Whether they've been inspired by Disney's “The Lion King” as a child, gripped by a nail-biting “Big Cat Diary” episode on TV or captivated by an Attenborough documentary, most would place the African safari high on their travel bucket list.   Spotting the big five on a safari holiday is a truly bonding experience for families and Serena Hotels & Lodges is helping to bring the dream to life by inviting children to stay for free on holidays to the iconic Maasai Mara or Tsavo West national parks in Kenya during this year's school holidays.  

The special offer, which applies to the luxurious “bush and beach” package enables two children under the age of 12 to stay for free when sharing with their parents during the UK school half term holidays in May and October 2014 and the summer holidays in July and August 2014.  The one-week package twins either the recently refurbished Mara Serena Safari Lodge, which boasts one of the best locations in the Mara or the classic Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, located in the lee of Mount Kilamanjaro, with Serena's ever-popular Serena Beach Resort and Spa, idyllically located on Shanzu beach on Kenya's Swahili coast, and prices start from £5,995 for a family of four representing a saving of over £1,340 per family. 

Families will enjoy an authentic taste of the local culture as Mara Serena resembles a traditional Maasai Manyatta - a cluster of domed huts encircled by a Boma of brushwood, whilst Kilaguni Serena is built in the traditional method of utilising the volcanic stone.  Serena Beach echoes a 13th century Swahili town with its winding pathways and colourful markets. All properties welcome children and Serena Beach, in particular, has a wide range of facilities and activities on offer to suit all ages.  Youngsters are encouraged to learn about local culture and nature while they play, instilling in them a life-long love and appreciation for Africa.

The classic Mara safari and beach holiday starts from £7,050 for a family of four, saving £1,340 per family, during the May and October half-term holidays.  The price includes roundtrip flights from Heathrow to Nairobi and Mombasa, or from regional airports via Amsterdam, all prepaid taxes, road transfers, return flights in the Masai Mara, three nights at the newly refurbished Mara Serena Safari Lodge with all meals, twice daily game drives, National Park fees, airstrip transfers and a breakfast at the hippo pool, three nights on Shanzu beach at Serena Beach Resort and Spa with dinner and breakfast. To book call Rainbow Tours on 0207 666 1250 or visit www.rainbowtours.co.uk

The classic Kilaguni safari and beach holiday starts from £5,995 for a family of four, saving over £1340 per family, during the May and October half-term holidays plus the summer holidays .   The price includes roundtrip flights from Heathrow to Nairobi and Mombasa, or from regional airports via Amsterdam, all prepaid taxes, road transfers, three nights at Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, with all meals, twice daily game drives, National Park fees, and airstrip transfers, three nights on Shanzu beach at Serena Beach Resort and Spa with dinner and breakfast. To book call Real Africa on 01603 283517 or visit www.realafrica.co.uk

For more information on the properties and their “family time” facilities and activities please visit www.serenahotels.com and please follow @serenahotels on twitter.