Nairobi

If Kenya is the safari capital, it’s entirely fitting that Nairobi boasts a national park close to the city centre’s skyline. At 5,500ft it can get cool up here, and the city, which began as a colonial railway settlement in the 1890’s, takes its name from ‘enkare nairobi’ — the Maasai term for ‘cold water’.

Nairobi National Park is home to the Big Five, but outside the park is incredible for bucket list family safari experiences too. You can support the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust by visiting — and even adopting — orphaned baby elephants, and a stay at the Giraffe Manor affords you the opportunity to feed giraffe as they stoop to accept a treat through the manor windows.

Karen, named for Mrs. Blixen of ‘Out of Africa’, is a pretty, verdant suburb within easy reach of the domestic airport. It hosts the Giraffe Centre, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and some charming artisan shops, cafes and restaurants. There is also no shortage of lovely hotels near the airports and Nairobi’s accommodation selection generally has an abundance of offerings fit for a Kenya luxury safari.

It gets a bit wet in the rainy season, but Nairobi’s climate is temperate year-round, and there’s never a time not to include it in a Kenya family safari.

Aside the wealth of wildlife activities, the Maasai Market is irresistible for a shopping excursion that comes with a rich dose of culture as well as gorgeous goodies and gifts.