There is something about a family safari; seeing and experiencing all that we find amazing about this continent through your child’s eyes always adds an extra dimension. Creating lasting memories and marvelling at a holiday in Africa offers the opportunity to experience different cultures and gives a sense of freedom now easily found these days. It can also be almost impossible to know how and were to start planning this special holiday. Here we look at a couple of suggestions for the different holidays we are often asked about.
Malaria Free Safaris
Often families with young children, or those with children who are not brilliant at taking medication daily, look for a malaria free option. Large parts of South Africa and Namibia are ideal for this.
South Africa – there is a huge amount to see and do in this large and diverse country, enabling you to enjoy a few weeks in one destination. With world class safaris in private game reserves and national parks, your wildlife viewing opportunities are endless. When this is combined with areas such as Cape Town, the Winelands and the Garden Route, a varied holiday is easily achieved.
With exceptional family friendly accommodation at some of the best properties in the country, your little ones will be well catered for, with guides understanding that young children are not great at sitting still and quietly in a vehicle for hours at a time! Some lodges even operate special ‘jungle drives’ for very young children – adults can join them but only if they behave like children.
Namibia – this vast and scenically diverse country is the ultimate destination for active families. With the endlessly changing landscapes the opportunities for getting out of a vehicle and exploring on other ways – on foot, mountain bike, on the back of a horse, from the air or on the sea – are plentiful. Kayaking with the seals or running down enormous dunes making them ‘roar’ will ensure that even the most active will be kept entertained. With unique wildlife viewing opportunities and the ability to self drive, fly or have a private guide, the means of travel is also varied.
Active teens
Many families with teenagers are aware that they have a huge amount of energy – though sometimes may also prefer to be on a screen of some description. The chances to ‘disconnect to reconnect’ are wide-ranging across Africa. A couple of the best options are;
Zambia – this stunningly beautiful, and wildlife rich, country is not always a destination which instantly comes to mind with countries such as Kenya and Botswana perhaps being better known safari destinations. It makes it a favourite amongst many experts, not only for the quality of wildlife viewing available but also due to the varied activities which can be enjoyed here.
Unusually in Africa Zambia allows both walking safaris and night drives inside the national parks. This, in addition to the boat safaris and canoe trips which can be enjoyed in some national parks, offers the opportunity to see the wildlife from a different perspective. Nights spent under the stars in simple mosquito net tents add to the sense of adventure, whilst for the adrenalin junkies the options are numerable in Livingstone, home of the Victoria Falls in Zambia. From bungee jumping and gorge swings to white water rafting, there are plenty of possibilities.
Kenya – a perennial favourite for families on safari and with world renowned wildlife viewing throughout the country complemented by the range of experiences which can be enjoyed it is clear to see why. Camel or horse riding, helicopter flights and hot air ballooning, archery, mountain biking and walking safaris are just some of the many ways to experience Kenya, in addition to the wildlife drives.
With exceptional wildlife viewing events such as the famed river crossings of the Great Migration and the elephant herds of Samburu National Park, there are plenty of incredible spectacles to witness. For the budding conservationist there are a number of projects in the country which can be visited to see first hand how the hard work being done by rangers and scientists working alongside each other, is paying off.
Multi-generational
Three generations enjoying Africa together is always a holiday which creates lasting, meaningful, memories. Across the prime wildlife destinations there are exclusive use camps and lodges for smaller families as well as larger families travelling together. Having a private camp enables the family to enjoy their time without intrusion – or feeling like they cannot relax properly for fear of disturbing other guests in a camp, this is especially for those with younger children.
Countries mentioned above already, particularly Zambia, Kenya and South Africa all have numerous options throughout for exclusive use houses and camps.
Botswana – fancy gliding through the channels of the Okavango Delta in a mokoro, or perhaps witnessing habituated meerkats of the Makgadikgadi salt pans? All this and more is possible in this world class wildlife destination. With distinctly different habitats come different opportunities to witness different species and enjoy different activities. Combining a number of areas will ensure diversity in habitats, experiences and wildlife seen, ensuring a trip full of adventure. A few days in Victoria Falls for more adrenalin fuelled fun is easily done, and an ideal way to start or finish a holiday here.
Tanzania – is an amazing safari destination with the world famous Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater perhaps being the ‘headline’ acts. Justly famed for the wildlife seen here, the lesser known national parks in the south of the country, namely Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), are equally rewarding to visit. With exclusive use houses and small safari camps which can be taken exclusively there are activities for all to enjoy, be it wildlife drives, walking safaris, nights under the stars, boat trips and fishing all possible. Combining time in the north and the south of the country is perhaps the ultimate option in Tanzania.
Water babies
The Indian Ocean is an ideal playground for those with children who love nothing more than being in the water all day. With many destinations easily combinable with a traditional safari as well.
Malaria free Mauritius – ideal as a spot for some winter sunshine or as an extension to a malaria free safari in South Africa. With excellent resorts throughout the country, there is family friendly accommodation options throughout. Resorts tend to be larger and offer everything from kids and teens clubs to a plethora of water sports, often included in the nightly rate. These will include water-skiing, kayaking and dinghy sailing. Snorkelling and diving trips are all offered (usually at an additional cost), as week as a myriad more.
The swimming pools and warm crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean provide the perfect place to switch off completely if that is more your style. In addition this small island has a great deal to see and do away from the beach with amazing waterfalls, great birdlife, the Seven Coloured Earths and helicopter flights over the ‘underwater waterfall’.
Zanzibar – your archetypal Indian Ocean island with white sandy beaches and beautiful waters. Small boutique hotels sit alongside the larger resort style hotels meaning there is accommodation to suit everyone. Zanzibar works extremely well as a beach destination in combination with a safari in either Kenya or Tanzania. With plenty of day trips possible away from the water this is a destination that suits everyone, with spice tours, visits to Stonetown and trips to see the red colobus monkeys of Jozani Forest.
No matter how young or old your children are there is an excellent country for your safari. Every family is likely to have slightly different requirements, wishes and priorities for their holiday and with the endless opportunities across Africa to experience the wildlife and culture, every trip is different as well. If you would like more information and ideas for your family holiday, then please do get in touch with Lucinda, who would be delighted to assist you.
