Frayman Holiday Family Safari

December 20 – January 5 | 5-8 People | Approximately $20k per family

Based on our conversation, I’ve sketched out some options to consider. Some places are already booking up, and availability not guaranteed on these. However, we can usually find something similar. If your friend’s family joins, it may change what options we consider. Prices listed are ballpark per person based on published rates before taxes and other fees. Because it is holiday season, they are more expensive than normal.

I focused on South Africa and Kenya but I also threw in a wild card idea at the bottom.

Kenya

The mix of culture and wildlife make Kenya my top choice for you. Most of the showers should have abated by late December, leaving the landscape lush and green.

Nairobi

Every Kenya trip starts with at least one night in Nairobi because international flights get in late. However, it’s worth staying one more day to visit the Giraffe Centre and David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust with your kids. I really like something like Karen Gables in Nairobi, which have a nice location and reasonable price – starting at $400/nt.

Maasai Mara

The Maasai Mara’s plains are packed with wildlife and the reserve is more quiet than in peak months. It is often booked as a finale to your trip, but sometimes I start here, so you can check all of the animals off your list and relax later in the trip.

Availability is also good at Tangulia Mara on your first few days too. This is one of the few Maasai owned camps in Kenya, so the guiding is great. It’s not luxurious but it’s comfortable and the price is great for the Mara – starting at $855 per adult per night and $555 per child per night (age 5-15) – not including park fees.

Availability is already limited at the safari villas I book in the Mara but I’m continuing the search.

Lewa or Samburu Conservancy

For a more authentic experience, I think you should spend the second half of your trip further north in the Lewa Conservancy or Samburu Region. Here you can have more authentic cultural encounters and do other activities like horseback riding, biking, or walking.

• Saruni Samburu: This is good mid-range option on the edge of the Samburu Reserve. I’m most interested in the 4 person family villa but am confirming availability, $4,300/nt (includes conservancy fees)
• Sarara: This is one of the best camps in Northern Kenya. It’s a gorgeous area near another elephant sanctuary if you skip David Sheldrick in Nairobi. $1,600 per adult per night, $1,020 per child per night (includes conservancy fees)
• Lewa House: The Lewa Conservancy is second to the Mara for wildlife and the only place in Kenya you will see lots of rhino. Lewa house has the best location in the reserve and a couple of family rooms. $1,600 per adult per night, $1,020 per child per night (includes conservancy fees)
• Ol Lentille: This is an all villa reserve with lots of cool activities and no set schedule. Adults are $1480 per adult per night, $925 per child per night (age 5-15)
• Safari Series: This is one of the more affordable camps in Laikipia, but it’s owner run and really well done for the price. $810 per adult per night, $455 per child per night (age 5-15)

South Africa

You will likely spend less time on safari in South Africa, but your money will go a lot further here because of the diversity of camps and exchange rate on the Rand.

Cape Town

I often spend a night in Cape Town to decompress after the international flights. There is good food and plenty to do. As you mentioned, it would be worth taking the kids to see the penguins at Boulder’s Beach or Betty’s Bay. I won’t worry too much about hotels here, because there are a bunch of options ranging from $200-2000 per night.

Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape will be rain free in December while Kruger is getting soaked. The area is composed of private reserves around Addo Elephant National Park, and in the past 20 years has become a respectable area to safari with good numbers of the Big 5 – especially rhino. I would do at least 4 nights at Kwandwe, Shamwari, or Lalibela and extend to Samara if you want a few more nights.

• Kwandwe: This is the premier reserve in the Eastern Cape. Their 4 bedroom Melton Manor is ideal for a group of up to 8, starting at $4,700/nt for 5. Their Ecca Lodge is $1200 per adult per night, and up to two kids under 12 are free.
• Shamwari: This is my fallback if Kwandwe is booked because it’s a comparable experience and price – just a little more developed and less wild feeling. That can be a good thing for small kids if you book their Riverdene Lodge, which has a huge playground and wildlife rehab center for the kids to explore.
• Lalibela Mark’s Camp: This is a smaller private reserve in the area, which I recommend for a more affordable safari. Adults pay only $500 per person per night sharing and children are half price under 15.
• Samara: This is one of the largest private reserves in a more arid part of the Cape. There is the Big 5 but it is more spread out. However, the landscape is one of the best in South Africa. Adults are $900 per night double occupancy and kids under 12 are 1/2 price.

Galapagos

December is a great time to cruise the Galapagos, one of the premier wildlife experiences in the Americas. I suggest a couple of nights in Quito to see the world heritage sites before taking the 2 hour flight to the islands. Four day three night cruises start at around $3,500 per person and go up to eight days. These can also be combined with land tours of tortoises etc.

Thailand Note

You were right that December is the dry season for Thailand, so that could be a good option. I like to build an itinerary around a quality camp in the Golden Triangle with ethical elephant experiences. However, Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle does not allow kids under 10, and Anantara doesn’t have availability. However, we could find you a beach resort if you wanted to mix culture and beach.