If ever there was a bucket record household journey, taking a safari is it – and so I knew {that a} keep at Hemingways Ol Seki with children can be a spotlight of our time in Kenya.
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Set within the second largest conservancy within the Masai Mara, our Naboisho Conservancy safari gave us an opportunity to discover a few of non-public reserve with out battling the crowds.
And whereas any household safari isn’t an affordable choice, there’s fairly merely nothing like the possibility to see Africa’s wildlife within the wild – and attending to see the animals with my daughter was much more particular.
Not all camps are as child-friendly as others although, so if you happen to’re planning your individual household safari in Kenya, right here’s what we considered a keep at Hemingways Ol Seki with children.
Hemingways Ol Seki evaluate: very important statistics
The non-public Naboisho Conservancy stretches for 145 sq. kilometres inside Kenya’s Masai Mara nationwide reserve, with one of many highest concentrations of wildlife within the area.
The second largest conservancy within the Mara (solely Mara North Conservancy is larger), Ol Seki is certainly one of solely 9 safari camps and lodges right here. The numbers allowed into the reserve are all the time restricted, so not solely is there a fantastic likelihood of seeing the animals, you’ll have much less competitors too.
It’s lower than an hour’s flight from Nairobi’s Wilson airport, relying how most of the Mara camps your airplane stops at on the best way – we flew with Safarilink. It’s also possible to drive, which takes round 4 hours.
There are solely 9 luxurious tents at Hemingways Ol Seki itself, with house for 20 visitors in whole, together with the household ‘Simba’ tent the place we stayed.
In addition to a current main redesign, there have been a number of new tents added to the gathering nevertheless it’s nonetheless a really intimate expertise: it’s also possible to select from the smaller Nina tents and second household tent, Chui.
Certainly one of a number of inns inside the Hemingways gathering in Kenya, the group additionally consists of Hemingways Nairobi and Hemingways Watmu on the coast.
Hemingways Ol Seki with children
Even the largest household could have house to spare if you happen to verify into the Simba tent at Hemingways Ol Seki with children – we hardly knew which mattress to decide on.
With two separate bedrooms off the principle dwelling house, plus two loos and a deck space outdoors, to not point out the communal areas – eating room, lounge and pool space – my daughter and I had been spoiled for alternative.
One was arrange with a double mattress, plus day mattress to the aspect, whereas the second had twin beds and its personal day mattress. Splendid if you happen to’re staying with youthful children and need to have the ability to put them to mattress in a separate room, or if you’d like one to have the ability to keep in the identical room as you.
All embellished in impartial colors with splashes or pink and photographs of Maasai individuals, there was additionally a fan to maintain us cool (plus we received sizzling water bottles at evening when the temperature dropped) and mesh home windows permitting a breeze via through the day.
There’s even surprisingly good wi-fi, together with solar-powered electrical energy to maintain all units charged.
Behind every of the bedrooms had been two loos, one hooked up to every bed room – so if you happen to had been visiting as a multigenerational household group, it will additionally imply that grandparents may have one half of the tent and their very own house.
Every rest room had its personal bathe – with an impressively highly effective bathe, given that you just’re in the midst of the bush – plus a separate space with a flushing bathroom, sink and someplace to place toiletries, all behind a privateness curtain.
There have been additionally separate cabinets to unpack your garments or retailer suitcases. Not that we’d have been tripping over them, given how spacious all of it was.
Together with chairs and a desk within the bedrooms, there have been additionally squashy sofas within the dwelling space plus a eating desk with chairs.
On the again, a stocked drinks cupboard with alcoholic and comfortable drinks, plus tea and low if you happen to wished it at any hour of the day.
We additionally had our personal butler, William, to take care of us if we would have liked anything – though between recreation drives, a while chilling out and napping, plus meals on the major eating space, we barely had likelihood to profit from what was on provide, not to mention make any additional calls for!
The wraparound terrace has a number of extra locations to take a seat or lounge as nicely, all looking onto the plains – we may hear the wildebeest grunting to one another, as they and herds of zebra grazed all through the day.
With our binoculars, we may make out much more of the animals, together with jackals slinking via the scrubby grass, and in case you have an extended keep or resolve in opposition to two recreation drives per day, it’s a stunning place to laze and watch the wildlife.
There have been loads of choices for downtime too – we made essentially the most of our keep by taking each daybreak and late afternoon drives, however whether or not we stopped for breakfast within the bush or returned to camp, we nonetheless had a number of hours earlier than and after lunch to calm down.
I often squeezed at the very least one nap in (6am begins, 35C+ warmth and a glass of wine at lunch made that very straightforward!) however we liked the small infinity pool to chill off after the primary recreation drive of the day.
Subsequent to the eating space, there are extra loungers dotted round right here within the shade too and one other nice view out all the way down to one of many waterholes and the animals. Because the temperatures climbed, the cool water was blissful to sink – hippo-like – into and watch.
Till we had been referred to as for lunch, at the very least. As with most safari camps, meals is included with a set menu, however regardless of travelling with a choosy 10-year-old, they all the time managed to offer one thing she would get pleasure from in addition to scrumptious three-course meals for lunch and dinner for me.
