Although most African destinations are not top destinations for family holidays, especially young family travelling with kids, the continent  offers an endless list of fun places that can build great memories. However to have a successful family safari, good planning will assist you overcome many handles  that comes with the fact that most of your destinations are in remote locations some with poor tourism infrastructure. In this guide we are going to cover some of the step you should follow when planning a family safari and considerations to make.

1.      Start by searching for a destination, prepare things to do list.

Since you are traveling with family it is important you decide  places you will be visiting together. Let the children contribute to the expected experiences.  This is also the time to discuss some of the challenges that goes with Africa safaris and prepare everyone psychologically especially the kids . For instance most roads in African parks are exasperatingly rough and dusty. Let everyone know that transfers between destinations may require long hours drive which could be overtiring.

 For  the family activities, game drives will most probably be for everyone. Let the children know that a single round of game drive could go up to 6 hrs seated on your landcruiser before breaking to your camp for lunch/ evenings. Highlight  the park rules to give impressiveness on the expected conduct .

Remember to consider children activities in your things to do list. Share with them some of the available options. Children relish moments spent in the wilderness searching for wildflowers, small animals, birds and butterflies. Beading; bow making and arrow shooting are some other activities they can learn and engage in while in Africa. Let the kids prepare the activities list themselves.

For age restricted activities like balloon rides and night game drives explain to the kids why they wont be participating.

2.      Get  the right accommodation

It is important that you start thinking about accommodation immediately you decide to  travel. You need adequate time to research on accommodations and again secure your slot early. Importantly, getting an authentic family style accommodation may be hard during a last minutes booking especially over the peak and high season. Use the information available online to carry out research or get the help of your travel consultant for recommendations.  Some of the things you should be taking to considerations when booking a family safari accommodation include:

• Age limit. Some facilities don’t allow children below certain age into their facilities. For instance Governors Ill Moran camp in Masai Mara doesn’t allow bookings for travelers with children below 12 years. Four seasons safari lodge restrict the age to two years and below. When choosing accommodation ensure all your kids has the set minimum age.
• How secure is the facility. It pleases to know whether a facility is fenced or not. Most facilities are deliberately unfenced to allow wildlife wandering in the camp area which might be risky for kids playing around. However, some unfenced facilities has special local guides to keep watch on the kids when carrying on with their activities.
• The family suite. Ensure that the facility you choose has a family suite with adjoined rooms, one for parent and another for the kids, and common facilities like dinning area, living room and a bathroom. Where possible go for a camp having a family unit secluded from other camps for an exclusive stay.
•  Go for a facility offering activities relevant to all age groups. Some accommodations has kids club with special children  activities package to help them realize a complete bush experience.
• Go for accommodation  offering children menu.  There should also be a provision for early meals for kids.
• Look for children discount. There should be a price cut for children when the rates are charged per person.
• Hire a small camp when traveling with large families. Families with more than 10 guests should consider hiring a low capacity camp for a more personalized and exclusive stay. For instance in Masai Mara there is the Governors private camp that can take upto 16 persons.

2.      Go for a private safari

 Remember you are travelling with kids and you would like to have a  flexible program to make stopovers where you want a privilege not available for guests who are on group safari. Importantly, going on safari with an exclusive family vehicle gives you the space to keep interacting throughout the trip, especially for children who would like to discuss the scenic landscapes along the way.Children are also frolicsome an attribute not always appreciated by strangers.  During a private safari your driver will offer a completely personalized  guiding services with flexibility to add new experiences. Guests on a group safari are on a fixed program and have limitations to what bush activities they can engage in. Additionally, accommodation facility choice entirely depends on your personal choice unlike in group travels where all guests are required to check into certain safari camps which might not have family friendly terms.

3.      Ensure health and safety for your family

Ensure each and every member of the family get an yellow fever and Malaria inoculations irrespective whether vaccination certificate are an entry requirement for travelers from your country. If you are booking an accommodation in lowlands enquire whether they provide mosquito nets. Carry some tummy tablets incase anyone suffers stomach upset. It is also important that you discuss various health and safety issues that comes with Africa safari. For instance tell the kids that they should only take bottled water and that all meals will be taken in the accommodation facilities where your health safety is guaranteed. Consider a medical cover for each member of your group. Post covid, it’s important that all members get a full vaccination.

4.      Consider the children fun items when packing for the safari

As you prepare your essential packing list don’t forget the much loved children items. Carry wildlife graphics books which will help keep them engaged during transfers.  A point and shoot camera will is also good so they can capture themselves during family game drives. Remember to pack their dairies to write the memories. Carry goggles if the kids are fond of them.