Are African Safaris Worth it? 5 Reasons To Consider it
Should I go on an African safari? Many people ask themselves this question. African safaris for families are increasingly popular for those seeking authentic travel experiences.
A luxury African safari, quite simply, has everything you could want from a unique family escape.
5 great reasons to go on a safari
Here at Coral Tree, we are specialists in African safaris; below we list our top 5 reasons why a luxury family safari makes for an unforgettable journey.
1. The Greatest Wildlife on the Planet
It’s no secret that Africa offers some of the most fascinating wildlife experiences found anywhere in the world.
Our favourites include:
- The Great Migration of wildebeest through the Serengeti and Masai Mara,
- The world-renowned Big Five, found throughout sub-Saharan Africa,
- Gorilla trekking in the mist-covered mountains of Uganda and Rwanda,
- Snorkelling and SCUBA diving the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
The beauty of African safari for families is that stunning wildlife adventures can be found wherever you go. Some of our most memorable wildlife encounters have been in more off the beaten track locations, such as the lesser-known parks of Southern Tanzania, or the remote wilderness of Northern Kenya.
Futhermore, what really sets a wildlife experience apart is the standard of guiding. African safari guides are amongst the best in the world: expert at bringing to life the natural surroundings and enchanting their guests with tales of the bush.
2. Experiences only Africa can offer
What else makes Africa the number one choice for a family adventure holiday? The unique experiences that can’t be found anywhere else.
Africa is a melting pot of diverse cultures and history. Tanzania alone has more than 120 tribes, each with their own language and traditions. This diversity ensures that each luxury African safari is different, as are the people you’ll meet and the experiences you enjoy.
Furthermore, the activities available on African safari for families go far beyond traditional game drives in a safari vehicle. Where else can you enjoy the following:
- Hot air balloon rides at dawn, over savannahs covered in wildlife,
- Walking with chimpanzees in the rainforest,
- Breakfast with giraffes in a stately manor house,
- Cruise the backwaters of flood plains in a traditional canoe
Kenya is one of our favourite countries for unique experiences on a family safari holiday; the range of activities and topography is tough to top.
3. Diverse landscapes and locations
The African continent is home to some of the most beautiful and challenging environments on earth. It was here that our earliest ancestors first left the equatorial forests of the Rift Valley and migrated across the globe.
Today, African safari for families can include the acacia-dotted savannahs of East Africa, the miombo woodlands and flood plains of Southern Africa, the city bowl of Cape Town, and the impossibly-white sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean.
Our favourite locations for a unique experience include:
- Malaria-free game viewing in Madike Game Reserve, a delightful feature of a South Africa family holiday,
- Ngorongoro Crater – the world’s largest intact caldera, home to a bounty of African wildlife,
- The spice islands of Zanzibar: home to spectacular beaches and fascinating history,
- Samburu – northern Kenya’s remote wilds, where you’ll find distinct species and views that go on forever,
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – perhaps the most evocatively named park in Africa, and home to the mountain gorillas,
- The private islands of the Seychelles archipelago,
- Botswana’s Okavango Delta – a vast, inland basin, flooded each year by seasonal rainfall.
4. Marvellous accommodation
OK, if you’ve got this far and you can’t wait to experience all Africa has to offer, you may be thinking about where you’re going to sleep? Well, the good news is that African safari for families can feature some of the most amazing examples of accommodation available anywhere.
With world-leading designers plying their trade across the continent, and a commitment to sustainable construction prevalent, the range of striking places to stay is quite remarkable.
Which of these would wow you and your family?
- A private island found off the coast of Zanzibar – featuring just 12 bandas and home to nesting green turtles,
- Jungle-chic beach camp in remote Western Tanzania – the perfect base from which to trek with chimps in the Mahale mountains,
- A spectacular luxury safari lodge, perched high above the plains of the world famous Masai Mara,
- Explore the lakes and waterways of Nyerere National Park from the comfort of this beautiful riverside lodge,
- A log-cabin style lodge overlooking a crater lake, built entirely by hand from sustainable materials.
Africa has accommodation options to suit all budgets and tastes. Whether you’re looking for a luxury African safari or you’re searching for the best value options, Africa has something for you.
5. Not all classrooms have walls
As family safari specialists, we believe firmly in the transformative and educational nature of travel.
In this age of hyper-connectivity and screen time, there can be no greater luxury than spending quality time as a family in the wilderness.
You may come for the wildlife, the experiences, or the landscape, but we wager it will be the connections you make with your guides, your hosts, and each other that live longest in the memory.
You can also feel good that your family adventure is supporting endangered wildlife and important projects on the ground. All our partners in Africa have been chosen for their commitment to sustainability and every Coral Tree safari directly supports girls education and elephant conservation.
Furthermore, everyone in the family is sure to learn something new, whether that be about animal behaviour, ancient cultures, or bush skills. You’ll be sure to return home absolutely enriched by the entire experience.
After all, not all classrooms have walls…
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Top 8 Things to Do in Kenya: Unique Experiences
Top 8 Things to Do in Kenya: Unique Experiences
What unique experiences can be enjoyed on luxury Kenya safari holidays? Kenya is a destination famous for delivering unforgettable family safaris, and deservedly so.
Well-known for outstanding wildlife and fascinating culture, Kenya is also home to some of the most unique experiences to be enjoyed on luxury family safari holidays, anywhere in Africa.
Below, we list our top things to do in Kenya for a unique family safari experience:
1. Soar over the Masai Mara in a hot-air balloon
Whilst taking off on a hot air balloon safari is not unique to Kenya, we’d argue there’s no better place to enjoy this magnificent method of travel than over the vast plains of the Masai Mara.
A balloon flight will have you and the family rising before dawn, for a quick trip to the launch site. As the balloon fills with gas, first light will appear across the savannah, and you’ll soon be jumping aboard the basket.
