Safari Information
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.
KENYA FAMILY SAFARI
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.
ABOUT ROBERT CARR-HARTLEY
Robert is from one of the oldest settler families in Kenya and is a cousin to Mikey Carr-Hartley, fourth-generation Kenyan and co-owner of The Safari Collection. As the guide of this unique Lion King safari, it is only fitting that Robert was involved in the original creation of the Lion King film in 1994. Robert was the animator’s guide during their research safari and provided inspiration before the film being made. He was also instrumental in changing the screen play to include Pumba, choosing a warthog as Simba’s side-kick, and helped with songs and Kenyan sayings which played a part in the creation of ‘Hakuna Matata’.
* Guide price based on a family of two adults and two children travelling for 7 nights on a full board basis, including all internal scheduled/private flights and transfers. The price is correct to the best of our knowledge, but is intended to be a guide price and is subject to change at the time of confirmation.
LION KING ADVENTURE – FULL ITINERARY
DAY 1
Meet our friendly giraffe and pumba families
STAY AT Giraffe Manor
GETTING THERE 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.
EXPERIENCE 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 roam 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!
DAY 2 and 3
Safari for Kids
Adventure into the wilderness on this great safari for kids and discover the real ‘pride rock’.
STAY AT Borana Lodge
GETTING THERE Depart from Nairobi’s Wilson airport at 10:20 am on a scheduled Safarilink flight to Lewa Downs Airstrip, arriving at 11:20 am. From here you will experience your first safari adventure as you game-drive through the bush to Borana Lodge, roughly an hour away.
EXPERIENCE 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.
DAY 4 and 5
Family African Safari
Camp out under the stars, on this great family African safari, where you will track lions and meet Samburu warriors. This is one of the best family tailor made safari holidays, that will be remembered for a lifetime.
STAY AT Sasaab
GETTING THERE Depart from Lewa Downs Airstrip at your chosen time and take a Tropic Air privately chartered flight to Sasaab.
EXPERIENCE 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.
DAY 6 and 7
Experience Africa’s ‘circle of life.’
STAY AT Sala’s Camp
GETTING THERE 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.
EXPERIENCE 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
Kwaheri Kenya
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 Safarilink flight to Nairobi Wilson Airport. Here you will be met and transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your flight home.
* Depending on the time your international flight departs Nairobi, you may wish to spend some time relaxing in the tranquil surrounds of The Retreat at Giraffe Manor, where you can enjoy a wonderful range of spa facilities and first class hospitality. Day rooms and day passes are available to book in advance.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
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
RECOMMENDED FOR
Lion King Enthusiasts!
Anyone keen to experience the best of Kenya’s incredible scenery and wildlife
It is a well-rounded holiday for all ages, so lends itself to being a great choice for families
HIGHLIGHTS
Feed pumbas at Giraffe Manor, picnic on the original ‘pride rock’ in Borana, fly-camp under the stars in Samburu and meet Simba’s real family in the Masai Mara. This journey immerses you in Kenya’s stunning wilderness and brings you closer to the wildlife than you could have ever imagined.
WHEN TO GO
Kenya is an excellent year-round destination. However, during the two rainy seasons (November and April to May), it can get a bit wet, especially in the Mara. Therefore the best times to visit are January to March and late June through to October – this is when it is dry, and animals tend to congregate around permanent water sources. During the wet season (late March through to May and late October to early December), the animals disperse across larger areas and are harder to find. If you want a chance to catch the annual wildebeest migration when it thunders past Sala’s Camp in the Mara, then go between July and September, although the exact location of the migration within this period varies each year, as the animals’ movements are dictated by the rains.