Why Africa?
Africa is one of the most magical places on earth and a favorite among families who enjoy nature, adventure, and culture. It’s difficult to put that magic into words, but we’ll try.
- Cultural and intellectual stimulation. Whether you’re on a game drive during a South Africa family safari or enjoying an African sunset, there is constant intellectual and cultural stimulation. No matter what you’re doing, whether it’s visiting a World Heritage Site or observing local artisans on a Zimbabwe family safari, your mind opens to different cultures and new possibilities to explore.
- Immersion in nature: While most countries worldwide have rural areas, pristine natural surroundings can be difficult to find. A trip to Africa takes you and your family to some of the purest wildernesses of the world. One of the best ways to experience the perfect wilderness of Africa as a family is on a Botswana family safari.
- Sheer beauty that touches all the senses: With exotic wildlife, vivid sunsets, and stunning natural surroundings, it’s no wonder Africa is considered one of the most beautiful places on earth. Everything about Africa family safaris stimulates all five of your senses: the feel of the lush vegetation, the scent of rich earth, the sounds of the bush, the sight of unspoiled land, and the taste of authentic cuisine.
What are some of the myths about Africa family safaris?
Myth #1. African family safaris are dangerous.
You need to take the same safety precautions you would take in any foreign country, but on a family safari, you will be in a remote area where the chance of crime is low. As far as the animals go, your guide is trained to protect you in any emergency, and fences keep the animals out. These animals are more interested in carrying on with their lives than worrying about what you’re doing.
The main thing to keep in mind is to travel with an experienced guide who has the training to handle any unpredictable situation that can develop. A guide with experience can read a situation and avoid it before it even happens, and he or she develops a feel and instinct for what goes on, as they spend thousands of hours in the field. Hills of Africa Travel hires only highly experienced guides, so you can rest assured that your family safari will be safe.
Myth #2. An Africa family safari is just like camping in the woods with tents and sleeping bags—with more bugs.
Safari accommodations are nothing like the weekend camping trips you imagine them to be. With heated water for showers, spacious interiors and plush bedding, and hearty English breakfasts in the morning, family safari camps and lodges are built for luxury.
Myth #3. The kids are going to be bored, and I might be too. Every country in Africa is different; no matter where you go, there is plenty for the entire family to enjoy. Depending on your interests, your family safari itinerary can include exciting activities such as hot air balloon rides, game drives, mokoro safaris, horseback riding safaris, cultural tours, and more.
As far as the kids are concerned, family-friendly camps have full rosters of children’s activities such as arts and crafts, nature walks, and animal tracking. Your children can participate in those or go with you on family safari adventures—depending on their age.
Myth #4. We won’t be able to eat the food or drink the water. First-time travelers to Africa often assume that the food consists of bizarre delicacies or boring British fare. Quite the contrary. The cuisine is one of the most enchanting parts of an Africa family safari, and we know you’ll love the flavorful, fresh food. While there are regions in Africa where you wouldn’t want to drink the water, the places you’ll go on your family safari have filtered or bottled water.
Myth #5. We’re going to contract malaria or some other exotic disease on our family safari. One persistent myth about Africa is that there are hordes of mosquitoes everywhere you go. This is false; the mosquitoes aren’t as bad you might believe. Some lodges and camps provide mosquito nets to guard against the possibility of their getting into your room at night, but this is often a precautionary measure.
Just as you would if you were camping near home, use bug spray and treat your clothes with bug repellent. Although malaria is a serious disease, you can avoid it by taking the proper medication throughout your stay in Africa and by doing as much as you can to reduce the possibility of bites.
How do I know my child will be safe on a family safari?
We’ve taken our own children on the African safari vacation itineraries we plan for you. From Zambia family safaris to Mozambique family safaris, we’ve traveled extensively in the past and will continue to go every year. We wouldn’t send your family anywhere we wouldn’t take our kids. With a qualified and professional family safari provider like Hills of Africa Travel, you can rest assured that you and your family are in excellent hands and completely safe.
Hills of Africa Travel’s family safari guides are armed and equipped with handheld communication devices. They have extensive training in proper safety procedures and animal behavior, so they know how to protect you in case of emergency. In fact, professional African safari tour guides are required to have a minimum of four years of training before they can accompany clients.
What benefit is there in experiencing an African family safari at a young age?
Children have an infinite imagination, and their minds absorb information, sights, and sounds without many of the filters that adults have. No matter your children’s ages, an Africa family safari shows them that areas of the world are much different from what they know. This opens their minds and helps them learn about other cultures and people. You can’t get this kind of real-life discovery in school.
On South Africa family safaris, some of the most lasting memories children receive are lessons in conservation and sustainable tourism. They learn firsthand the importance of wildlife, ecosystems, and their own impact on the world. Children who visit Africa love to share their experiences with others their age, helping their peers discover the Magic of Africa and opening their minds to new cultures.
Will my child be bored on a family safari?
When you consider that children can participate in arts, crafts, bush walks, game drives, animal tracking, and survival techniques—to name a few—they definitely won’t be bored on an Africa family safari. Many child-friendly camps have special kids’ clubs to keep the kids busy with others their own age.
What activities can children participate in without parents?
Africa family safaris offer cultural expeditions with native Bushmen, educational bush walks with locals, recreational activities, arts and crafts, and much more. They’ll learn from native tribes about their traditions and lifestyles, animal tracking techniques, and survival techniques. Some lodges offer professional babysitters, who will watch the children wherever you wish, whether it’s in the comfort of your suite, in the entertainment room, or by the pool.
Are there age requirements at family safari accommodations throughout Africa?
Although many accommodations do have age requirements, many hotels and lodges throughout Africa do not. Some of the accommodations that do not have age restrictions and specialize in catering to family safaris include Singita’s Castleton Camp in Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, Olarro Lodge in Kenya, The Mala Mala Camp at Sabi Sands, The Cape Grace in Cape Town, Royal Madikwe in Madikwe Game Reserve, and many more.
Family safari camps with age requirements often request that children be a minimum of 8–12 years of age. Other lodges and hotels don’t have age requirements for accommodation but do have restrictions for game drives.
Do I need to pack anything special for my children?
Pack for your children as you would for yourself. You can find packing information here, and we’ll provide more as we plan your South Africa family safari. Keep luggage restrictions in mind, and make sure that everything you pack has a purpose.
What about health requirements and vaccinations for family safaris?
It’s a good idea for everyone in the family to see your physician before traveling to Africa. If your children are due for booster shots, it’s wise to have them at least a month before leaving for your African family safari.
Are the passport and visa requirements the same for children?
Yes. Please see passport and visa information here.
What are sustainable travel and ecotravel, and how does our family safari contribute?
Sustainable travel, also known as ecotravel or ecotourism, means that the dollars spent on family safaris directly benefit the local communities. Ecotourism can include tourism companies that are locally owned and staffed to provide jobs for the community, better education and job training, and wildlife and nature conservation. With ecotourism, the standard of living increases, improving life for all.
While the word ecotourism or ecotravel might imply lesser-quality accommodations and cuisine and using less water and other resources, the reality is quite the opposite. African family safari ecotravel lodges tend to be some of the most luxurious accommodations, and there are no shortages of showers and drinking water.
What is voluntourism?
Voluntourism is a combination of volunteering and tourism. For example, a family might decide to spend a week in Kenya visiting with children in an orphanage before embarking on a Botswana family safari. The family gives back to a local community while enjoying the magic of Africa.
Start planning your Africa family safari today.
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