a luxury exclusive-use retreat next to Borana Conservancy in Kenya’s Laikipia region. With eight rooms, it’s perfect for a multi-generational family reunion or a group of friends. Game drives introduce little ones to the Big Five, while guided bush walks and horseback safaris let you connect with nature more slowly. While away downtime by the pool or playing tennis, and regather every evening for sundowners, conversation and alfresco dinners beneath the stars.
NaiSabah Dhow
Plying the waters of Kenya’s Lamu archipelago and beyond, NaiSabah is a traditional Omani dhow converted into a stylish private liveaboard comfortably sleeping eight in air-conditioned cabins, or on bedrolls beneath the stars if you prefer. A few days aboard NaiSabah is an unforgettable way to experience a Lamu beyond the brochure. Stop off at indigenous villages and local non-profits; glide through mangrove creeks; snorkel pristine reefs; fish for your supper; haul up on a virgin beach for sundowners or drink coconuts straight from the tree. Just relax, enjoy the simple pleasures and let the wind and tides dictate the flow of each day.
Pepo House
Tucked away on Kizingoni Beach, at the southern tip of Lamu Island, Pepo House is an invitation to slow down and disconnect. Sleeping up to 12 guests, it’s a heavenly private villa that epitomises barefoot luxury, letting you while away your days doing as little as you wish. A short walk along a beach path reveals a shaded oasis and a shimmering swimming pool. Nearby, a thatched pavilion invites you to linger over an excellent lunch, or sway on oversized daybeds. If you can muster the effort, a morning spent kite surfing or exploring Lamu Town is well worthwhile.
Customise your luxury Kenya family safari
All of our journeys are fully bespoke, and can be customised to meet your needs, interests and preferences. Here are a few ideas to inspire you.
Add a few days under canvas on a mobile tented safari in the Masai Mara
Track rhino on foot with the fabulous Borana Conservancy rangers
Take a horseback safari through Lewa, sleeping out in fly camps
Spend a day learning about Maasai community life from visiting a school to cattle farming and traditional crafts
Discover the wonderful conservation work being done at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary on a helicopter-based trip to the Mathews Ranges of northern Kenya
Looking for more inspiration?
We have a huge range of inspiring private experiences and accommodation options available. Get in touch with our Kenya specialists.
ENQUIRELearn more about our luxury holidays, or call our expert Africa team on +44 1367 850566 / 1-855-216-5040 (toll free) to discuss how we can turn your dreams into something truly magical.
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