African Family Safari Tips

To share a big adventure together and see the exciting wildlife in beautiful African settings has all the ingredients of a unique family holiday.  Add in easy access to beaches and the chance to come into contact with other cultures in a friendly non commercial environment and you have a holiday of a lifetime.

A question we are sometimes asked is “Is it safe?” and the answer is “Yes, as safe as other family holiday destinations”.  Safari areas are usually a long way from human habitation and your holiday will involve hopping by air from one magical safari location to another.  Another related question is “How old should children be to go on a family safari?”  The answer depends upon the maturity of the child.  They need to be able to sit quietly in an open vehicle, to behave when sharing a small camp with other adults and certainly not wander off on their own, and to obey instructions from your guide if you go into the bush on foot or in a boat.  They will then be rewarded with an experience which will be far better than you could imagine from “Big Cat Diary” because it will be real and you will be completely immersed in Africa.

Some Africa Family Safaris - Top Tips

* Take some entertainment for down time in safari camps - Nintendos, iPods, books, colouring stuff, playing cards, etc.
* Pack a small rucksack for each child to use as a day pack, great for taking in vehicles or planes.
* Be adventurous, children are more robust than you think and families often really enjoy simple fly camping and walking.
* Don’t rush - we advise at least three nights per safari camp - and don’t try to do too much on one family holiday.
* Do combine a couple of safari camps, you get to see different habitats and experience more of the country.
* A few nights on the beach complement a family safari perfectly.
* Make sure you have a pair of binoculars each.
* Take sunhats, sun-block and pack a fleece / windproof too - Africa can be colder than families expect.