The serenity of a balloon flight over the African bush is hard to describe. Few experiences can match the sense of scale and tranquility, interspersed only by the occasional firing of the balloon burner and the excited gasps of your fellow passengers.
One of our favourite luxury properties in the Masai Mara, perfectly positioned for hot air balloon flights, is andBeyond Bateleur Camp – a stylish and modern luxury tented camp, found on a private concession, on the edge of the Mara triangle.
2. The Samburu ‘Singing Wells
For many families, a key part of any African safari is learning about different cultures. We always recommend including some cultural immersion in any luxury Kenya safari holiday.
Whilst opportunities abound throughout Kenya, we have yet to find an experience as authentic as visiting the Samburu ‘singing wells’.
In time-honoured tradition, passed down through the generations, young Samburu pastoralists bring their beloved cattle and livestock to drink. Often the journey can take several hours on foot, over unforgiving terrain. When the wells are located, sometimes by identifying elephant activity from the previous night, water is brought up by hand to fill troughs. The young Samburu then sing their own family song to encourage the animals belonging them to come to drink.
In order to maintain the authenticity of this ancient practice, photography is prohibited, so you’ll have to take our word for how awe-inspiring your time bearing witness to the singing wells will be.
Our favourite place to experience the singing wells is at Sarara Camp, Samburu. Situated on the vast, pristine wilderness of the Namunyak conservancy, Sarara Camp works hand in hand with the local Samburu communities to preserve both the natural habitat and cherished traditions.
3. Take to the sky in a vintage yellow biplane
How to improve a luxury family safari in one of East Africa’s most pristine private reserves; famed for its conservation of wild rhino and healthy lion populations? Fly high above it in an open cockpit, retro, yellow biplane. That’s how!
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is one of the jewels in Kenya’s conservation crown. Their record in protecting and regenerating endangered rhino populations is second to none.
One of our favourite properties to visit in this spectacular corner of Africa is Lewa Wilderness. This is more than just a homely, beautiful, and impeccably run safari lodge. It also offers a wealth of activities, including scenic flights in their wasp-like, yellow and black, Waco biplane.
We can’t think of many experiences more fun than donning a sheepskin jacket and heading up (tiddly up up?) in the sky to observe the East African landscape from above.
4. Breakfast with giraffes in a stately home
No story about unique experiences on a luxury Kenya safari holiday would be complete without a long-necked nod to the inimitable Giraffe Manor.
Once a residential property, Giraffe Manor is now one of Africa’s most famous hotels. Giraffe roam freely through the extensive grounds and have become habituated to know when to greet excited guests for afternoon tea and breakfast.
Your friendly and knowledgeable hosts will ensure all visitors (human, giraffe, and warthog) have an ample supply of pellets, making for the most Instagrammable family photos imaginable.
A visit to Giraffe Manor doesn’t just deliver a phenomenal luxury family safari experience; it also helps contribute to important conservation efforts. Giraffe numbers have reduced by 40% over the last thirty years. Giraffe Manor, and the neighbouring AFEW Giraffe Centre have carried out important work in giraffe rehabilitation.
Families interested to learn more can pay a visit to the giraffe centre, and even sponsor one of the elegant, endangered Rothschild’s giraffes that bring delight to the guests at Giraffe Manor.
5. Witness the Great Migration
One of the most evocative widlife experiences on the planet, viewing the annual wildebeest migration is undoubtedly amongst the most iconic things to do in Kenya.
The Great Migration is the name given to the annual movement of over 2 million herbivores that move between Tanzania‘s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Masai Mara.
Predominantly known for the wildebeest that dominate the mega-herds, there are also zebra and species of antelope that move with them.
6. World-class game fishing off the Kenya Coast
Ever-dreamt of catching your own dinner to enjoy on a tropical beach? If so, game fishing on the Kenyan coast could be for you!
The Indian Ocean coastline of Kenya is well-known as a home for all sorts of large pelagic species that hunt in the waters. You can charter a boat and head out for fishing safari in the company of an expert skipper and fishing guide.
Your guide will teach you about which species are protected, which can only be caught and released, and which you’ll be able to take home for dinner, if you wish.
7. Horse riding safari with endangered rhino
Kenya is one of the best destinations in Africa to enjoy a horse riding safari, and in many areas you’ll have the added benefit of getting close to the critically endangered black and white rhinos.
Rhino conservation efforts have been successful in recent decades in Kenya due to the creation of many private reserves that are protected from poaching. Two of the leading reserves are Ol Pejeta and Lewa, both found in the Laikipia region of northern Kenya.
A safari in these reserves will almost guarantee sightings of rhino and they also offer the added bonus of being able to enjoy a horse back safari.
With extensive stables, riders of all age and experience levels are welcome, however, only experienced riders will be permitted to get close to the rhino, under the supervision of a trained guide.
8. Snorkel and SCUBA dive in pristine marine areas
The Kenyan coastline is home to many spectacular coral reefs but are perhaps lesser known than those found off the coast of Zanzibar in Tanzania.
One of our favourite things to do in Kenya is to explore those reefs with a snorkel or SCUBA diving expedition.
Several marine parks have been established, such as Watamu, Lamu and Wasini Island. Reputable diving and snorkel operators can be found offering trips to all these areas and a day out with the family on the boat is an excellent way to add some adventure to a beach stay.
You may get to see turtles, colourful reef fish, and even dolphins cruising through the blue.
Plan your family’s luxury Kenya safari holiday
Whilst the activities above are amongst our favourite experiences to be found in Kenya, there are countless others.
Kenya is amongst the best family safari destinations, ideal for families of all shapes and sizes.
Here at Coral Tree, we specialise solely in unique African safari experiences for families. We’re African safari specialists, and parents ourselves, so we understand what’s important when embarking on a bucket list family adventure.
