The Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp in Kenya is one of our absolute favourite places to celebrate Christmas and New Year with your family. Located in the Maasai Mara, the environment is perfectly suited to all manner of activities: one morning you might take an early hot air balloon ride out over the wildebeest and zebra herds, the next you might ride out on horseback, seeing those same animals up close. Horse riding in the Maasai Mara is particularly special as the herds aren’t disturbed by horses in the same way they might be by the growling of a 4x4’s engine. When you ride you will feel and be treated like just another part of the Mara’s rich ecosystem.

At Singita Boulders Lodge there is an incredible kids’ activities programme which is tailored depending on age and interests. At the lodge, your children will be kept entertained with board games, arts and crafts, and an introduction to stargazing, and they can also get out and explore the reserve on the fantastic Mini Rangers’ Course. The guides and rangers will keep your little ones safe as they teach them the secrets of the bush, leaving you to relax in the spa, read a book, and have some quality adult time.

A safari is not just about landscapes and wildlife: there is an entire universe for you to discover. At Sanctuary Kusini they have created a cosmic safari so you can appreciate the many wonders of the dark night sky. At home, the light pollution of the cities clouds many of the stars, but here you can see them in stunning detail. Sit on a cushion on top of the main kopje, or around the campfire with your family and a guide, and marvel at the shooting stars. Bedtime can never come too soon.

If you’re travelling with your four legged family members this Christmas, you need to find a pet friendly destination. We are huge fans of the Antbear Guest House in South Africa, which is in a fabulous location on a mini farm. Your dog or cat will feel quite at home with all the pigs, donkeys, and sheep for company! Kids love being able to help feed the farm animals, too. The farm is large, with plenty of space for quad biking horse riding, hiking, and even hot air balloon rides, to there’s plenty to keep guests of any age entertained.

Christmas and New Year is high season in many of Southern and East Africa’s most exciting destinations, so you need to plan and book early to make sure you get the very best accommodation. Call Africa Exclusive’s destination specialists now on 01604 628979 and we’ll start tailoring an unforgettable experience for you to enjoy this festive season.