Families traveling on safari should be aware of several difficulties, not the least of which is the expense! A few more things to think about are included below.

1. Minimum Age Limitations

Families traveling on safari should be advised that while the majority of safari camps and lodges accept kids of almost any age, some have minimum age requirements of 4 to 12. This will be one of the factors taken into account while choosing the right lodging if you are making your reservation through an Africa Travel Specialist. You must, however, confirm with the camp or lodging the applicable kid policy if you are making a direct reservation.

2. Activity Age Restrictions

Not every safari activity is suitable for kids of all ages. White-water rafting and gorilla trekking, for instance, require participants to be at least 15 years old. Another activity that can be changed at the camp or lodge’s discretion is the walking safari, which may be related to the presence of dangerous game.

When it comes to activities like strolling, canoeing, or even mokoros, you might need to use your parental discretion. This is a matter of personal taste. A few organized, exhilarating safari activities can be exactly what you need if you have adolescents to keep them engaged (and having fun).

3. Children’s Discounts

Anybody above 12 is regarded as an adult for pricing purposes by the majority of safari camps and lodges. Please do not, however, mistake this for minimum age requirements or age limits that may be applicable to particular activities. Therefore, children who are older than 12 typically pay adult fares. Children above 12 are rarely eligible for discounts in safari camps or lodges, and even younger children must be staying with an adult in order to qualify.

4. Programs for Kids’ Activities

Nowadays, a lot of safari camps have created kid-friendly activity plans, and some even offer family-friendly guides. These programs mostly consist of a guide who mentors the children between the ages of 4 and 8. A variety of camp-related activities, such as storytelling, animal painting and drawing, birdwatching, and bug collection, will be used to keep them entertained.

Additionally, they will watch them when their parents go on game drives or other outings. parents can then turn this into quick bush trips, sometimes known as “poo walks,” where parents assist the kids in gathering leaves, insects, feathers, and pods. Additionally, it helps them recognize various animal feces and droppings, as well as game drives.

The majority of parents want to introduce their kids to the variety of nature experiences. The kids can truly enjoy taking a walk or going on a game drive when they are a little older (8 to 12 years old). Therefore, if it seems that the camp (or your agent) hasn’t already thought about this, it could be a good idea to ask for a private vehicle. When the kids have “had enough,” you can go back to camp without bothering other visitors.

5. Individual Automobile

Families on safari who have little children will frequently need to reserve a private game drive vehicle (and guide). You should be aware of this and talk to your Africa Travel Specialist about it as it will increase the cost.

6. Accommodations for Sleeping

The camp or lodge can need one adult to share a room or tent with the younger child (or children), depending on their ages. This is a precautionary method to prevent young children from wandering out of their tent. Alternatively, they might respond negatively if an animal were to approach or even attack the tent. In order to give the parents a few hours apart to enjoy a dinner together without the children, babysitters are frequently offered.

 

7. Meals and Times of Meals

Meals and mealtimes are particularly crucial for families with little children traveling on safari. Inform the management about your child’s nutritional needs and make an effort to schedule mealtimes that are convenient and acceptable for everyone. Early mealtimes can be arranged at certain camps, but parents may still need to be present when the kids go to bed. Safety is the reason for this.

 

8. Security

The lodge/camp’s safety regulations regarding running and walking in the camp should be your top priority. Make sure your kids understand the limitations and that you monitor their whereabouts. Since many camps lack fences, you might need to keep a closer eye on your smaller children.

 

9. Pools

There are swimming pools at a lot of safari camps and hotels. Verify the pool’s safety access (the pool fence) if your child lacks swimming confidence. And if they like to swim, go with them (you swim at your own risk).

 

10. Typical Safety Measures

Families on safari should take conventional measures, such as shielding themselves from the scorching African sun. Sunblock and a hat are essential for hikes and drives. Using mosquito repellent and “covering up” exposed skin in the early evening is essential, particularly in locations where malaria is prevalent. As a result, make important to educate your kids about the need of consuming only bottled or filtered water.

Peace, solitude, and reconnecting with nature are highly valued at the majority of safari hotels and camps! Your kids might not be into this! Many small children, who frequently get bored and misbehave, are definitely not suited for a “adults” safari! Parents need to make sure their kids don’t interfere with other guests’ enjoyment.

 

Crucial to Remember

Parents of children under the age of eighteen must present birth certificates to immigration and airline officials in accordance with new anti-child trafficking regulations. Even if both parents are traveling with their kids, this will still be the case.

Adults who accompany children on trips are required to present affidavits from the parents as evidence of consent. Airlines will be instructed not to let customers board without the required paperwork. Watch for updates on this (South Africa in particular has previously implemented such requirements, which are presently on hold).