Family Safari to Kenya's Pridelands
Trip Highlights
- Enjoy a family picnic on the real Pride Rock
- Learn bush survival skills at the Junior Warrior Academy
- Learn from your expert safari guides on private game drives
- See the natural world from the tree canopy in Ngare Ndare Forest
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Expertly guided safari activities
- Bespoke and tailormade experiences
- Full support from your travel designer and concierge
- Help with restaurant recommendations and reservations
- Days 1–3 Nairobi
- Days 3–6 Lewa
- Days 6–9 Mara Conservencies
- Days 1–3 Nairobi
- Days 3–6 Lewa
- Days 6–9 Mara Conservencies
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Two nights in Nairobi
While staying in Nairobi you’ll be able to explore the city on a range of bespoke activities arranged to suit your family perfectly. Private city tours will lead you to the Karen Blixen museum, owned by the famous Danish author between 1915 and 1931 and gaining international recognition in the film ‘Out of Africa’. Then, for those who simply cannot wait to see wildlife you’ll be able to venture into Nairobi National Park on exclusive game drives.
Where you could stay
Nairobi
Highlights
- Outdoor pool
- Health club & steam room
- Restaurant
- Bar & lounge
Overview
Set between the Ngong Hills and Jamhuri Park, the Hemingways Nairobi is a boutique hotel far removed from the bustle of the capital. Expect excellent service and delicious food in this all-inclusive establishment.
Choose from one of 45 lofty rooms furnished in a classic style; vaulted ceilings and balconies are complemented by exposed timber, cotton drapes and neutral tones. The two, 240 square metre themed-suites improve upon this with well-appointed living rooms, study and dining areas, opening to large terraces. All rooms have views either of the rolling hotel lawns or the Ngong hills in the distance.
Dining at The Brasserie, you can enjoy a contemporary European menu boasting some of the best steak in Kenya and a relaxed ambiance. Head to The Dining Room for a more formal atmosphere and modern cuisine of local providence.
→ Find out moreNairobi
Overview
Overlooking Nairobi National Park, Ololo Lodge is a welcoming hideaway in the African bush on the banks of the Mbagathi River, where guests are made to feel instantly at home. A beautifully restored colonial farmhouse lies at the centre of the lodge, where guests are invited to unwind with a glass of wine as they drink in the views.
The 13 suites are spacious and luxuriously furnished, from the airy Terrace Room with its marble bathroom and private terrace, to the safari-style tented cottages. Or you could climb the spiral staircase to The Tower Room which boasts breath-taking views out over the park towards the Ngong Hills.
Run by an Australian family, Ololo Lodge is all about relaxing and enjoying the comforts of home away from home. At The Kitchen at Ololo, home-style meals are simple and fresh, using seasonal produce from the lodge’s own gardens. The menu changes daily and guests can dine out on the vine-covered terrace or in the garden under the acacias.
Keep a look out for lion, giraffe, leopard, rhino, hippo, zebra and buck on a personalised or group game drive in Nairobi National Park, or add a little extra magic with a visit to the nearby Elephant Orphanage or the Giraffe Centre.
→ Find out moreThree nights in the Lewa private conservancy
Spend your time exploring Lewa’s grasslands, forests, wetlands, rolling hills and incredible wildlife. Lewa is home to endangered species such as black rhinos, over 14% of the country’s white rhino, the world’s largest population of Grevy’s zebra, the rare reticulated giraffe, as well the rest of the ‘Big Five’. This part of Kenya is perfect for families because of its wonderful variation of excursions and beautiful, family-friendly accommodations. For family members looking for activity and adrenaline, mountain biking in the bush is a great way to let off some steam, while becoming immersed in the beautiful natural world.
Each day, included in your stay and along with your additional activities, you will enjoy daily game drives. These will typically take place in the early morning and afternoon, missing the heat in the middle of the day. For families we always recommend selecting a private experience for extra flexibility.
Where you could stay
Lewa
Highlights
- Seven stand alone cottages
- Three family cottages each with 2 ensuite bedrooms and a shared veranda
- Swimming pool
- Central lounge & dining room
- Big Five game drives
- Bird watching
- Helicopter rides
Overview
Located deep within the bio-diverse Lewa Conservancy, the hilltop Lewa House is perfectly placed to experience some of the best safaris in Kenya.