If you’re thinking of taking your family to Africa, please get in touch and we can help you plan your perfect escape.
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Best Kenya Safari Lodges for All Types of Families
Best Kenya Safari Lodges for All Types of Families
As family safari specialists, we’re often asked what are the best Kenya safari lodges for families, as the country is known as a dream destination for a family adventure.
Safaris come in all shapes and sizes, as do families, so it’s not always an easy question to answer. Below, we split families, and safari lodges, into different categories, and name our favourite luxury family safari holidays for each.
Best Kenya safari lodge for teenagers – Lewa Wilderness
One of Kenya’s most well-established lodges, Lewa Wilderness is perfect for families with teenagers. The stunning wildlife and scenery are complemented by a wide range of activities, guaranteed to keep any teenager happy.
Highlights include:
- Night and day game drives
- Riding stables
- Swimming in nearby waterfalls
- Tennis court and swimming pool
If that wasn’t enough, the lodge also has a retro yellow biplane, used for scenic flights over the plains.
Best Kenya safari for under 10s – Cottar’s 1920s Camp
It’s hard to describe all the reasons we love Cottar’s 1920s Camp. Quite simply, they are the masters at taking care of families, particularly those with young children.
The camp is found on its own private conservancy, bordering the Masai Mara. The staff have all worked here for a very long time and have a genuine affinity for children. They understand what makes parents and little ones feel relaxed and entertained on safari, and deliver every time.
Children can learn bush skills, such as archery and spear-throwing. They’ll also be taught about nature and the many species that live in this area. In the evening, mum and dad (and the kids) can enjoy their own canvas bush bath, overlooking the Masai Mara.
Best Kenya safari lodge for toddlers – House in the Wild
We travelled here with our toddler and have yet to find a Kenya safari lodge where we all felt so relaxed.
House in the Wild is tucked away on the northern edge of the Masai Mara ecosystem, on 1,000 acre private estate bordering a vast private conservancy. Owned and run by parents, everything has been designed to make families feel at home.
The swimming pool is a little one’s delight, with a huge shallow area to splash around in. As well as accessing the world-famous Masai Mara, families can choose to stay and explore the estate, including bike rides, games of croquet and badminton, and exploring the huge, wild vegetable garden.
The rooms are spacious and carefully designed to give parents plenty of space, whilst still being close to children.
Best family safari with lots of personal space – Mara Bush Houses
When a family is travelling together, it can be important to have your own space to truly relax. Exclusive-use private houses are few and far between in the Masai Mara, so these hidden gems are a rare find.
The Mara Bush Houses are airy, well-designed with a swimming pool and private staff. Tucked away in a peaceful corner of the Mara North conservancy they are the perfect sanctuary for families to relax after a day of excitement and activities.
Complete with 3-bedrooms, each has been built with families in mind, offering total flexibility for families on safari.
Best for spoiling the family in style – Angama Mara
An iconic Kenya safari lodge, perched 1,000 metres above the Masai Mara plains, Angama Mara is certainly one for the bucket list.
Dotted along the edge of the Oloololo escarpment, all the tents come with jaw-dropping views. Furthermore, they have some of the most stylish and sumptuous design we’ve seen in Africa.
Game drives take place in the bountiful savanna below. At the end of the day, families can retire to the luxury of the lodge and enjoy the incredible home-grown food, as well as the well-stocked wine cellar. A stay here will make any family feel very spoiled.
Best Kenya safari lodge for large groups – andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp
Family-friendly, stylish and offering effortless experiences, andBeyond Kichwa Tembo is a Masai Mara institution.
With a total of 40 safari tents, it’s the perfect spot to visit with a large family group, as there is plenty to do for everyone. The pool is blissful, with stunning views across the Mara triangle. Kichwa Tembo is situated on a private concession, therefore, game drives and sundowners can be orchestrated to bring everyone together.
We are big fans, so much so that we took 28 members of our extended family here after our wedding in Kenya.
Best for conservationist families – Sarara Camp
Situated within the 850,000 acres of pristine wilderness that make up the Namunyak Wildilfe Conservancy, Sarara Camp is a very special place indeed.
For families looking for a truly unique experience, Sarara is a Kenya safari lodge like no other. Its blend of experiential tourism, and community and conservation focus make it an undisputed forerunner in the world of sustainable tourism.
Guests can feel immersed in Samburu culture, visit Kenya’s first community-run elephant sanctuary and head out on horseback with local Samburu guides.
Best Kenya Safari Lodge for family bonding – Ol Malo
One of the most memorable Kenya safari lodges, Ol Malo is set on an abundant private game sanctuary in Kenya’s remote Laikipia plateau. Owned and run by the Francombe family, the focus is on sharing their family home with visitors from all over the world.
Guests can stay in the main lodge or the Ol Malo House. Activities include:
- Mountain biking
- Camel treks
- Game drives
- Hikes
- Helicopter tours.
There are no timetables, you set the pace. As such, Ol Malo Lodge is an oasis for family bonding.
Best Kenya Safari Lodge for beach-lovers – Kinondo Kwetu
Kinondo Kwetu is a family-owned, boutique beach lodge, found on a private beach on Kenya’s south coast. The lodge has a reputation as a ‘home from home’ and a visit feels like just that.
Run by a Swedish family, the lodge has accommodation in a range of shapes and sizes, making it perfectly suited to families of any type.
As well as the beautiful beach to explore, there’s a cliff-top yoga deck, two lovely pools, and the opportunity to go horse riding along the beach. Ocean lovers will delight in the array of diverse water sports.
An escape here is the perfect way to spend time as a family, either before or after a safari.
Best for Instagram families – Giraffe Manor
For families looking to make their friends jealous on social media, nothing comes remotely close to the ultra-Instagrammable Giraffe Manor in the suburbs of Nairobi.
