These are the 5 best places for an African safari with kids

An African safari introduces you and your family to new cultures and traditions. It is also the perfect time to bond and create moments that you cannot get anywhere else.

A safari in Africa is filled with moments that give new meaning to what you may have seen on National Geographic. The continent is loaded with beautiful and classic natural sceneries. But which are the best African safari destinations for a family tour?

In this article, Masaimarasafari.in reviews the five best destinations for a family getaway with the kids.

1. Serengeti National Park

Located in Tanzania, the Serengeti National park is home to a plethora of animal species. Its plains are home to all the members of the big five clans (elephant, rhinos, buffaloes, leopards, and lions), crocodiles, mammal species and over 500 bird species.

A trip to the Serengeti brings to life the childhood movie, The Lion King, for both the children and adults. Make your trip fun by pointing out the different animals and comparing them to the characters in the movie.

Around the month of April, the wildebeest migration starts heading north. This is a must-see phenomenon as you get to see thousands of animals as they journey together in search of greener pastures.

If the migration does not win you over, wait until they get to the Grumeti River, the home of some large crocodiles.

2. Masai Mara Game Reserve

The wildebeest, which starts their annual, round-trip journey in Serengeti, continues into Kenya Maasai Mara Game Reserve. To get to the other side, however, they must go through the crocodile-infested Mara River.

The Mara’s raging waters and hungry crocodiles stand between the wildebeest and the fresh grazing grounds they seek.

Some of the animals that went across the river in previous years tend to remember the lethal attacks from the crocodile, and the animals can take weeks afraid of getting into the Mara River. However, eventually, the massive crossing starts and the drama that unfolds is untold.

The Mara River crossing draws crowds from all over the world, both young and old because the experience is like no other. Ideally, plan a three-day safari in Masai Mara with local Masai Mara tour operators such as AjKenyasafaris.com. This will allow you enough time to see all the drama as it unfolds.

While at the Mara with kids for a migration safari, we would recommend staying in four- and five-star hotels such as the Fairmont Mara Safari club which borders the Mara River.

Another option is the Keekorok Lodge where tradition meets modern in all aspects of a hotel including amenities, decor, and food.

Besides game drives, other activities that you can engage in while at the Mara include a Maasai culture tour, walking safaris, night game drives, bush dinners, and more.

3. Londolozi Game Reserve

If you are looking for a more calm and inclusive adventure, then the Londolozi Game Reserve is the place for you.

It is privately owned and it gives you the all-rounded safari experience. Here, you get to spot the big five during the day and later, dine al fresco under the starry night.

At the Londolozi, nature conservation is at the top of the management list making this place a gold mine for picturesque sceneries. It once received a thumbs-up from the late President Nelson Mandela for that very reason.

The amenities and services at the Londolozi ensure your comfort coupled with an adventure set in a tranquil environment.

4. Camp Jabulani

Camp Jabulani is located in the Greater Kruger Area in South Africa. Here, you get to enjoy your alone adult time in the camp’s executive amenities as your kids get their own special programme.

The programmes have been fashioned with your children in mind including kid-friendly menus, and a wildlife wonderland experience. Not only do they provide safaris created for children above six years old, but they also offer them other great learning opportunities.

Engaging in the kid’s programme gives the children a chance to become JabuJuniors conservationists or JabuJunior rangers. After their junior sessions, they are then credited with personalised certificates after learning a bit about conservation.

This token is sure to get your kids feeling proud of themselves and even encourages them to participate more. Camp Jabulani is deliberate at its creation of kid-friendly activities where they get to learn more about the world around them.

Their well-thought-out activities make Jabulani camp deserving of a spot on your list of African destinations with your young ones.

5. Sossusvlei, Namibia

This attraction is located in the Namib-Naukluft National Park in Namibia. Its magnificence gets us away from the jungle and onto other sceneries that Africa has to offer.

Despite the extreme desert temperatures that characterise this area, a few animals and plants can still be found here. These animals include geckos, springboks, gemsboks, the black-backed jackal, and the aardwolf, just to name a few.

These animals have adapted to the harsh conditions much like some flora which include the camelthorn trees. These trees can be seen around the desert and are a great way to teach kids how such trees survive in the desert.

These sightings provide great learning and fun opportunities for your kids where they get to learn how to find food and water in the desert. That isn’t all though because the red dunes that span over the area are magical in their own right.

Hiring a hot air balloon and gliding over the impressive dunes is a great way to view them.

There are various hotels and lodges able to accommodate different guests with different needs. For example, the Solitaire Farm offers a peaceful retreat in a traditional setting complete with fully furnished thatched rooms. Another example is the &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge which delivers on its promise of luxurious accommodations and experiences.

This attraction promises a unique experience for all its visitors. A definite contestant on the best African safari with kids’ destination list.

Summary

A safari with your kids doesn’t have to be daunting. However, it requires you to plan ahead.

All the above-mentioned places have great safari and beach holiday experiences to offer. Now, pick one and look around at all the adventures and tours that are offered in the area.

While some places may not be prone to malaria, it is wise to get vaccinated beforehand. Do not forget to carry plenty of insect repellent because you all will be spending lots of time in the jungle. Happy planning and travels!