Wildlife, Family, and Adventure: Kenya & Tanzania Safari
When my husband suggested we take a Kenya and Tanzania Wildlife Safari, I thought, “Great! He finally gets it—I need more lions and less laundry in my life.”
But I never imagined how magical and transformative it would be—not just for me, but for our whole family. This trip, booked through Abercrombie & Kent, wasn’t just a vacation. It was an experience of a lifetime filled with awe-inspiring wildlife, cultural moments, and memories we’ll be laughing about for years.
13 Days, Two Countries, and Unlimited Adventure
From the moment we landed in Nairobi, our Abercrombie & Kent guides made us feel like VIPs (and trust me, traveling with a 10-year-old and a 13-year-old is not usually a glamorous experience). This small-group journey was designed for families like ours who wanted luxury, adventure, and education rolled into one.
Our itinerary promised all the big safari moments—game drives in the Serengeti, up-close encounters with the Maasai culture, and, yes, a visit to the iconic Ngorongoro Crater.
We were ready to embrace the wild with open arms—and my daughter, with her camera permanently glued to her hand, was already convinced she’d find the next Simba.
Nairobi & Amboseli National Park
We kicked things off in Nairobi with a visit to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where my daughter fell in love with a baby elephant named Lulu (and then asked if she could bring her home). The giraffe sanctuary was another highlight, especially for my son, who made it his mission to feed every single giraffe.
Amboseli National Park was our first real taste of the wild. Mount Kilimanjaro in the background, herds of elephants all around us—it was breathtaking. Our guide spotted lions lounging in the grass and helped the kids identify different species of birds. My son declared himself the family birding expert by the end of Day 2, much to his sister’s dismay.
Tarangire National Park & Lake Manyara
Tarangire was like stepping into another world. The ancient baobab trees, massive elephant herds, and open landscapes were unforgettable. The highlight here was a picnic under the trees, where we watched zebras and wildebeest graze nearby. (Yes, the kids spent half the time arguing over who got the last cookie, but hey, that’s family life!)
At Lake Manyara, we spotted tree-climbing lions, which my husband declared “scientific proof” that even lions sometimes need personal space.
We stayed at a beautiful lodge overlooking the lake, where the kids swam in the pool and we enjoyed sundowners (a.k.a. much-needed wine).
Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater was like a scene from a nature documentary—except we were IN it. Our guide was amazing, pointing out black rhinos (check off the Big Five!) and explaining the ecosystem of the crater.
The kids loved the Maasai village visit, where they learned how to make fire and tried their hand at traditional Maasai jumping dances. I had to laugh when my son asked if he could trade his sneakers for a spear.
We stayed at andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, which looked like something straight out of a storybook. The views of the crater from our room were insane, and the food? Let’s just say, they know how to keep adventurous eaters happy (and my picky daughter full).
Serengeti National Park
The grand finale was, of course, the Serengeti. We arrived during the Great Migration, which felt like winning the safari lottery. Thousands of wildebeest and zebras stretched as far as the eye could see, and we even saw a cheetah in action—talk about adrenaline!
The kids were thrilled by the hot air balloon safari, which was equal parts peaceful and thrilling. We ended our trip at Singita Sasakwa Lodge, a luxurious retreat where my husband and I could finally relax while the kids ran around the lodge grounds, pretending they were explorers.
Family Lessons Learned on Safari
1. Kids love safaris (and it’s educational!): Between the guides’ expert knowledge and the up-close encounters with wildlife, our kids learned more in two weeks than in a semester at school.
2. Luxury safaris make family travel easier: Abercrombie & Kent thought of everything, from seamless transitions to family-friendly lodges.
3. Disconnect to reconnect: With limited Wi-Fi, we actually talked, played games, and laughed—a lot.
Highlights of Our Trip
• David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: Feeding baby elephants and giraffes.
• Ngorongoro Crater: Spotting black rhinos and learning about the Maasai.
• Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari: A breathtaking view of the Great Migration.
• Luxury Lodges: From Singita Sasakwa to Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, every stay was unforgettable.
• Unforgettable Family Bonding: Laughs, adventures, and memories that will last a lifetime.
If you’re considering a family safari, stop thinking and just do it. This trip gave us the adventure of a lifetime and brought us closer together in ways I didn’t expect. From sunrise game drives to sharing stories under the stars, it’s a journey we’ll cherish forever.
Ready to take your own family safari? Let Elevate Global Luxury Travel plan a bespoke experience you’ll never forget. Reach out today, and let’s get you closer to the wild!
This safari was more than a trip—it was a family milestone we’ll talk about for years. 🌍 🐘 🦒
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