…from our Safari Specialists

• Always add water!  Kids and water are the best vacation mix,  so try to make sure there are pools, a beach, or something the kids can jump into along the way.

• Make sure there is a variety of activities and experiences:  game drives, horses, bikes, walks, balloon rides, elephant safaris, hikes, insects, birds, animals big and small. Do as many hands-on activities as possible: , drumming, bead making, etc.  What can they touch, ride and feel?  Include all the senses.

• Stay in lodges or camps that offer children’s activities and programs. In particular, a lodge that has a pool. I often recommend Grootbos as they have lots of fun and interesting activities for the children, and the activities are still to do with nature. They can also interact with the local community and watch a soccer match being played by the employees’ children. Mara Intrepids has a wonderful children’s program.

• The safari you select should be age appropriate – walking safaris usually best for children over 12 and gorilla trekking is best for kids 15 and older.

• Mara Intrepids is recommended for children accompanying their parents on safari. This family program provides a fun and exciting opportunity for the kids to learn about the wild from Maasai naturalists who specialize in plants, wildlife and survival skills. Children will be “edu-tained” through various activities and facilities on-site including an obstacle course that portrays the challenges wild animals face.  Don’t be surprised if your child comes out looking like Mowgli from Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book!

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