From Savannah to Sea - Laikipia, Mara and Zanzibar Safari

Set along the Nairobi River, the city is East Africa’s most cosmopolitan city. Museums, markets, and buzzing metropolitan vibe add a delightful dose of something different that perfectly complements a Kenya family safari.

This morning, you will be transferred to Nairobi-Wilson airport in a private vehicle and take a light aircraft flight to Loisaba airstrip, which takes around 60 minutes.

You’ll land at the airstrip, which is located within the conservancy and you’ll be on safari from the moment you arrive – look out for wildlife as you descend.

Fringing the northwestern edge of Kenya’s Laikipia plateau, the Mugie Conservancy features over 200 square kilometres of scenic landscape.

Almost half the conservancy falls within the Mugie Sanctuary which is home to an abundance of elephants, Grevy’s zebras, big cats, and endangered Jackson’s hartebeests. Other commonly spotted species include zebra, buffalo, ostriches, giraffes, warthogs, an abundance of birdlife, and a variety of different antelope.

Forming part of the spectacularly scenic Zanzibar Archipelago, the island of Unguja is home to the charming village of Bwejuu.

It is a seaside village situated on the southeastern coast just below the magnificent Michamvi Peninsula. This tropical island paradise features unspoilt white-sand beaches shaded by palms and fringed by crystalline waters.

Unwind on the stunning white sands of the Bwejuu-Paje beach, discover the incredible marine life on snorkelling and scuba trips or learn something new at the first kite surfing school on the island.

This is without doubt one of our favourite hotels in Kenya – elegant in an understated way, Hemingways Nairobi delivers it all, all of the time.

Perfect for a night between safaris, or on arrival and departure, it also lends itself to a longer stay if Nairobi is to be explored. From Hemingways Nairobi, guests can easily access Nairobi National Park, as well as the shopping districts of Karen and the David Sheldrick elephant orphanage. The proximity to Nairobi Wilson Airport also makes transfers for domestic flights for safari destinations very convenient.

The service and food are second to none, meaning a relaxed and enjoyable visit, every time.

The suites are delightfully comfortable with gloriously spacious bathrooms, and all are named after a notable person in Kenya’s history. The hotel’s grounds are luxuriant, full of birdlife and begging to be explored. A dip in the outdoor pool is also very welcome in the warm Nairobi afternoons.

Ekorian Mugie Camp offers a perfect mix of adventure and comfort for families with young children, making it an ideal base for exploring Laikipia.

The camp’s family tents are perfectly suited for smaller children, conveniently located near the mess tent and featuring fun bunk bed arrangements that kids will love. The camp’s eco-friendly design and thoughtful amenities, such as solar-powered tents and chemical-free products, ensure a sustainable stay that also prioritises comfort.

With a trampoline, a chemical-free pool, and plenty of family-friendly excursions, Ekorian Mugie Camp creates unforgettable experiences for young travellers while offering parents peace of mind in a safe, engaging environment.

Hemingways Ol Seki Mara is a small camp with only 10 tents – just the way we like it.

Baraza Resort & Spa is an exquisitely designed, award-winning boutique villa property that is a firm favourite amongst the many luxury hotel offerings in Zanzibar.

The resort is part of The Zanzibar Collection with three sister properties nearby, all located at the expansive Bweeju beach – voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by Condé Nast Traveller – on Zanzibar’s south east coast.

Accommodation is provided in air-conditioned one or two bedroom villas, which are well positioned around the resort’s manicured grounds. All villas have their own private plunge pool, loungers and Sultan’s day bed to help you get into the relaxed way of life here at the coast.

Activities on offer are numerous for those who want to do more than relax during their stay. The resort itself has a gym, tennis court, spa, watersports centre, as well as a kids club and teenage area. One of the most fun things to do is Baraza’s signature Swahili experience, featuring ‘under the palm’ cultural lessons with the resident Mwalimu (teacher).

Nairobi boasts a vibrant array of cultural activities beyond its renowned National Park.

Visitors can contribute to wildlife conservation by supporting the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where orphaned baby elephants can be visited and even adopted. Giraffe Manor provides an exceptional opportunity to feed giraffes through manor windows, creating unforgettable moments.

Beyond wildlife, the Maasai Market beckons with its cultural richness, offering an irresistible shopping experience with unique treasures and gifts.

The suburb of Karen, named after ‘Out of Africa’ author Mrs. Blixen, is a picturesque area near the domestic airport, featuring charming artisan shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Young adventurers can enjoy a range of activities that go beyond traditional safaris. From kayaking on Mugie’s dam, where elephants might join you for a swim, to camel walks through the conservancy, the opportunities for fun are endless.

Kids will especially enjoy the chance to interact with Mugie’s bloodhounds and observe their scent-tracking skills, as well as visiting the nearby community projects and the Mugie School, where a friendly game of football is always a highlight.

Witness this Big Five country from a completely unique perspective on a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Mara Reserve – a great way to get a different perspective on the park.

The early morning Mara breeze will float you southwards towards Tanzania and as you follow the Mara River all the wonderful animals of the Mara are visible.  The flight usually lasts about an hour and once you’re safely back on solid ground, celebrate the early morning escapade with a champagne breakfast in the bush (additional costs apply.)

At Baraza Resort and Spa, families can discover Zanzibar’s rich marine life with the island’s only PADI five-star Gold Palm and RAID-certified dive center. Rising Sun Dive Centre, a pioneer in exploring Zanzibar’s pristine southeastern coast, offers an unforgettable experience for all levels.

With unmatched dive equipment and skilled instructors, both beginners and seasoned divers can explore over 65,000 meters of thriving reefs and spot countless fish species, all while contributing to vital marine conservation efforts in this untouched paradise.