African Safaris For Kids/Toddlers A First-timer’s Guide & Tips
African Safaris For Kids/Toddler/Babies: First-timer’s Guide & Helpful Tips. Everything to Know About Taking Your Kids on an African Safari Vacation.
Are you unsure whether taking children on an African safari is a good idea? Rethink your thought. You and your children can experience the trip of a lifetime with a little preparation.
Guide to Taking Babies and Toddlers on an African Safari
Taking a baby or toddler on safari is feasible, but there are many things to take into account. Using their decades of practical knowledge, our Africa Safari Experts can help you take your little one to the best parts of Africa in a safe, comfortable, and economical manner.
What to Consider: African Safaris For Kids
Although it is possible, taking infants and young children on safari is uncommon. Stories about kids learning to crawl among the creepy-crawlies in the bush or sharing their fruit with the local vervet monkey abound in safari folklore. That’s great, but there are a lot of other things you should really think about:
Many lodges and camps have age restrictions:
The typical age limit is six years old, however for gorilla trekking and walking safaris, it is sixteen. This implies that you are instantly limited to the select few lodging options that do not impose age limitations.
Many lodges and camps are unfenced:
All wildlife, especially nighttime-active predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas, can roam freely in an unfenced camp. To keep small children safe, you need a completely enclosed lodge, not just an elephant fence. Once more, this immediately limits your options for accommodations.
Malaria zones:
Malaria zones must be avoided since very small children might not be able to take malaria preventatives. Think about if you will require yellow fever shots as well. Tsetse flies, which cause excruciating pain when they bite, are still found in some areas.
Travelling on small planes:
Little children may find light aircraft uncomfortable because they are frequently crowded and lack pressurization. Additionally, they are more susceptible to turbulence and thermals that arise in the afternoon heat, which can occasionally cause motion sickness. Keep in mind that you might drop off or pick up other guests on the way to your own lodge, particularly in East Africa. Little ones may find the voyage uncomfortable due to the numerous takeoffs and landings.
Restricted supplies:
Although many lodges have safari shops where guests can purchase souvenirs and sometimes basic amenities, these stores almost never provide baby supplies, and it is nearly impossible to find them in the wild. You will need to make sure you have enough supplies on hand.
Private game-drive vehicles:
Families with little children are often required to reserve individual game-drive cars at many lodges and camps. The benefit is that you can go back to camp whenever the kids are tired without disturbing other campers. Keep in mind that private vehicles can be somewhat expensive, and keep in mind that when watching game, passengers are frequently expected to remain silent and sit motionless. Certain regulations limit the proximity of guides carrying young passengers to predators, particularly in open cars. This implies that you may have extremely limited or remote views of the big cats and possibly other erratic wildlife, such as buffalo. High-pitched noises, like a baby’s scream, can frighten many animals; it’s better to keep them away from the source!
Dust, heat, restrooms and bumpy roads:
Even though we think safari is a lot of fun, we also acknowledge that it can be hot, dusty, and rough. Can you handle changing a tired kid without access to a bathroom or dealing with them during a lengthy road transfer?
Kids’ clubs or babysitters:
Very few camps and lodges offer all the amenities, activities, and childcare that young children need. For instance, there probably won’t be a television, and Wi-Fi connections aren’t going to be strong enough to stream their favorite shows or movies.
Limited luggage allowances:
The necessities of young children can lead to a lot of accessories, such as formula, diapers, prams, and lots of clothing. Make sure you can fit everything you need in a single suitcase because light airplanes have very strict baggage limits.
The safari schedule:
As adults, you will rise early for early morning game drives and retire to the boma for drinks and dinner by the campfire. Every day, you will be in the bush for at least six hours. Consider how your kids might adjust to a new routine.
Family units:
Family units or inter-leading are scarce and disappear rapidly, particularly during the busiest times of the year. To guarantee a family-friendly suite, make your reservation in advance.
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Although it may seem nearly impossible to take a baby or toddler on a Big 5 safari, we can assure you that it is possible! Plans can come together and your “bush babies” will soon be giggling at actual bushbabies once you’ve agreed to stay at a fenced lodge and possibly get your own game-drive car.
1. Consider South Africa
The greatest infrastructure and the greatest selection of safari lodgings may be found in South Africa. In places like Madikwe, the Eastern Cape, and Greater Kruger, you are most likely to discover child-friendly lodges, professional nannies, and kids’ clubs.
Many tourists combine a safari with visits to cities like Cape Town, Sun City, and the Garden Route, which provide a wide range of appropriate lodging options, activities, and stores for everything a baby traveler could possibly need.
2. Break Up Your Arrival and Departure Journeys
It seems sense that many customers want to make the most of their safari experience, so they fly vast distances to get to their resort and then go on a game drive. In order to have a good night’s sleep before departing on a private transfer the following morning, we highly recommend spending a night in a city hotel following your foreign trip.
3. Don’t Move Around Too Much
After two or three nights, many travelers prefer to switch to another resort. In order to establish a pattern and minimize the inconvenience of repacking and lengthy plane or road transfers, we advise smaller children to remain in one location.
