Kenya and the Seychelles

Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital, is East Africa’s most dynamic city and a perfect gateway for exploring the country’s famed safari destinations.

Nestled along the Nairobi River, it’s home to vibrant culture, lively nightlife, and fascinating landmarks like the National Museum and Karen Blixen Museum.

Uniquely, wild lions and buffalo roam Nairobi National Park, just 20 minutes from the city centre. A visit to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s elephant orphanage offers an unforgettable wildlife encounter.

Nestled between Mount Kenya and the arid northern deserts, Laikipia marks the gateway to Kenya’s untamed frontier.

This captivating region, composed of private and community-run ranches, offers exceptional safari experiences in the Laikipia National Reserve. Renowned for its conservation efforts, it’s home to rare wildlife like Grevy’s zebras, black rhinos, and wild dogs, alongside elephants, lions, and leopards.

Adventurous activities include boat trips on the Ewaso Nyiro River, guided walks, birding tours, and horseback safaris.

With its sweeping savannahs and abundant wildlife, Laikipia rivals even the iconic Maasai Mara.

Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital, is East Africa’s most dynamic city and a perfect gateway for exploring the country’s famed safari destinations.

Nestled along the Nairobi River, it’s home to vibrant culture, lively nightlife, and fascinating landmarks like the National Museum and Karen Blixen Museum.

Uniquely, wild lions and buffalo roam Nairobi National Park, just 20 minutes from the city centre. A visit to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s elephant orphanage offers an unforgettable wildlife encounter.

The largest island in the Seychelles archipelago, Mahé is home to the capital Victoria and the broadest selection of accommodation for a luxury family holiday.

Lush forests fill the interior, whilst sparkling white beaches ring the island’s shores. Many of which can only be reached by scenic hikes through protected forest. Off-shore, the reefs are home to an abundance of colourful marine life.

Some of our favourite resorts for families are found on Mahé and the selection of beautiful resorts is unmatched in the Seychelles.

Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport is the ideal family-friendly stopover when arriving in or departing from Nairobi.

Its unbeatable location near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport makes it perfectly suited for seamless transitions, whether you’re gearing up for a safari or winding down after an adventure.

Spacious, contemporary rooms provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay, including the signature Four Points beds for a restful night and rain showers that refresh after a long journey. The rooftop heated pool offers a relaxing space for parents and a fun diversion for kids, all while enjoying views of Nairobi National Park.

Dining is a highlight here, with options that cater to every palate. Tazama Rooftop Bar and Grill serves delicious international roasts and grills alongside craft cocktails, while Marketplace provides fresh, wholesome cuisine with a 24-hour menu, perfect for families arriving at odd hours.

El Karama Lodge is a very special place indeed. Built and run by owners Sophie and Murray Grant, every aspect of the experience has been designed with families in mind.

Located in the rolling hills of Kenya’s Laikipia County, around two hours north of Nanyuki, the landscape is captivating, the wildlife abundant, and the birdlife dazzling.

The natural world is just one small part of what sets this lodge apart from its competitors; the rest is down to the people. The team have created a haven where every member of the family, of any age, will feel at home from the moment they arrive.

Young children (age 4 and above) will be welcomed to bush school, where they can learn about tracking, making plaster casts, clay sculpting, beadwork, bread making, farm life, and much more.

Babysitters are on hand to take care of very young ones, and as for the older children and parents; game drives, fishing, walks, and conservation activities await.

Accommodation offerings include 2 private houses, a family cottage, and individual bandas. There’s also the option to enjoy a night of fly-camping for those more adventurous families.

Most visitors stay for 4-5 nights at El Karama because there’s so much to do; it’s a destination in itself.

The Seychelles offers a wealth of family-friendly resorts and Constance Ephelia is our go-to on Mahé. We have stayed here ourselves as a family, and we can’t fault it.

While it suits families with young children very well, it’s equally suitable for older children too. There is so much to choose from activity-wise that there is something to please everyone.

Days can be spent enjoying the beaches and watersports available. Or, you can simply soak up the sun in one of the many impossibly beautiful spots in the resort. Foodies can enjoy deliciously varied meals in one of the many restaurants.

We thoroughly enjoyed the local dishes on offer in the main restaurant, and be warned – breakfast is an enormous buffet-style feast! You will certainly not go hungry while staying here.

Nairobi offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, blending its heritage with a cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Explore the city’s vibrant markets, where artisans showcase handmade crafts and colorful fabrics. Visit the Karen Blixen Museum to delve into colonial history, or experience Kenya’s heritage at the Bomas of Kenya, with traditional dances and homestead replicas.

Sample authentic local cuisine at bustling eateries or iconic spots like Carnivore Restaurant. Nairobi’s cultural immersion promises a deeper connection to Kenya’s diverse and dynamic spirit.

At El Karama Lodge, kids can immerse themselves in nature at Kenya’s first Bush School, designed to educate and “rewild” young adventurers.

Guided by expert naturalists, children enjoy hands-on activities like wildlife tracking, bushcraft, fishing, and photography. They can pick vegetables for lunch, play bush football, or learn about local culture from Turkana women.

With opportunities for creativity, exploration, and discovery, El Karama Lodge crafts a memorable, engaging safari experience where kids over the age of four can connect deeply with the wild and its wonders.

Nairobi National Park offers an incredible opportunity to see four of the Big Five just a short drive from the city.

Known for its remarkable urban backdrop, the park is home to lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo, as well as diverse wildlife and bird species. The park is only missing elephants due to there not being enough space to accommodate their natural migration patterns.

Game drives provide thrilling encounters, while the park’s open savannah and acacia-dotted landscapes create a truly wild setting. It’s a unique chance to experience Kenya’s iconic wildlife without venturing far from Nairobi’s bustling heart.

Mahé offers families a wonderful mix of beach relaxation and cultural exploration.

Start with a visit to Beau Vallon’s lively weekly food market, where kids can sample local treats and experience the island’s vibrant community atmosphere.

Then, head to Victoria, ‘the world’s smallest capital,’ for a family-friendly tour of colonial-era buildings and historical plantations. Children will enjoy learning about the Seychelles’ rich heritage while wandering through this quaint town, making it an unforgettable day of cultural discovery for all ages.