As multigenerational travel increases in popularity across the globe, African family safaris have enough broad appeal to charm children, parents and grandparents.
African luxury lodges are increasingly leveraging this new trend with many lodges having changed their once prevalent no-children policy to offer a growing selection of family-friendly safari activities.
“Having an absolute ‘no kid’ policy excludes a property from accepting an increasing amount of business,” said Nicole Robinson, &Beyond Commercial Director. In the current market, she said, flexibility is key to survival, and travelers can therefore expect the lodging industry to become increasingly child-friendly.
Lodges that have expanded their facilities and services to appeal to children report that this niche market is booming. Rachel Mbulawa, SKL Camps’ head of marketing, said there is definitely an increased demand for safaris from families with children. “Time is a commodity that is a scarce resource, and safaris are a great opportunity for families to reconnect with each other outside of the business that normally pervades their daily existence.”
Although a large number of safari lodges now offer a dedicated kids club, this is not a prerequisite for a successful family safari, said Lindy Rousseau, chief marketing officer for the Singita Group. “For us it is all about focusing on individuals and anticipating the needs of each unique family group. It is much more than facilitating rest and relaxation, it is about creating rare experiences for our guests.
“From the humbling experience of visiting a makeshift classroom in the local township to the miracle of a zebra foal being born out on the open plains and being witness to that unguarded moment when it first stands on its own teetering legs, unexpected moments like these are enough to capture the hearts of an entire family.”
There is one element, however, that should be key to the organization of any family safari, and that is safety. Andrew Iles, Ashton Tours, stressed that safety should be a top priority at all times. “It is vital that this issue is handled with sensitivity and with respect to what each game lodge or safari operation is trying to provide for its specific target market,” he said. “For example, we offer walking safaris in the Balule section of the Greater Kruger [National Park]. Due to the inherent dangers of such an operation, we have a minimum age of 16 for walking safaris.”
Tanzania and Kenya are popular destinations when it comes to family safaris. Both these countries are as diverse as they are interesting, and families can enjoy day excursions to a Maasai village as well as nature walks in and around the lodge. Children can learn bow and arrow making as well as rope making using local traditions and natural materials found in the bush.
Keep in mind that malaria is prevalent in most safari areas of Africa. Small children under age 5 should avoid malaria areas, and families with very young children are advised to opt for the malaria-free game reserves that can be found in South Africa. Excellent Big Five game viewing is on offer in the Eastern Cape, the Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa’s North West Province and the Waterberg in Limpopo Province.