9-Day Forests, Lakes & Big Cats Kenya Family Safari – A Journey to Reconnect Through Adventure

Your Kenya family safari begins with a warm pickup from your Nairobi hotel or the airport.

Together, we drive north through rolling farmlands toward the equator line at Nanyuki, a perfect spot for a fun family photo.

By midday, you’ll arrive in the semi-arid Samburu, where elephants, reticulated giraffes, and unusual wildlife thrive in this dramatic landscape.

After lunch and check-in, enjoy your first afternoon game drive along the Ewaso Nyiro River, a lifeline that attracts elephants, lions, and the northern species unique to Samburu.

Return to your lodge for dinner as the desert sunsets color the sky.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Transport: Road transfer Nairobi ➝ Samburu

After breakfast, set out for a day of exploration across Samburu’s rugged landscapes.

Morning and afternoon game drives bring you close to Grevy’s zebras, Somali ostriches, gerenuks, and huge elephant herds cooling off in the river.

Kids especially love spotting the “strange” long-necked gerenuk standing on two legs.

Between game drives, relax at the lodge pool or opt for a cultural visit to a Samburu village (extra cost) to learn dances, traditions, and warrior stories.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transport: 4×4 game drives

After breakfast, drive south toward the cooler mountain air of the Aberdare highlands.

Arrive at Aberdare Country Club for lunch and relaxation. The lodge overlooks vibrant gardens and offers sweeping views of the surrounding forested hills.

In the afternoon, enjoy wildlife sightings from the lodge’s elevated decks, elephant, buffalo, and even elusive leopard occasionally appear at the waterhole below.

Enjoy a cozy dinner and quiet night surrounded by the forest’s misty stillness.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transport: Road transfer Samburu ➝ Aberdare

Today is unhurried and peaceful.

After breakfast, take in the Aberdare forest’s serenity from the lodge or enjoy optional activities such as guided nature walks or birding (extra cost).

The dense forest is home to rare wildlife such as giant forest hogs and the shy bongo antelope, a fascinating contrast to the open savannahs you’ve seen so far.

Spend the evening watching nocturnal animals quietly approach the waterhole, an experience both calming and thrilling for families.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transport: Lodge-based wildlife viewing

Descend the escarpment into the Great Rift Valley, arriving at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort in time for lunch.

The afternoon is free to relax or enjoy optional activities like a boat ride among hippos and fish eagles (extra cost).

You can also visit Crescent Island for a gentle walking safari (extra cost) where giraffes and zebras roam freely.

End your day with dinner overlooking the gardens where zebras often graze by night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transport: Road transfer Aberdare ➝ Naivasha

After breakfast, enjoy a short scenic drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its rhino sanctuary and diverse birdlife.

Enjoy game viewing en route to your lodge, where you’ll check in for lunch.

In the afternoon, explore more of the park’s plains and woodlands where lions, leopards, Rothschild’s giraffes, and flamingos are commonly sighted along the lake.

Expect excellent family photo opportunities today.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transport: Road transfer + game drives

Enjoy an early breakfast before heading southwest toward the world-famous Masai Mara.

Arrive in time for lunch at your camp before heading out on an afternoon game drive in search of the Big 5 and countless plains wildlife.

Children love the Mara’s wide-open spaces and moments of discovery, cheetahs lounging under acacia trees, elephants marching across the plains, and zebra herds stretching to the horizon.

Return to camp for dinner and storytelling around the fireplace.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transport: Road transfer Nakuru ➝ Masai Mara

Spend the day exploring Kenya’s most wildlife-rich reserve.

Morning and afternoon game drives take you along riverbanks and across rolling plains where lions, cheetahs, elephants, and wildebeest roam freely.

Depending on the season, you may witness parts of the Great Migration.

Optional experiences include a sunrise hot-air balloon safari with champagne breakfast or a visit to a Maasai village (extra cost).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transport: 4×4 game drives

Enjoy a final early morning game drive, a magical farewell to the Mara as predators stir and elephants wander in soft golden light.

Return to camp for breakfast and check-out.

Afterward, drive back to Nairobi, arriving late afternoon for your hotel drop-off or airport transfer.

Your Kenya safari tour ends with hearts full and memories your family will talk about for years.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transport: Road transfer Masai Mara ➝ Nairobi