Wondering if it’s a good idea to take your kids on safari in Africa? Over the last few years, we have seen a substantial rise in family travel to Africa. As a result, the variety of options available to families has increased dramatically, and safari holidays are now amongst the most family-friendly vacations around.
An African safari is the ultimate holiday for multi-generational and inter-generational families. There is no better thrill than introducing your children to the wonders of Africa. Whether it is watching their surprised expressions as they first come face-to-face with elephants, or their excitement when they find their safari tent is more than just one used in the garden. It is bound to create memories that will last a lifetime. Going on safari with children is a life-changing experience. The expansive landscape is like an enormous outdoor classroom and your safari guide will soon become some of the most inspiring teachers your children will ever have.
Origins Safaris is a family business, founded by Don and Margaret Turner. It is managed today by two subsequent generations of the Turner family, who have grown up and travelled extensively across Africa and spent the majority of their childhood in the African bush. With first-hand experience, Origins Safaris know what works when it comes to planning a fun, exciting and authentic family safari. Our family safaris are carefully and individually tailored to the highest quality, by taking into consideration the age of your children and any special interests or requirements, so that we are able to make sure that your family safari is luxurious, stress-free, entertaining and memorable.
Age needn’t be a barrier to Africa. The key to a successful family safari is safety. There’s no need to worry, because at Origins Safaris we offer you peace of mind for your family’s safety amongst the raw wilderness of Africa’s greatest safari destinations. In both camp and on safari, safety is paramount. All of our guides are fully trained in animal behavior and first aid, and all camps and lodges that we use are fully equipped with first aid training. During the day, and especially the evening, all camps and lodges provide night guards, who will patrol around camp and will safely escort you and your family to and from your tents or rooms.
Where your family stays is an important aspect of any safari. To ensure that you and your family have an unforgettable time, we offer a vast range of family-friendly private villas, intimate tented camps and luxury lodges in prime locations across East Africa.
Travelling with young children and teenagers may occasionally seem difficult, and it can result tin handing over their tablets to them or teenagers being glued to their smartphone. While some lodges and camps do have wifi, many still don’t. Luckily, boredom and Africa rarely go together. Due to Africa’s magical ambience, your first family game drive will make you and your children forget about the outside world and the demands of social media, as you will be far too busy following the wonderful wildlife that surrounds you rather than worrying about following people’s posts.
Variety is essential for any family safari, which is why we offer an assortment of unique and exhilarating activities. We find that children enjoy many of the same activities that adults do while on safari. Therefore we create activities that aim to be entertaining, educational and provide a glimpse into tribal cultures. From visiting local villages, beading, crafting, panting, animal tracking, fishing, boat rides, visits to elephant orphanages, feeding giraffes, scenic hot air balloon rides, camel safaris to guided bush walks.
Usually some of the more adventurous activities have an age restriction and are not suitable for younger children, such a walking safaris, primate trekking, canoeing or horse riding, the age limit varies but can be high as 15 years.
We believe that the key to getting a family safari right is to have a healthy balance between time with your children and some grown-up time without them; whether it is a romantic meal, walk or just an afternoon snooze, we have you covered. Africans themselves live in a very family-orientated society and have an affinity with children. At our selected lodges and camps we offer a variety of unique and exhilarating activities for children to keep them occupied and out of trouble. When they are not with you, your kids can partake in unforgettable experiences, such as learning to make and shoot traditional bow and arrows, making fire with sticks, casting animal tracks in plaster, learning to play local games such as “bao”, baking delicious treats, and learning songs and greetings in the local language.
The safari scene in East Africa is wide ranging, providing families with incredible freedom of choice. In addition to witnessing the ‘Big Five’, you and your family can relax and enjoy the tranquil environs of the East African coast. The splendid white sandy beaches, cool breezes, water sports, exclusive beach resorts and private villas offer unparalleled experiences for the whole family. You and your family can explore its balmy waters by dhow, yacht or powerboat; dive, snorkel and swim in the clear azure waters over fabulous coral beds; fish for Marlin, Tuna and Sailfish or explore the mangrove swamps and creeks where the cycle begins; kite surf the reef waves or skydive over the stunning coastline. The sandy beaches and glistening waters of the Indian Ocean can be added as either a pre- or post-family safari adventure.
A family safari to Africa is like no other. With Origins Safaris we can guarantee that you will return home with priceless memories that will last generation.
Origins Safaris – Authentic African Experiences Since 1963