Family Safari to Kenya's Pridelands
A thrilling wildlife and cultural adventure for the whole family
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
Itinerary highlights
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Skip the crowds at the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
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Enjoy a family picnic on the real Pride Rock
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Learn bush survival skills at the Junior Warrior Academy
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Take part in a fun Maasai beading workshop
What's included
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Full support from your travel designer and concierge before, during and after your trip
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All internal flights and transfers
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Expert guiding at each camp or lodge
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Main camp activities at each destination
At a glance
This adventure through Kenya is ideal for the whole family with plenty to keep everyone busy, from the adrenalin-seekers and culture-lovers, to nature enthusiasts. Your trip will begin in Nairobi where you can meet some of the residents of the Giraffe Centre and learn all about what they are doing to help protect these endangered creatures in the wild. You can also have the unique experience of going on safari with the city as a backdrop. Keep your eyes peeled for some of your favourite Lion King characters.
A special part of your stay in Nairobi will be a visit to the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage where, if your family has adopted a baby elephant, you’ll get to have off-peak access to the little ones.
Your next stop is Lewa where you can explore the lush forests from raised walkways, looking down on some of the animals that call it home, and go swimming in rock pools. You’ll also get to enjoy a picnic on the real Pride Rock in Borona Conservancy which inspired the creators of the Lion King films. Older children can head out to explore the trails on mountain bikes, and the whole family can enjoy privately-guided game drives.
The final stop is Mara Conservancies where there are a variety of culturally focussed activities available, from survival and Maasai skills discovery to beading workshops. You’ll also be able to head out on guided nature walks.
Your family adventure can be specially crafted to suit your interests, creating a memorable trip for everyone.
Example trip itinerary
Nairobi
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Nairobi
Accommodation in Nairobi
- 11 Rooms
- 2.5 Acres of Grounds
Situated in an upmarket, peaceful and quiet residential area of Nairobi named after Karen Blixen, this property is ideal for travellers who need to spend a night in Nairobi pre- or post-safari.
With only eleven uniquely designed en-suite rooms, based in 2.5 acres of green gardens, this city hotel offers a comfortable base from which to explore the city. You can venture out on your own to visit the Giraffe Centre, Daphine Sheldrick Orphanage or any one of the city’s many markets and museums including the famous Karen Blixen museum.
The journey from the airport can be quite an adventure, with a real experience of the hustle and bustle of Nairobi city. Interestingly, the name of the house bears all the initials of the family who own and run this boutique hotel, in age order. The private home was originally built in the 1970s and was carefully refurbished over the course of nearly three years to make the property well suited for guests passing through the capital.
- 13 rooms
- Restaurant
- Library
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.
- 10 Luxury Manor Bedrooms
- Library
- Breakfast with giraffes
- Exucrsions to markets and museums
- City tours
Originally built in the 1930s, Giraffe Manor is ideally located in south west Nairobi, just 20 minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Situated in one of Nairobi’s most beautiful suburbs, this beautiful Manor House is located on 140 acres of pristine sanctuary land. Perfect for a quick stopover in the capital city, with an extra quirkiness to add to the convenience. What’s more, each guest’s stay directly benefits projects in some of the city’s poorest areas.
This lovely Manor is home to endangered Rothschild giraffes that make daily visits to the house and politely ask guests for snacks. This up-close experience is remarkably enchanting and a great way to begin or finish your safari in Kenya. The opportunity to visit a handful of local attractions such as the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and the Karen Blixen museum (among others) are also available and a great way to explore Nairobi in more detail.
The style of this boutique hotel is modelled on a Scottish lodge with a contemporary feel to it’s decor. The main manor house has just six en-suite luxury bedrooms, each with its own character and tastefully decorated. Four additional luxury bedrooms are situated within the garden manor, surrounded by the manicured gardens.
Each room is comfortable, with subtle warm colours that give a homely feel. Grand, four-poster beds and large windows give an airy quality that allows you to simply relax and enjoy your time in Nairobi without the hustle and bustle of city life.
Giraffe Manor is well known for the excellent cuisine offered, with meals taken in the wood panelled dining room overlooking the gardens. Breakfast is the most important part of your experience here, as this is when the Giraffe are their most inquisitive.
Giraffe Centre
Take a tour of Nairobi's Giraffe Centre and get up close to its long necked residents. Located in Karen, a pleasant suburb of the city named after Karen Blixen, it was established in order to protect the endangered Rothschild giraffe that is found only in the grasslands of East Africa.