The main house is the focal area of the lodge, where you’ll dine family style with your hosts Calum and Sophie on the long wooden table in the evenings and share stories of the day’s adventures. During the heat of the day take a dip in the large swimming pool overlooking a waterhole. Strung out along the hillside around the central lodge are seven separate cottages all with great views from the private verandas.
Home to some of the best game viewing in East Africa, the Lewa Conservancy is a great choice for those looking for a comprehensive “Big Five” safari experience. Travel out from the house by foot, car, camel and vintage bi-plane to make the most of this richly rewarding area.
→ Find out moreLewa
Highlights
- Nine cottages
- Tennis court
- Horizon saltwater swimming pool
- Massages
- 4x4 day and night game drives
- Camel and horse riding
- Fly camping
Overview
Family run and cared for, this lodge invites you to be a part of the lives of the Craig family who will host you during your stay here.
A beautiful retreat surrounded by trees and located within the 62,000 acre Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Lewa Wilderness has just nine individually decorated cottages with private sitting areas and verandas looking over the vast landscape. The fire places in each room add to the homely feel of the place and for those who want to be outdoors more often than in, the tennis court and swimming pool are ideal ways to get some energy out.
The reserve is home to some wonderful game, and helps the conservation efforts of black rhino that browse the region in larger numbers than elsewhere in East Africa. Lion, leopard and elephant can often be seen sipping from the small wooded valley river that flows past the lodge throughout the year and provides an excellent source for prime game viewing.
If you are feeling more adventurous than most, ‘Walking Wild’ is an activity that lets you explore the wild and remote Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in the safety of a team of expert guides. Sleeping a maximum of eight, you head off on a genuine mobile safari lead by camels and each tent has its own private toilet and shower ‘room’ that adds a ‘glamping’ element to this remarkably wild experience. Three to five night options are available.
→ Find out moreThe impact of your stay:
- The lodge’s generated revenue supports the Lewa Conservation Education Programme, which educates on the significance of supporting and safeguarding the environment and wildlife, both in school and at home. The programme also contributes to education in the region by covering school fees, providing food, supplies, and educational materials.
- Lewa Wilderness, through its non-profit, has been supplying sanitary products as part of a continuous effort to address the healthcare needs of local communities. In collaboration with the local government, Lewa also backs four clinics and operates one of its own. Serving as the nearest medical centres within a 25-kilometre radius of all the remote communities in Lewa, these clinics are the sole healthcare resource for tens of thousands of Kenyans.
- Solar systems provide power for all electricity and hot water needs. The lodge features two fully electric safari vehicles, the first of their kind in Kenya, providing guests with a quieter and more environmentally friendly option for game drives. Additionally, all hotel food waste is recycled through their farm, creating compost and serving as feed for their chickens.
Laikipia Plateau
Highlights
- 8 stone cottages give sweeping views over the Laikipia plains and to Mt Kenya
- Embark on game drives to spot species such as Grevy’s zebras and Jackson’s hartebeests
- Relax in the cool waves of the infinity pool
- Admire the expansive views across the Laikipia plains
- Tee-off on the 9 hole golf course
Overview
Set on a private 50,000 acre-wide conservancy in Laikipia, Governors’ Mugie allows you to explore the vast landscape and come face-to-face with the rare northern rangeland species that call this place home. During your stay in one of the eight stone cottages, you’ll be able to enjoy refreshing cocktails around a cracking log fire within the main house, or indulge on a creative menu prepared with ingredients sourced from the camp’s own vegetable garden.
Take a dip in the infinity pool or dine alfresco pool-side as you look out to the waterhole set in front of Governors’ Mugie. Here you’ll be able to watch as wildlife such as elephants and giraffes wander up for a drink.
Activities at Governors’ Mugie include traditional shared game drives with a dedicated, highly qualified and experienced guide, or you can treat yourself to a spot of self-care at the camp’s spa if you don’t fancy heading out. You can also enjoy the open air and vivid scenery on Mugie Conservancy’s nine-hole golf course.
