Family program

Families and individuals welcome

Imagine waking up with your family on safari in Africa and realizing that you are sharing the experience of a lifetime with them.

This situation becomes a reality in our Family Program. What an experience it is for your kids! Watch them meet Kenyan families in quite different circumstances than their own and gain a new perspective. Be with them in our passenger trucks as they watch lions on the hunt, elephants moving across the savannah, and hippos jousting in the river. Sit with them around the campfire surrounded by the night sounds of Africa as Maasai speak of their culture and traditions.

Trying to jump like Maasai	Ostrich parade on the Mara

After our first offering of the family program in spring 2011, we can definitely say that a great time was had by all. Kids ranged in age from 5 years to 17 years and they loved the special time spent with local Kenyan children. The wildlife scenes were amazing and every family returned with a treasure chest load of great photos and memories.

The Family Program for 2012 begins with your arrival at the airport in Nairobi and transfer to our compound on a tea plantation near Limuru where your family will meet our staff and get settled. Neighboring Kenyan families are sure to greet you shortly after your arrival.

Soon after arrival, the group will travel to the Rift Valley, descending through spectacular vistas on the escarpment to drive past Mount Longenot. We will visit nearby artists like Heidi Lange, famous for her batiks, and Hugh and Francis Simpson at their home and studio. Camping near Njoro, you will experience the thrill of game drives in the Nakuru National Park, known for being a haven for Black Rhinoceros. See the video about visiting the primary school in Njoro, juggling and the Carnivore Restaurant >.

Canadian kids with their Kenyan counterparts	A ball for the neighbors leads to great friendship

Upon returning to the Nairobi area, you and your family will love the time spent at the Daphne Sheldrick’s Animal Orphanage, nestled on the edge of Nairobi National Park. The Giraffe Center in Karen, a suburb of Nairobi named after Karen Blixen of Out of Africa fame, offers up close and personal interaction with the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. Markets, people and shops will form a parade of amazing impressions and memories for all of you. A Family Program 2011 participant, Joe Walker, put together a photostory of his family's adventures in Nairobi and the surrounding area. See the Nairobi and Limuru photostory on YouTube >.

Once we arrive in the world renowned Masai Mara game reserve, you will experience incredible wildlife viewing as we camp above a hippo pool on the banks of the Mara river. The sights and sounds of Africa will surround you as you and your family share the campfire with local Maasai people. Game drives and other adventures await you every day of the safari. See the Masai Mara photostory on YouTube >.

Ready to eat at the Carnivore Restaurant	Mom and son inside a Maasai house

Top off your inland experience with a day trip to climb Mount Longenot. The whole family can enjoy the physical satisfaction of the hike and amazing views of the Great Rift Valley. You can also visit an archaeological site with its impressive accumulation of stone tools. Our group will then return to Nairobi to visit the world famous Nairobi National Museum and perhaps have a dinner of exotic game at the Carnivore Restaurant if you wish.

Following your inland safari, you can join us as we travel to the south coast of Kenya to enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Fill your day with sun, sand and lots of beach activities. How about learning how to SCUBA dive? Our experienced instructors will be pleased to introduce you to the underwater world on the beautiful reefs of East Africa. Those that love the coastal environment can extend their stay to include more quality time on the north coast where your family can enjoy the swimming and beach areas of Watamu with nearby coral gardens for snorkeling in a perfect family holiday setting.

Schedule

Select your arrival times on days we are in Nairobi. Arrange a suitable departure day.

Fees for Family Trip

The basic fee is $150 CDN per adult per day.

Prices for children are as follows:

12 years and under: $30 per child per day
13 years to 15 years: $40 per child per day
Over 15 years: $50 per child per day

The fees cover food, accommodation, transportation, security, camping etc as above under Explorer fees. See also what is not covered under Explorer fees.

Park fees are now $75  per adult per day and $40  per child per day.

We will send you an invoice but you can calculate your costs by applying the above rates for all days including arrival and departure days. Park fees apply when we are in National Parks or Reserves. Entry price to special sites like the Elephant orphanage and others are generally low.

In the case of the "all inclusive" resort on the north coast there is an additional charge of $21 for the first child and $66 each for additional children.

Prices are in Canadian dollars, and based on current park prices and a Canadian dollar at par with US. Our costs in Kenya are in Kenyan shillings and based on US dollars. A small adjustment may be made if park prices change or if the Canadian dollar drops in value from par in relation to the US dollar.

Contact: Brian Hartwick