Going On An African Safari With Kids : The Top 9 Best Destination For Kids In Africa  : Africa is real full of wonders. All over the African continent, one can find natural, rural, urban, and luxurious family-friendly environments. Africa is a fantastic vacation spot for families because of its extreme diversity. We’ll wager that, of all the places on earth, Africa offers the best family safari vacations. Family safari vacation packages in East Africa offer a variety of adventurous activities in opulent lodges and exclusive safari villas. Additionally, there are numerous attractions that will appeal to parents, kids, grandparents, and even teenagers. The variety and novelty of a family trip to East Africa offer a rich environment for you to rekindle your relationships with one another and a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn about nature, experience entirely new cultures, and get up close and personal with wild animals in their natural habitat.

Wildebeest Migration 2022

When you go on a private safari, the entire itinerary is customized to your family’s interests and preferences. Nothing beats exploring with a knowledgeable guide in a private vehicle at your own pace and concentrating on what really interests you all to make the most of a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. Here are the best Places to go on a safari with kinds in Africa:

  1. SOUTH AFRICA SAFARI FOR CHILDREN

Take a self-drive South Africa family adventure from Cape Town along the Garden Route to Kwandwe Game Reserve to see the Big Five, go on a “marine safari” in Hermanus to see super-pods of southern right whales from the cliffs between June and November, and more.

 Madikwe and Kwandwe Game Reserves are malaria-free, so you and your family can enjoy an African safari vacation without worrying about taking anti-malaria medication. Kruger National Park does have a low malaria risk. Due to the small time difference, South Africa is a favorite destination for European families traveling with young children.

Where to Stay?

We heartily recommend Melton Manor in Kwandwe, a cutting-edge sole-use safari villa with simple access to Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, for luxurious lodging. The villa has four bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, a pool, and a personal butler who can help you while you’re there. It also has plenty of space.

Tsala Treetop Lodge in Plettenberg Bay is recommended for a smaller family with children eight years old or older. Six modern, two-bedroom villas perched in the treetops are available, providing families with opulent lodging. It’s perfect for a pampering retreat because it has a kitchenette, a big lounge, a private balcony, and a plunge pool. The horseback riding and sandy beaches are particularly kid-friendly.

  1. KENYA SAFARI FOR CHILDREN

The Great Migration of zebra and wildebeest, which travels from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara every year, and Maasai warriors are among Kenya’s most famous inhabitants. Due to the lesser-known conservancies, Laikipia in northern Kenya is a particular favorite for safaris with kids because you can see wildlife such as giraffes, lions, hippos, and elephants without the crowds.

You can engage in activities in Laikipia that are unavailable in Kenya’s other national parks and reserves, including horseback riding, camel safaris, walking safaris, tracking wild dogs, rafting, and swimming in waterfalls.

Know that, outside of Nairobi, there is a risk of malaria in Kenya. Therefore, it is strongly advised to take malaria precautions, such as covering up with clothing (especially after sunset), using insect repellents on exposed skin, and, if necessary, sleeping under mosquito nets. Find out from your doctor which anti-malarial drugs are best for you and your family.

Where to Stay?

El Karama Lodge, a family-run cattle and wildlife range tucked away in the foothills of Mount Kenya with eco-friendly values (even the pool is eco-friendly), is one of our favorite family-friendly safari lodges in Laikipia. The ranch also offers family-friendly programs day and night that are intended to teach kids about nature. They don’t have a minimum age requirement and have raised their own children on the property, so they have first-hand experience with raising children and babies in the bush.

  1. TANZANIA SAFARI FOR CHILDREN
Going On An African Safari With Kids
African Safaris

Watch hippos frolic in Lake Manyara’s water, explore the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and travel with the Great Migration through the Serengeti in Tanzania. After all that excitement of wildlife viewing, head to the coast or fly to the Zanzibar islands for some beach relaxation and sandcastle building.