A magical place where giraffes visit for breakfast, a stay at Giraffe Manor is a one-of-a-kind experience unrivalled anywhere in the world.
This is a stately old home, full of character (aside from the long-necked residents), and families will marvel at how close and personal the experience is. Definitely one of the Kenya safari lodges to brag about to everyone back home.
Plan your dream family safari with us
Now that we’ve provided some inspiration, you may be feeling the excitement of a family adventure in Kenya.
The best way to start planning a family safari holiday is to get in touch and let us know a little bit about you, your plans, and what your hopes and dreams are for the trip.
We’ll then work with you every step of the way to put together the perfect family safari.
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Some images used in this blog are the property of our partners. Please contact us for more details.
A Tanzania luxury safari: the ultimate bucket list family holiday
A Tanzania luxury safari: the ultimate bucket list family holiday
When people think about their bucket list family holiday, it’s usually memorable, indulgent, breath-taking and spectacular. A Tanzania luxury family safari delivers all of this, and then some.
Tanzania luxury safari holidays
You may ask, what’s so special about Tanzania luxury safari holidays? Well, where to begin. Part of the appeal of Tanzania as a family safari destination is that it is so utterly diverse.
Many people have heard of the famous names, such as the Serengeti plains, or the spice islands of Zanzibar. But, those in the know speak of the country’s equally sensational, but lesser-known gems, such as the rugged landscapes of Ruaha National Park or the remote wilderness of Katavi.
Tanzania has a total of nineteen national parks, which means it’s got something for everyone. Fancy watching wildlife from the water, as you cruise the lakes and channels in your private boat? Nyerere National Park is for you. Want to marvel at the majesty of the world’s largest intact caldera? Be sure to visit the Ngorongoro Crater.
Fancy adding some turquoise waters and sparkling beaches to your safari? Tanzania is blessed with pristine coastline and the exotic Zanzibar archipelago, full of rich history and dazzling marine life. Many families choose to combine the mainland with the islands to make the perfect family safari and beach holiday.
Planning a Tanzania luxury safari is a joy. There are so many iconic destinations, that the excitement builds amongst the family, as soon as the discussion begins.
The greatest wildlife show on earth
What else makes Tanzania an ultimate bucket list family safari destination? The wildlife, of course.
If your family sits glued to David Attenborough, or National Geographic, then Tanzania will have you spellbound.
The Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra has made its way through the Serengeti in an annual pattern for time immemorial. No matter what time of year, the mega-herds can be found travelling in search of short grass and rain; feeding hungry predators as they go.
If big cats are your thing, you’re in luck. Tanzania boasts healthy populations of lion, cheetah, and leopard, all of which can be found in multiple locations. Seeing a big cat in the wild for the first time is something your family will never forget.
In Lake Manyara National Park, the lions rest in trees, to escape the elephants and tsetse flies below. In Tarangire National Park, during the dry season, huge herds of elephants make their way to the river that dissects the park.
Tanzania luxury safari camps
Perhaps more than any other country in East Africa, Tanzania has a selection of luxury accommodation befitting a bucket list family safari. Tanzania luxury safari camps are some of the finest on the continent, and the bar continues to be raised.
For families, it’s hard to top a private home in one of the Serengeti’s most prime locations. Or, how about an opulent safari lodge perched on Ngorongoro Crater rim?
As well as the big safari operators, there are plenty of independent gems, such as Gibb’s Farm: a working farmstead in the Karatu hills. For the adventurous, try Ikuka Safari Camp, with its phenomenal views across the expansive landscapes of Ruaha.
To really wow the family, add in some time on Mnemba Island: a private paradise off the coast of Zanzibar. Here, you’ll stay in a luxurious banda and have your own personal butler to take care of you. More than just a luxury island idyll, Mnemba is home to a successful green turtle conservation project. If you time it right, you may get to see hatchlings make their way to the shore.
Planning a Tanzania bucket list family safari
If thinking of a Tanzania luxury safari has whet your appetite, you may now want to get started with planning.
With so much information available, it can be hard to know where to start; particularly, if it’s your first safari.
Here at Coral Tree, we specialise in designing luxury family safari holidays. We used to live in Tanzania and have visited many times with our own family.
We know every family’s dreams are different, so we take the time to get to know you, your interests, your hopes, and your concerns. We’ll then design a perfectly tailored safari experience, just for you.
Why not get started on ticking off that bucket list today?
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Some images used in this blog are the property of our partners. Please contact us for more details.
Best Family Safari Destinations: Our Top Three
A family safari is high on the bucket list for many. Here at Coral Tree, designing luxury family safaris of all shapes and sizes is what we do best. In fact, it’s all we do.
Below, we list our Top 3 best family safari destinations in Africa:
Top 3 Best Family Safari Destinations
1. Kenya
Home to some of Africa’s most captivating landscapes, wildlife and cultures, Kenya tops our list for luxury family safari holidays.
Kenya family safari holidays offer such variety and are so well-renowned, they are the natural choice for many families when planning, particularly if it’s a first safari.
The most famous safari destination in Kenya is, undoubtedly, the Masai Mara, and rightly so. Along with the neighbouring Serengeti, the Mara has an abundance of wildlife that is unmatched in Africa. This means there’s a wide range of accommodation to suit any family’s budget or taste. Wildlife viewing here is spectacular all year round, but intensifies even further when the Great Migration arrives from July to October.
Outside of the Masai Mara, Kenya is home to many lesser-known safari areas that are equally stunning. Our favourites include Samburu, Lewa and Laikipia, and the Rift Valley Lakes. Combining multiple safari areas will ensure a varied experience, showcasing this mesmerising part of Africa.
For a post-safari beach escape, many immediately think of flying south to the spice islands of Zanzibar, or east to the Seychelles archipelago, however, Kenya’s coastline is equally beautiful, with many lesser-known hideaways to explore.
