In tandem with the release of the live-action film The Lion King, luxury tour operator Scott Dunn has introduced ‘The Lion King in Real Life’ — a spectacular family safari adventure package to Kenya that pays tribute to the widely-loved movie.
A worldwide success, The Lion King is known for its memorable characters and picturesque locales. To recreate this animated on-screen magic, Scott Dunn takes its guests on a thrilling voyage through vast jungles and breathtaking landscapes where they can see and meet the real life versions of the diverse cast.
The adventure begins in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, at the luxurious setting of Giraffe Manor, an exclusive manor house nestled within an expansive and pristine indigenous forest. The best part of a stay here? Visits from the very friendly Rothschild giraffes that pop their heads through the dining room windows every morning for a bite of breakfast. You can even say hello to some warthogs, just like Pumba, that have an easy run of the lawns. Or drive down to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, a special elephant and rhino orphanage.
Next, travel to the opulently rustic Borana Lodge in Laikipia, Northern Kenya. Set amidst the sweeping Borana Conservatory, this is possibly the best vantage point to visit the legendary Pride Rock, where Mufasa presented Simba to his subjects. Depending on your preference, Scott Dunn can arrange a bush breakfast or a magical evening with drinks here, as you watch the sunset on the horizon.
The crowning glory of this remarkable tour takes place at Maasai Mara, an expansive reserve of unparalleled natural beauty that recalls the scenic splendour of The Lion King. Guests stay at the elegant Mara House, from where they can take private guided tours to spot a cast of familiar characters, such as red-billed hornbills, wildebeests, cheetahs, elephants, zebras and maybe even the king and queen of the jungle — Simba and Nala.
Scott Dunn’s 7-night ‘Lion King in Real Life’ itinerary is based on a family of four and includes internal flights, accommodation, private transfers, full board and activities, daily experiences and daily breakfast.
Scott Dunn’s top 8 places in Africa to see The Lion King cast in real life
Pumba (the warthog): Victoria Falls at The Royal Livingstone Resort, Zambia
Timon (the meerkat): Makgadikgadi Salt Pans at San Camp, Botswana
Nala (the white lioness): Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Tanda Tula, South Africa
Zazu (the hornbill): Tafika, Zambia
The Wildebeest Migration: Northern Serengeti, Serian’s Serengeti Mobile Camp, Tanzania
Shenzi, Banzai and Ed (the hyenas): Kicheche Mara’s, Maasai Mara, Kenya
Rafiki (the baboon): Ruaha at Kwihala Camp, Tanzania
Simba (the lion) – Pride Rock, Borana Lodge, Kenya