Coral Tree - Unique Family Safaris

08/08/2024

Welcome Cameron Raffan to the Coral Tree Travel family!

Cameron has joined our growing team of family safari specialists and brings a huge amount of destination knowledge, having lived and worked in some of Africa’s most idyllic locations 😍

In Cam’s own words, “my journey has taken me from the ‘rainbow nation’ of South Africa to the arid deserts of Botswana and Namibia, the abundant landscapes of East Africa, the biodiverse regions of the DRC, the vibrant tribes of Ethiopia, and the teardrop isle of Sri Lanka.”

We’re all excited to have Cameron on board as Coral Tree continues to grow...

04/01/2024

24/10/2023

We are back in Kenya… 🇰🇪

Stay tuned for updates on some amazing family safari locations.

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11/10/2023

Beautiful photos taken by one of our clients on safari in Kenya in September, 2023.

These stunning images were captured in Mara North conservancy, Amboseli National Park, and Nairobi National Park.

See if you can guess which is which? 😀

Hint: There's a BIG clue in one of the photos... 🏔

📸 David Sanders

20/09/2023

Every family begins with two people…

I took this photo ten years ago at Mnemba Island, Zanzibar.

The proposing groom, my good friend, had asked me to capture their special moment by hiding in the bushes with my camera whilst he grazed his knee.

Since then, the lovely couple pictured have brought three beautiful children into the world.

Every family, whatever shape or size, starts with a connection between two human beings.

Thanks to and the levitating for the great memories, and the impeccable pointed toes!

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14/08/2023

We are so pleased to have been named as a finalist for the John Hays Entrepreneur of the Year Award!

The awards are recognising individuals who have disrupted the sector in the last three years.

Launching a new travel business in a global pandemic wasn’t the easiest decision we ever made, but we are delighted we did.

This is the time of year when most of our clients travel, and hearing about all the life-changing memories being made is incredibly rewarding.

Thank you, 🙏

24/07/2023

Introducing the newest member of the Coral Tree family… Charlie Potter.

Charlie brings with him a huge amount of experience and we’re delighted to have him on board.

In Charlie’s own words:

““I remember the first time I spotted an African wild dog. I was 4 years old, sat on my father’s lap, and can still picture their rounded ears in the shade of an acacia tree. I was hooked…

My love for safari travel began to develop from a young age. I grew up in Swaziland (now e-Swatini) and South Africa. My fondest childhood memories are of the Kruger National Park, with my family in a 4x4, searching for Africa's iconic species. These early experiences of the animal kingdom and Africa's cultural diversity were highly formative for me, and quickly began to inspire a burning curiosity for the natural world.

As an adult, that curiosity is yet to be satiated. I have travelled extensively across eastern and southern Africa, capturing wildlife through my camera lens, hosting at lodges, guiding guests, exploring new and exciting safari regions, and creating ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ family adventures to Africa.

Whilst on safari, you will usually find me out on a game drive with my camera, absorbing the knowledge of expert guides about local wildlife or pressing them for details of their most memorable encounters.

Without a doubt, my favourite recent memory is taking my sister, Fay, on a safari adventure to remote northern Kenya. Having shared the wonders of safaris together as children, being able to maintain that strong sibling bond by continuing our tradition of adventure as adults fills me with gratitude.

Ultimately, that connection is what makes Coral Tree Travel's ethos so magical; and enabling such meaningful experiences for other families is what makes my job so wonderfully rewarding.”

Check out the link in bio to read more.

17/04/2023

We are hiring! 😀

If you can get this excited* about designing unique safari holidays, then you might be perfect for us, and we may be the perfect fit for you.

Check out the link in bio for more details of two exciting roles in our rapidly growing business.

*Disclaimer: Posting embarrassing selfies is not an obligatory part of the role 🤦🏻‍♂️

08/12/2022

“We had the best time!
The guides are phenomenal and we had amazing game drives with so many animals.

I think we saw everything we could have wished to see …. Twice!
2 Cheetah feeding on an impala.
Lions on every drive include 2 brothers feeding.
Elephants on every drive.
Crocs. A group of 7 Giraffe…

It’s unreal. Crazy experience. I don’t think it’s fully sunk in that we have experienced this first hand.

