A Family Friendly Safari - let us guide you in seven easy steps!

If you don't know where to start when planning a family friendly safari - we have all the inside info...

Going on a Family friendly safari is a thrilling and unforgettable experience that can be enjoyed by the entire family. With so many safari options available, choosing the right one for your family can be a challenge. From choosing the right accommodations to selecting the best game drives, there are several things to consider to ensure that you and your family have the best safari experience possible. In this blog post, we will provide you with some useful tips on how to choose the right safari experience for your family.

Consider the age of your children

When planning a family friendly safari, it is essential to consider the ages of your children. Some safari experiences may not be suitable for very young children, while others may be too challenging for older children. Younger children may require more amenities and accommodations, while older children may be more interested in adventure activities such as bush walks, mountain biking, and hot air balloon rides. Therefore, you should choose a safari that caters to the ages of your children and offers activities that will keep them entertained.

Choose a Family Friendly Safari Lodge

Choosing the right accommodations is crucial when planning a family friendly safari. You should look for a lodge that offers family-friendly amenities such as family-sized rooms, swimming pools, and children's programs. A lodge that offers babysitting services can also be a significant advantage for parents who want to enjoy some alone time. Look for lodges that offer family friendly accommodations, as they will typically provide you with more space and privacy. Some lodges also have interconnecting rooms, which can be ideal for families with older children.

Look for Child Friendly Safari Activities

When planning a family friendly safari, you should choose activities that are suitable for children. Many safari lodges offer child-friendly game drives, where the guides will focus on finding wildlife that will be of interest to children. Some lodges also offer bush walks (16 years and older) that are tailored to children's interests, such as learning about insects and tracking animals. You may also want to look for lodges that offer cultural activities, such as visits to local villages or schools, where children can learn about the local culture and way of life.

Research the Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit a safari destination can vary depending on the region you are visiting. Therefore, it is essential to research the best time to visit, as this can affect the wildlife sightings and weather conditions. If you are traveling with younger children, you may want to avoid the peak season, as this can be crowded and more expensive. However, if you are traveling with older children who are in school, you may need to visit during the peak season to avoid disrupting their studies. You may also consider looking at a Malaria free family friendly safari.

Consider your Budget

Safaris can be expensive, and it is essential to consider your budget when planning your trip. While there are luxury lodges that offer five-star accommodations and activities, there are also more affordable options that cater to families. You should choose a safari that fits your budget and offers the best value for your money. Look for safari packages that include meals, activities, and transportation, as this can save you money in the long run.

Where should you look at for a Family Friendly Safari?

There are many family-friendly safari lodges throughout Africa that cater to families with children of all ages. Here are some of the best family-friendly safari lodges in Africa:

Madikwe Safari Lodge, South Africa: This lodge is located in a malaria-free game reserve and offers family suites that are spacious and comfortable. The lodge also offers a children's program with activities such as bush walks, cooking classes, and star-gazing. This is one of our favourite family friendly safari destinations
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania: This lodge offers family friendly suites with a separate living area and outdoor space, as well as a kids' club with activities such as Maasai warrior training and animal tracking.
&Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge, South Africa: This lodge offers family friendly cottages with a private swimming pool and a dedicated ranger and tracker for personalized game drives. The lodge also offers a WILDChild program with activities such as bush walks and birding.
Tswalu Kalahari, South Africa: This lodge offers family-sized suites with a private deck and plunge pool. The lodge also offers a children's program with activities such as horse riding, archery, and stargazing. Tswalu Kalahari is the ultimate Luxury Family Friendly Safari
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, South Africa: This lodge offers family friendly suites with a separate lounge and outdoor shower. The lodge also offers a children's program with activities such as bush walks, treasure hunts, and insect-catching.
Ol Donyo Lodge, Kenya: This lodge offers family friendly villas with a private pool and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The lodge also offers a children's program with activities such as animal tracking and Maasai culture lessons.
Chobe Game Lodge, Botswana: This lodge is located in the Chobe National Park and offers family-sized rooms with a private balcony. The lodge also offers a children's program with activities such as game drives and fishing.

These are just a few of the many family friendly safari lodges in Africa. When considering a family friendly safari speak to one of our safari experts that have personally visited the lodges and hotels that we represent.

What should you pack on a Family Friendly Safari ?

When going on safari with children, it is important to pack wisely to ensure their comfort and safety. Here are some essential items to consider packing:

Clothing: Pack lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect your child's skin from the sun and insects. Pack a warm jacket or fleece for early morning and evening game drives when it can be cool. Remember to pack comfortable shoes or hiking boots for any bush walks or hikes.
Sun Protection: Pack sunscreen with a high SPF, hats, and sunglasses to protect your child's skin and eyes from the sun.
Insect Repellent: Pack a good quality insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites and other insect bites.
Medication: Pack any necessary medication that your child might need such as antihistamines for allergies, motion sickness medication for game drives, and any prescribed medication.
First Aid Kit: Pack a small first aid kit with essentials such as plasters, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
Binoculars: Bring a pair of lightweight binoculars so that your child can get a closer look at the wildlife.
Entertainment: Pack books, coloring books, and games to keep your child entertained during downtime.
Camera: Consider getting a disposable camera or a child-friendly digital camera so that your child can capture their own photos of the wildlife.
Backpack: Bring a lightweight backpack to carry all the essentials while on game drives or bush walks.

Remember to check with your safari expert before packing to see if any additional items are necessary or prohibited.

Starting the process of booking a Family Friendly Safari can be incredibly daunting, which is were the Journey Experts at Martin Meyer Safaris come in. Our team of Travel Designers have extensive first hand knowledge of travelling with Children, we know where to place you to get the most value out of your time together as a family. We are the experts in our field and we would love to help you plan your next family vacation!

Let's Go on Safari!

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