The potential appeal of Africa to children is clearly strong. It offers an amazing chance to give kids all the awe-inspiring experiences which Africa promises – the chance to interact with people from a culture so vastly different from their own; and to be immersed in a place which, for so many reasons, is nothing short of a wonderland. And of course, a safari is one choice which doesn’t require the parents in question to sacrifice their own yearning for a proper adventure holiday.
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| There are plenty of fun activities for children in the African bush |
Many parents, however, understandably have reservations about the idea of taking the more intrepid option for their family holiday. There will be the inevitable concerns about the children’s safety and about whether long, bumpy trips in 4x4s will prove more exhausting than exhilarating. And you might have doubts about whether kids will be welcome at lodges, by the staff or other guests. And whether the activities will be appropriate for the youngsters.
Undoubtedly the best way to allay these worries is to book through a travel operator which provides bespoke safaris, with itineraries that are tailored to your needs. Using the services of local travel experts, like us here at Africa House, means that every aspect of your holiday will be planned with your family requirements in mind. So, for instance, while the kids might not tolerate walking for miles, a camel ride is likely to be greeted with enthusiasm, as it makes the journey less tiring, offers a great viewpoint, and is a lot of fun besides. Bespoke operators also know the best places for you to stay, understanding that comfort and appropriate children’s facilities are high on the agenda.
One shining example of the family-friendly accommodation which we use is that provided by Heritage Hotels. Their Samburu Intrepids and Mara Intrepids camps are thoroughly geared towards welcoming children, with Adventurer’s Clubs which boast masses of activities to keep young hands and minds occupied. Kids get the chance to learn tracking skills, study local wildlife, and have a go at throwing spears, using bow and arrows and starting fires. They also get the very special chance to see first-hand what life is like for Samburu or Maasai people, and a wonderful opportunity to play and exchange ideas with children from these tribes. Lodges like these also allow the grown-ups some welcome time to themselves to relax, knowing their children are safe and happy.
There is also plenty for older children to enjoy. Both the Samburu Intrepids and Mara Intrepids camps run a Young Rangers club for the over-12s. Here they get to engage in local cultural activities at a more advanced level. From bush orienteering and nature studies to dancing, games and local craftwork, there is enough varied and exciting stuff to do to keep even the hardest-to-impress teenager happy. Many parents discover that a safari with children at these older ages is particularly rewarding. With all the distractions present in the frenzy of modern Western life, families find that the quality time they are able to spend together out in the African wilderness can really help to bridge the gap that typifies relationships between parents and their teenage kids.
So a safari planned with the children’s needs considered from the start can be the perfect choice for a family holiday. Of course, as a parent you might feel that taking very young children on safari (or on any other foreign holiday for that matter) might not be worth the trouble. Waiting for them to reach an age at which they can genuinely enjoy and appreciate exploring Africa is a sensible approach. But rest assured that when you and your children are ready for a safari, then Africa is ready for you. When designed in the right way, a safari holiday can be a magical and enriching experience for any child with a keen sense of adventure - and for the parents too.
