Day 1: Overnight FlightWelcome to Africa! For a safari adventure like this, be sure to bring your sense of adventure, a camera and binoculars. You are about to explore the land most famous for rugged plains where wildlife roam. Wildlife like the Big 5 – rhino, lions, buffalo, elephants and leopards! Will you spot them all? Africa’s pure magic will captivate your entire family on this once-in-a-lifetime safari.
Day 2: Arrive Europe - Nairobi, Kenya - Tour BeginsYour first stop on your journey: Europe! But it’s a quick stop – just the place where you’ll catch your flight to Nairobi, Kenya’s gorgeous capital. Once a simple rail depot, Nairobi is now a thriving metropolis and one of Africa’s most famous cities.
Day 3: NairobiInteract with the wild today! Make your way to an elephant orphanage for a very special visit. These beautiful animals are taken in as babies and raised here before being reintroduced into the wild. After mingling with the elephants, head to the Rothschild Giraffe Sanctuary.
Feed the endangered giraffes from a raised platform! Standing nose-to-nose with a giraffe makes for a surreal experience and a great photo; you will love being so close to these gentle creatures. After lunch, make some new friends at the Tenderfeet Education Center*. Supported by the Collette Foundation, this school helps orphans in Riruta, a suburb of Nairobi. Seeing how other children live and learn is a great way to experience the local culture.
Day 4: Nairobi - Ol Pejeta RanchJourney deep into the forest of central Kenya to Ol Pejeta. Upon arrival, visit the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa. Here you can find up to 85 black rhinos. Then, visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary. This is the only place in Kenya where you can see this highly endangered animal. Tonight, enjoy your hotel’s private veranda overlooking a watering hole.
Keep an eye out for local buffalo, antelope and other animals that come to drink from the watering hole. See how many different animals you can spot – and remember to keep an eye out for the elusive Big 5.
Day 5: Ol Pejeta Ranch - Kigio Wildlife ConservancyTravel past mountains and the Nyahururu waterfalls, finally arriving on the floor of the Great Rift Valley – the longest rift on the Earth's surface. It actually has a total distance of almost 4,000 miles! For the next two nights you’ll stay at the private Kigio Wildlife Camp. Every room is a suite at this eco lodge and conservancy – feel free to take a bike from the lodge to explore your surroundings! While you are here, experience the positive effect humans can have on the environment and wildlife.
This afternoon, venture into the bush – the true African wilderness – for a guided nature hike and learn to identify many of the species of birds and plants. This evening, discuss local conservation efforts and how little things you do can make a big difference in keeping areas like this safe, protected and as pure as can be. Later, enjoy a game drive to view the nocturnal wildlife of the area.
Day 6: KigioThis morning enjoy breakfast outside - in the bush. Perhaps while you eat you’ll spot some nearby wildlife. Then it’s off to make your own African craft. Visit a local community center where they design and create baskets, beads, jewelry and more. Try your hand at beading or basket-making and bring home one of your own creations. Afterwards, visit a local school and see what education is like in the bush regions – and perhaps learn some songs and dances from your new friends.
This afternoon, sit back for a wonderful picnic on the shore of Lake Elementaita followed by a game drive where you are sure to see thousands of flamingos!Day 7: Kigio - Masai MaraTravel to the Masai Mara, the real playground of the wild. This area is home to the largest concentration of wildlife in Kenya. Keep your camera close as you are likely to see a variety of local residents – zebras, giraffes, elephants, monkeys, cheetahs, and of course, the Big 5! Along the way, meet the local Masai people when you visit their village. Learn about the lives of these nomadic warriors and enjoy the chance to throw a spear like they do! An afternoon game drive takes you in search of wildlife.
Tonight’s dinner is under starry African skies. Listen to stories and Masai warrior legends by the fire – and the sounds of nearby wildlife.Day 8: Masai MaraThis morning you can choose to take an optional hot air balloon ride where you rise above the great Mara along with the sun and watch as the animals below begin their day. Today you’re off to the wilds for a full day game drive! Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way as you continue your search for lazing lions, grazing giraffes or wandering elephants! Tonight, discuss animal behaviors with a ranger – learning about these great creatures will help you to better spot them in their natural habitats.
Day 9: Masai MaraWake with the sun for an early morning game drive to search for the animals that are starting their day. Keep a sharp eye out for the legendary big cats that inhabit the Masai Mara; they may be relaxing in the treetops! Will you be the one to spot them first? Return to the lodge for breakfast. Enjoy your final game drive this afternoon as you journey back onto the plains. Return to the lodge at sunset for a relaxing dinner. Compare notes on wildlife spotting and share your favorite moments of the trip with new friends and of course, your family.
Day 10: Masai Mara - Nairobi - Tour EndsReturn to Nairobi this morning. A day room has been reserved for you and your family to freshen up and enjoy some leisure time before your flight home. Your tour ends this evening but the memories of your family safari adventure will last a lifetime.