A Unforgettable Family Safari Adventure with Outstanding Service
I planned a 2-week family trip (3 adults, 3 kids aged 1, 6, and 8) through Julius after extensive research. While it was the most we’d spent on a holiday, it was tremendous value considering the inclusions—it beat other operators offering the same itinerary, in both price and quality. Though I was initially anxious about paying upfront, everything was delivered—and then some. We landed late, but John, our welcoming driver, greeted us at the airport and helped with our luggage before taking us to the Sarova Stanley in Nairobi. This historical hotel offered a fantastic atmosphere: blues music, diverse restaurants, a rooftop pool and bar, and gorgeous rooms. At breakfast, one particularly kind staff member made a lasting impression with how wonderfully she interacted with our kids. The breakfast spread itself was incredible and had an amazing variety. Afterward, we visited the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. Although it’s within the park and a game drive could be included at no extra cost, we skipped it due to our packed itinerary. We then visited the Giraffe Center and had a delightful meal at the Carnivore Restaurant, rounding off a fabulous day. That evening, we relaxed at the hotel to let the kids swim. The following morning, we began our journey to Samburu. George, our driver, was fantastic—his laid-back nature and knack for working with kids stood out. He amazed us with his extensive knowledge and ensured we saw both the "special five" and "big five," along with a wide variety of wildlife. He managed long drives tirelessly and always cheerfully. We stayed at Ashnil, my favorite hotel of the trip, with rooms overlooking the river. Upon arrival, two elephants were right outside, dining on trees—a magical sight. Meals were served individually (not buffet style), with endless delicious options, and the service was outstanding. Our waitress was incredibly sweet, and Kennedy, the security staff member, was so kind. The staff even kept the pool open late one night just for the kids. The rooms were breathtaking, and the game drives were extraordinary: unique landscapes, herds of elephants with playful babies, cheetahs (even cubs), and the "special five." Watching our one-year-old delight in the monkeys made it all the more special. After two nights, we moved to Ol Pejeta, staying at Sweetwaters. The tented accommodations were gorgeous, complete with hot water bottles at night. Overlooking the watering hole was surreal, especially watching wildlife while sipping drinks as the kids played. A pride of lions with cubs and feeding a blind rhino were trip highlights for the kids. Night game drives were incredible: my daughter and I saw a striped hyena and countless stars, while my husband and mum spotted cheetahs, lions, elephants, hyenas, and more. From there, we traveled to Lake Nakuru. The kids were thrilled to proclaim “Mufasa!” upon spotting a lion. The flamingos were a personal favorite, and we saw baby baboons, rhinos, hippos, and more—all set against breathtaking scenery. We stayed at Sarova Lion Hill, which though less impressive than other accommodations, was still very nice and highly recommended. Next, it was on to the Masai Mara for three nights. The game drives here were unforgettable—there were so many big cats! We saw lions (even young males grooming each other), a leopard in a tree that the kids won't stop talking about, cheetahs, a serval, elephants, herds of wildebeest, and much more. A memorable yet bittersweet moment was watching a pack of hyenas take down a zebra—only to reveal a foal within. We topped it all off with a hot air balloon ride. The views, including running wildlife below, were otherworldly. At Sarova Mara, we encountered some issues upon arrival, including no fresh towels, delays with the requested cot for our toddler, and dismissive management. While these hiccups were frustrating, the room itself was exquisite, the porch overlooking serene jungle areas was lovely, and the staff’s warmth elsewhere made up for the initial disappointment. Veronica was fantastic with the kids—keeping them engaged with activities like fishing and archery—and the pool area and bar staff were wonderful. A huge thanks to the cheerful tandoori station chef and Daisy, who not only prepared special gluten- and dairy-free meals for my mum but also made chicken nuggets and fries for the kids. Her kindness and constant smile left a lasting impression. Finally, we headed to Diani, where we stayed in pre-booked accommodation, though Julius still arranged the flights and complimentary transportation. Before our return flight, he even organized a driver to take us to Karen Blixen for a relaxing meal. I wholeheartedly recommend booking with Julius. Every detail surpassed our expectations, and the trip was unforgettable. As seasoned travelers, we were blown away and wouldn’t hesitate to book with him again someday. The experience and value were unmatched.