→ Find out moreThe impact of your stay:
- Governors’ Mugie Camp is one of two small tourism properties on the Mugie Conservancy, a 50,000-acre area of ecological importance. It collaborates with local communities to protect and conserve the land and its wildlife, including endangered species. The camp pays monthly lease fees to the conservancy and nightly bednight fees for each guest, supporting the ongoing success of this conservation project.
- The camp actively supports local wildlife conservation efforts through its partnership with Mugie Conservancy. Recent projects include deploying lion collars to address human-animal conflict, participating in reticulated giraffe research with The Giraffe Conservation Foundation, establishing a vulture-safe feeding site, and making substantial donations to the Grevy’s Zebra Trust.
- The Mugie Conservancy’s community outreach team conducts weekly wildlife and conservation education mentorship sessions at Mugie Primary School. The success of this programme has led to an expansion into other schools. These talks address challenging topics such as sexual health, early marriages, teen pregnancies, STDs, and drug abuse. The aim is to educate children on diverse subjects, including careers, menstruation, self-awareness, poaching, tourism, and environmental care.
Borana Conservancy
Overview
Lengishu is an exclusive safari house, ideal for families or a group of friends, with a superb hillside setting in northern Kenya, and wonderful views to the north over the Borana Conservancy to Northern Frontier District and the Mathews Ranges in the far distance. Borana Conservancy has excellent wildlife sighting opportunities, including lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, a healthy number of black and white rhino, and a number of species unique to northern Kenya such as Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich.
With rammed earth walls, and sustainably sourced timbers in its roof and floors, Lengishu has a very small environmental footprint. The house has six bedrooms split between four cottages, all with their own private en-suite bathrooms, and designed to make the best of the views. The bathrooms have walk-in showers and big roll top baths, and the bedrooms have wood stoves or fireplaces for cool nights. There is a sitting room between the rooms in two of the cottages, making them ideal for a family with younger children. The master bedroom is a standalone cottage and the main house has a spacious dining room, lounge, and a study. The large pool has wonderful westerly views, and there is also a games room, a petanque pitch as well as a gym.
→ Find out moreLewa
Overview
Mount Kenya lies just to the south of Lewa Safari Camp and the Lewa Wilderness Conservancy itself contains abundant game. Black rhino are a strong reason for visiting this camp, which can be found wandering around in isolation and are thrilling to behold.
The camp has 12 safari tents, each with a thatched roof and private verandah to enjoy your gin and tonic. The main boma has a cracking fireplace to warm up on the chilly evenings and during the heat of the midday sun you could make the most of the swimming pool in the pretty gardens of the lodge.
The 62,000 acre conservancy has a strong management programme for the protection of these creatures which helps them thrive in an historically harsh environment. A stay here has a strong educational theme to it, where you can gain a real understanding of the work the Lewa Wilderness Trust are doing to keep the conservancy running. You will also be directly contributing toward the community and a walk through the archaeological site nearby takes you back in time to a time when pre-historic man roamed these lands.
→ Find out moreLewa
Overview
Sirikoi is a beautiful lodge surrounded by 7,000 acres of the private Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
Conservation conscious individuals will love this place. There is a very strong theme of community and wildlife conservation and the lodge boasts claims to assisting the growth of buffalo numbers in the area. The big five roam freely and with over 100 rhino you are highly likely to tick them off on a stay here. Bird lovers can enjoy over 350 species including the Somali ostrich and the fantastic Kori bustard.
Each of the four luxury tented rooms have a private veranda overlooking a waterhole that attracts a lot of game; this lodge is ideal for some relaxing game experiences. Each room has its own sitting area and provides a great space to spend an afternoon completely uninterrupted except by the creatures converging below. The Sirikoi Cottage has enough space for five to live comfortably and for true exclusive use, Sirikoi House is also on offer. This three bedroom entirely private house has a main dining and sitting room, large veranda and exclusive use of its own vehicle.
