Itinerary

Day 1 United States

We set off today for Nairobi, pondering the wonders that await us.
Day 2 - Day 3 Nairobi

Micato seamlessly whisks family members from the airport to the Norfolk Hotel, historic centerpiece of Nairobi and epitome of luxury since 1904. Of interest in Nairobi will be a meeting with a Maasai Elder and a trip to the National Museum—a recently-renovated institution that provides rich background on the country we’re about to explore. We follow this with a tour of Out of Africa author Karen Blixen’s home and the opportunity to feed rare Rothschild giraffes. After an enriching day, we depart for dinner at the home of Felix and Jane Pinto, Micato Kenya’s founders. In the warmth of hearth and home, we’ll immediately feel welcome in this foreign land. (And the family dogs love the visiting kids!)
Day 4 - Day 5 Laikipia Plateau

Next, we set off to one of Kenya’s most welcoming hostelries: Loisaba, a private oasis on the Lakipia Plateau. The views alone will keep us rapt for hours—an impossibly beautiful golden panorama with Mount Kenya looming mighty in the distance. We roam this protected wilderness in complete privacy, seeing an array of wildlife difficult to find elsewhere, including leopard, elephant, hippo, cheetah, beisa oryx and the ever-elusive wild dog. It’s nonstop adventure! Game viewing via ATV, horseback, camels or by vehicle. Rafting the Ng’are Narok River, mountain biking down the escarpment, lounging by the pool or playing tennis. Youngsters explore with their Safari Director and older teens covet those ATVs! And for an experience like no other, opt for a night in Loisaba’s one-of-a-kind Star Beds. Set on raised platforms, we nestle under cozy duvets on huge four-poster beds cocooned in diaphanous mosquito netting with only the wide and wondrous African firmament as our rooftop. Pure bliss.
Day 6 - Day 8 Maasai Mara Game Reserve

We spend three nights here, giving us the luxury of time to appreciate the region’s rich wildlife by game drive or even Hot-Air Balloon. Zebra, wildebeest, topi and hippos are common, as are leopards, lions and cheetahs. We’ll also immerse ourselves in the Maasai culture by visiting villages and schools, witnessing rituals and activities that have survived innumerable generations. Our game drives are colored with bush lore courtesy of our expert guides, who also explain the dynamics of the wild and the importance of conservation. Young travellers can enjoy a Bush Treasure Hunt, while teens check out the Swahili pop music disco. Meanwhile, adults will appreciate Bush Sundowners—a civilised cocktail party staged in the untamed wilds of Africa—and a gourmet dinner. Kids, on the other hand, will feast on their favorites like pasta! Karen Blixen or Mara Intrepid tented camps also delight.
Day 9 -  Day 11 Serengeti National Park

The planet’s most amazing wildlife is on display here and the daily drama of this famous savannah will enrapture even the most stoic (translate teenage) observer. Its landscapes evoke storybook Africa—wide and wild, a golden wonderland. This is the safari that you’ve read about, yet it is better than you’ve ever imagined. The Mbalageti Lodge, our home here, is ideal for adventure and relaxation alike—rock-hewn pool, luxurious rooms, a deck with a jaw-dropping 360 degree view of the Serengeti. Children will not only learn how to shoot an arrow, but how to make their own bow. If you aren’t feeling adventurous, bring the clan inside for some board games—the wilderness will be there when you’re ready.
Day 12 - Day 13 Ngorongoro Crater

We make a stop in the Great Rift Valley, the noted “Cradle of Mankind” where the Leakey family discovered human fossils which date back almost two million years, before continuing to Ngorongoro Crater. This massive caldera, at over twelve miles across and 2,000 feet deep, is worthy of its unofficial “Eighth Wonder of the Natural World” mantle. In addition to its jaw-dropping physical beauty, the Crater is also replete with wildlife. We stay at Lemala Tented Camp, a secluded enclave of great charm and luxury, in a prime location on the crater’s rim.
Day 14 - Day 16 Nairobi, AmericaShare Visit – United States

Returning to Nairobi, an amazing day is in store when families travel to the poignant yet joyful Mukuru slum to visit our home for orphaned and vulnerable children. First we’ll stop at the local mega-shop for treats—a fascinating errand in and of itself—select a tree from the nursery to plant at the home, then head to Mukuru bearing gifts. We’ll match our young visitors with African youngsters of similar ages, tour the home, maybe work on a project together, share a meal and even a game of soccer. This may very well be the most important afternoon that your family spends in Africa. Or anywhere.

We depart late evening of Day 15 and arrive home on Day 16…reflecting the entire time on a family vacation that exceeded even our highest expectations in every way.

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