Factors to Consider When Booking a Family Safari

Introducing your children to the wonders of an African safari can be a truly memorable family experience. Watching wildlife, learning about ecosystems, and understanding predator-prey relationships are thrilling for kids and adults alike. However, when planning a family safari, it’s important to consider a few key factors to ensure the trip is enjoyable for everyone.

1. Age of Your Children

We generally recommend that children be at least 10 years old for a safari. By this age, they can engage meaningfully with guides or local villagers and have lasting takeaways from the experience. However, some lodges offer child-friendly activities for younger children, so consider what age would best suit your family.

2. Attention Span and Travel Tolerance

Consider your children’s attention span and their ability to handle long journeys by car or air. Some safaris involve lengthy game drives and travel between destinations, which can be tiring for young kids. You may need to balance between easily accessible locations and more remote, wilderness settings with fewer crowds.

3. Malaria and Health Considerations

If you’re concerned about malaria, you’ll need to factor this into your destination. Fortunately, there are Malaria-Free Safari options in Africa, particularly in South Africa, where you can avoid malarial zones altogether.

4. Family Travel Preferences

Think about the kind of trip your family enjoys. Are you an adventurous family that thrives on lots of activities, or do you prefer a laid-back environment with time for relaxation? Some safaris are highly active, while others focus on giving families free time to unwind in a pristine natural setting. Decide whether you want a specialist family safari programme or a more flexible, free-form safari experience.

5. Specialist Family Safari Lodges

Many lodges in Southern and East Africa cater specifically to families with children, offering special features like kid-friendly meals, bush treasure hunts, bead-making workshops, and bedtime safaris featuring African storytellers. These lodges are designed to make your family safari both an adventure and an educational experience for the kids.

6. Guides and Child-Friendly Safaris

Guides play an essential role in the family safari experience. We handpick guides for their personalities, passion for children, and ability to spark kids’ imagination. These guides not only provide excellent wildlife knowledge but also make the trip fun and engaging for children. Parents can relax, confident that the kids are having an incredible time.

Age Restrictions for Safaris

While family safaris are fantastic, there are some restrictions to consider, especially for younger children. Certain camps may not allow children under 12 due to safety concerns, as many camps are unfenced and located in wildlife-rich areas. Walking to and from your accommodation can be dangerous for younger children, even with a guide.

Game drives, too, may require patience and the ability to stay quiet for long periods, which may not be easy for young children. Fortunately, many lodges offer child-friendly camps with dedicated, closed game-viewing vehicles designed for families.

Activity Restrictions

Not all safari activities are open to children of all ages. For example:

• Gorilla trekking and white-water rafting typically have a minimum age of 15.
• Walking safaris and activities involving dangerous game often come with age restrictions, depending on the camp or lodge.
• Parents may need to use discretion for activities like canoeing or mokoros (traditional dugout canoes), as they may not be suitable for younger children.

Conclusion

Planning a family safari requires careful consideration of your children’s ages, interests, and safety needs. With the right accommodations, guides, and activities, a safari can become an unforgettable experience that sparks a lifelong love of nature in your children. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, there are plenty of family-friendly options available in Africa’s most beautiful wilderness areas.