Lion King Family Safari (Luxurious)
Explore Tours
In celebration of Disney’s live-action remake of The Lion King, we are thrilled to offer this exciting privately guided Kenya family safari to explore the locations which inspired the original film.
Why not bring the story to life with an unforgettable Kenya family safari adventure of a lifetime? We will take you to some of the best safari locations in Kenya and enable you to meet some of the real-life animals behind the characters. This adventure is guided by professional photographer and safari guide, Robert Carr-Hartley, who was intimately involved in the creation of the original Lion King film in 1994. Robert is from one of the oldest settler families in Kenya and spent his childhood growing up alongside wildlife. It is this unique insight and knowledge which enabled him to become the animator’s guide during the research safari which provided inspiration for the film. Robert helped with many of the Swahili songs and names in The Lion King, as well as the decision to choose a warthog to be Simba’s sidekick. On this journey into the heart of the ‘Pride Lands’, you will meet some of Lion King’s characters, including Simba’s pride, Zazu the hornbill, Pumba the warthog, Ed, Shenzi and Banzai the hyenas.
Departure & Return Location
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, Kenya
What to Expect
Embark on an extraordinary 8-day journey through Kenya’s diverse landscapes and wildlife-rich reserves on the ultimate family safari. Begin your adventure at the iconic Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, where towering giraffes roam freely and interact with guests during breakfast. It’s a surreal experience that sets the tone for an unforgettable trip. From there, venture into the heart of Laikipia to Borana Lodge, where luxury meets conservation. Enjoy thrilling game drives across vast plains teeming with wildlife, and partake in activities like horseback riding or guided nature walks, perfect for family bonding amid nature’s splendor.
Continue your odyssey to the enchanting Sasaab, nestled within the Samburu National Reserve. Immerse yourself in Samburu culture, encountering the colorful traditions of the local tribes and embarking on safari adventures to spot the rare northern species like the reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra. Conclude your safari at Sala’s Camp in the Maasai Mara, where the Great Migration unfolds before your eyes. Witness the spectacle of millions of wildebeest and zebras crossing the Mara River while indulging in luxury tented accommodations and gourmet dining. This Lion King Family Safari promises a harmonious blend of adventure, luxury, and unforgettable moments for the whole family to cherish.
ITINERARY INCLUDES/EXCLUDES
- Professional private guide throughout the trip
- Full board accommodation (all meals, all house wines, house spirits and beers, soft drinks, laundry, selected activities etc.)
- All internal flights (scheduled flights/private charters)
- Park and conservation fees
- Activities including game drives, sundowners, bush picnics
- Return road transfers from airport/airstrip to lodge/camp and to/from activities including 4X4 safari vehicles
- Meet and assist on arrival at the airport
- Flying Doctor’s cover
- Visas
- Personal expenses such as alcoholic and other beverages, telephone calls and laundry
- Travel Insurance
- Gratuities
- Optional Tours
Tour Plan
Tour Amenities
Day 1: Giraffe Manor
Upon arrival at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by a member of our team and driven to Giraffe Manor. The drive takes approximately a thirty-minutes, part of which will take you along the boundary of Nairobi’s iconic National Park.
Giraffe Manor offers a unique, unforgettable African safari experience. There is no minimum age for safari. Infact guests of all ages usually delight in meeting our resident Rothschild’s giraffe. The giraffe roams the grounds of the wildlife sanctuary that surrounds our boutique hotel. Although they are completely wild, they love the nutritious treats that guests are able to feed them. * This allows you a unique opportunity to interact with Africa’s most elegant and beautiful safari animal. By offering a treat between your lips, you may even be rewarded with a slobbery giraffe kiss. You will also meet a host of ‘pumbas’ or warthogs that dart around the lawns. There is so much to see and do in and around the manor. This is the ideal family holiday, which offers a unique opportunity to share an experience of a lifetime, when traveling with kids to Africa. You can also choose to visit to the nearby Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where you can meet rescued orphaned elephant babies from all over Kenya. Here you can learn about their rescue stories, watch them being fed and put to bed. The following morning provides an early but thrilling start to your African adventure, as you enjoy breakfasting with the giraffe.
