Quintessential Kenyan Safari

Upon arriving in Nairobi, you are driven into the vibey city centre of East Africa's business hub. Nairobi Serena Hotel is located on the outskirts of Central Park, an unlikely oasis in the heart of the Kenyan capital. You won’t have much time to explore, but the National Museum and author Karen Blixen’s farmhouse are worthy stops if you can squeeze them in. Family rooms, babysitting services and children’s meals are all available at the hotel, while dining options include Mediterranean and other international cuisines. There is a large swimming pool, beauty spa and travel kiosk for those last-minute buys before heading on safari.

You are transferred by road from the airstrip to Entim Mara Camp, a luxury tented safari camp staffed by local Masai people. Entim was specially designed to provide guests with the best possible vantage point of the Great Wildebeest Migration. At the right time of year, you’ll witness animals in their millions crossing the dusty plains.

With 12 luxury en-suite rooms raised on wooden decks overlooking the Mara River, you might think you’ve stepped into an African fairytale. Your private lounge and veranda are ideal for quietly observing wildlife moving to and from the Mara River as you tick animals off your species list. Enjoy morning and evening game drives with Masai guides whose local knowledge helps them read nature’s signs like a book, leading you straight to incredible sightings and entertaining the children in your family with bush lore.

It’s hard to beat floating over the pristine savanna in a hot-air balloon or visiting a Masai village for a heartening dose of indigenous culture. Let the Entim crew surprise you with a picnic bush breakfast and take every opportunity to visit Sundowner Hill, a favourite evening game-drive stop where you’ll clink glasses and enjoy delicious snacks as the sun goes down.

With access to the 68 000 acres of land comprising the Mara North Conservancy restricted to just 11 camps, exclusivity is an understatement at Alex Walker’s Serian Camp. The sustainably built camp comprises five waterside tents on hardwood decking – one of which is a well-appointed family suite. Airy and spacious, your opulent tent includes a shower and a bathtub with stunning views over the river valley.

You have exclusive use of a vehicle for twice-daily game drives with a dedicated spotter and guide, allowing you to set your own pace and dictate the course of your wildlife-viewing experience to suit the animal interests and preferences of your family. An optional all-day drive from dusk until dawn opens the possibility of venturing further afield and discovering fauna and flora unreachable on regular excursions.

The thatched communal area offers commanding views over the Mara River and Siria escarpment, ideal for sharing stories brought back from the bush. On those chilly Mara nights, seek refuge around the indoor fireplace with a chest-warming drink. Enjoy meals with your family in the cosy dining room or under dappled sunlight on the main deck. If you want to eat on the go, you can take a flask of soup and set out with a spotlight in search of nocturnal animals or arrange for a picnic breakfast to be packed before heading out on your morning drive.