We advise visiting Tarangire National Park in Tanzania, one of the country’s most underappreciated national parks, if you’re trying to avoid the crowds, despite the fact that the wildlife diversity at the Tarangire River rivals that of the Ngorongoro Crater.

Tarangire Wildlife: Tarangire National Park is home to about 3,000 elephants, which travel in herds of up to 300. There are opportunities to see giraffes, buffalo, leopards, and cheetahs in the savannah plains, which are home to ancient baobab and twisted acacia trees. You can spot colorful birds, Silale swamp lions, and possibly even the critically endangered African wild dog in the swamplands. Remember that there is a malaria risk in Tanzania as well, so we advise you to take the aforementioned precautions with your family.

Where to Stay?

Our top pick for families is Tarangire Ndovu Lodge, which offers opulent family-sized safari tents elevated on wooden platforms with classic canvas and thatched roofs. They welcome kids as young as four, but those under 12 must share a tent with an adult. Take pleasure in your meals in the main thatched area, on the porches, or poolside.

 We suggest Breezes Beach Club and Spa on Zanzibar Island for easy beach living with a kids club and a ton of activities. There is no requisite age for them.

  1. CHILDREN’S SAFARI IN NAMIBIA

Namibia has a very low risk of malaria and a small time difference with Europe. South-central Namibia, Swakopmund, and Sossuslvei are malaria-free all year. Etosha National Park, the most well-known safari destination, is regarded as malaria-free from July to September.

 An excellent self-drive safari in Namibia can be had on well-maintained roads with clearly marked routes, but a flying safari will maximize your time and give you a bird’s-eye view of the stunning landscapes of the nation.

Where to Stay?

Regardless of how you choose to travel, we have to suggest Kulala Desert Lodge, an opulent Wilderness Safaris establishment in Sossusvlei that welcomes kids of all ages.

 Explore the wonders of an ancient desert, its geological formations, and all of its creatures that have adapted to the desert on guided nature walks from Kulala Desert Lodge. Gemsbok, springbok, Cape and bat-eared foxes, spotted and brown hyaenas, ostriches, aardwolves, black-backed jackals, a plethora of fascinating insects like buck-spoor spiders and antlions, endemic dune larks, and barking geckos are just a few of the animals that can be found there. The main selling point is that each suite is constructed on a wooden platform with a flat rooftop for sleep-outs under the stars. Other activities include riding electric “fat bikes,” hiking 300-meter red dunes, exploring canyons and riverbeds, swimming in the pool, and riding a hot air balloon.

  1. UGANDA SAFARI FOR CHILDREN

The Big Five, mountain gorillas living in their natural habitat, and a variety of other wildlife can all be found in Uganda’s three main national parks: Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, and Bwindi. Teenagers who are at least 15 years old can participate in a gorilla trek or go to the Gorilla Habituation Experience.

 The time difference between Uganda and the UK is only two hours, and the flight between the two countries takes only about 8.5 hours, as opposed to 10 hours and 12 hours for South Africa and Namibia, respectively. Keep in mind that there is a risk of malaria in every region of the nation, and the recommended safety measures should be followed.

Where to Stay?

We advise making a reservation at Buhoma Lodge, which offers unobstructed views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, the habitat of the rare and elusive Mountain Gorilla. One of the two lodges that are located inside the National Park and are just a short stroll from the meeting place for gorilla tracking and other activities in the Buhoma region

 Children of all ages are welcome at Buhoma Lodge. Children under the age of five are welcome to share a room for free with their parents, while children between the ages of five and twelve pay a reduced rate. What more could children and adults alike want when they have a family suite that feels like a treehouse?

GOING ON AN AFRICAN SAFARI WITH KIDS: WHEN TO TRAVEL TO AFRICA

Africa typically has warm, sunny weather for the majority of the year, but some nations and even regions within nations can have a variety of climates. If you want to go on safari, find out when the best time to go is by doing some research or asking your travel agent. Seasonal variations in both weather and sightings are common. One of the most amazing sights you will see is the wildebeest migration, but if you go at the wrong time of year, you might not see many animals.