Whereas they’re joyful to be versatile, you do must let the camp know upfront in case you have any explicit dietary necessities although.
With solely half a dozen different individuals staying on the camp throughout our keep, it didn’t take lengthy to strike up dialog at mealtimes as nicely – you could have your individual separate desk nevertheless it’s a relaxed ambiance that’s good for households.
And whereas my daughter was the one youngster staying that week, it’s actually not unusual – because the household tents go to indicate.
For those who do fancy a reasonably extra secluded choice one evening, it’s also possible to select to have dinner at ‘the Cave’, a personal desk on a rock overhang.
With a woodfire close by for gentle, you’re tucked away on the aspect of the slope and it feels such as you’re the one individuals on the planet (aside from the wildebeest, nonetheless calling away at nighttime close by).
And whereas we usually headed straight again to mattress after dinner, prepared for an early morning recreation drive the subsequent day, there are extra squashy sofas and cozy armchairs to retreat to with a drink if you happen to fancy – there’s even a telescope at one finish, for animal recognizing through the day and star-gazing at evening.
After darkish, we had been guided to and from our tent – not simply to make sure we had loads of gentle to seek out our means, however in case any animals managed to seek out their means in.
Unlikely however reassuring: and the wildlife we did see in camp was undoubtedly of the cuter selection.
In addition to a couple of red-headed agamas (which shortly earned the nickname of Spiderman lizard for its blue and pink colouring), my daughter liked recognizing the furry little rock hyraxes which scurried round.
A number of favored the shade of the loungers by the pool, however we shocked a pair on our deck and on the roof of our tent.
The sound of speedily pattering paws on the canvas proved there have been lots extra scampering above us, though half the time we may solely hear them reasonably than see them.
However the lodging itself is barely half of the expertise at Hemingways Ol Seki with children, pretty although it’s – and our recreation drives within the Naboisho Conservancy didn’t disappoint.
What to see on a Naboisho Conservancy safari with children
One of many greatest attracts of a vacation in Kenya with children, a safari is completely unmissable in case you have the chance.
It doesn’t matter how previous you might be, seeing a household of lion cubs taking part in collectively or a leopard in a tree with its kill is the type of expertise you always remember – to not point out the array of different animals you possibly can spot on a safari in Kenya with children.
And the pliability of being in a personal conservancy is right for households. For those who go to a nationwide park, you could nicely want to go away by 6.30pm as nightfall falls too, whereas non-public recreation reserves just like the Naboisho Conservancy let you be extra versatile.
In our case, this meant we may cling round ready for a leopard to emerge from the undergrowth and benefit from the astonishing sight of it climb its tree to benefit from the stays of its kill.
For our first few drives, we went out alone with the information too, which was good if we wished to hold round a bit longer to marvel at lion cubs, or resolve to not linger by the river, the place the highly effective aroma of hippos was not successful with my daughter!
The Naboisho Conservancy has one of many highest concentrations of lions within the Maasai Mara, and whereas we solely stayed for 2 nights, we managed to see lion cubs, dozing male lions and several other lionesses together with an affectionate pair of sisters.
We fitted in two recreation drives every day, which additionally gave us likelihood to cowl most corners of the Naboisho Conservancy, to identify as lots of its animals as attainable.
Whereas cheetah eluded us – an excellent cause to return! – we nonetheless managed to see virtually every thing else on my daughter’s wishlist, and extra.
There have been a number of elephant sightings, from the oldest grumpy bull elephant all the way down to one of many youngest calves, watching his mom intently as he realized to make use of his trunk to drag up grass.
But in addition loads of smaller animals, together with leopard tortoise, tiny scurrying dwarf mongoose and birds galore, from vultures and secretary chicken to kingfishers.
Hyenas slinked and lurked, whereas warthogs darted about in alarm, their tails held excessive and ramrod stiff – usually adopted by a number of infants in a faintly panicked procession.
Certainly one of our favorite discoveries of the journey was the invention that the Swahili title for them, pumbaa (sure, like within the Lion King), means ‘silly creature’ as they usually neglect why they’re working away. Not an excellent transfer if there’s a lion in your tail.
And in addition to too many zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, antelopes and gazelles to depend, our February go to meant we additionally received to see a number of infants, together with a new child giraffe, solely round an hour previous and nonetheless studying learn how to use these enormously lengthy legs.
Do be sure to deliver binoculars, ideally a light-weight however highly effective pair, ideally minimal 10 x 40 – it makes an enormous distinction when children can get an in depth have a look at the animals.
Alongside the best way, our improbable information Patrick additionally shared a few of his information of the Mara’s wildlife, in addition to navigating our Toyota Landcruiser down not possible slopes, throughout river crossings and unerringly to spots the place we may discover the convservancy’s animals.
Whereas the large sightings are all the time memorable, it’s the little moments which stick within the reminiscence too – making an attempt to pile rocks to guard a plover nest constructed too near the street because the anxious mom shrieked alarm calls, earlier than returning, feathers solely mildly ruffled.