It’s like watching a documentary!”

Just what we love to hear from our happy clients. 😀

These boys and their parents recently stayed at Encounter Mara in the Mara Naboisho conservancy; one of the incredible private conservancies surrounding the Masai Mara.

The perfect base for a life-changing family safari! 🦁

29/11/2022

We’ve been a bit slow with our social updates recently… but we have some news!

Hard to believe Aidan Michael Kelly, the newest member of the family, is now almost 3 months old!

Scroll ➡️ for a recent pic.

We still have tons of content to post from our Africa trip earlier this year, and we’ll be back to Kenya and Tanzania soon.

In the meantime, we are sending lots of happy clients away on life-changing family safaris and receiving amazing feedback! 😊

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13/05/2022

We are hiring! 😀

Having launched Coral Tree - Unique Family Safaris in 2021, we are now looking for a Southern Africa expert to join our team.

Check out the link below for more information, and please get in touch or share if you or someone you know would love this opportunity.

www.coraltreetravel.com/recruitment

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05/05/2022

We’re going to need another chair on safari.

New Coral Tree family member due at the end of August.

Just need to work out what to name him… 🦁🤔😉

11/03/2022

Family safaris just got easier…

PCR tests are no longer required to enter Kenya! 🎉

Some happy Friday news 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

07/03/2022

Sunset on a recent visit to the Mara Naboisho conservancy, staying at Encounter Mara camp.

We love the exclusivity and exceptional natural beauty of the Mara conservancies, and this camp is one of our favourites for an authentic family safari adventure ❤️💙💚

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12/02/2022

Tough to beat the feeling of watching your child sleeping peacefully.

Do you agree?

10/02/2022

Tomorrow, we are travelling to Africa for three months...

As well as visiting family and running our business from Kenya, we'll be checking out many of the properties we promote through our specialist family safari business.

We'll be posting updates from Kenya, Zanzibar, Maldives, and South Africa.

Can't wait to see what Elsa makes of it all, one year on from our last trip... 🥰

06/01/2022

🌍 International travel to/from England just got a lot easier!

🗞 Yesterday, the government announced that from Friday 7th January, fully vaccinated travellers and under 18s DO NOT need to:

❌ Take a Covid test before travel
❌ Quarantine on arrrival

✅ From Sunday 9th January, expensive day 2 PCR tests post-travel will be replaced by rapid lateral flow tests.

🙏 Some positive news for travel as we begin a new year and a new chapter.

Who’s up for a life-changing family safari in 2022? 🙋‍♀️🙋🏻‍♂️

03/01/2022

“Everything I was I carry with me, everything I will be lies waiting on the road ahead.” - Ma Jian

As the new year dawns, we are excited about the future for African family travel!

Many people ask us where are the best places to go on safari this year.

We’ve put our heads together and created our shortlist of the best family safaris for 2022…

https://www.coraltreetravel.com/tales-from-the-coral-tree/best-african-safari-tours-for-families-in-2022/

Where will 2022 take you? 🌍

24/12/2021

The final day of our African Advent(ure) Calendar…

There could be only one choice!

🐢 andBeyond Mnemba Island

We met here, lived together for two years, and said our vows on the sandy shores of this little piece of paradise.

A private island off the coast of Zanzibar, andBeyond Mnemba Island offers something truly unique.

Few African properties are as evocative as the magical Mnemba Island.

Just 1.5km in circumference and white sandy beach all around, you’ll arrive thinking you’ve been transported to heaven.

The incredible team, many of whom have been here since the island opened in 1990, will make you feel welcome from the moment you step off the boat.

Shoes are unnecessary, as the impossibly white sand stays cool even in the midday sun.

You’ll be welcomed into your luxurious banda and be free to explore to your heart’s content.

We always recommend a dip in the warm turquoise waters as soon as you can.

Meals are mostly enjoyed outside, with a few special locations hidden around the island.

There’s plenty to keep your family entertained, with the in-house watersports and spa teams catering to your every need.

Diving and snorkelling on the reefs around the island is excellent and if you’re very lucky you may see baby green turtles hatching, as the island has been running a highly successful conservation program for these endangered creatures for years.

A true bucket list destination, if ever there was one!