In contrast to South Africa, East Africa has different seasons that are ideal for safaris. The best time to visit the beaches in Cape Town and the rest of South Africa is from December to March, while beaches in Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius, and the Seychelles are generally thought of as year-round vacation spots.

 TOP TIPS FOR AFRICAN SAFARI HOLIDAYS WITH CHILDREN

The only thing left to do is get ready for your safari vacation once you’ve chosen an African safari location. Here are our top five suggestions for family safaris:

 Sun protection: if you plan to spend a lot of time in the sun, bring high-factor sunscreen, hats for game drives, and rash guard swimsuits for the pool.

Have some effective insect repellents on hand, especially for the evenings and in wetter environments, to prevent insect bites. A post-bite balm that reduces itching is a fantastic addition.

Food: Most lodges can accommodate special dietary needs, but if you have any questions, please let us know in advance.

Travel: All safaris involve a significant amount of driving, so make sure younger children can sit still for an extended period of time without the use of restraints or seats. Additionally useful to keep on hand are motion sickness medications.

In the weeks before your trip, talk to your children frequently about what to expect. This may be your family’s first long-distance vacation, the first time they fly on a plane, or the first time they see African animals in the wild. They can learn what to expect by doing research together, watching movies, or reading books about the place you’ll be visiting.

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING FOR BABIES AND KIDS IN AFRICAN SAFARI

Make sure that each member of your family has travel insurance. Additionally, pack a good first aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellent, bite cream or an antihistamine suitable for young children or babies, a mosquito net, sterilizer bags or tablets, and antibacterial spray or wipes.

It is not advised to bring babies in many African nations because of the prevalence of malaria there. The continent’s various regions are also home to yellow fever, encephalitis, and dengue. Before making a reservation, find out which diseases are present in your destination by visiting NHS Fit for Travel or the WHO website. Then, ask your GP for advice on whether it is safe to travel there with a baby or toddler. Take some simple preventative steps and confirm that all vaccinations are current.

Regardless of where they are going, the World Health Organization advises that all travelers get hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, and polio vaccinations. The following vaccinations are advised for all of Africa, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningococcal meningitis, rabies, typhoid, and boosters for tetanus, diphtheria, and measles.

Although the certificate is a requirement for entry into some countries, a yellow fever vaccination is not necessarily advised for all regions of Africa. Your child is likely to require several of these shots, and your doctor can let you know if they are appropriate for your child’s age group. You should also think about how certain vaccinations will affect your child. Some vaccinations can make you feel sick for a day or two.

Diarrhea is the most common illness that you or your children are likely to contract, so it’s crucial to only use bottled water when making baby bottles and to only let children eat fruit that you can peel yourself. All food eaten outside of reputable hotels ought to be well prepared. When it comes to injuries (as opposed to illnesses), road accidents are the most likely cause of needing medical assistance in Africa because of how rarely vehicles are well-maintained and how bad the roads are. Bring a car seat with you, and stay away from rides where you don’t believe the driver will slow down when signaled.

THERE YOU HAVE IT: THE BEST VACATIONS FOR KIDS IN AFRICA.

We have only scratched the surface of what this magnificent continent has in store for your family. Your family will make priceless memories while exploring the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. With the help of this list of the best family getaways in Africa, you can start organizing your ideal getaway.

Important Reminder: Although these locations are secure at the time this article is written, we strongly advise keeping current with any new information about the location you intend to visit before making travel arrangements.

Focus East Africa Tour’s team of Luxury Travel Specialists can create a custom safari holiday tailored to your family’s needs and preferences, whether you’re looking for safari holidays with kids that will spark your family’s imaginations, a Big Five African safari with kids who love animals, or the ultimate safari for kids followed by some relaxing beach time.

“Contact us to start planning your dream African safari holiday today”

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