African Safari Diaries – The Marus go back to their roots with a family Holiday in Kenya

Anixa and Suresh Maru recently visited Kenya along with their two children, who had never been to Kenya before. They chose Kenya as a destination for their family holiday as they wanted to show their children their roots.

They consulted us and we helped to create a bespoke itinerary which would enable them to spend a few days in Nairobi, where Suresh was born, as well as enjoy a safari and beach holiday. They have shared their experience and some lovely photos from their trip.

1.  Was this your first time visiting Kenya? What made you decide to visit?

We had visited Kenya before but not with the children. We really decided to visit Kenya this time as we wanted to show the children our roots as my husband is from Nairobi and I was born in Uganda. We also wanted them to experience the Masai Mara and all the wonderful wildlife.

2.  How did you choose your itinerary?

We spoke to Parita from Somak Holidays and together we created a bespoke itinerary based on where we wanted to visit. 

We spent 3 nights in Nairobi before heading to the Masai Mara for 3 nights, after which we spent 7 nights in Mombasa, before flying back to London.

3.  Where did you stay whilst on your trip and what was your favourite property and place?

In Nairobi we stayed at Ibis Styles in Nairobi Westlands, at Mara Sopa Lodge when in the Masai Mara, and finally Neptune Paradise Beach Hotel and Spa in Mombasa.

For me the Neptune was lovely, in a beautiful location.

4.    What were the highlights from your trip?

I would say the highlights were visiting a Masai tribe and experiencing their culture, the game drives and chilling in Mombasa on the beautiful beach.

5.   Do you have any advice or tips for anyone thinking of going to Kenya for a holiday?

I would say definitely do the safari and follow the instructions of your driver whilst on safari, for example not coming out of your vehicle. Good to pack a light jacket or jumper as we found morning game drives were chilly.

6 What were your special memories from this trip?

Special memories would be seeing a leopard sleeping in a tree with its kill so close. It was amazing!

Also celebrating both mine and my husband’s birthdays African style!

My husband also got to visit his old school and home whilst we were in Nairobi, so it was a lovely trip down memory lane for him, as well as nice for the children to see in person the home that they had heard so much about from stories told to them by their grandmother.

Especially wonderful was Suresh’s visit to his school, Oshwal Boys Secondary School, which he left in 1971, and to his surprise discovered that the school register still holds his records from 1968!

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If after reading about the Maru’s experience you would like to book a safari and beach holiday, you can read more about our range of holidays here: https://www.somak.com/kenya-safari

We would love to work with you to plan the safari holiday of a lifetime. For more information on how our safari experts can help you, call Somak Holidays today on 020 8423 3000.

Please note all photos featured are credited to Anixa and Suresh Maru.