We hope you’ve enjoyed our African Advent(ure) calendar, and that it’s provided some inspiration for travels in 2022 and beyond.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays! 🎄🌍🦁🏝👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 ❤️💙💚

23/12/2021

Day 23 of our African Advent(ure) Calendar…

🎈 andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp

Family-friendly and stylish, offering seemingly effortless experiences left, right and centre.

Kichwa Tembo is one of the Masai Mara’s most long-standing and iconic camps – refurbished and re-imagined in 2014, it’s a prime example of a modern and sleek safari camp.

Communal areas are unusual and well thought-out, the pool is blissful (tear yourselves away for the game drives!) warthog and bushbuck meander all around and the rooms are just the right blend of stylish and functional.

The property is run by andBeyond, luxury safari experts, who have been in this part of the Mara for over 20 years.

The focus is on phenomenal experiences, delighting guests, and world-class guiding, all of which are delivered consistently.

Three family suites mean plenty of safety and security by night, while by day you will be delighted and thrilled by all the Masai Mara has to offer – each game drive, bush walk or hot air balloon safari will leave you all wanting more.

We were lucky enough to get engaged here in 2015 and were incredibly spoiled. We then returned earlier this year with Elsa, who loved it just as much as we do 😍

22/12/2021

Day 22 of our African Advent(ure) Calendar…

🛁 Cottar's 1920s Camp and Bush House

This is a safari institution if there ever was one.

Cottar’s 1920s Camp is a multi award-winning property in its very own private concession on the south-east edge of the Masai Mara.

With its own airstrip too, Cottar’s could not be easier to get to.

This is one of the very best camps in Kenya for families, for so many reasons, but the main one being the very real affinity and love that all the staff have for children.

Everything can be adapted for them, when they need it, and as parents this is the key to a memorable and successful safari.

The guides in particular build the very best relationships they can with your family while they look after you all.

The open-plan family tents are huge, billowing and very comfortable, and designed in a 1920s safari style.

If something more modern and with a permanent feel is for you, then the enormous Cottars Bush Villa will deliver.

The views from this stunning house are to die for, and with a private vehicle and no need to go very far at all to see fantastic wildlife (and so much more) we feel every family on safari in the Mara should stay at Cottar’s at least once!

We have so many fond memories of our own family safari time here.

Prepare to make many of your own too.

21/12/2021

Day 21 of our African Advent(ure) Calendar…

🦒 Giraffe Manor

Sitting down to breakfast in the stylish dining room of this marvellous manor house, you will never forget the sight of an impossibly tall giraffe strolling out of the indigenous forest towards the house, possibly even to ‘join’ you for breakfast.

The giraffes are known to stick their heads through windows for a handful of giraffe pellets, which are fed to them by hand (be warned, their tongues are immensely long and sticky!) and some even put their heads through upstairs bedroom windows on occasion.

This is memorable for all the family, but children in particular will delight in seeing these unique animals up close, especially if they get to feed them.

Our favourite time to do this is from 5pm when tea is served on the front lawn – not only do the giraffes come for tea almost without fail, but there are resident families of warthog who live in the grounds, who also come along – they teach their hoglets to forage for the odd dropped giraffe pellet.

A delightful way to spend the afternoon.

The manor was originally built in the 1930s, then acquired in the 1970s by a couple passionate about conservation, and giraffes in particular.

The giraffes who roam the estate today are Rothchild’s giraffes, a sub-species in particular danger of extinction, and descendents of the original animals who found sanctuary here.

Your stay at the Manor not only supports them, but a fund for endangered wildlife overall.

This is a stately old home, full of character (aside from the giraffes!) and style, and a stay here is great at the beginning of a trip, in the middle, or at the end!

Wherever in your itinerary your stay here falls, we will make sure you have plenty of time to make the most of this totally unique hotel – check in and check out times are strict due to its immense popularity.

The family rooms here are enormous and extremely well designed, and with extra beds possible if needed, can easily accommodate you all together.

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20/12/2021

Day 20 of our African Advent(ure) Calendar…

🦛 Sand Rivers Selous

Sand Rivers Selous is a long-standing and well-renowned luxury safari lodge in a unique location.

This gorgeous, boutique safari lodge is hands-down one of our favourites in Africa.