2. Tanzania
The land of the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, the spice islands of Zanzibar, and much more, Tanzania is a world-class destination and arguably the home of the ultimate luxury family safari holiday.
Many years ago, Tanzania was more of a wild destination, perfect for a romantic honeymoon. Whilst this remains to be true, in the last two decades, families have been travelling to Tanzania in ever-increasing numbers, and the country now boasts some of the finest luxury safari camps and lodges for those families looking for the ultimate bucket list family safari.
Suited more to children aged 8 and above, Tanzania’s wild spaces are perfect for families looking for adventure by day and luxury by night. The country is home is a total of nineteen national parks, comprising a total area of over 40,000 square kilometres (roughly the size of Switzerland!).
As well as household names, such as the Serengeti and Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania has many hidden gems for those willing to tread off the beaten track. Ruaha and Nyerere National Parks in the south are two our favourite safari areas in Africa.
Tanzania is also blessed with spectacular coastline and the enchanting islands of the Zanzibar archipelago. Hard to think of what more you could wish for from a luxury family safari.
3. South Africa
The original home of the Big Five Safari, South Africa is probably the most famous safari destination in Africa. It is often the first port of call for those wanting to combine a luxury family safari with a more diverse cultural and scenic tour.
Easily the most developed country on the continent, South Africa has an incredible variety of regions and accommodation options that combine perfectly for a spectacular family safari holiday. Many of the regions of South Africa are malaria-free, which makes it well-suited to families travelling with very young children.
The most well-known safari area is the Greater Kruger National Park, which includes the Sabi Sands and Mala Mala Game Reserves – famed for resident leopards. Head a little further afield to be enthralled by Madikwe, Phinda, Timbavati, and much more.
A trip to South Africa wouldn’t be complete without visiting the breathtaking cityscape of Cape Town. Possibly, the most naturally beautiful city in the world. For a bit of African history, consider the Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal and a Soweto township tour.
A dazzling array of luxury family safari destinations
Of course, the choice for an epic family safari in Africa doesn’t begin and end with those three countries. The rest of the continent is full of sensational destinations and safari areas, each delivering something unique.
Our favourites for a family visit, include the diversity of Uganda, the magnificence of Botswana, and the otherworldly nature of Namibia, to name but a few.
Wherever you are looking to travel with your family on safari, we are here to help. If you don’t know where to start, please get in touch. We would love nothing more than to help you plan a spectacular luxury family safari.
How to plan a Masai Mara Safari Holiday with a toddler
How to plan a Masai Mara Safari Holiday with a toddler
Bubble baths looking out to the open bush. Close-up encounters with a herd of elephants. Afternoons in the pool watching nearby warthog. Sundowners atop an ancient hill. All make for a life-changing Masai Mara safari holiday.
Here at Coral Tree, one of the most important things we do is visit luxury safari camps and lodges on behalf of our clients, to make sure they live up to our standards and theirs.
As family safari holiday specialists, we try to always take our daughter, Elsa, with us, to ensure we can experience the stay through the eyes of parents.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, we were lucky enough to plan a Masai Mara safari holiday with a toddler, visiting Kenya’s world-famous Masai Mara, along with a quick visit to Nairobi beforehand. It’s not secret that Kenya is top of our list of family safari destinations, and this visit firmly reinforced that view. Below is our report on the incredible locations and properties we visited.
Giraffe Manor
One of the most famous, and Instagram-friendly, luxury safari lodges in all of Africa, Giraffe Manor is hard-to-beat as a stopover before a Masai Mara safari holiday with a toddler.
We were lucky enough to have visited Giraffe Manor previously, on our engagement trip to the Masai Mara (more about that later), but this was our first time with Elsa. Needless to say, she was mesmerised by the resident giraffe (and warthog) from the moment we arrived.
We checked into the newly renovated, and expanded, Karen Blixen suite, which is one of the most spacious family rooms we’ve ever stayed in. And, has the added benefit of a balcony with ‘giraffe access’.
In the evening, we were treated to a very memorable giraffe-feeding experience, as our long-legged friends made their way up to the manor house for their usual afternoon tea. Our family portrait efforts were not quite as smooth…
The following morning, we woke up at sunrise and fed the giraffe from our balcony, which Elsa loved. She casually remarked “Hi ‘Raffe” as we went out to see them at first light, as if this was a normal morning experience. This was followed by a lovely breakfast in the manor dining room, as the giraffe walked about outside and occasionally poked their long necks in through the windows.
The Emakoko
Our next stop on our family safari holiday with a toddler was The Emakoko, located in the heart of Nairobi National Park.
Nairobi is the only city in Africa, which has a safari reserve within the city. For those who arrive to Nairobi in the morning, or would like two days to acclimatise before heading off on their Masai Mara safari holiday, The Emakoko offers a wonderful experience and the opportunity to see the fabled Big 5 within a short drive from the international airport.
The lodge itself is set in a valley over-looking a small river. We saw plenty of birdlife and adorable rock hyrax in and around the lodge, as well as a genet that came to visit the bar before dinner.
In the national park, we saw three endangered black rhino, a male lion, numerous giraffe, zebra, buffalo and antelope. Not bad for less than 24 hours, and all within a twenty minute drive from the city!
Cottar’s 1920s Camp
Few luxury safari camps have the history and quality of Cottar’s 1920s Camp, so we were very excited to spend the first two nights of our Masai Mara safari holiday at this iconic camp. Tess last visited as a child, and it was a first for Elsa and me.
We had high expectations, but they were met, and then some.
The team at Cottar’s are amongst the very best we have come across anywhere in Africa, if not the world. We were made to feel incredibly welcome from the moment we arrived and nothing was too much trouble. It was such a pleasure to see Elsa feel immediately at home and welcomed as one of the family. If you’re planning a Masai Mara safari holiday with a toddler, Cottar’s is a must.
