Nairobi, Borana, Samburu & The Mara: Lion King Family Safari

Nairobi is the capital of Kenya and East Africa’s most cosmopolitan city, with a vibrant population of 4.5 million. Unique to the city is the proximity of Nairobi National Park, a true wilderness area juxtaposed against the larger urban metropolis.

Nairobi National Park is one of the best places in Africa to see rhino and also has a healthy population of lion, leopard, cheetah, and plains game like giraffe and antelope. Other attractions include the Karen Blixen Museum, the Giraffe Centre, Daphne Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage, a visit to a tea farm, and shopping for local crafts and trinkets. There are some great local and cross-cultural restaurants to explore, from roadside food stalls to local nyama choma (barbecue joints) to five-star dining establishments.

Giraffe Manor, an exclusive one-of-a-kind boutique hotel, is set on 4.8 hectares of private land within 57 hectares of indigenous forest in Nairobi's Langata suburb. Often hailed as one of the most photographed and “Instagrammable” hotels globally, the historic manor dates back to the 1930s, offering a nostalgic charm reminiscent of East Africa’s early safari days.

Activities & Highlights
A unique feature of Giraffe Manor is its resident herd of Rothschild's giraffes, who frequently visit during the mornings and evenings, extending their long necks into the manor’s windows in search of treats. Guests can also explore The Retreat, a nearby wellness haven offering massages, an infinity pool, and delicious meals at Daisy's Café. With opportunities for giraffe encounters and cultural exploration in the local area, there is no shortage of memorable experiences.

Accommodation
The Karen Blixen suite, Giraffe Manor's largest room, occupies the top floor of the Historic Manor. Its expansive balcony provides a prime spot for early morning giraffe feeding. The two-bedroom suite includes en-suite bathrooms with luxurious facilities, a king-sized four-poster bed in the master bedroom, and two single four-poster beds with a daybed in the second room. The suite also features a cozy lounge with a fireplace and writing desk, offering a perfect blend of comfort and elegance.

Borana is also famous for being home to the original Pride Rock from The Lion King movie, and the producers took much inspiration for the Disney classic from their time at the conservancy.

Borana Conservancy sits at the foot of Mount Kenya just north of the equator on the Laikipia plateau, nestled between an arid landscape to the north and ancient indigenous forests to the south. This 13 000 hectare conservation area is home to both black and white rhino and, along with Lewa Conservancy, creates the largest contiguous rhino habitat in East Africa. It’s possible to see all the Big Five as well as a wide variety of endangered species, including African hunting dogs.

Because it is a conservancy, one can get out on horseback, experience walking safaris, mountain biking and a whole host of other activities including night drives, sustainable farm visits, local village visits and scenic flights.

Set in the heart of the Borana Conservancy, Borana Lodge offers an unforgettable safari experience with breathtaking views of Mount Kenya. Nestled on a hillside above a dam, the lodge provides a front-row seat to wildlife activity, with herds of elephants frequently seen bathing nearby. The presence of water draws a variety of wildlife, including nocturnal visits from lions and leopards.

Activities & Highlights
Borana Lodge offers a wide range of activities for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Guests can explore the conservancy’s hills and valleys on foot, horseback, in safari vehicles, or even on mountain bikes. The lodge boasts two strings of safari horses, scenic game walks, abundant bird watching opportunities, and cultural experiences, ensuring there's never a dull moment. For a more leisurely experience, guests can relax at the Safari Spa or by the pool. With the exclusivity of a private conservancy, every aspect of the safari experience is personal and uninterrupted. For the adventurous, additional activities include fishing, rock climbing, and scenic flights.

Borana Lodge is committed to sustainability, with all retained earnings invested in conservation efforts within the Borana Conservancy, making each stay a meaningful contribution to the preservation of the land and its wildlife.

Accommodation
The accommodation at Borana Lodge includes four stand-alone cottages, each thoughtfully designed to complement the natural surroundings while ensuring maximum comfort. These cottages offer exceptional views and privacy, with two additional cottages providing a perfect setting for families. The Family Cottages, Five and Six, feature a twin and double room, respectively, with a shared veranda ideal for private meals and relaxed afternoons. Room Five has two large single beds, stunning sunrise views, and a spacious en-suite bathroom, while Room Six, a double room, boasts a private sundeck and a children’s room downstairs. The children's room is perfect for younger guests, and the two rooms share a large bathroom with a bathtub and shower.

West Gate Conservancy stretches along Ewaso Nyiro River to the west of Samburu National Reserve – hence its name. Its landscape is dominated by acacia scrubland dotted with rocky outcrops and a green ribbon of riparian plant growth along the Ewaso Nyiro.