→ Find out moreMake it mine
On top of the rock
In the forest
Picnic on Pride Rock
Enjoy a family picnic on the real Pride Rock, the inspiration for the Lion King, with stunning views of the Borana Conservancy. In the early 1990s, Disney’s animation team visited the site while conducting research in Kenya ahead of the release of the 1994 film. The film crew also visited in 2017 while working on the remake of the film and you’ll spot some of the scenery in the 2019 version of the same film.
Ngare Ndare Forest Trust
The Ngare Ndare Forest Trust lies to the southeast of Borana and has made huge steps in recent years to connect with the local communities to ensure its survival. Within the forest there are some magnificent rock pools, where the clear blue spring water gushes and a fabulous canopy walk, making it possible to get up close and personal with a Hartlaub’s turaco or even an elephant.
Three nights in the Mara Conservancies
The Mara Conservancies are brimming with wildlife that roams freely from the bordering Maasai Mara National Park, into these private and exclusive areas. This part of Kenya is rich in wildlife and also Maasai culture, meaning your time here promises a complete and immersive experience of rural Kenya. Choose from a variety of exciting excursions such as guided nature walks, led by Maasai guides and game drives in private vehicles with expert safari guides.
Where you could stay
Mara Conservancies
Highlights
- Morning, afternoon and night game drives
- Visit to Maasai homesteads
- Traditional craft making with local Maasai women
- In-room massage on request
- Swimming pool
- Fitness centre
- Two libraries
- African art gallery
- Private indoor/outdoor dining options
- Two camps of 15 tented suites each (interconnected family tents also available)
Overview
Towering high on the Rift Valley’s Oloololo Escarpment with direct and private access to the Mara Triangle, this lodge’s name was inspired by the Swahili word for ‘suspended in mid-air’. It’s not only its location that makes it stand out, but also its commitment to education, health and conservation in the region.
Each of the 30 luxury tented suites echo the traditional Maasai culture with splashes of red and tartan print throughout, coupled with minimalist design, so as not to disrupt the dramatic, 180° panoramic views. Soak up your surroundings with provided binoculars from the comfort of your own room, equipped with 10 metre wide, floor-to-ceiling glass windows or on the private wooden decks that hang above the Mara below.
The Pavilion, which sits between the two campsites, is the perfect place to unwind after a day on safari. Catch the sun setting over the reserve with a drink at the cosy pit fire. Other luxury amenities include a fitness centre, swimming pool and art studio where you can meet local Maasai women, and watch their talented craft-making.
Angama Mara also includes Angama Safari Camp which operates seasonally, between July and the end of September. This luxury tented camp accommodates eight guests in four stunning ensuite tents (doubles or twins). The exclusive, private camp is positioned in a small forest, south west of the Mara Triangle and with views looking onto the plains and the heart of the mega herds of the Great Migration.
→ Find out moreThe impact of your stay:
- Angama’s approach to responsible travel is groundbreaking. The establishment of the lodges has contributed to funding the Mara Conservancy, a collaboration between conservation experts and the local Maasai community. This innovative partnership utilises tourism as a means to preserve one of the world’s most visited national parks.
- An additional $20 from each room night goes directly to the Angama Foundation, supporting projects in three key areas: healthcare, conservation, and education. The identification and prioritisation of projects involve collaboration with neighbouring communities, the Mara Conservancy, and NGOs with a proven track record of making a positive impact in the region.
- The lodge prioritises sustainability, relying completely on solar and hydropower. Following Kenya’s lead, the elimination of single-use plastics is in effect, and eco bricks are creatively employed in their organic gardens as an innovative means of upcycling old plastics.
Samburu
Overview
High up on a perch on top of the Kalama Mountains with spectacular all round views of Northern Kenya, sits Saruni Samburu. This design lodge is extremely unique and offers an exclusive game experience with 95,000 hectares of wildlife conservancy to traverse and hunt out the game. Leopards can sometimes be seen visiting the waterholes near the lodge, and the landscape attracts huge amount of plains game followed by the stealthy predators.
The very stylish Saruni Samburu comprises six luxury villas and is a magnificent place to experience both game and culture on the cusp of the Samburu ecosystem. The rooms are all on open decking with magical views spanning the horizon and are decorated to the highest of standards. The lodge is actually based 7km north of the National Park and guests can either visit the park or the national reserve or enjoy Kalama game viewing on the doorstep. The exclusivity that this lodge can afford is extremely attractive and makes it very special indeed.