Perched on the banks of the Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park, the location of Sand Rivers Selous is unrivalled.

One side of the lodge is completely open to the mile-wide views across the river and a stay here evokes images and memories of true safari Africa.

The cottages are stylishly decorated and raised along the inclining river bank offering breathtaking views across the river.

All have en-suite bathrooms and the three suites are complete with an extra lounge area and private plunge pool.

The sheer diversity of activities on offer is enough to keep any family entertained and enthralled for days.
In fact, we always recommend a longer stay here if possible.

As well as traditional game drives, you can enjoy boat safaris, guided bush walks, fishing trips, picnics and visits to the local hot springs.

For the adventurous, Sand Rivers offer their signature fly-camping, which comes highly recommended.
Camps are shared and involve spending the night in the bush under mosquito net tents.

Experienced staff will delight your stomachs with a full day of meals, including dinner by candlelight.

Sand Rivers Selous is run by Nomad Tanzania, one of our favourite safari operators. Their ethos of sustainable luxury, community empowerment and expert guiding will ensure your stay lives long in the memory.

Nyerere National Park combines perfectly with Ruaha National Park and Zanzibar Islands to complete the ‘southern circuit’ of Tanzania.

19/12/2021

Day 19 of our African Advent(ure) Calendar…

🦓 Elewana Sand River Masai Mara

This is a wonderful camp, set on the southernmost border of Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve, on the border with Tanzania.

The camp consists of 16 tents, split into two zones, and all strung along the banks of the picturesque Sand River with views across into the Serengeti.

At the right time of year, the Great Migration of wildebeest thunder across the river just up from camp – best seen from the pool area, or, the family tent.

Game drives here are fantastic, and meals out in the bush are frequent.

Meals al fresco in the camp are often taken near the pool area, where some local avian residents will likely be hopping over to your table for tidbits!

The Ruppell’s starlings are particularly striking with their bright purple plumage and loud calls, the smaller, partridge-like francolins are much more subtle with their quiet cooing!

Children of all ages will enjoy seeing these feathered visitors up close.

During our lunch at the camp, we heard then saw elephants crossing the river below camp – a memorable moment for us a family.

The staff here are extremely friendly and excellent with children and families – flexible and accommodating.

Scroll ➡️ to see Tess and Elsa cooling off at the pool 😎

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18/12/2021

Day 18 of our African Advent(ure) Calendar…

🦁 Naboisho Camp

Naboisho Camp is located in the eponymous Mara Naboisho conservancy, bordering the Masai Mara national reserve.

This is prime game-viewing territory and an excellent location to try and see the Big Five, but without the higher numbers of tourists found in some areas of the main park.

The company who own and run Naboisho Camp (and many others across East Africa), , have a strong conservation and community focus which comes across in every facet of the guest experience here, no matter what their age.

The guides in particular are experts at tailoring the safari experience to children of any age (many of them are parents themselves), and there is a wealth of activities to take part in – spoor tracking, dung identification, spear throwing, star gazing, local community visits, baking and more!

For families of 4 or more, a private safari vehicle is guaranteed – a vital component of a successful day’s game viewing with children.

The warm and welcoming hospitality is second to none, helped no doubt by the fact that most team member at this camp have worked together for years. We believe this really shows.

We have sent many a happy family on safari here, and as Naboisho Camp continues to go from strength to strength, we don’t see this changing any time soon.

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17/12/2021

Day 17 of our African Advent(ure) Calendar…

🚁 Ol Malo Lodge

This memorable lodge is set right on the edge of the Laikipia Plateau, on a rock escarpment.

Ol Malo was set up by the Francombe family in partnership with the local Samburu people, and their lives intertwine to this day.

The Francombes are pleased to share their family home with visitors and you can either stay in the main house, or in a separate family house in the grounds of the lodge – Ol Malo House.

The House has 6 double rooms, and is only offered to two groups, or, exclusively to one family/group.

As Ol Malo is a family-run operation with children of their own, they are in an exceptionally good position to be able to make your holiday exactly what you want it to be. There is no shortage of wonders to discover here.

The decor is understated and in complete harmony with the surrounding environment – tones of rust, copper, orange and charcoal blend in with the local wood used for much of the furniture, and the large rocks amongst which the lodge sits.

