A Calm, Private & Inclusive Wildlife Experience
6 Days | Private Safari | Slow-Paced | Fully Customisable
A sensory-friendly safari in Kenya offers a calmer, more predictable way to experience wildlife — without crowds, noise, or pressure. This itinerary is designed for neurodivergent travellers, families, and highly sensitive guests who want meaningful safari experiences delivered gently.
At Shishi Footsteps, we design safaris that prioritize comfort, choice, and emotional safety while still maximizing wildlife, scenery, and connection.
What Makes This Safari Sensory-Friendly?
This safari is intentionally designed to reduce sensory overload while enhancing the experience.
Key Design Features
- Private safari vehicle only
- Predictable daily structure
- Shorter game drives with deeper focus
- Quiet, low-density lodges
- Flexible meals and rest periods
- Guides trained in calm, low-stimulus communication
This is not a reduced safari — it is a smarter one.
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Grounding & Orientation
Theme: Transition, safety, and predictability
Experience
- Private airport pickup (no shared transfers)
- Calm introduction by your safari guide
- Drive via quieter routes where possible
- Check-in at a peaceful hotel in Karen or Westlands
Optional Afternoon Activities (Choose One or None)
- Rest in room (default option)
- Short garden walk
- In-room spa treatment
- Quiet journaling or reading time
Evening
- Early dinner (in-room or quiet dining area)
- Visual briefing for the next day using maps and photos
Sensory Support
- No loud welcomes or group briefings
- No pressure to socialise
- Clear sleep and meal expectations
Day 2: Nairobi National Park – A Gentle Safari Introduction
Theme: Controlled exposure and open space
Morning Game Drive (2–3 hours)
- Early entry to avoid crowds
- Focus on:
- Giraffes
- Rhinos
- Open savannah landscapes
- Regular pauses for quiet observation
Your guide explains:
- What animals may do
- When stops may happen
- What sounds to expect
Midday
- Return to hotel before peak traffic
- Lunch in a calm environment
Optional Afternoon
- Karen Blixen Gardens
- Quiet café visit
- Complete rest
Sensory Support
- No full-day game drives
- Headphones encouraged
- No wildlife chasing
Day 3: Nairobi to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Theme: Predictable movement and anticipation
Drive Experience
- Clear travel breakdown shared in advance
- Scheduled rest stops
- Guest-controlled music or silence
Arrival at Ol Pejeta
- Eco-lodge selected for:
- Low room density
- Nature sounds over human noise
- Private verandas
Afternoon
- No scheduled activities
- Time to:
- Observe wildlife from the room
- Use binoculars
- Rest and decompress
Sensory Support
- No arrival briefings
- Flexible meal times
- Gentle room orientation
Day 4: Ol Pejeta Conservancy – Immersive Wildlife at Your Pace
Theme: Choice, autonomy, and depth
Choose Your Experience
Option 1: Short, Focused Game Drive
- 2–3 hours
- Focus on rhinos, elephants, plains game
- Fewer sightings, deeper understanding
Option 2: Rhino Sanctuary Visit
- Structured and educational
- Calm, predictable route
- Ideal for analytical thinkers
Option 3: Lodge-Based Nature Immersion
- Birdwatching
- Sit-spot observation
- Sketching or photography
Option 4: Full Rest Day
- No explanation required
Sensory Support
- Opting out is always respected
- No repeated check-ins
- No pressure to “do more”
Day 5: Ol Pejeta to Lake Naivasha – Regulation Through Water
Theme: Soft landscapes and nervous-system recovery
Morning
- Late breakfast
- Relaxed drive to Lake Naivasha
Afternoon Activities (Choose One)
- Slow boat ride on the lake
- Crescent Island walk (open views, no predators)
- Lakeside rest and observation
Evening
- Quiet sunset viewing
- Optional small, controlled fireside moment
Sensory Support
- Rhythmic water sounds
- Open horizons reduce visual overload
- No nightlife or loud entertainment
Day 6: Return to Nairobi & Departure
Theme: Closure and calm transitions
- Late checkout
- Optional journey reflection
- Private transfer back to Nairobi
- Unrushed departure
Sensory Support
- Clear end-of-trip structure
- Calm goodbyes without urgency
Who Is This Sensory-Friendly Safari in Kenya For?
- Neurodivergent adults
- Families with autistic or ADHD children
- Highly sensitive travellers
- Burnout recovery travellers
- First-time safari guests seeking calm
- Anyone who prefers private, slow travel
Why Kenya Is Ideal for Sensory-Friendly Safaris
- Wide, open landscapes
- Conservancies with controlled visitor numbers
- Excellent private safari infrastructure
- Naturally calming environments
Kenya offers power without noise.