Safari with kids: an expert’s guide

There’s nothing greater than giving your children one-of-a-kind travel memories they’ll treasure for life, especially when parents can get in on the magic, too. Amanda Morison, travel journalist and mother of four, gathers advice on how to pull off a family safari that’ll thrill the whole family

All good things…

A family safari isn’t about ticking off the Big Five at breakneck speed, dressed in mini-me matching khaki from the White Mischief era. Fortunately, Africa’s game reserves are not Disney: for every minute watching a lion kill, or the giraffes’ fiery one-upmanship, you’ll be lucky to have only 59 sitting patiently. Try connecting kids with nature on a smaller scale as you wait for the showstoppers to arrive.

Give yourself a break

At least that’s the advice from director of Aardvark Safaris, Alice Gully. Mother of triplet daughters, she says the trad format of two game drives a day does not work. Do one in the morning or at night, spending the rest of the day by the pool, climbing trees and making pizzas that look like zebras. Try to avoid camps that only accept families ‘by prior arrangement’, as they're usually more geared to couples.

Family-friendly camp

Alice’s favourite is Kwandwe Fort House in South Africa’s malaria-free Eastern Cape, rated for its positive family attitude (think candyfloss trees and dung beetle spotting). All the Big Five stomp locally, and the camp is fenced. She also recommends Malawi, for its friendliness, its network of beaches along the shores of Lake Malawi, and its wildlife: the country is in the middle of a huge wildlife reintroduction programme, so now’s the perfect time to visit.

Keep a weather-eye

July might mean winter in South Africa, but that’s the best time to whale watch. East Africa in the Easter holidays is likely to be too wet to see much, and if you’re after the wildebeest migration you should try between mid-August and late October in Kenya, and from November in Tanzania. Before you make any arrangements, work out what you really want to see and your operator should be able to find the best country and month.

Kids’ discounts

Safari holidays are expensive, so thumbs up to ecotourism operator Wilderness Safaris’ new child travel policy. Children up to the age of 16 receive a discount of up to 65 per cent, when sharing with an adult. Wilderness also runs a new Bush Buddies service at camps in Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Children are paired with an adult mentor who will inspire a love and knowledge of the local environment.

Don’t cram too much in

These wise words come from Naomi Ambrose, who launches Babu’s Truck this year, organising tailor-made trips to Tanzania. She recommends Maramboi Tented Lodge, 1.5 hours from Arusha, between two National Parks (Tarangire and Manyara) and near the Ngorongoro Crater. Here, she says, is perfect for staying put and spotting gazelles, giraffes and more from your tent’s terrace.

In the know

Naomi’s top advice for an easy ride out in the bush? Ditch the blue. You see, blue clothing attracts tsetse flies, notoriously annoying biting flies that call much of tropical Africa their home. Next, travel light – camps will wash your clothes. And finally, pack marshmallows – you’re all but guaranteed a campfire!

A family affair

Scott Dunn is excited about Morukuru Madikwe, a selection of private family houses in northwest South Africa. New this year is the camp’s Safaris with Purpose, a three-day conservation initiative during which children might track cheetah or clip rhino. It also thinks African Bush Camps’ new Nyamatusi Mahogany in Mana Pools Zimbabwe is something special, attracting families entranced by Sir David Attenborough’s ‘painted wolves’: African wild dogs filmed here for his show, Dynasties.

Serve and protect

As experts say we are now in the age of the experience, Natural Selection should do well. This new owner-operated group of safari camps and lodges is united by the aim of providing exceptional experiences and aiding the conservation solution for Africa’s wildlife, so our children’s children will be able to have wild adventures.

Plan and book your next safari adventure here

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This article has been tagged Adventure, Travel Tips