A family safari with the kids in tow provides an opportunity of a lifetime to expose them to nature and wildlife without having to worry about any boredom they may experience on a regular vacation.
Well-planned family safari holidays are essential in order to get the best value for your dough. The itinerary has to be designed to keep the interests of the children foremost in order to keep them alert and captivated throughout the duration of the trip.
Choose the right place to go
In our opinion, Africa is the best place to introduce the kids to their first ever experience in the wild. There are several reasons for this. First of all there is abundant wildlife and animal and bird interaction is practically assured.You can also combine your safari with plenty of other activities,apart from animal viewing.
Secondly, countries such as Namibia and South Africa are best for families with kids. Kruger can be visited in a rental car and a self-drive safari allows you to take kids of any age on a safari. Moreover,both these countries are relatively malaria free,so you need not worry about taking malaria pills on the trip.
If you are planning to go on a longer or extended safari trip,check with your tour operator about the policy of the lodges with regards to ages of children.This is especially important for Tanzania or Kenya safaris where kids have to be at least six years old.
Amazing destinations for family safari
Parent’s may feel hesitant on bringing young kids on safari,but the truth is that it allows kids to develop a long-lasting appreciation of nature, providing proper research is done and the best countries are picked.Here are a few places which are excellent for families with kids.
1 Kenya
Kenya is one of the most popular safari destinations,not only in Africa,but in the world as well. The Masai Mara and Samburu National Park,in particular,offer an unparalleled wildlife viewing experience that is best for families who require flexibility when traveling with little children.
Besides the Big 5,visitors can spot a range of other mammals,which mesmerize not only adults,but kids as well. There are plenty of family-friendly lodges, like Saruni for example, with a wide number of engaging activities like nature walks,craft skills and hot air balloon rides to keep the young brood entertained.
2 South Africa(Safari plus beach)
From the world famous Kruger to a range of other smaller national parks and private reserves, South Africa is a leading safari destination for families and children.While the safari locations are all spectacular,the beautiful cities of Cape Town and Durban make the perfect combined getaway with a safari holiday.
South Africa is also a top country to see the Big 5,but besides this it has other parks such as the Madikwe Private Game Reserve known for its excellent lodges which accommodates children of all ages.
A long-standing family favorite is Benguerra Island in Mozambique,a virtual beach paradise where kids will love to hang out and engage in activities like swimming,snorkeling or going on a fishing trip.
3 Tanzania
A wilderness excursion to Tanzania with the kids will allow them a unique opportunity to witness one of the greatest natural spectacle on earth, namely the great wildebeest migration.This self-drive twelve day holiday in a private vehicle through Northern Tanzania is designed to keep the safari simple, allowing you to schedule times and safari slots as you please.
The epic trip will take you to the Ngorongoro Crater and the famous Serengeti National Park,the two top places to see wildlife in the world.This is an off-beat excursion,far from the madding crowds,and one which will leave the children talking about the trip for years on end.
4 Botswana
Safari at leisure in your private vehicle for an exclusive safari experience in Botswana,home to the world famous Okavango Delta.Your amazing wildlife viewing trip will unveil incredible predator viewing,while sitting in your vehicle with the kids by your side.
Take the kids on a boat safari to spot more game and many different species of birds. Stay at the Linyanti camp, conveniently nestled between the delta and the Chobe National Park. Apart from excellent elephant viewing, children will be thrilled by nature walks and craft lessons, especially catered for them.
5 Malawi
Malawi may not find its name on most tourist brochures,but over the years it has earned a name as an outstanding destination for family safaris.With emphasis on simplicity,a Malawi safari covers two great destinations,Lake Malawi and the magnificent Majete Wildlife Reserve.
The family rooms and guides at both locations are simply superb and the conservation success of regenerating the wildlife of Majete,from the brink of extinction to now a thriving sanctuary will leave the kids amazed. A visit to Lake Malawi gives kids a great chance to relax on the beach and mingle with the locals to learn about their day to day life.
6 Zambia
For slightly younger adults, Zambia is a must visit safari destination, particularly for its night safaris and a wealth of watersports activities which your growing child will enjoy.Till recently, Zambia found little favor with families due to the lack of good accommodation.With things changing for the better, Zambia has become a sought after destination for those looking for an off-beat family safari experience.
There are a number of things to do at the Victoria Falls,besides a visit to the lovely South Luangwa National Park,an abode for rich wildlife and one which kids of all ages will enjoy.
7 Namibia
Namibia features very high on the list of families looking for a safari because of ease of accessibility and simplicity,things which should always be taken into account when planning a family jungle trip anywhere in the world. This is another trip,best done on a self-drive,which is easily adaptable when traveling with kids.Also,you will always travel at your own pace while visiting one of the most dramatic landscapes in Africa.
Start by stopping at the Africa Foundation,in the Okonjima Nature Reserve to educate the children about the sterling conservation efforts taking place with cheetahs and other predators all over the country. Next up is the iconic Etosha National Park and it’s shimmering salt pans,where you see all kinds of wild animals,big and small. This incredible journey,is a great introduction for the children to what this amazing country has to offer.