An African safari is a once in a lifetime family holiday that everyone can enjoy. Make valuable memories with your children as they gain real-life knowledge about animals that they won’t get to see at home. Travelling to a different continent can be a daunting experience, especially for parents who don’t want to expose their children to any danger, but when the correct precautions are taken, a safari with kids can be just as safe as any other holiday experience. A safari adventure is like stepping into a television nature documentary and can truly be an invaluable experience; here’s a comprehensive guide for embarking on a successful safari with kids, for a memory they can treasure forever.
The best countries to experience a safari in
This is the most exciting decision that will kick off your adventure. Many African countries have safari experiences on offer but each of them provides different packages and deals; deciding which one to embark on depends on what you want to get out of your holiday. While South African safari parks lack variety in comparison to more rural areas, they are considered to be the safest in Africa and tend to have fenced areas and higher animal control.
Safaris in Kenya are incredibly diverse, suitable for a spectrum of family budgets. Kenya also has more private reserves and conservations meaning that there are more activities for all the family to take part in; off-roading and night drives prove to be popular with tourists. Bustling city life awaits you when you finish your safari adventure as Kenya is just a few hours away from Nairobi, the country capital.
Nigeria is rich in culture and has many beautiful and exciting safaris to explore. Home to a range of exotic, as well as rare and endangered animals, Nigerian safaris are guaranteed to be fun and informative for your children.
How long should my safari last?
With so many animals to see, many safaris can last up to seven days. While several days of viewing animals can be exciting for documentary loving fathers, such an intensive period of time can become boring for young children. Choosing the correct length of time is crucial as a painfully boring experience can taint the memory of the holiday that you took so long to plan. An optimal amount of time is around three days, which you can alternate between safari and experiencing all the other delights that Africa has to offer.
Is my child too young for safari?
Contrary to popular belief, going to Africa with kids is entirely possible and should be encouraged. However, striking the age balance is something all families need to consider. Eight and up is the perfect age for kids to experience the wildlife excursion as they can appreciate their surroundings, better absorbing the knowledge and memories. Children as young as two can go on a safari but bear in mind that they won’t have the attention span to safari for days on end. Any younger, and the combination of long flights and vaccination requirements might make the trip quite distressing; plus their screams and cries could scare off the wildlife ruining the experience for other people on the tour. Before you book, check the age limit of the camps you intend to visit, as many of them have age restrictions in place for safety reasons.
What should we bring to eat?
This is often a question that only gets considered when it’s too late, but failure to prepare snacks and drinks for the journey can lead to some frustrated and dehydrated children who lose concentration on the animals. A lot of tours will provide you with a lunch as part of the experience but bring your own nibbles and libations just in case, as it’s unlikely that you will be close to a shop or a restaurant. Another handy tip to consider: make sure your kids have gone to the toilet before setting off as they might not get a chance once the tour vehicle starts moving.
The essentials to pack for a safari with kids
It might be scorchingly hot but you should pack long sleeves and trousers where possible in order to avoid mosquito bites. If any member of your family experiences travel-sickness, then it’s best to pack a first aid kit with some anti-nausea tablets so they can fully enjoy the ride.
In terms of safari experience, pack each child their own pair of binoculars so that they can get a closer look at the wild beauties in their natural habitat. For younger children whose attention can wander, pack some animal-related activities to keep them engaged; print out an animals safari scavenger hunt game, so your kids can keep their eyes peeled for the animals on the list and get the most out of the trip.
Accommodation considerations
The costs certainly add up when you travel and a large portion of your budget often gets spent on accommodation. Many lodges, like those located in Tanzania, often provide child-friendly activities for when you get back from your busy day. The best option you have is to shop around and stay alert for any places that may potentially provide free accommodation for children under a certain age. For a truly immersive experience, why not try camping? It’s just as safe as a lodge but might be more suitable for slightly older children.
What medication and vaccination will my kids need?
This answer is entirely dependant on which part of Africa you are travelling to but it’s most likely that you will all need some vaccinations. Doxycycline has shown to produce some adverse side effects in children under twelve, which is why some parents don’t want to give their children anti-malaria tablets; some safari destinations (particularly in South Africa) are malaria-free and might not require any tablets. However, tetanus and yellow fever aren’t as easy to avoid and may require a vaccination from a qualified practitioner. For example, our Clari Health travel clinic can administer any vaccination that you and your children require for your safari adventure.
What other activities are there in Africa?
Safaris are just a small portion of all the beauty and culture that Africa has to offer. Visit Cape Town and all of the amazing tourist attractions it has to offer, like the dazzlingly beautiful table mountain. Don’t neglect the African beaches either; with white sands and warm waters, they are unlike any other beach in the world. When the temperature gets too hot above ground, take a trip into some African caves; the fairytale-esque walls and winding paths are sure to keep your little ones amused for hours on end.
Going on an African safari with kids certainly requires more consideration but it’s all worth it when you see their excited faces. Don’t forget to sort out your medications and vaccinations, then let the fun family holiday memories begin!