*The giraffe at Giraffe Manor are wild and therefore we cannot guarantee interaction with them at any given time. However, they are curious creatures and are always eager to investigate what snacks might be on offer!
Days 2 & 3: Borana Lodge
Depart from Nairobi’s Wilson airport at 10:20am on a scheduled Safarilink flight to Lewa Downs Airstrip, arriving at 11:20am. From here you will experience your first safari adventure as you game-drive through the bush to Borana Lodge, roughly an hour away.
Kenya is one of the best countries for a family safari and Borana Lodge offers a unique opportunity to see the African wilderness with your family when travelling in Africa. The lodge is situated in a stunning 35,000-acre private rhino sanctuary, packed with exciting wildlife and adventure opportunities. It has a beautiful pool from which you can spot elephants and other wildlife in Hyena Valley below. Sightings of Ed, Banzai and Shenzi the hyenas are not uncommon as many animals like to hang out in the damn. There are also lots of hornbills in the area – the basis for Simba’s royal advisor Zazu. Enjoy spectacular panoramas while having a bush breakfast or sundowners atop ‘pride rock’ – the very place which inspired Disney’s writers in the making of The Lion King. Mountain biking, horse riding for all abilities and tracking rhino on foot with the anti-poaching rangers are amongst some of the exhilarating activities on offer at Borana as part of your family safari package.
Days 4 & 5: Sasaab
Depart from Lewa Downs Airstrip at your chosen time and take a Tropic Air privately chartered flight to Sasaab.
You will immediately notice the change in terrain upon arrival at Sasaab. Situated in the heart of Kenya’s northern Samburu land, close to Samburu National Reserve and Buffalo Springs. The Moroccan inspired lodge is perched high above the Ewaso Nyrio River. Giving remarkable views from each of the enormous, open-air rooms and private plunge pools. Go on a game drive to hunt for the ‘Samburu Special Five’: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk and Beisa oryx. Then take an evening camel ride for sundowners on a spectacular rocky outcrop with panoramic views. Quad biking adventures are also an option, perfect for kids of all ages, on an African safari. Imagine your kids faces as you tell them that can kids go on African wildlife safari and experience the thrill of the wild by sleeping out under the stars. This unique Sasaab fly-camping experience, allows you to fall asleep to the sounds of the African bush. Between January and June, you might also be able to spot ‘Leo’ the lion star constellation.
Days 6 & 7: Sala’s Camp
Depart a Samburu Airstrip at 09:05 am and fly on a scheduled Safarilink flight to Keekorok Airstrip in the Masai Mara. From here you will be met by a member of the Sala’s Camp Team and taken on a game drive back to camp.
If you ever wondered, what is a safari in Kenya like compared to a Kruger safari, Sala’s Camp holds the answer. Situated in the remote south of the Masai Mara, this is the heart of Africa’s most famous Masai Mara Safari region. Sala’s Camp immerses you in the magic of Africa’s real ‘circle of life. Nestled amongst trees at the confluence of the Sand River and the Keekorok River, the area is teeming with wildlife, including Sala’s resident pride of lions. Guests of all ages will love the thrill of hearing Mufasa roaring right from their tent. They can also spend time with Simba and Nala on games drives and searching for Scar’s paw prints in the dry riverbed. Sala’s professional spotters love showing children the secrets of the bush and will take them in search of the ‘Little Five’, teach them how to make a bush toothbrush and set up games of volleyball. Evening game drives accompanied by sundowners offers the adults the perfect end to each day.
Day 8: The Retreat at Giraffe Manor
Today is the day to say your goodbyes, or ‘kwaheri’ in Swahili, and head back to Nairobi. Fly out of Keekorok Airstrip at 11:00 am on a scheduled flight to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. We will be waiting to transfer you to The Retreat at Giraffe Manor for a day of relaxation. Within easy reach of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, yet surrounded by nature, The Retreat is the ultimate space in which to end your safari or rejuvenate and prepare for onward travel. Enjoy deep rest in your heavenly day room suite, all-inclusive of delicious homegrown food, drinks, spa and gym facilities, infinity pool overlooking the giraffe sanctuary and airport transfers*.
* Your departure time will depend on when your international flight departs Nairobi.
