9 Days Luxury Family Retreat

Surrounded by 12 acres of private land, within 140 acres of indigenous forest, the iconic Giraffe Manor is famous for its resident herd of Rothschild giraffe that casually wander around the spectacular grounds. Stay in the original manor house offering six rooms: Betty, Daisy, Jock, Lynn, Marlon and the Karen Blixen Suite or the Garden Manor also offering six rooms: Salma, Edd, Arlene, Helen, Kelly and the Finch Hatton Suite. Each room enjoys views over the sanctuary and the giraffe experience offered to guests is the same regardless of which area of the house they are staying in. Your family can expect beautifully furnished, elegant rooms that include romantic four-poster beds and well-appointed ensuite bathrooms.

At Giraffe Manor, breakfasts are a fun-filled affair. Not only can you tuck into a mouth-watering menu, you are likely to be interrupted by one of the friendly giraffes poking its head through the window in search of a treat – such fun for the whole family. Lunch on light meals and kick-start an evening with refreshing cocktails served around a crackling fire, followed by superb gourmet dinners in the inviting dining room.

Elephant Pepper Camp is a traditional bush safari camp shaded by a natural forest of ebony and elephant pepper trees, overlooking the Mara plains. Set away from other lodges, the camp offers modern comforts, evenings by the campfire, and dinner under the stars.

The spectacular annual migration of wildebeest and zebra is by no means the only feature of this World Heritage Site. The Masai Mara is home to enormous herds of plains game, big cats, and elephant as well as colourful birds, small game, riverine wildlife and beautiful scenery. Daily extended game drives in open-sided vehicles and guided bush walks make up your thrilling game-viewing experiences. The camp lies within a private conservancy meaning you have access to the greater Mara but also to exclusive areas with limited access for other vehicles, meaning visitor density is low.

Elephant Pepper is unfenced (although there are 24-hour patrols by Maasai moran or ‘warriors’) and game is often spotted in camp. It is closed during the annual ‘long rains’ season from April to May. It is a delightful combination of a classic safari camp – think comfortable hammocks under the trees and polished brass lanterns – as well as mod cons like plumbed showers and Wi-Fi. Cuisine is inspired by Italy and lazy meals take place a long table in the mess tent.

A peaceful beach resort, Kinondo Kwetu is situated on the beautiful Kenyan coast, just one hour from Mombasa and a short drive from Diani Beach. This intimate lodge offers beach luxury in a relaxed and laidback atmosphere. Kindo Kwetu is th only hotel on the private Galu Beach and is surrounded by lush coastal forest.

Kinondo Kwetu is the ideal beach holiday location where you can spend lazy days on the beach and swimming in the warm waters. Other activities that can be enjoyed include diving, snorkelling, horse riding, tennis and cultural visits to local villages. Explore the forest or go on boat excursions to Paradise Lost Island.

Of course, you could just find a hammock and make yourself comfortable for the afternoon, and iced drink at your side and the swaying palm trees above you.