Family Safari Tips - Questions You Should Ask Before You Book a Safari in Africa
I have been going on safari since I was 5 years old, and as a mother have taken my own sons on safari many times. I also plan luxury safaris and sell family safaris, so I have a good idea what type of safari suits families best. There are camps and lodges who claim to be family-friendly, but just like the term "eco-friendly" - it's an easy phrase for marketers to push. The "proof is in the pudding" as they say. In order to make sure your safari is truly family-friendly, check out my tips and make sure to ask your safari operator about some of the points below.
Many safari camps and lodges have age-restrictions in place. This is because they may be unfenced and therefore dangerous for your younger children to stay at. I've seen plenty of elephant, buffalo, even hyena and leopard during the day in and around safari camps I've stayed at. The predators in particular are looking for small, easy prey to catch. So even if the camp or lodge does not state an age restriction, find out if it is fenced at all. Some game activities may be age-restricted even if the camps allow younger children. For example most walking safaris have an age limit of 16 or older. Some boating safaris also will not allow children under 12-14 for their own safety.
Safari camps and lodges can get quite loud at night with animal calls, hippo grunts, lion roars, and baboons using your roof as a trampoline. Most children and even teens may not feel 100% comfortable without an adult under the same roof. Many camps and lodges are very spread out, so each room has privacy and a view. This means it may be a good 3-5 minute walk between tents/rooms even if they are located next to one another. You do not want to attempt this walk at night to check on the kids. Nor do you want them walking to your room if they have heard a weird noise, or are scared. If your camp or lodge does not have family rooms available, plan on splitting up so each child has at least one adult in their room.
Some camps and lodges make families with younger children book a private vehicle and guide, but others leave it up to your discretion. If you have more than one child under 12, I would highly recommend you get your own vehicle and guide. The flexibility is wonderful, you don't have to worry about your children "behaving" on a vehicle shared with other paying guests, and best of all you can stop to stretch your legs or return to the lodge or camp whenever you need to. Game drives can be long, and sometimes even boring for a child (as well as adults).
I always designate my children as the official photographers on safari, and it keeps them much more interested than an animal checklist, or a drawing pad (both good ideas as well). The more features on the camera, the more fun they'll have trying out sepia tones, video, and black and white shots of animals at play (or going to the toilet ...). Selfies have been very popular too. Binoculars are also great to get them to see real detail up close, and they may even start to show enthusiasm for the birdlife.
Many child-friendly camps and lodges will have no problem making special meals or snacks for your children, they do it all the time for people with food allergies, or other dietary requirements. French fries, chicken nuggets, and spaghetti are easy enough to make. I usually ask for one thing I know my child will eat and then we can all relax and let them sample whatever they want from the buffet or menu in addition. A lot of the meals at higher end camps tend to get a little fancy for most children, although the buffet is a popular way to serve meals which is helpful.The late dinner (usually around 8 pm start) can be difficult especially as everyone has been up since 5 am. Asking for flexible meal times should be possible at the right camps and lodges, and will really improve your safari experience.
Every safari camp or lodge knows which of their guides are particularly good with children. As a family we have experienced some phenomenal guides, who were able to entertain the kids with very simple games (spitting impala "pellets", teaching tracking skills...) and completely "made" the safari for us. Guide requests are tricky to fulfill because sometimes a favorite guide may be sick, on leave, or already be booked with other guests. But it doesn't hurt to send in the request. Some camps and lodges offer child minders who are available to take are of your child while you enjoy a dinner, or perhaps a safari activity on your own. Your child has to be OK with a stranger in a strange place for you to really take advantage of this service. Personally, if the guide is good with your children, there should be no need for extra services, and it's unlikely you plan to bring your family for this great safari experience only to want to leave them with a babysitter.
Game drives are fascinating, but after half a dozen or so you and your family may be in the mood to try something different. Choosing a safari camp that offers boat rides, fishing, village visits, or any other activities is a smart move. Fishing is a particular favorite of mine, being on the water is wonderfully relaxing after bumpy roads and the sunsets are gorgeous over the water. You can still see some wildlife from the water, so you're not missing too much and your shaken bones will thank you for the respite.
While safaris are traditionally "technology free" vacations, you'll find that many camps and lodges do have wi-fi. But some don't on purpose and you can ask your safari specialist to book you into those, if you are trying to wean yourselves off your devices. My teenage son loved having wi-fi so he could send his friends pictures while on safari, and it enhanced his whole experience. But I don't like having wi-fi access as the "real world" penetrates too easily and takes me out of the moment. I-pads and e-readers are very handy to bring along regardless, for books and a couple of movies, especially for the "siesta" time in between game activities.
