Best things about a family safari
If you’re looking for the ultimate family safari, then a luxury African safari is hard to beat. In this blog, we’ll explain why a family safari is the ideal holiday for kids of (almost) all ages, and parents too!
These days, we’re all hyper-connected whether it’s to our email inboxes or social media, and we could all probably do with less screentime. Although more and more luxury lodges do now feature Wi-Fi, the experience of being in Nature and away from it all is guaranteed to make you forget you have a smartphone. With so much to see and hear happening all around you, the last thing you’ll want to do is check in on your work messages or watch AI-generated kittens play the piano.
Instead, you’ll be creating magical memories as a family through spending quality screen-free time together. Then there’s the fresh air, the sense of space, and the slower pace of life. Being able to simply be, and reconnect with your loved one, will help your stress melt away and ensure that you can have a safari vacation that is both thrilling and deeply relaxing.
New experiences whilst on a Family Safari
Encountering African animals in the wild is a very different experience to seeing them on TV. Every moment in Africa is an opportunity to learn – your kids will be absorbing knowledge without even realizing it, and return home deeply enriched by being immersed in amazing wildlife and cultural experiences.
No matter where you live in the world, or where you’ve traveled before as a family, Africa is sure to amaze you in terms of its vastness, beauty, diversity and the way it engages all your senses on a family safari.
Safety
This is naturally a concern for parents, especially if you’re traveling with younger children. The good news is that all safari experiences are led by professional guides who have the qualifications and experience needed to keep your family safe at all times. As well as being experts on wildlife behavior, they are also exceptional hosts, and will do their utmost to tailor your family safari to everyone’s specific interests and requirements.
During your time in the safari lodges and luxury camps, you’ll be hosted by the best in the business, who will ensure that you’ll be comfortable and relaxed at all times. Many lodges feature specially designed family units, with multiple bedrooms connected via shared living spaces. This means that everyone in your family can enjoy their privacy, whilst having the reassuring presence of mom and dad close by.
It’s worth noting that due to the nature of safari activities, many operators have a minimum age policy to ensure the best possible experience for all their guests. Also, there are often minimum ages for specific excursions such as guided walking safaris and boat rides.
Making kids feel at home on a family safari
Many safari operators now offer special activities for kids, ranging from movie nights to making pizzas. Better still, some of our favorite safari lodges have special programs for kids which combine interesting activities (like recognizing animal tracks or being taught how to make a fire using sticks) with cultural moments such as learning the moves to traditional local dances).
These programs will give parents some downtime, and also enrich their kids’ time in Africa. When they return home, they’re certain to have had the most interesting vacation of all their friends.
Days on safari can be quite long, but schedules can be adjusted for families with kids (later starts, earlier mealtimes). Menus can also be adjusted to feature more child-friendly options if needed.
Booking a private vehicle and guide ensures that you can enjoy your family safari. For advice on this, and on creating the perfect family safari itinerary, contact the journey specialists at Journey Beyond today.