4. Look at Safari Villas
Although they are more expensive, they offer a number of advantages that are truly incalculable, such as private chefs (perfect for parties with finicky eaters or a strict schedule), lots of space for you (so that other guests won’t be inconvenienced by a toddler’s outburst), and frequently a private vehicle. If you are traveling with a nanny or extras like satellite hookups and DVD players, some even have staff rooms.
5. Ensure the Lodge has a Children’s Programme
There will be age-appropriate activities for kids like nature walks around the property, arts and crafts, games, and even basic baking. If you’re going on a game drive, the babysitters will take care of the little ones, making sure they eat, drink, and nap.
6. Add on a Beach Destination
The island of Mauritius, which is the most visited beach destination in Africa, offers a wide variety of family-friendly accommodations, including many that are suitable for children younger than two. A family vacation to a tropical paradise might be just what the doctor ordered after a long day on safari. Flying from Kruger to Mauritius is a breeze.
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Family-Friendly Accommodation
Tell your ASE exactly what you’re looking for so they can make sure your hotel, resort, or camp suits your needs. Aim for rooms with kitchenettes (great for preparing bottles or other meals) and the ability to accommodate a third bed or cot.
Kwandwe Ecca Lodge:
Kwandwe Ecca Lodge, located within the picturesque Kwandwe Private Game Reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape area, offers a real Big 5 safari experience. This sleek and compact lodge exudes a comfortable home-away-from-home atmosphere while preserving a modern aesthetic.
Kwandwe Ecca Lodge has all you need for a great family safari vacation: malaria-free accommodations, a perimeter fence, an entertainment area, and spacious family suites. Families are assigned their own private guide and vehicle, giving them the freedom to create their own itinerary, while child-minders are available when parents need some downtime. The lodge’s play center will keep the youngsters entertained while providing family activities such as kite building, board games, and scavenger hunts.
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge:
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge is located in the center of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, overlooking a waterhole where animals routinely gather to drink. This private conservation area shares unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park and provides excellent Big 5 animal watching throughout the year. Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge provides a magnificent safari experience with light-filled open courtyards and authentic African décor throughout.
After a brief pre-dawn snack to keep you going, board open safari vehicles for some of South Africa’s best wildlife watching. You have a good possibility of sighting the Big 5 and a variety of other creatures while being guided by your experienced ranger and local tracker. Return to the lodge for a delicious cooked breakfast, then relax by the pool, get a massage at the spa, or go on a guided nature walk before your late afternoon game drive, which will take you back through a spotlit drive to capture timid nocturnal creatures on the move.
Jaci’s Safari Lodge:
The privately owned Jaci’s Safari Lodge is located in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. The lodge is situated on the Marico River’s side, beneath a grove of tamboti trees.
In between game drives in the morning and evening, unwind in the large lounge area or by the pool, which has great views of the river. You can also stroll down to the Terrapin Hide to take pictures of these and other animals going about their daily lives.
In addition to offering two alluring outdoor activities, Jaci’s Safari Lodge boasts a relatively temperate temperature. You may work off the delectable meals in the outdoor gym before falling asleep on one of the lovely starbeds while the starry night sky sparkles overhead.
The Nare and Safari Suites are perfect for families or small parties, and this is a great lodge for families with kids.
Mkombe’s House Lamai
Designed to provide families with a genuinely unique home away from home in the northern Serengeti, Mkombe’s House is named after the renowned Tanzanian guide Mkombe Mniko, who had a unique bond with youngsters. From around July to October, you and your kids can take in views of the Lamai Wedge and the Mara River Valley, which is the location of the well-known Wildebeest Migration river crossings, from the wooden decks, plunge pool, or larger swimming pool.
In addition to being close to the Kogatende airfield, Mkombe’s House is also accessible by road from Arusha, which serves as the entry point to the northern Tanzanian safari circuit. The home is equipped with a pleasing blend of contemporary classics and African antiquities, and it has been delicately designed in thatch and stone to blend in with the surroundings. Four adults and six kids of all ages can sleep comfortably in the two main en suite bedrooms, each of which has an adjoining en suite room for kids. As part of its efforts to be as kid-friendly as possible, Mkombe’s House offers babysitting services in addition to cots (cribs), high chairs, and car seats for young children.
Serena Mountain Lodge
One of the most unique stopovers in the nation is Serena Mountain Lodge, which is situated at 2,000 meters above sea level and is encircled by emerald jungle that echoes with the cries of Sykes’ monkeys. The area is home to blue cranes, white-tailed mongooses, and an abundance of game, in addition to offering an unobstructed view of Mount Kenya, which is capped with ice.
Each room in this three-story hotel, which is balanced on stilts and made almost entirely of cedar wood, overlooks the salt lick and permanent waterhole. You can enjoy the seclusion of your balcony while practicing your photography and animal identification skills so that you can soon tell the difference between a water buck and a bush. Enjoy the antics of visiting elephant families during the day, and staff can wake you up at night if a hyena, leopard, or genet stops by for a drink in the early hours. Enthusiastic photographers can enter the photography conceal through a tunnel and spend hours planning, focussing, and taking pictures.