1. Check the Age Restriction at Safari Camps/Lodges
Many safari camps and lodges have age-restrictions in place. This is because they may be unfenced and therefore dangerous for your younger children to stay at. I've seen plenty of elephant, buffalo, even hyena and leopard during the day in and around safari camps I've stayed at. The predators in particular are looking for small, easy prey to catch. So even if the camp or lodge does not state an age restriction, find out if it is fenced at all. Some game activities may be age-restricted even if the camps allow younger children. For example most walking safaris have an age limit of 16 or older. Some boating safaris also will not allow children under 12-14 for their own safety.
2. Book a Family Room if You Have Children 16 Years or Younger
Safari camps and lodges can get quite loud at night with animal calls, hippo grunts, lion roars, and baboons using your roof as a trampoline. Most children and even teens may not feel 100% comfortable without an adult under the same roof. Many camps and lodges are very spread out, so each room has privacy and a view. This means it may be a good 3-5 minute walk between tents/rooms even if they are located next to one another. You do not want to attempt this walk at night to check on the kids. Nor do you want them walking to your room if they have heard a weird noise, or are scared. If your camp or lodge does not have family rooms available, plan on splitting up so each child has at least one adult in their room.
3. Book a Private Vehicle and Guide if Your Children are Under 12
Some camps and lodges make families with younger children book a private vehicle and guide, but others leave it up to your discretion. If you have more than one child under 12, I would highly recommend you get your own vehicle and guide. The flexibility is wonderful, you don't have to worry about your children "behaving" on a vehicle shared with other paying guests, and best of all you can stop to stretch your legs or return to the lodge or camp whenever you need to. Game drives can be long, and sometimes even boring for a child (as well as adults).
4. Make Sure Your Children Have Their Own Camera and Binoculars
I always designate my children as the official photographers on safari, and it keeps them much more interested than an animal checklist, or a drawing pad (both good ideas as well). The more features on the camera, the more fun they'll have trying out sepia tones, video, and black and white shots of animals at play (or going to the toilet ...). Selfies have been very popular too. Binoculars are also great to get them to see real detail up close, and they may even start to show enthusiasm for the birdlife.
5. Ask About Child-Friendly Menus and Flexible Meal Times
Many child-friendly camps and lodges will have no problem making special meals or snacks for your children, they do it all the time for people with food allergies, or other dietary requirements. French fries, chicken nuggets, and spaghetti are easy enough to make. I usually ask for one thing I know my child will eat and then we can all relax and let them sample whatever they want from the buffet or menu in addition. A lot of the meals at higher end camps tend to get a little fancy for most children, although the buffet is a popular way to serve meals which is helpful.The late dinner (usually around 8 pm start) can be difficult especially as everyone has been up since 5 am. Asking for flexible meal times should be possible at the right camps and lodges, and will really improve your safari experience.
6. Request a Guide Who is Good With Children
Every safari camp or lodge knows which of their guides are particularly good with children. As a family we have experienced some phenomenal guides, who were able to entertain the kids with very simple games (spitting impala "pellets", teaching tracking skills...) and completely "made" the safari for us. Guide requests are tricky to fulfill because sometimes a favorite guide may be sick, on leave, or already be booked with other guests. But it doesn't hurt to send in the request. Some camps and lodges offer child minders who are available to take are of your child while you enjoy a dinner, or perhaps a safari activity on your own. Your child has to be OK with a stranger in a strange place for you to really take advantage of this service. Personally, if the guide is good with your children, there should be no need for extra services, and it's unlikely you plan to bring your family for this great safari experience only to want to leave them with a babysitter.
7. Select a Camp or Lodge that Offers a Variety of Activities
Game drives are fascinating, but after half a dozen or so you and your family may be in the mood to try something different. Choosing a safari camp that offers boat rides, fishing, village visits, or any other activities is a smart move. Fishing is a particular favorite of mine, being on the water is wonderfully relaxing after bumpy roads and the sunsets are gorgeous over the water. You can still see some wildlife from the water, so you're not missing too much and your shaken bones will thank you for the respite.
8. Tech-Free or Not ...
While safaris are traditionally "technology free" vacations, you'll find that many camps and lodges do have wi-fi. But some don't on purpose and you can ask your safari specialist to book you into those, if you are trying to wean yourselves off your devices. My teenage son loved having wi-fi so he could send his friends pictures while on safari, and it enhanced his whole experience. But I don't like having wi-fi access as the "real world" penetrates too easily and takes me out of the moment. I-pads and e-readers are very handy to bring along regardless, for books and a couple of movies, especially for the "siesta" time in between game activities.
Final notes ...
Taking your family on safari is truly one of the best decisions you will ever make. It's adventurous, exciting and extremely educational in the best possible "hands on" way. If you follow some of the basic guidelines above, you are all guaranteed to have a great time.
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