The property also has a “kids room” full of games, toys and other entertainment that we can barely pull any child off, as well as babysitting services during dinner – leaving us to peruse the wine list. A round outdoor raised rim pool on the face of Mount Kilimanjaro served as the perfect place to cool off. The staff even brought out lunch boxes one day so we could enjoy a casual, picnic-like meal after the dive. And sunsets from the resort’s striking observation tower, Manara, gave our entire team the opportunity to be outside, observing the surrounding pine forest and meeting the elephants outside the safari jeep.
Booking an exclusive-use property means your kids won’t disturb anyone else
We stay built in Collection in the forestwho Amani House Villa and in Business campBoth of which are exclusive-use, so our two-family crew had a run for each place. Not only did we have to worry about a crying baby at night or a kindergartner’s spontaneous dance party disturbing the peace of other passengers, but the staff’s personal attention and accommodations for baby-friendly foods (like the hot chocolate served). Go mug for the early game drive at Amani House) there was no bar. Diet preferences and odd sleeping schedules were easily accommodated.
Cultural experiences can be as memorable as animal-spotting
Since game drives were a major part of nearly every day we spent in Kenya, both kids would occasionally snooze through part of them. In Samburuland, however, we attended a game day with Samburu warriors, organized by Business camp Founders Robert and Storm Mason – who have developed a close relationship with the local tribe. After a short ride to the sandy gaming area, our six-year-old was quickly immersed in singing, dancing, praying and athletic competitions: jumping, running, throwing a stick through a moving hoop, and more. Our toddler would happily clap and clap along, or just stare in awe. Just like adults do. We participated but marveled mainly at the athleticism and the warriors’ beautiful, intricate costumes of beadwork, feathers and patterned cloth. And, after the kids were exhausted from the day’s activities, the adults were relaxing in chairs directly next to the stream that ran by the property, watching the stars and listening to the rustling of the bushes as the cool water trickled over our toes.
The difference in speed of travel outside the vehicle keeps the kids busy
Our kindergartner was just old enough to come for one Hot air balloon ride (The baby stayed behind for this) and this “air safari” was spent skimming elephant families and hippo pods in rivers, she was constantly tapping my hand and begging me to take photos of what she saw. We also had a close encounter with giraffes in Nairobi Giraffe Center (a sanctuary for the endangered Rothschild family of giraffes) where visitors can feed the friendly monsters a healthy meal. Even our kid successfully flicked a bullet from his palm with a long, black giraffe tongue — after he turned around in surprise, a foot from the palm later. Experiencing these moments, and through them, my children added to my own wonder.
If something goes wrong, advocate for what you need
Honestly, in retrospect, things went remarkably smoothly on this trip, exceeding my and my wife’s expectations. The baby managed to sleep most of the day on the flight, the six-year-old had no noticeable fussiness, and both usually ate everything (Sikki Mandasior African donuts, became a breakfast favorite). But towards the end of our trip there was one property, far out in the bush, where, having just rained, the bugs were completely out. The first night’s open-air dinner turned disastrous as dozens of locusts, attracted to our lamps, began ping-ping our heads and plates. It might be funny—yet disruptive—if it didn’t scare our children so much. Dimming the lights didn’t help, and the staff couldn’t find another solution to stop the bugs. No one ate much, and with all the children’s tears, no one was late.