Private game drive in Nairobi National Park
Early this morning your private guide will collect you and take you over to Nairobi National Park, a short drive out of Nairobi’s central business district and suburbs. The wide open grass plains and backdrop of the city scrapers, scattered acacia bush play host to a wide variety of wildlife including the endangered black rhino, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, giraffes and diverse birdlife with over 400 species recorded. An early departure is recommended, as this is when the animals are most visible and active. Enjoy this introductory game drive with your friendly and professional guide, in a 4x4 safari vehicle to see your first Pumba's and Simba's.
Foster parent evening at the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
Travel by private transportation into the Nairobi National Park for a visit to the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. Very much a local secret, skip the main tourist crowds by adopting an orphan elephant before you visit. This gives you exclusive off-peak access to your orphan, with one-on-one time with the little guy (or girl), to hear their story, see where they lives and who looks after them and see how the orphanage has saved them from the sad realities of poaching. This is a life changing experience, and also greatly helps the trust help the animals that need it.
Transfer
Transfer to Nairobi Wilson airport
Transfer
Flight from Nairobi Wilson airport to Lewa Downs Airstrip
Lewa
Accommodation in Lewa
- 12 safari tents
- Family house with two rooms
- Swimming pool
- Safari guides are Silver and Bronze level Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association certified, and they also receive training directly from the Conservancy to the “Lewa Standard”.
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.
- Three en-suites
- Main dining room and sitting room
- Game viewing deck and verandah
- Exclusive use of own vehicle
- Wi-Fi
This is the grandest of the accommodation options at Sirikoi. Guests will enjoy exclusive use of the house, which comes with its own private safari guide and vehicle, chef and team of staff.
The house consists of a master bedroom cottage, a separate cottage with two en-suite bedrooms and a central living and dining cottage. It also features a private wooden deck which overlooks the wetlands.
Each room is individually decorated and features unique pieces collected from around the world. A picture window that stretches to almost the entire width of the room promises spectacular views out across the plains.
Your personal team will take you out on a variety of activities, from bush walks and game drives to horseback riding and Masai visits. Dining is an equally special experience and consists of meals under the stars and evening sundowners facing Kenya’s mountain ranges.
- Daily game drives and rhino ranger walks
- Horse riding and camel safaris
- Trail running, mountain biking, paragliding
- Helicopter excursions
- Five bedroom suites
- Infinity pool
- Spa and hammam
- Clay tennis court
- Gym
- Library, games room and cinema
- Two lounges, bar and dining room
- 14 staff
Arijiju is, simply put, one of the most beautiful houses in Africa. An incredible piece of modern architecture, the private-use retreat sits in the rolling Kenyan hills of the Borana Conservancy as if it’s always been there, borrowing elements from Swahili and Ethiopian vernaculars. Arijiju works very closely with other nearby properties and communities to protect the wildlife and migration corridors. Besides those efforts, the lodge itself is also constructed of local materials and makes use of solar power.
Vast wooden doors lead down cloisters and through sun-trapping garden courtyards to a waterhole-overlooking infinity pool and the main house with its expansive living space with a library (which can also function as an office), kitchen, games room and cinema, as well as the grand double-height lounge and dining. Gourmet meals are health focussed, farm to fork affairs enjoyed here, on a sunny terrace, by the pool or perhaps on a rustic picnic or decadent safari dinner. There’s also a charming spa, hammam steam room, gym, yoga studio and hot tub.
Arijiju can sleep up to 10 people in its five beautiful suites. Three are located in the main house while two others are in more private buildings a short walk away. Each is unique but all are bathed in light through vast archways of glass, with grand furniture, fireplaces, copper roll-top baths and outdoor showers.
There is no schedule for guests at Arijiju and there are a plethora of adventures on offer. From private game drives and walking safaris in the game-rich Borana Conservancy. You can also mountain bike or go trail running accompanied by a support vehicle, ride horses, take quad bikes out to fly camp for the night, explore verdant Ngare Ndare Forest, or take a helicopter flight to see the summits of Mount Kenya.
Behind the scenes, 14 staff keep everything running smoothly, the team including butlers, talented chefs, private game rangers, grounds and housekeepers, security and your manageress host Karina along with her two dogs, Lula and Digby.
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Ngare Ndare Forest Trust
Today you will have the opportunity to visit the Ngare Ndare Forest Trust. This forest 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 out the side of the hill, and also a fabulous canopy walk making it possible to get up close and personal with a Hartlaub’s turaco or even an elephant.
