Here’s a rough itinerary I came up with that aligns with the safari summer camp idea I’ve had in the past. It gets in a quality safari but also has lots of miscellaneous adventures and downtime for the kids.
Fly to Nairobi via either New York or Amsterdam overnight.
Arrive in Nairobi in the evening and transfer to a charming but affordable guest house in the Karen neighborhood like Karen Blixen cottages.
Spend the day touring Nairobi, including the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Giraffe Centre.
Wake up in the morning for the 3hr drive north to Nanyuki. See the Kenyan countryside en route. Arrive at Olepangi farm little after lunch and settle in to the room.
Tour the farm and enjoy the gardens, milking cows, bread making, etc with the kids.
Drive 1.5 hours to Solio ranch game reserve for the best rhino experience in Africa. Enjoy a safari game drive and then visit the Solio Rhino orphanage.
Spend one final day at the farm hiking, on safari, or visiting the local community.
Take an hour drive to nearby Moon’s Camp on the adjacent 60,000-acre game reserve, Loldaiga Hills. This is a more adventurous “real” overnight safari with two nights in the bush. We’ll see a bunch of animals and tents will be simple like in Colorado but catered and better cared for.
Drive around in the vintage Land Rovers with the kids looking for wildlife.
Depart the Laikipia area for Nairobi, where we will catch a flight to the coast. This would likely be Lamu Island, but could also be Diani Beach. Check into a hotel or private house like Chuchungi House.
Relax on the beach – play in the sand etc.
Visit historic Lamu old town, one the best preserved African spice trade villages.
One more day on the beach before departure.
Fly to Nairobi and catch the return flight to Austin.
Arrive back in Austin the following day.
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