Top 5 tips for planning a stress free family safari in East Africa.
Planning a family safari to East Africa can be incredibly rewarding safari experience, but it also requires careful consideration to ensure it’s enjoyable for every member, from the youngest child to the oldest adult. A successful family safari is one where the itinerary is well-paced, the activities are engaging, and the logistics are seamless.
By following a few key tips you can transform what might seem like a daunting task into a stress adventure filled with unforgettable safari memories. The goal is to balance the excitement of wildlife viewing with the comfort and needs of your family.
Choose the right destination and time of the year.
The first and most crucial step is planning a stress-free family safari is selecting a family friendly safari destination and then the best time to visit. East Africa offers a range of options, but some are better suited for families than others. Kenya and Tanzania are top choices, as they have well established safari circuits with the variety of the accommodation options and then safari activities. Kenya’s Maasai Mara national reserve and then Tanzania’s Serengeti national park are famous for the Great Migration, which can be an awe-inspiring sight for all ages. When choosing the time of the year, consider the age of your children. For younger kids, the dry season (typically from June to October) is often better. The weather is predictable, the vegetation is less dense, and making it easier to spot animals and the risk of malaria is lower. For older children, the greener, off season months might offer a might a more intimate safari experience with fewer crowds. Researching the travel time between parks is also essential; minimizing long, bumpy drives is key to keeping everyone happy and then avoiding travel fatigue.
Tailor your itinerary to the family’s pace.
A common mistake is trying to fit too much into a single safari. A packed schedule with early mornings and then long days can quickly lead to burnout, especially for the children. The best family safaris are those that are well-packed and then flexible. Instead of trying to visit many parks in a short time, consider spending more time in one or two locations. This allows for a more relaxed pace and then provides opportunities for the wider range of the safari activities. Look for the lodges and then camps that offer activities beyond the game drives, such as the nature walks, cultural visits to the local villages, or even swimming pools for a break from the vehicle. Consider an itinerary with a mix of activities; a morning game drive, a relaxed afternoon and a short evening activity. Planning for downtime is just as important as planning for safari time. Many family-friendly camps also have special programs for kids, like junior courses which can be both educational and entertaining.
Select family-friendly accommodations.
The choice of where to stay can make or break a family safari. Look for lodges and camps that are explicitly ‘’family friendly.’’. This often means they have interconnected rooms, larger family suites or dedicated family tents. It’s also worth checking if the accommodation has a swimming pool, as this can be a lifesaver for entertaining kids during the middle of the day.
A good family lodge will also have flexible dining options and a kid-friendly menu. Another important consideration for game drives or walking safaris, so it is important to comfort these details in advance. A key feature of a great family camp is a dedicated staff member or guide who is experienced in working with children.
Prepare for health and safety.
Health and safety should be a top priority when traveling to East African with a family. It’s crucial to follow the recommended guidelines and start and medication well in advance of your departure for the safari. In addition to medicinal precautions, pack a first aid kit with the essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and others for common ailments like an upset stomach. Remember to include any personal medications your family members need.
Pack smart and involve your children.
Packing for a safari can be a challenge, but choices can make a big difference. You are advised to pack lightweight, in neutral colours like khaki, brown and green which are not likely to attract insects and will mix in with the environment. A light jacket is essential for cooler mornings and evenings. In addition to clothes, a pair of good binoculars for each family member will enhance the experience, allowing everyone’s to get a close up look at the animals. Involving your children in the planning process can also build excitement and reduce stress. Let them help pick out a few items to pack, or have them research some of animals hey hope to see.
