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5 Tips for a Fun Safari with Kids
You may hesitate to take your kids on a safari vacation – you wonder if they’ll be bored on a game drive, if it’s safe, or if there will be enough to see and do to keep the kids occupied and entertained. In truth, a safari is a great way to vacation with your family, with lots of things for kids to see and do. It is a great way to teach your kids about the environment, about animals and about different cultures. It’s an adventure you’ll share together. Use these tips to help make the most out of your family safari vacation.
- Mix Up Your Activities
Children will enjoy game drives, but more than two can be too much. Mix your game drives with walks, horseback riding and other children’s activities such as poo tracking (always popular!) that will keep the little ones interested and engaged.
- Get A Private Vehicle
A private vehicle – or a vehicle shared with other families – ensures that you get to do what you want on your drive, when you want to do it. If the kids are restless, you can move on. If the kids are enjoying a particular view or vista, you can linger there. What you want to avoid is being in a vehicle with one or two people who want to stop and linger over every little detail on the safari, while the kids get bored wanting to move on.
- Mix Your Safari With Beach Time
Relax for the last few days on your holiday with some beach time. It’s a nice break after the structured itineraries of a safari, and will give the kids a chance to explore and enjoy some new scenery before heading home. For example, combine your trip to Masai Mara with a few days on the Kenyan Coast for a perfect family getaway.
- Get The Right Sleeping Arrangements For Your Family
Many camps safely accommodate children in a separate tent from their parents, but some parents – particularly with younger children – may feel better having their kids in the tent with them. Some camps offer family tents that sleep up to four people. Larger groups should look for private safari houses.
- Enjoy The Small As Well As Big
While your kids will love seeing The Big 5, they may get bored racing through the game drive looking for lions and wildebeests. Ask your guide to talk about smaller animals, edible plants and point out animal tracks. There’s lots to see and learn in between lion sightings.
Safaris can be magical adventures for your kids. Talk to them about what to expect, explore the small with the big and enjoy your safari as a whole family.