Picnic on Pride Rock in the Borana Conservancy
Enjoy a family picnic on the real Pride Rock with stunning views. Borana Conservancy is home to the original inspiration for Pride Rock from the animated Lion King animated film. In the early 1990s, Disney's animation team visited the site while conducting research in Kenya ahead of the 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 it.
Mountain biking in the bush
Older children and teens might be keen to get the adrenalin pumping with some mountain biking through the bush in Lewa.
Privately-guided game drives
Take the opportunity to head out on privately-guided game drives. Age restrictions may apply to younger children.
Transfer
Flight from Lewa Downs airstrip to the Mara north
Transfer
Transfer to your lodge in the Mara Conservancies
Mara Conservancies
Accommodation in Mara Conservancies
- Six cottages
- Private Nyati House
- Maasai Well Being Spa
- Library
Saruni Mara is an intimate lodge nestled in a secluded valley in the heart of the Mara North Conservancy, which borders the famous Maasai Mara National Reserve.
With just five cottages, one family suite and a private villa, it is markedly smaller and more personal feelling than anything else in the area. Each of the expansive cottage have a classic safari feel, individually themed with colonial antiques, and all with stunning views to be enjoyed from bed, outdoor shower and veranda. Nyati House is an exclusive-use home with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a lounge, dining room and kitchen, as well as a private safari vehicle and guide.
The main areas of Saruni Mara comprise of the magnificent lounge where guests enjoy a sumptuous blend of African and European cuisine, well-stocked library, a fire to sit around the fire and chat over the days game viewings and a wellbeing space.
Experience the pristine wilderness day and night game drives, walking safari’s, experience wonderful bush dinners and see Kenya through the eyes of your local Maasai guides who have lived on this land for centuries. There’s also the chance to visit local villages, conservation projects and learn Maasai skills at the warrior academy.
- Six luxury safari tents, all en-suite
- One honeymoon tent, very spacious and with a large private verandah
- Four family safari tents, each with two ensuite bedrooms and a shared living area
- Swimming pool and spa
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.
- 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)
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.
- 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
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.
Junior Warrior Academy at Saruni and Cottars
If you choose to stay at Saruni Mara or Cottar's 1920's Safari Camp, younger guests can join the Junior Warrior Academy to learn basic survival skills. If you're staying at Angama Mara, young guests can learn about general Maasai skills.
Maasai beading workshop
Try your hand at creating some 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.
Guided nature walks
Head out on a guided nature walk to learn about the fascinating flora and fauna of the area from the people who call it home.
Transfer
Flight from Mara/North to Nairobi Wilson airport
Transfer
Flight from Nairobi Wilson airport to Jomo Kenyatta International
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.
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Family Safari to Kenya's Pridelands
How we work
This adventure through Kenya is ideal for the whole family with plenty to keep everyone busy, from the adrenalin-seekers and culture-lovers, to nature enthusiasts. Your trip will begin in Nairobi where you can meet some of the residents of the Giraffe Centre and learn all about what they are doing to help protect these endangered creatures in the wild. You can also have the unique experience of going on safari with the city as a backdrop. Keep your eyes peeled for some of your favourite Lion King characters. A special part of your stay in Nairobi will be a visit to the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage where, if your family has adopted a baby elephant, you’ll get to have off-peak access to the little ones. Your next stop is Lewa where you can explore the lush forests from raised walkways, looking down on some of the animals that call it home, and go swimming in rock pools. You’ll also get to enjoy a picnic on the real Pride Rock in Borona Conservancy which inspired the creators of the Lion King films. Older children can head out to explore the trails on mountain bikes, and the whole family can enjoy privately-guided game drives. The final stop is Mara Conservancies where there are a variety of culturally focussed activities available, from survival and Maasai skills discovery to beading workshops. You’ll also be able to head out on guided nature walks. Your family adventure can be specially crafted to suit your interests, creating a memorable trip for everyone. | Whats included?
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Days 1-3 |
Nairobi |
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to your hotel in Nairobi |
|
|
Accommodation in Nairobi
•
House of Waine - $$$$$
Situated in an upmarket, peaceful and quiet residential area of Nairobi named after Karen...
•
Ololo Lodge - $$$$$
Overlooking Nairobi National Park, Ololo Lodge is a welcoming hideaway in the African bush on...
