An African safari is an unforgettable experience. It’s a magical feeling, being surrounded by the wilderness, not a shopping mall to be seen. Nothing can compare to the beauty and tranquillity of the vast outdoors. The sights, the smells, the sounds – a safari vacation is far removed from the bustle of city life. There’s wonder and amazement when you encounter your first elephant or observe a pride of lions up close. Complete awe as night falls and the stars blaze against the pitch dark. The African bush is utterly magical, no matter how old you are. Sharing an African safari with children is a memorable occasion. To see the world through their eyes as they discover new species for the first time and develop a love for nature. It’s the highlight of being a parent. Are you and your children ready to embark on an African adventure?

Are you ready for an African safari with children?

Going on an African safari with children is a life-changing experience. There is nothing as captivating as the untamed bush and rich cultural heritage of the African continent. A safari is a vacation like no other and is a fantastic learning experience for children. Introducing your kids to nature in its most raw and organic form is the perfect opportunity to instill love and respect for the world we inhabit. However, deciding what age to take your kids on safari can be a challenging one. No one wants to be confined to a vehicle with a screaming child chasing away all the game.

Knowing when your children are ready for their first safari adventure is an individual decision. You know your child best, their interests and limitations. A child interested in nature from an early age is more likely to enjoy a safari vacation when they are young. Not to mention your child’s attention span, this also plays a role in the decision. Safaris are a waiting game, children with shorter attention spans might get bored and irritable at a quicker rate. For this reason, kids from the age of eight upwards are more likely to appreciate this type of vacation. They’re able to engage with the guides and interact with their surroundings to a higher degree. And, they’re more likely to remember the experience. This isn’t to say younger children won’t benefit. In fact, regardless of age, the best chance of a successful African safari with children is all in the planning.

5 tips for planning an African safari with children

If you want to take your little ones on a safari vacation, the key is in the preparation. Careful planning and pre-thought will ensure you are ready for any situation that might arise. We’ve put together our favourite tips for planning an African safari with children:

Choose the right destination

The destination should be your first consideration when planning your African safari with children. Some lodges have age limits when it comes to children participating in game drives. A child-friendly game lodge is more likely to be flexible and provide activities catering to youngsters. At Jehty Quest, we travel to numerous child-friendly lodges. The Madikwe Safari Lodge is one of our favourites. Their Lelapa Lodge welcomes children of all ages, and they have a dedicated educational centre built for kids. Not to mention a host of fun activities to keep them entertained.

Manage your children’s expectations

Prepare your child in advance for the experience. Explain the nature of game viewing, that it requires patience and not all animals will be found immediately – if at all. Build up the anticipation of the search. It’s all about finding the animals. You can also get the kids excited beforehand with wildlife films and stories.

Focus on the experience

An African safari with children is not only about viewing animals. It’s about the whole experience. Safari vacations provide your child with the opportunity to learn about nature. From different plants to animal tracks, there are so many little nuggets of information your children can discover.

Help your children pass the time

Remember, there will be periods of time when the bush is quiet. You need to be prepared to help your kids pass the time without them getting bored. Give them checklists to keep track of what they’ve spotted and sketch pads to draw and doodle on. Giving your kids a little digital camera is also a great idea. Snapping pictures will keep them engaged for hours.

Provide a variety of activities

Don’t forget, game drives are long and tiring for children. A solid day of driving is sure to leave them a little cranky. Break up the time with other entertainment to give them variety. Walks, horseback rides, cultural activities are all great options. Choosing a safari destination that caters for children will help. As we mentioned above, lodges such as Madikwe provide activities geared directly to children. A varied experience will make game drives all the more special.

An African safari with children is a magical experience. One where you’ll make family memories to last a lifetime. Here at Jehty Quest, we plan vacations the whole family can enjoy. If you want to share the wonder of Africa with your children, we can help. From the oldest to the youngest member of the family, there’s something for everyone. Let Jehty Quest organise your safari adventure – we have a range of packages you can choose from. We can’t wait to share our love of the bush with you and your family.