The Cottar family have been running family safari holidays in Kenya for over 100 years and they have been instrumental in defining the modern luxury safari experience. The camp is situated on the side of a hill, looking down over the Masai Mara plains, which in this part of the greater Mara are particularly beautiful. They also have the benefit of being the only camp in the Ol Derikesi conservancy, which means you’re not likely to see another vehicle whilst out on your family safari game drives.
That afternoon, we took Elsa on our her first real safari drive and we were fortunate enough to have an incredible sighting of a leopard and her cub in a tree with a warthog carcass she had recently killed. Talk about first-time lucky!
As Elsa is only two, we always book a private vehicle, so that if she gets tired or noisy we can drive away without disturbing the animals, or other safari-goers. We highly recommend doing this when on any family safari, but especially a family safari holiday with a toddler, as it offers much more flexibility within your day.
Over the next couple of days, we were treated to more amazing drives, a lovely bush breakfast, delightful sundowners, and much more. On our final evening, we were very spoiled and had one of Cottar’s signature bush baths outside our tent. Elsa enjoyed playing with the bubbles, and Tess enjoyed the champagne!
Sala’s Camp
The next stop on our journey was Giraffe Manor’s sister property: Sala’s Camp.
Sala’s Camp is situated in the heart of the Masai Mara reserve, overlooking the sand river, which acts as the border with Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. From July-October, this area is packed with wildebeest, zebra and countless other wildlife, as the great migration makes its way from Tanzania to Kenya, and back.
The camp itself is impeccably stylish and full of unique and quirky features. For instance, the table in the mess area is constructed from one gigantic piece of wood from the trunk of a tree that the owner saw fallen in a forest whilst flying over northern Kenya. Or there’s “Eleanor” a safari vehicle that’s been re-modelled as a vintage car and comes with its own mobile bar in the back!
One of the highlights of our trip to Sala’s was a sundowner stop atop a hill with 360 degrees across the Masai Mara in one direction, and Tanzania in the other. This part of East Africa is where our earliest ancestors first evolved and upon the hill on which we stood, people have found evidence of early tools. Standing there watching the sun go down and the wildlife roam the plains, really gave a feeling of being somewhere ancient.
Bateleur Camp holds many special memories for us as a family, as this is where Tess and I got engaged on our first visit to the Masai Mara together (see above pic!). We also took our extended family here after our wedding in the Rift Valley.
This was our first visit since the camp was renovated in 2018 and the new version looks excellent. Split across two camps, the focus is on attention to detail and personalised service, as with all andBeyond properties. Elsa soon made herself at home and we struggled to convince her to get out of the pool!
Our guide, Jeremy, was excellent, and the best we had in the Mara. andBeyond really focus on their guide training and every time we visit one of their properties, it shows. Jeremy has an infectious enthusiasm for his craft, and not only did he take the time to get to know us and tailor the experience our way, he was also fantastic with Elsa, which, as a parent, just makes a family safari holiday with a toddler so much more relaxing.
On our final evening there, the camp managers, Markus and Steph, organised for us to have a sundowner under the same tree where we got engaged. Unfortunately, after all their effort, the heavens opened five minutes after we arrived, but we still managed a (very windy!) family photo before running for cover.
Angama Mara
Angama Mara is just one of those places that has to be seen to be believed, and has been on our family safari bucket list for quite some time.
Perched high above the Mara triangle, atop the Olololoo escarpment, Angama has arguably the greatest views of any luxury safari lodge in the Masai Mara, if not Kenya.
We arrived in time for a quick tour and some delicious lunch, and were graciously hosted by one of the owners, Nicky, who told us all about what’s been happening and some of their plans for future projects (watch this space…). Again, Elsa was made to feel so welcome, and enjoyed feeding the resident fish (domestic, not wild), whilst we chatted. We also bumped into Douglas Onsongo, an amazing guide who used to work at Bateleur Camp and took the photo of me proposing to Tess above.
Angama is also split into two camps, and all the rooms and guest areas have enviable views of the plains below. This is where one of the most iconic scenes in Out of Africa was shot. As well as game drives amongst the plains below, walks and picnics along the escarpment are a treat. In the camp, we met the Maasai ladies who make beautiful beaded items, which are sold in the lodge shop, making an important contribution to the community.
Mahali Mzuri
Few camps in Kenya have a reputation as stellar as Richard Branson’s Mahali Mzuri (‘beautiful place’ in Swahili), and we were very excited to arrive here after a long day of driving.
One of the best features of this small and intimate camp is its location, which is in the heart of the Olare-Motorogi conservancy, bordering the main reserve. The big benefit of staying in one of the Mara conservancies is that there are much fewer camps and therefore much fewer people. The ecosystem and wildlife are the same as the main reserve, but you’re likely to have it all to yourself, and we did.
The following morning, Tess and I headed out for a private morning drive, whilst Elsa stayed behind at camp with her Babu (grandfather). We were out for two hours and didn’t see another soul. We were treated to sightings of bat-eared fox, giraffe, a huge herd of buffalo, lions roaring in the distance and a plentiful amount of plains game. The highlight was being alone amongst a herd of elephants for around 30 minutes, watching the matriarch and her young move through the open plains.
House in the Wild
We ended our trip in a part of the Mara we hadn’t seen before, and in a property we’d heard a lot about.
House in the Wild isn’t very well-known outside of Kenya (yet!), but those in the know here had told us we must visit.
Popular with families, and in a private conservancy tucked away in the northwest region of the Mara ecosystem, far from the crowds, we knew we had to see it for ourselves.
We were welcomed by one of the owners, Tarquin, who lives on the property with his wife, Lippa. Their family have been cattle farming in this part of Kenya for generations, but their dream was to re-wild their farming land and provide an important wilderness space for the wildlife to thrive.