Serian Camp – The Original
Serian The Original is a traditional safari camp that is perfect for those who like to get the most out of their African journey. It is situated in what is regarded by some as the most beautiful campground in the Masai Mara. Top-notch guiding, game drives on demand, and exclusive use of your own 4×4 are all part of Serian The Original’s focus on the breathtaking wildlife found in the exclusive Mara North Conservancy.
With just six tents and one family room, Serian The Original keeps a cozy, intimate vibe while offering all-day hiking in the 2,000-hectare exclusive-use area, night drives until 11 p.m., and engaging photography workshops to capture the most breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Once you’re there, you can make arrangements to fly-camp, which is spending the night in the wilderness in a basic dome tent.
The ideal time to see the Wildebeest Migration is from July to October, which is also the busiest safari season, but big cat watching is great all year round. Visit during the Green Season, which runs from November to May, if you’re looking for cute baby animals.
LUX* Grand Gaube
On Mauritius’ north coast, the LUX* Grand Gaube was built around a delightful small cove. The resort’s decor is straightforward but features opulent island-inspired accents. Rattan, natural thatch, rich color accents, and tranquil fountains all combine to create a calming and tranquil setting.
Enjoy the sun on the beach, cool down in the large pool, or soak in the serene Indian Ocean waters. Take a powerboat excursion or scuba dive (a PADI center is on site) to explore the water. Plan a tee time at a local golf course or ride a mountain bike across the mainland. Indulge in a spa and fitness experience at the LUX* ME spa.
From young couples with kids to honeymooners, this all-inclusive resort is perfect. Savor delectable ice cream at the on-site ice cream parlor, have a barbecue during the summer (October to April), or, as an optional extra, hire the LUX* seaplane for a unique private experience.
One & Only Cape Town
One&Only Cape Town’s luxurious furnishings with a chic African flair, Table Mountain offers a breathtaking natural setting, and the V&A Waterfront’s top-notch dining options, entertainment options, and retail establishments are all conveniently located nearby. One&Only Cape Town, one of the greatest hotels in the city, promotes modern, all-encompassing lifestyle.
In addition to having two outstanding restaurants and a reputation as a culinary destination, this opulent resort offers guests a state-of-the-art spa with private and couples treatment suites, a meditation relaxation area, Bastien Gonzalez Pedi:Mani:Cure studios, and a beauty salon. The One&Only Cape Town makes a special effort to provide entertainment for kids of all ages. The KidsOnly Club hosts dance classes, performances, themed arts and crafts programs, and outings that highlight Cape Town’s attractions and South African culture. Numerous computer games and heart-pounding activities are available across the city to cater to even teenagers.
African Safaris For Kids Helpful Tips
Every year, Sharon, a seasoned traveler, takes her daughter and son on safari. She has won a place on the Travel & Leisure A-List as a family safari expert due to her extraordinary talent and experience. Her recommendations to simplify life are as follows:
Change your mindset: In spite of the fact that many people think safaris aren’t appropriate for children at first, we can help you find the perfect safari for your family by guiding you to countries and regions that are perfect for safaris with children. We understand that parents have concerns about their children’s safety, the logistics of traveling with children, and what kinds of activities are suitable for their children’s ages.
Use a baby carrier for game drives: This way, you can hold your baby close to you at all times without having to use your hands.
Break up game drives: Just let your private guide know that you’d want to spend an hour playing with your little ones before dropping them off at the resort for babysitting so you can continue your trip.
Changing nappies on a game drive is possible: Just like a “bush break” for grown-ups, only you don’t need diapers.
Choose a lodge with air conditioning and a swimming pool: Although it’s cooler in the mornings and evenings, it can get quite hot during peak season even in the middle of winter. A pool and air conditioning help cool things down, get some exercise, and make sure everyone gets a good night’s rest.
Drive rather than fly: Renting a car and driving to your lodge gives you a lot more space for your bags compared to light aircraft. Currently, this is only feasible in South Africa (because to its superior infrastructure and plenty of family-friendly activities) and a portion of Namibia. You can also stop at the last shops before reaching the national park or reserve to get supplies if you’re driving.
Breastfeeding is easier than bottles: As an alternative, look for a unit that has a kitchenette where you may find a sink, hot water, and a microwave to sterilize and warm bottles.
Improvise with solids: Butternut squash, carrots, potatoes, rice, and spinach may all be boiled and mashed to feed a baby if you give the kitchen enough warning.
Hire a car seat: Make sure the rental car you’re considering has a kid safety seat installed so your little one can travel in comfort and safety. This can incur additional fees.
Bring medicine for every ailment: You should bring pain relievers, suppositories, ointments for stings or bites, sunscreen, and other similar items so you can easily deal with upset tummies, teething, constipation, vomiting, fevers, and rashes while you’re out in the bush, especially if you’re looking for options for little children.