Top 5 Tips for Planning a Stress-Free Family Safari

There’s no better way to develop your child’s appreciation for the natural world than by booking a family safari holiday in Africa! Family safaris are the ideal way to create unforgettable memories and experience new things together.

However, travelling with children tends to be stressful sometimes, especially if it’s your first safari. If you’re worried about visiting Africa with your kids, we are here to ease your nerves. 

In this blog, we will discuss essential tips to ensure a stress-free and unforgettable experience for the whole family.

#1: Choose the Right Destination

While there are plenty of amazing countries to choose from in Africa, not every destination is suitable for a family holiday. You want to avoid places with extreme temperatures and cases of malaria. Some excellent options include:

• Botswana
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Rwanda
• Zimbabwe

The above destinations are known for their diverse wildlife and plenty of family-friendly accommodation. Your kids are sure to have an amazing time exploring their new surroundings and may even make friends with other safari-goers their own age.

#2: Select the Perfect Accommodation

Accommodation plays a huge role in the overall enjoyment of your family safari. You want to book accommodation that specifically caters to children by offering the following:

• Family rooms
• Kids’ items on their menu
• Activities specifically geared towards children
• Discounts for kids (i.e. you aren’t paying an adult rate for your child, but at most places, this will apply)

When you opt for kid-friendly accommodation, you ensure your children’s comfort and, in turn, your own. Guides at these sorts of establishments are also equipped to explain wildlife habits and occurrences in a way your children will understand.

#3: Packing the Essentials

These are some of the essentials you’ll need when on a family safari holiday:

• Toiletries
• Sun protection
• Insect repellent
• Safari wear like hats, shorts, shirts, etc. (preferably in neutral colours)
• Comfortable shoes with thick soles
• Your children’s favourite snacks (especially if they are fussy eaters)
• Entertainment (books, games, etc.)

If you forget to pack any of the above-mentioned essentials, you can probably find them at the airport or at shops within local game reserves and national parks.

#4: Timing Your Trip

While many countries in Africa are year-round destinations, you may want to check seasonal weather conditions at specific times of the year to see which period would be best for you and your family. 

If your kids are in school, planning would require aligning one of their school holidays with the most suitable season.

#5: Create a Memorable Experience with a Custom Safari Itinerary

Why stress over planning your trip when you can have a safari expert come up with a custom itinerary for you and your family? A custom itinerary considers all your needs, preferences, and interests. Furthermore, it will ensure that you and your family have the most amazing time possible, all within your predetermined budget.

Ready to begin planning your dream holiday? Tailormade Africa has helped plan dozens of family safaris. We’d love to come up with a custom itinerary that meets all of your preferences and visits a variety of suitable destinations. Contact us today to begin discussing the family trip of a lifetime.