19 Apr 2011
The Safari Collection is now offering an exceptional nine-night itinerary combining four very different properties showcasing Kenya’s animal magic to adventurous famillies.
The journey begins at Giraffe Manor in Nairobi – home to a breeding and education programme for the rare Rothschild Giraffe. Reminiscent of the early days of European settlement in East Africa, the property is now an exclusive boutique hotel where rooms are named after the giraffes. Here children of all ages are wowed by the herd who, to vie for attention, poke their heads through the front door, the dining room windows and even into bedrooms! Set in 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest, home to warthogs, bushbuck, dik dik and more than 180 species of birds, Giraffe Manor provides families a gentle introduction to ‘the bush’ before setting off on their adventure.
Just a short flight away but a world apart is Solio Lodge, the newest member of the Collection. Solio offers guests an unprecedented blend of exclusivity and exceptional game viewing in the valley of majestic Mount Kenya and the chance to explore East Africa’s most successful Rhinoceros breeding reserve, home to a huge population of both black and white rhino. Here young explorers learn basic bush craft skills from the fun and friendly guides who impart impressive facts and teach them to identify wildlife tracks and markings found throughout Solio Game Reserve. Here the plethora of activities, from horse riding, game drives and walks to mountain biking, trout fishing on Mount Kenya and some of the best leopard viewing in the country ensure children, and their parents, will never be bored.
From the lush green surroundings of Mount Kenya the expedition takes guests onto the desert sands of Sasaab in the Samburu. Guests here have fun spotting the Samburu Special Five (Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, Gerenuk and Beisa Oryx), interacting with the Samburu people whilst learning about Sasaab’s crucial involvement with local community conservancy projects. It is here that the Samburu guides take children under their wing to teach them about their warrior traditions and guide families on Sasaab’s new and exhilarating fly camping adventure. Younger guests learn to make traditional bows and arrows, toothbrushes from trees and creating their own plaster cast of a wild animal track for souvenirs.
The last stop is Sala Camp in the southern area of the Masai Mara and the perfect spot to watch the Great Wildebeest Migration unfold. Following a long tradition of safari under canvas, the grand finale of The Safari Collection’s circuit offers stylish but accommodation and a warm welcome from the red cloaked Masaai warriors, sure to leave a lasting impression on any guest! Here, the Masaai introduce children to the smaller inhabitants of the area, including bugs and beetles, birds and ants, and also make game drives a whole lot of fun with sightings of the ‘Ugly Five’ or the ‘Little Five’! Teenagers may choose to join in a game of volleyball with the staff one afternoon in the riverbed whilst the little ones participate in a ‘survival course’. As dusk arrives, they learn about the stars, make bread on sticks and roast marsh mallows over the campfire. There is even a large trampoline to bounce around on.
The 9 night Safari Collection Circuit starts at £3,600 per adult sharing and £2450 per child under 12 years sharing. Prices include accommodation, food & beverage and flights within Kenya. This also includes a current offer of 7 nights for the price of 6. The package is available from mid-June to mid-October. Book direct at www.thesafaricollection.com
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Notes to Editors:
Safaris are best enjoyed by families with children over the age of 6, however children of all ages are welcome. There are family suites / tents or adjacent rooms and cots and baby sitters available with prior notice. Special meals and dietary requirements are also easily accommodated promising a simply magical experience for all.
Media Contacts:
Lucinda Lacon
For Classic Communications (London)
M: 07973 640 373
Natasha Amos
Classic Communications (Edinburgh)
T: 0131 476 6822