This part of the Mara ecosystem is crucially important, as it provides a buffer between the main reserve and the agricultural pressures that exist outside. It’s therefore crucially important that House in the Wild constantly engage with the local community, to ensure cattle have sufficient grazing land and the Maasai way of life is maintained. This is something they evidently do very well.
The lodge is situated on a bend in the Mara river and we enjoyed a delightful lunch on arrival, watching the birds in the trees along the riverbed.
In the afternoon, Elsa got to enjoy the most kid-friendly swimming pool we have found in all of Kenya. It’s obvious that Lippa and Tarquin bring their own children up here. Everything has been designed with families in mind.
Later, Tess and Elsa went to visit the ‘shamba’ (vegetable garden) where House in the Wild grow much of their fresh produce, whilst Babu and I went on a Land Rover adventure for sundowners on top of the highest hill in the Mara – 200m above the lodge.
And so concluded our incredible family safari holiday with a toddler through the Masai Mara. Most international travellers tend to only bring their children to Africa when they are bit older, which we understand. Family safari holidays are expensive, and it’s imperative the children are old enough to appreciate.
However, we feel it’s important to show that it’s possible with children at any age.
No matter how old they are, a family safari holiday is sure to excite and enthral.
The 5 Best Safari Lodges for Families in East Africa
Our pick of the best safari lodges for families in East Africa. Our list includes the best lodges in Kenya and Tanzania. Read on to find out more…
There are many compelling reasons to consider a private lodge or villa for your luxury family safari holiday. For one, the absolute flexibility to do what you like, when you like.
How about complete freedom from most other people on your family safari holiday? Or the chance to stay longer in one place – many safaris can have you moving around a lot.
Kenya and Tanzania are amongst the best family safari destinations, and we think the following are some of the very best safari lodges for families in East Africa.
Best Safari Lodges in Kenya
Laragai House
Laragai House in Kenya is a true home-from-home option for your African safari holiday, and we know more than one family who now don’t go anywhere else. On Borana, a private and vast conservancy, this really does tick all the boxes for a family safari holiday.
There are nine enormous rooms, and complete freedom to set your own schedule.
A wealth of activities to choose from means every single family member will be spoilt for choice. There are not too many private safari homes with views from the pool like this. Nor are there many private conservancies with such an abundance of wildlife.
Book your stay in Laragai House
Cottar’s Private Bush Villa
Does a private villa within the grounds of a camp sound like your ideal African safari holiday? Cottar’s Private Bush Villa in Kenya is up there with the very best safari lodges for families.
With simply unrivalled views across the Masai Mara and Serengeti plains beyond, it’s completely unique in the area as the only luxury private safari home in the Masai Mara.
If you can tear yourselves away from your private staff, viewing deck and 25 metre pool, you are welcome in the Cottars 1920s Camp below it.
This award-winning villa can sleep up to 12 and offers the very highest standards of guiding to be found in the area. There are not many better choices for a family safari holiday.
Book your stay at Cottars 1920s Camp
Alfajiri Villas
Following time in the bush, beach time is a lovely way to end a family safari holiday. We don’t know too many places better than the luxurious Alfajiri Villas on the Kenyan coast in which to rest, rewind, recuperate and reconnect.
There are three enormous villas to choose from, all unique, and all more than suited to families. All have private pools, absolute privacy and nanny services included! There is as much or as little to do here as you like. Watersports option abound, as do more relaxing activities.
Staff are completely flexible with timings and will provide what you all like, when you like it. A stay here allows you to end (or start) your African safari holiday in the very best style.
Book your stay at Alfajiri Villas
Best Safari Lodges in Tanzania
Mkombe’s House Lamai
If a private home set up specifically with families in mind would suit your African safari holiday, look no further than Mkombe’s House Lamai in the Serengeti in Tanzania.
This beautiful house is entirely designed around families and can sleep up to 10 in huge comfort. It’s at the heart of some of the best wildlife viewing in the area.
From July to October even the smallest members of the family will be able to see the Great Migration from the doorstep – the views are magnificent and far-reaching.
There are two pools (one great for toddlers), and all manner of baby and child accessories on request. This lodge offers some of the most finely-tuned guiding we’ve ever seen on a family safari holiday.
Book your stay in Mkombe’s House Lamai
Jabali Private House
Jabali Private House is on the edge of Jabali Ridge Camp in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania, with access to the camp as well as the house facilities themselves.
What a way to enjoy a family safari holiday in style – private pool, three large bedrooms and the immense views of Ruaha National Park to take in.
All members of the family will delight in this fabulous private and very remote house – a stay here will make it an African safari holiday to remember. The game viewing in Ruaha is particularly good, and you won’t see many other visitors here, if any.
Why Tanzania luxury safari holidays are perfect for families
Why Tanzania luxury safari holidays are perfect for families
When planning a luxury family safari holiday, it’s important to know where are the best family safari destinations in Africa. In the second of our blog series on our favourite countries to visit, we focus on Tanzania luxury safari holidays.
Tanzania luxury safari holidays
We met in Tanzania, so we’re more than a little biased in our opinion of how incredible a destination it is. Both Tess and I have spent many years living and working in Tanzania, as well as nearby Kenya. We feel well qualified to get you excited about arguably the most spectacular luxury African safari and beach holiday destination.
Tanzania, more than any country is the quintessential home of the luxury safari holiday. From the bountiful north, to the more rugged south, the remote west, and the azure waters of the Zanzibar islands, the beauty of a Tanzania luxury safari is the sheer amount of choice and diversity when it comes to planning.
Home to possibly the most famous wildlife epicentre on the planet, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania is blessed by geography, as many of the wildlife areas are easy to combine in a circuit. This means less hopping around and more time to enjoy the reasons you booked a Tanzania luxury safari holiday.
The Northern Circuit
A classic Northern Tanzania family safari holiday combines Serengeti National Park with Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire National Park. If you’re an especially active type of family, you can even include a hike up Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak.
