Wildlife Safaris with Kids
     

Safari, the word for journey in Swahili, brings to mind thoughts of adventure and wildlife. Whether you picture yourself roaming the bush in an open vehicle, walking through tall grass to get up close to the animals or envision an exotic escape at a luxury safari lodge, taking the children need not be as daunting as it sounds. Wildlife safaris offer families the opportunity to experience wildlife in its natural habitat, nurture a love and appreciation for nature, and connect with the kids. Spotting lions at a short distance and in their natural habitat is a fascinating experience. And lions are just part of the fun. The quantity and variety of animals will impress even the wary.

Wildlife Safaris with Kids Photo Gallery
 
Wildlife Safaris with Kids Photo Gallery
 
Wildlife Safaris with Kids Photo Gallery
Plan
Getting started
Before you scour the web or wade through travel brochures, outline your trip priorities. Once you've established a budget, define the type of adventure you are seeking as well as the experience you are looking for. You will want to consider the age of the kids, their interest in nature as well as their ability to sit still and follow rules set by a safari guide. Understanding your child may be more important than knowing the age limit set by the safari camp or lodge.
Taking Kids on Safari
 e-gnu.com
The right trip
Guided or self-drive safari? Tented camp or luxury safari lodge? Jeep safari, elephant trek, bush walk, hot air balloon ride or canoe trip? While nearly all of the above are suitable for families traveling with children aged 12 and up, not all safari activities are appropriate for young children and many lodges and camps have a set minimum age. Select a lodge and activity that is appropriate for the entire family. Find out if a child sitting service or children's program is offered for kids that choose to stay behind. A young child may not want to participate on every game drive! Many lodges carefully interview young children to determine suitability; allowing small kids to participate on a game drive may be at the discretion of the manager. When choosing a vehicle, keep in mind that open land rovers provide for broader viewing than a minibus and 4-wheel drive cars may be necessary to navigate park roads.
Game Reserves & National Parks in South Africa
 SA-Venues.com
 SANParks.org
Safaris Destinations in Botswana
 Botswana Tourism
Safaris in Kenya
 MagicalKenya
Plotting your route
The best time of year to view wildlife is during the cool, dry season when vegetation is thin and animals congregate at the few remaining water holes making them easy to spot. Wildlife viewing is best in the early morning and late afternoon, when temperatures are cooler and wildlife is easier to spot. While this means that the whole family has to be up and ready by 5 or 6 am, spotting animals is so exciting that even the sleepiest in the bunch are likely to accept the change to his or her biological clock and fall in step with the rhythm of the bush. Still not convinced? Early morning game drives last only a couple of hours, and usually end with a reward: a huge breakfast and plenty of time to relax.
Planning a Safari
 The Zambezi Safari and Travel Co. Ltd
Selecting an outfitter
Selecting the right outfitter or safari guide is key to a successful safari experience. Before choosing a guide, decide the type of wildlife safari you want to experience. Hire a reputable operator specialized in family safaris. Verify the guide's identification. Find out what is included in the cost, the minimum age set by the outfitter or lodge, and whether the lodge or safari camp is fenced in.
Assessing a Safari Specialist
 National Geographic Traveler
Travel Agents & Tour Operators
 Botswana Tourism
 Kenyaweb
Packing tips
Equip each child with a camera and binoculars as well as a regional checklist to mark off all wildlife sightings. Pack neutral colored clothing (bright colored clothing can disturb wildlife and white shows dirt), hats, sunglasses, and sun block for the entire family. Plan to dress in layers, while early morning and late evening game drives can be quite cold by mid-day it is likely to be quite warm if not hot. Don't forget to include a regional field guide and plenty of film; the nearest shop is likely to be a considerable drive from the game park. On game drives, carry more film than you expect to use.
Safari Packing List
 Gorp
Travel health & child safety
You need not expose the kids to malaria or other infectious diseases to enjoy a wildlife safari and see the African big five. Several wildlife parks and private game reserves are located in areas that are malaria-free. What's more, many smaller reserves, particularly in South Africa, are located near tourist attractions and may have unique offerings all their own. Families planning a safari in a remote destination will want to assess the health risks in advance.
Malaria Information & Risk Map
 MARA / ARMA
 Traveldoctor
Explore
Maps
Maps are a great way to get the kids involved in family vacation planning. Plan your itinerary before you depart. Use online maps locate game reserves and national parks throughout Southern Africa and plot your route.
Southern Africa Safari Map
 go2africa.com
Books
Books are a great way to introduce younger children to a new adventure and get teens and tweens ready for a family trip. Find recommended reading lists for adults and kids and learn more about wildlife and local cultures before you depart on an African wildlife safari with kids.
African Safari Reading Lists
kids can travel recommends
 e-gnu.com
Music & Sound
Explore wildlife through sound. Listen to an elephant trumpet and a lion snarl and roar. Learn to identify birdcalls before you depart on a bird watching tour.
African Wildlife Sounds
 The British Library
Kids' stuff
Online resources that make learning fun. Learn about conservation and wildlife, test your knowledge, and play wildlife games online before you depart on a wildlife safari or birdwatching tour.
Widlife Facts and Games
 Kid’s planet
 EcoKids
Organizations
Associations and non-profit organizations can be a valuable resource as well as means to get involved. Find out more about a few of the organizations involved in wildlife conservation and the environment in Africa.
Wildlife Conservation and the Environment
 Endangered Wildlife Trust
 Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa
Outfitter
Airtrackers
 Airtrackers Website
 suncity@gametrac.co.za
tel: +27 (14) 552 5020
Map:
 Map It!
Type of Organization: adventure travel company
Airtrackers offers an alternative to traditional safaris. View game in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve from high above in a hot air balloon and take in a different view of the bush. Pick-up is available from all Sun City hotels. Allow 4 hours for the trip.
Airborne & Adrenaline
Wildlife Safaris
Magical Africa Safaris
 Magical Africa Website
 info@magicalafrica.net
tel: +254 (2) 631442
Type of Organization: adventure travel company
Magical Africa Safaris is an eco-friendly safari agency offering comprehensive safari arrangements in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The company caters to families traveling children of all ages.
Bird Watching
Wildlife Safaris
Magical Africa Safaris Photo Gallery
 
