Photograph courtesy of Olarro Lodge in Kenya
Imagine if your parents took you on a safari adventure during your adolescent years. Perhaps your life might have taken a different path as you decided what you wanted to be when you grew up. Or, maybe you would have a different outlook on life than you do today. Not to mention, the joyful and unique memories of safari and adventure you would have shared with your parents and siblings—memories that would never fade.
So why not offer your children this wonderful opportunity to explore the historical and cultural riches of Africa and bond as a family in one of the most spectacular destinations on earth?
There is no doubt that a family trip to Africa is one of the most magnificent ways to create family memories, and discover uncharted territory together. Everything Africa has to offer facilitates expansion of the imagination and creativity that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
What benefit is there to experience Africa at a young age?
As a child, your view on the world is much different than that of an adult. Not only do children have a lack of responsibilities and a sense of innocence, but they also have an infinite imagination that primarily contributes to their outlook on life and the world. Showing them at a young age that there are people and areas of the world that are much different from what they know at home is an invaluable way to open their minds and illustrate that not all people and societies are alike.
Some of the most rewarding nuggets of knowledge a child can take away from Africa are lessons in conservation efforts—both environmentally and socially. Although they might not understand the complexity of these situations, they can learn about the importance of wildlife and its impact on the world and its people.
Photograph courtesy of Royal Madikwe in Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa
Also, children who visit Africa can share their experiences, photos, souvenirs, and discoveries with others their age and introduce those children to Africa and educate them on their visit. There is nothing more powerful than sharing meaningful experiences with your peers and encouraging them to open their minds to new discoveries, people, and cultures.
What activities can my children participate in if my spouse and I want to do something on our own?
Parents can enjoy a day at the spa or on safari while the little ones experience an array of extraordinary and safe activities such as cultural expeditions with the native Sans Bushmen, educational bush walks with the local Maasai, recreational activities, arts and crafts, and more. During cultural expeditions—depending on where your lodge is located—your children will have the opportunity to learn from the native tribes about local cultural traditions and lifestyles, animal tracking techniques, survival techniques, and environmentally-conscious practices.
Arts and crafts programs at many of the lodges allow children to express their creativity and interpret Africa into art through their own eyes. These activities are excellent ways for children to create their own souvenirs and express their unique outlook on Africa.
Some lodges also offer professional babysitters, who will watch the children wherever you wish, whether it’s in the comfort of your suite, in the entertainment room, or by the pool.
Are there age requirements at accommodations throughout Africa?
Although many accommodations do specify age requirements, there are various hotels and lodges throughout Eastern and Southern Africa that do not have any age limitations. Some of the accommodations that do not have age restrictions and specialize in catering to families include Singita’s Castleton Camp in Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, Olarro Lodge in Kenya, The Mala Mala Camp at Sabi Sands, The Cape Grace in Cape Town, Royal Madikwe in Madikwe Game Reserve, and many more.
The camps that do have age requirements often request that children be a minimum of 8 to 12 years of age. There are also some lodges and hotels that don’t have age requirements for accommodations but do have age limitations for participating in safari game drives. Some lodges and hotels even allow children to stay for free.
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