Ngorongoro Crater is truly spectacular. An ancient volcano that collapsed in on itself millions of years ago, formed the world’s largest intact caldera. It’s now home to an abundance of wildlife who thrive in the symbiotic ecosystem, full of rich, volcanic soil.
Lake Manyara National Park is often visited as a day-trip but we’d always recommend spending the night if you can, as the most interesting (and lesser-visited) areas are only accessible to overnight visitors. Unusually, the lions in this park climb trees and relax in the canopy, providing unique photo opportunities.
Tarangire National Park is the best place to be if you want to see BIG herds of elephants. The park is best visited in the dry season, when wildlife flocks to the riverbed that bisects the park.
The greatest wildlife show on earth
You may already have heard of the Great Migration, the name given to the mega herds of wildebeest and zebra, over 1 million strong, that traverse the Serengeti throughout the year.
If dramatic river crossings are your cup of tea then we’ll plan your luxury family safari holiday to give you the best possible chance of witnessing this truly awe-inspiring spectacle between July and October. Many people don’t realise that it’s possible to view the Great Migration all year round. The less popular, but equally enthralling calving season of December to March is a very special time of year.
Hidden gems
Often overlooked (mistakenly, in our humble opinion) by first-time visitors, the parks of Southern Tanzania, particularly Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) and Ruaha National Park, offer a phenomenal wildlife experience with a fraction of the visitors of the more famous northern parks.
Historically, difficult to access, these wilderness areas are now opening up with ever-improving transport links and a growing range of accommodation. Many in the know are heading here before they become as popular as the north.
Furthermore, the topography of both Ruaha and Nyerere are unique within Tanzania and they perfectly complement each other and combine beautifully in a Southern Tanzania safari holiday.
Azure waters and a diverse history
Finally, as with neighbouring Kenya, it couldn’t be easier to combine some time on the white sand beaches of the Swahili coast, in particular Zanzibar, which is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania.
Not only will you be mesmerised by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and the impossibly bright sand, Zanzibar is home to a fascinating history and played a pivotal role in shaping the melting pot of cultures in this part of the world. A walk through the crumbling streets of Stone Town is akin to stepping back in time.
If relaxing by the pool isn’t your thing, there are tons of activities to keep you busy. SCUBA diving, snorkelling, swimming with whale sharks and dolphins, kite-surfing and deep sea fishing, are all on offer. If you head to the right places, you may even be lucky enough to see baby turtles hatching.
I lived in Zanzibar for five years, managing one of Africa’s top private islands. It’s a destination very close to my heart.
Planning Tanzania luxury safari holidays
We pride ourselves on designing unique Tanzania luxury safari holidays. We tailor each trip to you.
If this sounds like your kind of approach, then please get in touch with us here at Coral Tree. We’d love to get the ball rolling for you.
Start planning
Elephant Conservation - The story of Maswa and the Kilimanjaro C.R.E.W.
The abandoned elephant given a second chance.
Here at Coral Tree we are passionate about elephant conservation. Elephants are among the planet’s most intelligent and awe-inspiring creatures. Sadly, their numbers are plummeting at an alarming rate. A large part of the problem is poaching — but they are also falling victim to the side-effects of burgeoning human populations, bringing elephants and people into unprecedented competition for space, with tragic consequences. Many elephant calves are orphaned or abandoned, with little chance of survival.
Maswa’s story
Baby elephants need their mothers for at least the first two years of their lives; they require nourishing milk and protection, and the companionship of the matriarchy. Maswa was just 4 months old when rangers found her stuck in a well; tiny enough to fit under her mother’s tummy, and far too tiny to be away from her herd.
It’s hard to know how long she’d been in there, but it must have been a while for her mother to give up on her. Because of their intelligence, elephant’s capacity for trauma is huge, and the first 24 hours of her rescue were emotional. At first, she screamed for her mother; after a few hours, she quieted to just rumbling. She was exhausted, dehydrated, injured and heartbroken.
Elisabeth and Sele, wildlife vet and animal whisperer extraordinaire respectively, drove through the night to get to her, arriving at dawn.
Maswa was immediately at ease with them and thirstily drank litres of the specialised milk formula they’d brought. They spent a gruelling 12 hours in the back of a dusty hay-filled pickup with her to get her to the Kilimanjaro Animal Centre for Rescue, Education and Wildlife (C.R.E.W), an animal sanctuary focusing on elephant conservation in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro where the level of care and commitment to all creatures great and small is enough to melt your heart.
A home for a fresh start
Kilimanjaro Animal C.R.E.W is home to cheetah, lion, caracal, various primates and gazelle, and a host of other rescued creatures. Wherever possible the objective is rehabilitation to the wild, where they belong.
Maswa is in great company, having joined a motley little orphan herd. Savanna, who is only two, has taken the role of surrogate mum and is endearingly protective of Maswa, in spite of still being just a calf herself. Burigi is Maswa’s naughty big brother, always up to tricks. Malamboni is the newest and smallest addition. Rescued at 6 weeks old, he spends his days with a tiny zebra foal called Engerai, and Suzie the sheep. He’s not yet big enough to go out with the other elephants on their bush excursions in this sanctuary for elephant conservation.
It’ll be a few years until this patchwork family of pachyderms is reintroduced to the wild. Until then they have the vast tracts of the sanctuary to roam, and practice at being grown-up elephants.
You can visit them on your Tanzania family safari. If you come at feeding time, you’ll hear Maswa loudly reminding everyone that her milk should be ready by now. You’ll also see their caretakers giving them their bottles. Each visit supports the Kilimanjaro Animal C.R.E.W’s invaluable work, and helps to realise a brighter future for our precious wildlife.
This blog was co-written with Robyn-Lee Ghaui, who was present at Maswa’s rescue in Tanzania.