Watching a lioness stalk, even when she determined in opposition to the hunt that individual time, and making an attempt to breathe additional quietly as a lion cub prowled very near the string of automobiles, inquisitive about these unusual steel intruders.
Or realising simply how large a giraffe’s leg bones could be… and with bleached white bones scattered round from earlier meals, shortly beginning to recognise which animals that they had belonged to.
It’s nicely price permitting a few days in your safari – that means, if you happen to aren’t fortunate sufficient to identify one thing on the primary day, you’ve received one other likelihood.
There’s no actual level making an attempt to pack every thing right into a day anyway: it’s too sizzling to maintain driving for hours on finish (even when your children may stand it) and the animals could have sought out the shade too so there’ll be much less to see anyway.
In addition to our morning and night recreation drives, there’s additionally the choice to take guided bush walks if you happen to’re visiting with older children and village visits to get a style of native Maasai life.
Different tempting extras embrace a sizzling air balloon flight – these often have a minimal age restriction although and contain a really early begin.
For extra recommendations on visiting Kenya with children, try all my recommendation, together with planning a household safari
What to pack for a Kenya safari with children?
In addition to binoculars, and a zoom lens if you happen to’re travelling with older children who’ve their very own DSLR digital camera (or sharing yours), certainly one of our greatest buys was this little animal guidelines for East Africa.
Nice for maintaining my daughter engaged throughout these durations the place we had been ready for animals to look, it was additionally useful for instructing her (and me!) extra about what there’s to seek out on a safari in Kenya.
Whereas not all of the animals could be discovered on a Naboisho Conservancy safari, the overwhelming majority may – and our information helped to clarify the place you would possibly see the others. Plus it’s a enjoyable memento to maintain afterwards.
For extra recommendations on what to pack for Kenya with children, try my Amazon record with extra of my necessities
In any other case, whereas numerous your loved ones safari packing record will look the identical as for any sizzling climate vacation, there are some things to keep in mind with regards to your packing record for Kenya with children.
All the time take a well-stocked first assist equipment, as whereas tented camps could have necessities obtainable, the choices for kids will likely be extra restricted.
You’ll additionally want excessive SPF just like the Ultrasun vary and high-strength insect repellent: the Jungle System vary has a powerful selection, whereas the Boots Repel roll-on is okay for kids aged 2+ and is available in most power.
Take a look at my full household and youngster first assist equipment record of necessities to pack
Keep away from blue (and black) clothes on safari as this may appeal to tsetse flies – carrying insect repellent ought to hold them at bay, however higher to not give these nasty bugs any added incentive to verify you out.
Vibrant colors also can make you extra seen to the animals, so muted shades are higher – though having stated that, our information wore conventional Maasai patterns together with pink and vibrant purple in addition to neutrals, so don’t really feel you need to exchange your total wardrobe. Khaki is all the time good although.
Do pack some heat garments as nicely, for early morning recreation drives and for the evenings.
Whereas temperatures hit the mid to excessive 30s by lunchtime, it may be unexpectedly cool very first thing, particularly mixed with a breeze as you drive, so a hoody and lengthy trousers got here in very useful for six.30am begins. Our information did have ponchos to borrow, nevertheless it’s greatest to deliver your individual layers.
Chances are you’ll want rainwear as nicely. There are often two major wet seasons through the yr in Kenya – the ‘brief rains’ for a couple of weeks throughout November and December, then the ‘lengthy rains’ from April to early June (generally on the finish of March as nicely).
It’s price taking closed toe sandals even when it’s dry, each for guided walks and in case of stinging bugs and scorpions after darkish (though simply venturing to and from the restaurant with somebody to gentle our means, we managed tremendous with out).
Don’t neglect that whilst you may need a beneficiant weight allowance for worldwide flights, you’ll most likely be restricted to 15kg for any inner flights, plus you possibly can solely take soft-sided baggage or instances.
Hemingways Ol Seki for households: the decision
Our keep at Hemingways Ol Seki was simply one of many highlights of our journey to Kenya – in every week with loads of competitors.
And it wasn’t simply due to the improbable experiences on our Naboisho Conservancy safari, though that actually performed an enormous half.
Having been on a self-drive safari earlier than, it was great to have a information with us, figuring out the place all the most recent sightings had been and sharing all his information (to not point out having the ability to go off street simply).
Plus the sheer variety of animals was astonishing. In our 10-minute drive from the airstrip to Hemingways Mara camp, we’d already seen a few dozen totally different species, virtually with out making an attempt – and the reminiscence of that leopard rising from the bushes to scale its tree and devour its kill is unforgettable.
However whereas multiple camp would possibly provide these experiences, it’s nonetheless exhausting to beat a keep at Hemingways Ol Seki with children – for luxurious and a family-friendly welcome, I solely want I’d had longer to repeat these rock hyraxes and lounge there day after day.
Disclosure: Our keep was courtesy of Hemingways Assortment, with flight help from Far & Wild and Safarilink. All opinions on a keep at Hemingways Ol Seki with children for our Naboisho Conservancy safari are my very own
Pictures copyright MummyTravels
