“For one fun-filled, unforgettable week, there was nowhere I’d rather be and no one else I’d rather be with.” Whilst these sentiments might be true of any (Stubborn Mule) family holiday, what made MD Liddy’s recent trip to Kenya extra special was that it was the apex of what she termed a Festival of Fifty: the ‘go-big-or-go-home’ high point of other mini celebrations to mark her landmark birthday.
“Milestone birthday parties take a lot of organising and preparation, and, like your wedding, you spend far too little time talking to each and every person who has come to celebrate with you,” she says. “Instead, I wanted to enjoy quality time with my own family, something which is not always easy with everyone’s competing hectic schedules.”
Ain’t that the truth? It seems like Liddy is not alone in seeking a more life-affirming – a more family-affirming – way to mark a 50th birthday. Indeed, we know that more and more of you are swapping the ‘blink-and-you’ll-miss-it-party’ for a ‘milestone-memories-that-will-last-a-lifetime’ adventure. Here, we’re sharing a little snapshot of a real-life 50th birthday bash on Liddy’s Kenya Family Safari. Where will you go for yours?
The sky’s the limit when it comes to celebrating in style. A charter flight is by far the easiest and quickest way to get up to Laikipia, in northern Kenya.
Laikipia is one of Kenya’s most exciting, but least visited, regions. Navigating by open-top jeep isn’t just great fun for all the family but the best way to spot animals including elephants, giraffe, wild dogs, zebras and almost half of Kenya’s population of black rhino. Check out our Out of Africa family itinerary.
Put teenage embarrassment aside and join in with a singing and dancing session with the local Samburu people. Necklace optional.
Purifying a goatskin using smoke from the fire; learning Samburu life skills is all part of the experience.
No-one gets the hump when taking a camel trek with a delicious bush breakfast en-route.
We think the wide grins might not be the best camouflage on this guided hike, but the red paint is supposed to help!
After a morning of activities, what better way to cool down and relax than leaping into this gorgeous pool?
Did someone say snuggle? Feeling the birthday love with her youngest in this gorgeous private sitting room at their Laikipia lodge.
Swap four wheels for four legs on this gentle horse safari, suitable for absolute beginners to seasoned equestrians!
Being taught fly fishing skills by the local guide… Luckily, their youngest wasn’t completely responsible for catching a fish supper!
Fun for all the family, enjoying sundowners by the campfire at the Leopard Hide. (Binoculars at the ready, just in case!)
If there’s a campfire, there must be marshmallows…
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s a Dad on the top of this treehouse-style Leopard Hide enjoying fabulous views!
As dawn breaks, some family members are still fast asleep in the Leopard Hide.
Cheesy grins all round – and capturing bonding birthday memories for the family photo album.
Next stop…the Maasai Mara, the best-known and most popular safari location to spot the Big 5.
The classic Maasai Mara pose: jeep (tick!), acacia trees (tick), sunset (tick)! and sundowners (big tick!).
Will you spot the Big 5: Lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and African buffalo? Fingers crossed.
Just how close will you get to see giraffes or rhinos? This close!
On the prowl with this lioness… as she saunters past the safari vehicle.
Ta da! Just LOOK at the gorgeousness of this Indian Ocean beach – teenage heaven! For the best weather on your holiday, check out When to go to Kenya.
When it comes to places to visit in Kenya, the paradisical east coast is a must!
Birthday treats enjoyed by all the family.
Liddy, her rock and, er, another rock. Always time for romance on a Stubborn Mule adventure!
Ideas for 50th birthday holidays with the family – next steps
Just about all our destinations will work brilliantly for a 50th birthday holiday with the kids, and this might include older family members too – check out our multigenerational holiday ideas, where you’ll find a host of exciting adventures that span all ages. Or read about a customer who spent her 50th birthday in Sri Lanka with her family.
We’d love to chat through ideas with you, so ring to start planning at 01728 752 751 or email us using our website form.
