Family

Family Safaris in Africa & Child-friendly areas to visit...

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As Family Safari specialists, we’ve seen a flourishing growth in family safaris in Africa and in interesting, unique family hotels and child-friendly game lodges that welcome families. However developing the perfect family safari for Africa remains an art and not a science. There’s a difference between family-friendly lodges, and family-tolerant ones, and we are constantly evaluating all our family safari lodges on this score. Furthermore, each family is different – your children’s ages, your ideal sleeping arrangements, your family’s interests, your children’s travelling abilities all influence what sort of family safari or vacation in Africa is right for you.

We’ve a wealth of ideas for child friendly safaris and enriching family tours and family vacations for all ages and generations. We have detailed up-to-date knowledge of what works … and what doesn’t.

We suggest that you look at the family safari pages below to decide which countries in Africa interest you. Then contact us by phone or email. We’ll chat to you at length and put together a tailormade proposal for your family.

Quick Links to Family pages
Family Safaris and Holidays in South Africa
Family Safaris in Botswana
Family Safaris and Zambia
Family Beach Holidays in Mozambique
Family Safaris and Tours in Namibia

Why book your Family Safari with Cedarberg?
• We have an expert knowledge of family hotels and lodges in Southern Africa.
• Kate, our South African director, has travelled extensively throughout South Africa with her three children, so we know first-hand what works for kids on safari, and what doesn’t! Many of our consultants have reviewed child-friendly hotels with their children including Maddy, Sonja, Nita and Cecily. You’ll find their comments in our reviews and blogs.
• We offer ideal family safaris and vacations during the Northern Hemisphere summer holidays, the ideal time for game-viewing in South Africa.
• On arrival in South Africa, your children receive a special Cedarberg travel pack containing fables from South Africa, puzzle books and extra goodies for kids.
• Our expert consultants put together a family holiday proposal detailing the nature of the family accommodation, facilities for kids and nearby attractions for children.

Your Family Holiday in Africa - Factors to consider
• What sort of holidays do your family enjoy? Adventurous or laid back? Lots of activities available or time alone in a pristine environment? Always together or with some time apart?
• Age of your children?
• Their ability to travel long distances happily (either by car or by air)?
• Do they want to meet other children or do you want to stay alone as a family group?
• Type of hotel or lodges that your family prefers?
• Type of room accommodation (ie. a family room, two bedroom suite…) ?
• Any specific interests/activities that you enjoy eg walking, canoeing, horse-riding?

Your Family Safari – Factors to consider
Introduce your kids to the wonders of African wildlife. The bush is a natural arena for children to learn about the cycles of the earth, the predator hierarchy, the fascinating ways animals adapt to their environment. However we recommend that you work closely with us in deciding on the best family safari experience for you.

• The age and attention span of your children?
• Trade-off between seeing animals in an accessible region (minimizing travelling time) versus seeing wildlife in a more remote, wilderness safari location?
• Your attitude towards malaria?
• Whether you’d like a specialist family safari programme (available at selected lodges in South Africa) or have a more relaxed free-form family holiday?
• Your children’s ability to sleep in a separate room (if they are too old to share a camper bed in your room, which is typically 10 or over)?

Larger Family Groups and Exclusive Use Lodges
We’ve seen the growth in multi-generational family safaris and vacations with grandparents, children and grandchildren all coming together as large family parties. The smaller safari lodges in South Africa work well here as you can take the whole lodge, creating the perfect family safari for you. You can choose your own game-viewing rhythm, heading out early one morning and taking it more relaxed another day.

Yet other safari lodges are offered on an exclusive use basis. These game lodges have their own ranger and private vehicle for your game drives and a private chef, sometimes even a housekeeper. This leads to a much more relaxed and flexible family holiday. No constant worrying about noise levels, no self-consciousness about an impromptu game of rugby on the lawn.

Malaria & Children
Before sallying forth into the bush, some reflection on health issues on safari is advisable. Malaria is a concern in most, but not all, safari areas of Africa. We recommend that small children (of five and under) do not go to year-round malarial areas. Older children simply take the same precautions as adults with a children's version of common anti-malarial drugs available. Take precautions to avoid being bitten by covering up with long-sleeved trousers and shirts just before the sun sets and applying child-friendly insect repellent.

The only non-malaria game reserves are in South Africa. Excellent Big Five game-viewing is on offer in the Eastern Cape, the Madikwe Game Reserve and the Waterberg. South Africa also has a number of seasonal malaria areas where the risk of malaria is greatly reduced between May and September, such as the Kruger Park and northern KwaZulu Natal. See Family Safaris in South Africa for more details…