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Family having breakfast at Giraffe Manor

The highlights of our sabbatical

Fiji

,

French Polynesia

,

Kenya

,

Zanzibar

Content

Around the world with three small children (and lots of pacifiers)... Katrin Sepmeier & Family have embarked on a great journey...

Our sabbatical - three months full of experiences, adventures and unforgettable adventures as a family. From mid-January to mid-April, we embarked on a journey that took us halfway around the world. It was a time in which we grew together, saw the world through the eyes of our children and discovered the wonders of nature and culture in different corners of the earth. From the wilderness of Africa to the endless expanses of Australia and New Zealand to the paradise islands of the Pacific, each place had its own unique highlights that will stay with us for a long time to come.

Breakfast with giraffes at Giraffe Manor

The Giraffe Manor in Nairobi is a truly magical place that gave our family an unforgettable start to our trip through Kenya. The historic colonial-style estate, surrounded by 12 acres of private gardens and woodland, exudes a special charm that transports guests straight back in time. But the real highlight is, of course, the elegant Rothschild giraffes that inhabit the grounds.

Breakfast at Giraffe Manor was an experience we will never forget. The majestic giraffes stretched their necks through the large windows of the dining room and we had the unique opportunity to feed them - a moment that not only thrilled our children. Having these graceful animals so close to us, watching their beautiful eyes and gentle movements, was simply enchanting.

In the afternoon, the giraffes also came to the terrace of the house, where we were able to feed them again. An incredible experience for children and adults alike and definitely the first big highlight of our trip. The property was also alive in other ways - there were warthogs running around everywhere, which our children also fed with enthusiasm.

Another highlight for the children was the large swing in the garden, where they had hours of fun. All of these experiences made Giraffe Manor a very special place that was both informative and entertaining - perfect for families looking for an extraordinary connection to Africa's wildlife.

Frau füttert Giraffen im Giraffe Manor
Kinder füttern Schweine im Giraffe Manor
Frühstücken mit einer Giraffe
Safari in der Wüste
Im Whirlpool in den Sabi Sabi Sands
Safari in der Wüste mit den Kids
Gespräche mit den Einheimischen der Wüste
Löwensichtung auf Safari

Our beautiful route

  • Our three-month trip to Africa began in mid-January, with our first stops being Nairobi, Kenya, and Zanzibar. Whether it was breakfast with giraffes, going on safari with the whole family, or relaxing in an outdoor hot tub—Africa was an absolutely perfect start.
  • We continued on to Australia and New Zealand. The scenery was simply breathtaking as we traveled in our camper. And you really can’t get any closer as a family than that!
  • We then found some peace and luxury at the idyllic Six Senses Fiji—the epitome of a tropical paradise.
  • French Polynesia was next on the itinerary: At Le Brando, we experienced a true dream destination. The lush island, the beautiful water, and encounters with marine life like sharks and rays made this stay unforgettable.
  • To wrap up our trip, we made a stop in Los Angeles: it’s a city you simply have to see! From glamour to palm trees and shopping, LA truly has it all.

Zuri Zanzibar - Complete privacy in the heart of Zanzibar

After an exciting safari, there’s probably no better place to reflect on the experience and unwind than Zuri Zanzibar. Our two-bedroom villa with direct beach access and a private outdoor hot tub offered us exactly that—absolute tranquility, privacy, and luxury. The soft sand beneath our feet, the gorgeous turquoise water, and the private stretch of beach right in front of our villa made these days especially unforgettable.

For our kids, the highlight was definitely the pool. With its coves and shallow areas, they could splash around and play to their hearts’ content without disturbing the other guests. This is even where our Moritz learned to swim—a milestone that will forever make Zuri Zanzibar a very special place for us. On the beach, the resort offered sand toys, shaded spots, and comfortable loungers—perfect for families who want to enjoy beach life to the fullest.

We decided not to leave the resort and to fully enjoy the slow pace of life there. The time spent on the beach and in the water, accompanied by the gentle sound of the waves, was the perfect way for us to unwind and let the safari experiences sink in.

 

Kind spielt im Sand mit einer Schaufel
Als Familie am Pool spielen
Im Kinderpool in Sansibar
Kind trinkt Cocktail an der Strandbar
Spaziergang am Sandstrand
Kinder spielen am Sandstrand
Familie am Pool
Familie paddelt im Kanu

Six Senses Fiji – the perfect retreat

After a long, eventful road trip through New Zealand and Australia in a campervan, Six Senses Fiji was the perfect place to unwind and let it all sink in. Our two-bedroom villa with a private pool offered the perfect retreat—ideal for simply jumping into the cool water on hot days. The resort’s large pool was also fantastic for swimming a few relaxing laps.

The resort also impressed us with its stunning sunsets, which we often marveled at from our terrace. Meanwhile, our children had a great time at the Kids Club, which offered them many exciting activities. They also had a lot of fun at the beach, and the numerous water sports available right from the resort—such as kayaking and a dolphin tour—made the stay varied and enjoyable for all of us. Six Senses Fiji is truly a wonderful place to wind down the adventure of the trip in peace.
Privater Pool auf Fiji
Familie im türkisen Meer

Paradise Calling at The Brando in French Polynesia

The Brando is truly an island paradise that leaves nothing to be desired. Our villa, with its own pool and private beach access, offered us so much privacy that we felt as if we were alone on the island. The sunsets—yes, they were almost kitschy in their beauty, so incredibly intense and colorful that you’d want to capture them every evening.

The island itself is a green jewel with lush vegetation and crystal-clear water. A short bike ride across the island gave us a sense of the impressive size and beauty of this place. It was especially exciting to see the sharks swimming very close to the shore—harmless, but impressive! We also spotted rays and turtles, which was a real highlight for us and the kids.

A trip to the neighboring island was another highlight, but it was above all the small, unexpected moments that made this stay so special—like spontaneously crafting a fish out of palm leaves with the lovely staff, whom our children absolutely adored. The fish now has a place of honor in our home!
the-brando-kind-meer-spielen
Schwimmen mit Babyhaie
Abenteuer mit der Familie am Strand
Wassersport in Französisch-Polynesien
Fahrradfahren am Strand
Wassersport
Familie am Strand im Sonnenuntergang
Privater Flug ins Resort
the-brando-schwimmen-pool

Conclusion of our family getaway

A family sabbatical is a unique opportunity to escape the daily grind and spend quality time together. It creates space to focus on what truly matters, gain new perspectives, and create lasting memories. For children, it means discovering the world with curious eyes, while parents can strengthen family bonds and have inspiring experiences.

The combination of slowing down, enriching experiences, and shared adventures makes a sabbatical a formative time that not only enriches the moment but also strengthens family life in the long term.

For us, it has been THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME IN OUR FAMILY LIFE TO DATE. We traveled around the world for three months and haven’t regretted the decision for a single second!

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