Westgate Community Conservancy (WCC) is The Safari Collection’s community partnership in Samburu where Sasaab is located. Set up in 2008, Sasaab is run in partnership with the Samburu community of about 10 000 people. Sasaab protects a core area dedicated to wildlife conservation and the lodge predominantly employs its staff directly from the local community.

Perched on the edge of a river valley, Sasaab offers a blend of Swahili and Moroccan design, creating a serene and luxurious retreat in Samburuland. Each of the canvas-sided rooms feature private plunge pools and breathtaking views across the Laikipia Plateau toward the jagged peaks of Mount Kenya. The lodge's elevated position above the river provides prime vantage points to observe herds of elephants bathing below, along with a variety of other wildlife.

Activities & Highlights
Sasaab offers a diverse range of activities to explore the stunning Samburu landscape. Game drives in open-sided 4x4 vehicles bring you closer to the region’s wildlife, while nature walks, camel rides, and quad biking excursions provide unique perspectives. For a more exclusive adventure, guests can enjoy helicopter experiences or book a night fly camping under the stars. Children have plenty of opportunities for discovery, from playing on the sandy riverbanks to learning the ways of a Samburu warrior from local guides.

Cultural experiences are a highlight, with visits to a local Samburu Manyatta, community markets, and learning about the tribe's customs. Sasaab also proudly holds a gold eco-rating for its sustainability efforts, working closely with the Samburu community on conservation initiatives.

Accommodation
Sasaab’s Riverside Family Suite offers an expansive and luxurious accommodation option for families. Tents 8 and 9, located just above the sandy banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, provide spacious double and twin ensuite bedrooms connected by an open-sided lounge area. The suite's large wooden deck and private plunge pool offer sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration.

The world renowned Masai Mara, also known as ‘The Mara’, is located in south west Kenya and is an awe-inspiringly vast expanse of gently rolling African savannah plains. The word ‘Masai’ refers to the Masai / Maasai tribe, nomadic inhabitants of the area and ‘Mara’ is their term for ‘spotted’, with reference to the flat-topped Acacia trees, shrubs and bushes that dot the landscape picturesquely across the reserve.

Measuring over 150 000 hectares, it borders Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park in the south. A unique wildlife conservation haven, The Mara is famous for its diversity of wildlife and is a premium Kenyan safari location. Large numbers of lion, cheetah, elephant, rhino, African buffalo, wildebeest, giraffe and zebra roam the reserve freely and unconfined, in their vast natural habitat.

The Great Wildebeest Migration is a year-round phenomenon, moving between Tanzania’s Serengeti and the Masai Mara. This famed natural spectacle is usually only present in Kenya from around July through to November. In addition, The Mara boasts a host of safari activities ranging from hot air balloon flights over the plains, bush meals under the African skies, nature walks and specialised wildlife treks. Visits to traditional Masai tribal villages give guests a fascinating glimpse into the way of life of these nomadic people, one thing is for certain – The Masai Mara is worthy of a spot on every traveller’s bucket list!

Nestled along the tree-lined banks of the Sand River in the southern tip of the Masai Mara National Reserve, Sala's Camp enjoys one of the best locations in this iconic wilderness. The camp offers breathtaking views into Serengeti National Park, immersing guests in the beauty of untamed Africa. Known for its intimate and secluded atmosphere, Sala's Camp is one of the first in the Masai Mara to witness the famed wildebeest migration from June to September, making it a sought-after destination.

Activities & Highlights
At Sala’s Camp, guests are invited to explore one of the world’s most prolific wildlife regions. Expert safari guides lead game drives through the Masai Mara, where the Big Five roam freely and the annual wildebeest migration passes in dramatic fashion. The camp’s customized safari vehicles ensure a comfortable and immersive experience, while abundant wildlife and photographic opportunities create thrilling moments.

In addition to game drives, guests can enjoy world-class bird watching, spectacular stargazing, and sundowners with a vintage mobile bar on the savannah. On-site activities include games along the Sand River and indulgent bush breakfasts, while spa treatments and private plunge pools provide relaxation between adventures. Sustainability is at the core of The Safari Collection’s ethos, and Sala’s Camp is deeply committed to low-impact tourism, community involvement, and conservation efforts.

Accommodation
Sala’s Camp blends the charm of a traditional ‘under canvas’ safari with contemporary luxury. The Forest Family Tent, located next to the main mess area, features a spacious twin and double bedroom separated by an open-plan lounge. Each bedroom offers its own bathroom, with lovely south-facing views. Guests can enjoy the tent’s private plunge pool and wooden riverside deck, providing the perfect setting to unwind after a day of exploration. Designed with a light ecological footprint, the camp uses locally sourced materials and proudly employs Maasai guides who are involved in local conservation initiatives.