There is a wealth of activities to take part in, such as game drives, walks by the river or further afield, mountain bike trips, camel treks, helicopter tours, and much else besides.

Alternatively, just laze by the infinity pool and soak up some sunshine and the expansive views.

There are no timetables – you set the pace. As such, Ol Malo truly is an oasis for family bonding, and we can’t recommend it highly enough if this is one of the aims for your time in Kenya.

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16/12/2021

Day 16 of our African Advent(ure) Calendar…

🦒 Lewa Wilderness

One of Kenya’s most beautiful and well-known lodges.

Lewa Wilderness, established in 1972 and set in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, is still the family home of the Craigs, who live in part of the main house, where guests are also welcome.

There is a cosy fire in the living area around which to sit and share stories of the day’s activities, or read a book from the library. Plus, a long dining table in the open-plan main area, around which dinner is served.

A stay here supports the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, known not only for pioneering conservation initiatives, but also many successful community and educational programs.

This sprawling property by a river not only has striking views across the Lewa plains towards Mt Kenya, and excellent game viewing (we lost count of the rhino we saw here on our last visit!), it has lots of manicured lawns, family rooms that open out onto grass, flexible meal times, tennis courts, a riding stables (open to riders of all ages and abilities), and an organic veggie garden to explore.

It could not be more perfect for families, of any age. Lewa Wilderness owns a very special aircraft, a retro yellow biplane (the only open cockpit biplane in East Africa) which can be taken on scenic flights in the area – a highly recommended activity! Fly camping in the wilderness for a night away from the lodge is also possible, by prior arrangement.

A stay of at least 3 nights here is recommended if possible – as soon as you arrive the relaxed atmosphere will strike you, and as well as wanting to make the most of all the exciting activities on offer, this is a most excellent place to kick back, sit a few things out and allow Kenya’s beautiful scenery and sense of space take you over for a while.

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14/12/2021

Day 14 of our African Advent(ure) Calendar

🦩 Chem Chem Lodge

Chem Chem Lodge is a unique and memorable luxury eco-lodge, located between Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park, in an exclusive wildlife concession which is part of a larger wildlife management area.

Game drives at Chem Chem Lodge are mainly done in the private wildlife management area, but full day drives to Tarangire National Park are possible too.

The core philosophy here (and the other two Chem Chem sister properties) is that of Slow Safari, and a deep commitment to the land, its people, and wildlife.

The owners of Chem Chem are big investors in the local communities in particular, and the many projects they support, directly and indirectly, can be visited during your stay.

There is a project to appeal to all ages here. This is one of the best lodges in Tanzania for children to learn with the Maasai about their culture, and try such activities as spear throwing, beading their own bracelets, how to make a fire from scratch, and how to use a bow and arrow.

The lakeshore provides the perfect natural pitch for a spot of sundowner football with the local children (or adults!) and the swimming pool and gym area provides hours of down time for all the family.

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13/12/2021

Day 13 of our African Advent(ure) Calendar…

🏔 Ol Donyo Lodge

Ol Donyo Lodge is a truly beautiful property, lying in a very picturesque and desirable location – between Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks, and bordering the Chyulu Hills National Park.

There are excellent views of Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania when the cloud cover allows (which is often) and the lodge is nestled into a hillside, looking down into savannah. What a place to wake up.

Six of the suites have their own pools, and two are connected, with a shared common area and pool – ideal for families. There is a kids’ club and babysitting is available too.

The private community-owned conservancy on which the lodge sits has very high densities of wildlife, in particular elephants.

The flexibility that comes with being on a private conservancy means that activities such as horse riding and walking safaris can be undertaken daily, as well as game viewing from a vehicle of course.

Breakfast in the bush following an early morning horse riding safari is one of the best starts to the day we have had in this part of the world!

For the Young Explorers in the party, there is building a mini Maasai boma to look forward to, as well as treasure hunting, and learning and practising traditional Maasai bush crafts and survival skills.

They can also look forward to bike rides on the plains, painting with Mt Kilimanjaro as inspiration, animal tracking and kite flying.

Themes of conservation and culture are woven into all their activities, and going over these again as a family round the camp fire in the evening is a wonderful way of cementing all they have learnt.