Elewana Collection has expanded its family safari offering across select Kenya and Tanzania properties, adding age-appropriate activities from age three and creating a new Head of Family Experiences role to oversee the programme. The move gives advisors a stronger pitch for multi-generational bookings, with programming tailored property by property rather than applied uniformly across the 17-lodge portfolio.
Natasha Wissanji has been appointed to the newly created Head of Family Experiences role. “Traditionally, safaris have been centered around families with older children able to join early morning game drives and sit quietly for long periods of time, however this model has shifted with the rise of multigenerational travel,” she said.
New activities vary by property and age group
At Tortilis Amboseli Camp, Tarangire Treetops and Elsa’s Kopje, children aged three and up can take part in spear making and throwing. Garden to Table culinary experiences are now offered at Kifaru House in Kenya and The Manor at Ngorongoro in Tanzania, where children six and older harvest produce from the property’s shamba (garden) for the chef to include in a family meal.
At Loisaba Tented Camp in northern Kenya, older children can join scorpion searches, an evening activity introducing nocturnal wildlife and safe bush practices after dark. At Elsa’s Kopje, children learn the conservation story behind the property’s namesake lioness, with an optional evening screening of Born Free.
Additional touches include fireside marshmallow roasting and storytelling, traditional games, a giant lawn Jenga set featuring wildlife and conservation facts, and Wildlife Warrior backpacks for children over four, containing a bottle and activity pack. A keepsake Wildlife Warrior Passport journal is planned for later this year.
Practical family travel support
Elewana has also added practical amenities including bed rails, potty seats, and private vehicles for shorter game drives to suit younger children’s sleep schedules, along with connected tents and multi-bedroom lodging for family groups. The company said it is also working to better inform parents ahead of arrival about what activities are available and what to pack.
Not all Elewana properties carry family programming; some retain a more adult-oriented atmosphere, so advisors should confirm which camps suit family bookings when quoting.