Besides the private game experiences, you could spend a few days learning the survival skills of Samburu warriors and go back to the hunter gatherer ways that these ancient people still live by. You can learn to track animals and trace your way back home across the stunning plains. Each of the guides are trained to the highest professional guiding standards and provide you with true insight into some of nature’s wonders. Saruni Samburu is a two hour drive from Saruni Rhino where you can track black rhino on foot for the ultimate adventure.
→ Find out moreMara Conservancies
Highlights
- Seven luxurious tented suites
- Relais & Châteaux member
- Swarovski binoculars and Canon camera equipment in each tent
- Day and night access to the Olare Motorogi Conservancy
- Hot air balloon rides
- Cultural excursions
Overview
Just north of the Maasai Mara Reserve, in the 30,000 acre private Olare Motorogi Conservancy, this Relais & Châteaux camp offers you outstanding game experiences without the restrictions that the reserve itself imposes on other lodges. Each guest’s stay helps to contribute to various conservation and community projects. This conservancy adds a huge plus factor due to the privacy and minimal vehicle traffic within it. You can easily access the Maasai Mara Reserve, but the game in the conservation area is just as excellent. Leopard are regularly spotted passing through the camp and lions can often be heard in the distance.
Stroll along walkways that wind their way through the forest between the tented suites that are built on high stilts offering you stunning views onto the Ntiakitiak Riverr or across the Mara plains. Each suite has deep canvas canopied ceilings, rough-hewn wood floors and accents of East Africa’s rich safari history. Expect thick Lamu wood doors, deep purples, and brass accents. The raised library looks down onto hippos wallowing in the river, while the wine cellar is the perfect place to unwind and sample a selection of excellent South African and French wines. You can also choose to enjoy a private dining experience here.
A highlight of the camp is the family suite, the Mara Plains Jahazi Suite, which is an exclusive-use, two-bedroom tented villa with its own team of dedicated staff.
The game drive vehicles are all completely open which helps you get some phenomenal photographs. In addition to the game, you mustn’t forget that you also have a community nearby that you can visit and witness a genuine working village. A truly marvellous experience.
→ Find out moreMara Conservancies
Highlights
- Four luxury double safari tents, all en-suite
- Two unique honeymoon tents
- Three family safari tents
- Swimming pool and spa
- 4x4 day and night game drives
- Guided bush walks
- Cultural excursions
Overview
Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp is located within a beautiful community-owned concession close to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve and the Kenyan border, a timeless setting with incredible views over the game covered plains that surround it. Adding an extra layer to this camp is the fact that is closely involved with local community and conservation efforts, meaning that your stay is benefitting many.
The camp itself, colonial in style with dark woods, swathes of canvas and antique pieces, is made up of ten tents, spaced out to ensure privacy. Of the ten, four are family suites with their own living rooms and fireplaces and there also a unique honeymoon suite. All have en-suite showers and safari baths and showers can be set up in the savannah for unforgettable ablutions.
Two main mess tents sit at the heart of Cottar’s with areas for fine dining, drinking, reading and relaxing. There’s also a swimming pool and spa.
The Cottar family have decades of experience here and they count the highest number of Gold (the highest professional level) Safari Guides within one camp in Kenya, each chosen for their unique skillset and personalities, meaning a safari here, whether on foot or game drives, is always a fantastic.
Cultural interaction with the local Maasai community, with whom the Cottars have worked in partnership with for years, is authentic and not at all touristy. The award-winning camp also has some of the highest ecotourism ratings going.
→ Find out moreMake it mine
Active
Creative
Junior Warrior Academy
Depending on your camp choice, younger guests can join the Junior Warrior Academy to learn basic, Maasai survival skills. It will also give children the opportunity to understand the culture in this part of Kenya.
Maasai beading workshop
Try your hand at creating beautiful beaded items under the patient guidance of local Maasai beaders. Learn about the vibrant craft and create a keepsake to take home with you.
Why book with Jacada
Pesonalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.