Magical Africa Safaris Photo Gallery
 
Mankwe Safaris
 Mankwe Safaris Website
 mankwesafari@mweb.co.za
tel: +27 (14) 555 7056
Map:
 Map It!
Type of Organization: adventure travel company
Sun City based Mankwe Safaris offers wildlife safaris in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve as well as heritage tours to the Lesedi Cultural Village. Children under 14 years of age are not permitted on walking safaris.
Local Cultural Experiences
Wildlife Safaris
Pilanesberg Elephant-Back Safaris
Pilanesberg Game Reserve, North West
 Pilanesberg Safaris Website
 adventures@gametrac.co.za
tel: +27 (14) 552 5020
Map:
 Map It!
Type of Organization: adventure travel company
Pilanesberg Elephant-Back Safaris offers a safari experience of a lifetime. Commune with nature and view the African Big Five elephant-back. Children must be at least 5 years old. Elephant safaris depart from the Sun City Welcome Center.
Wildlife Safaris
Trusted Adventures
Boulder, Colorado 80306
 Trusted Adventures Website
 info@trustedadventures.com
tel: +1 303 554 8821
Type of Organization: adventure travel company
Trusted Adventures, an alliance of seven leading adventure travel companies makes finding and booking an African wildlife safari easy. Travel to Kenya and in addition to viewing the Big Five, learn about animal behavior and interact with local cultures. Head to South Africa and enjoy a malaria-free multi-sport adventure with kids.
Bird Watching
Local Cultural Experiences
Wildlife Safaris
Trusted Adventures Photo Gallery
  
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Last modified June 2006


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