•
Giraffe Manor - $$$$$
Originally build in the 1930s, Giraffe Manor is ideally located in south west Nairobi, just 20...
|
|
| Giraffe Centre Take a tour of Nairobi's Giraffe Centre and get up close to its long necked residents. Located in Karen, a pleasant suburb of the city named after Karen Blixen, it was established in order to protect the endangered Rothschild giraffe that is found only in the grasslands of East Africa. |
|
| Private game drive in Nairobi National Park Early this morning your private guide will collect you and take you over to Nairobi National Park, a short drive out of Nairobi’s central business district and suburbs. The wide open grass plains and backdrop of the city scrapers, scattered acacia bush play host to a wide variety of wildlife including the endangered black rhino, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, giraffes and diverse birdlife with over 400 species recorded. An early departure is recommended, as this is when the animals are most visible and active. Enjoy this introductory game drive with your friendly and professional guide, in a 4x4 safari vehicle to see your first Pumba's and Simba's. |
|
| Foster parent evening at the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Travel by private transportation into the Nairobi National Park for a visit to the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. Very much a local secret, skip the main tourist crowds by adopting an orphan elephant before you visit. This gives you exclusive off-peak access to your orphan, with one-on-one time with the little guy (or girl), to hear their story, see where they lives and who looks after them and see how the orphanage has saved them from the sad realities of poaching. This is a life changing experience, and also greatly helps the trust help the animals that need it. |
|
|
Flights & transfers
Transfer to Nairobi Wilson airport |
|
| Flight from Nairobi Wilson airport to Lewa Downs Airstrip | |
Days 3-6 |
Lewa |
|
Accommodation in Lewa
•
Lewa Safari Camp - $$$$$
Mount Kenya lies just to the south of Lewa Safari Camp and the Lewa Wilderness Conservancy...
•
Sirikoi House - $$$$$
This is the grandest of the accommodation options at
•
Arijiju - $$$$$
Arijiju is, simply put, one of the most beautiful houses in Africa. An incredible piece of...
|
|
| Ngare Ndare Forest Trust Today you will have the opportunity to visit the Ngare Ndare Forest Trust. This forest lies to the southeast of Borana and has made huge steps in recent years to connect with the local communities to ensure its survival. Within the forest there are some magnificent rock pools, where the clear blue spring water gushes out the side of the hill, and also a fabulous canopy walk making it possible to get up close and personal with a Hartlaub’s turaco or even an elephant. |
|
| Picnic on Pride Rock in the Borana Conservancy Enjoy a family picnic on the real Pride Rock with stunning views. Borana Conservancy is home to the original inspiration for Pride Rock from the animated Lion King animated film. In the early 1990s, Disney's animation team visited the site while conducting research in Kenya ahead of the the release of the 1994 film. The film crew also visited in 2017 while working on the remake of the film and you'll spot some of the scenery in the 2019 version of it. |
|
| Mountain biking in the bush Older children and teens might be keen to get the adrenalin pumping with some mountain biking through the bush in Lewa. |
|
| Privately-guided game drives Take the opportunity to head out on privately-guided game drives. Age restrictions may apply to younger children. |
|
|
Flights & transfers
Flight from Lewa Downs airstrip to the Mara north |
|
| Transfer to your lodge in the Mara Conservancies | |
Days 6-9 |
Mara Conservancies |
|
Accommodation in Mara Conservancies
•
Saruni Mara - $$$$$
Saruni Mara is an intimate lodge nestled in a secluded valley in the heart of the Mara North...
•
Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp - $$$$$
Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp is located within a beautiful community-owned concession close to...
•
Angama Mara - $$$$$
Towering high on the Rift Valley’s Oloololo Escarpment with direct and private access to the...
•
Mara Plains Camp - $$$$$
Just north of the Maasai Mara Reserve, in the 30,000 acre private Olare Motorogi Conservancy,...
|
|
| Junior Warrior Academy at Saruni and Cottars If you choose to stay at Saruni Mara or Cottar's 1920's Safari Camp, younger guests can join the Junior Warrior Academy to learn basic survival skills. If you're staying at Angama Mara, young guests can learn about general Maasai skills. |
|
| Maasai beading workshop Try your hand at creating some 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. |
|
| Guided nature walks Head out on a guided nature walk to learn about the fascinating flora and fauna of the area from the people who call it home. |
|
|
Flights & transfers
Flight from Mara/North to Nairobi Wilson airport |
|
| Flight from Nairobi Wilson airport to Jomo Kenyatta International |
