The African family safari is a relaxing and great outdoor classroom experience worth sharing with our loved ones. It can help you escape the fast-paced urban life and unwind in the wild. Also, it ensures your kids appreciate wildlife, diverse cultures, and the environment.
But, long safari drives can be tedious for the little ones. They can quickly get tired and bored. So, it becomes even more important that you plan and ensure the safari trip is fun for everyone. So, shorter trips for kids and other fun activities, like archery, boat rides, and so on, can come in handy.
However, great family safaris go beyond kids’ fun and engagement. You’ll also need to ensure the safari destination is disease-free and the lodges or camps are kids-friendly. So, proper planning can make it exceptional and memorable.
These tips will help make your family’s safari-going experience momentous and satisfying.
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Plan Your Family Safari Together
The planning phase of your safari should involve every family member. Consider:
- Wildlife variety you expect to see. Most families want to see the ‘big five” – elephants, rhinos, lions, buffalos, and leopards. Africa, specifically Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa, have the “big five” and more animals in their natural environment.
- Tools, like cameras or containers for photos and collectibles.
- A family diary.
- Fun things that will make the trip more exciting.
- The traditional lifestyle, art, and customs will fascinate children.
Many tour operators and camps do not permit children because of safety concerns. So, select an experienced travel agent to tailor the best family safaris to your preference. Proper collective planning ensures the trip is a lifetime family experience and safe for kids.
A seasoned tour operator can ensure your kids’ safety and a thrilling experience.
Most first-timers choose national parks in East Africa or South Africa for their family safaris.
- In Tanzania, Serengeti, Mt. Kilimanjaro, and Ngorongoro Crater offer excellent wildlife viewing experiences. With daily direct flights by KLM, Mt. Kilimanjaro is easily accessible from anywhere in the world.
- Kenya features Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo parks.
- South Africa boasts of the Kruger National Park.
Serengeti and Masai Mara are perfect for watching the spectacular wildebeest migration. So, plan together and involve an experienced tour operator to customize the family safari trip.
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Select A Family-Friendly Lodge
A family safari destination is as good as the lodges or camps you stay in. So, select a family-friendly lodge. Smaller tented camps offer the best viewing experience.
Most luxurious private camps are on the edges of the parks with less crowded viewing points. That allows your family to enjoy an exclusive experience. For example, the Serengeti has several luxury private lodges like:
- Acacia Seronera
- Four Seasons Safari Lodge
- Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
This makes the Serengeti an excellent destination for your Tanzanian honeymoon safaris. So, whether on family safaris in Tanzania or on a honeymoon, the Serengeti has you covered. The same applies to most national parks with private lodges in Kenya, South Africa, and Botswana.
Pick the best camp or lodge for your family. You can look up the lodge’s customer reviews, particularly those that allow children. Also, ensure your tour operator has extensive experience dealing with children. You can request references to be sure.
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Only Include 5+ Years Old Kids in the Trip
As mentioned earlier, most tour operators shy away from children because of safety and health concerns. Most camps and game drives do not take in children below 5. Some specify 6-8 years, while others strictly cap it at 16+ years.
Another reason could be the kids’ reaction to the experience. Kids above five years old would have been in a school learning environment. Therefore, they would have learned about animals like zebras. So, older kids, especially teenagers, can better appreciate wildlife and different cultures relatively better.
However, pre-teens or kids below five years can make the family safari challenging. But, it does not make it impossible. The trick is keeping the family safari itinerary fun for the kids. And it starts by knowing their interests and abilities.
After listing their interests and abilities, seek a tour operator to meet their needs. That way, you can rest easy knowing they will enjoy the safari trip.
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Choose a Disease-Free Safari Destination
Many fear that including kids in Africa’s family safaris exposes them to diseases like Malaria. Do not let fear of diseases deny you and your family from enjoying the vast beauty of Africa. You can still choose disease-free safari destinations.
For example, Serengeti’s short grassland and prolonged dry spell lower its malaria risk. This makes dry periods between June-October and January-March the best time to visit Tanzania.
You can still carry antimalarial drugs with you. But, getting the necessary immunization before traveling is the best way to protect you and your family from diseases. So, consult your pediatrician and check out CDC’s travelers’ updates.
Also, know the political and general safety situation of your destination. It can help you plan effectively to protect your family and property. The US travel advisories can keep you posted on the state of various African destinations.
Get the right immunizations, first-aid kits, insect repellants, and sunscreens, but most importantly, ensure your destination is peaceful and safe. Tanzania is one of the most peaceful and friendly African countries. So, you will enjoy safety during your family safaris in Tanzania.
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Have a Back-Up Plan
Your family safari itinerary needs a backup plan in case anything goes south. Start with the kids – manage their expectations and plan fun activities. Activities like coloring, bird, or animal books can be helpful. They will come in handy as you wait to spot animals.
Also, your travel agent should have plan B for flight delays or accommodation issues. As such, any unforeseen disruption on your itinerary will have little or no effect. Manage your kids’ expectations and boredom, but rely on qualified travel agents’ supply networks for backup services.
Wrapping Up
Family safaris are a great way to teach your kids about the environment and diverse cultures. In addition, they are relaxing getaways for loved ones. But, they have their share of challenges when kids are involved.
We’ve shared some valuable tips from our first-hand experience with family safaris in Africa. You can enjoy safe, tailored, and unforgettable family safaris in Tanzania. Ensure you get the necessary immunizations and travel documents ready before traveling.
