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We watched as elephants trecked through the hotel while on safari in Africa

We travelled from South Africa to Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia and Tanzania both the mainland and Zanzibar when Juliette was nearly two years old. My wife and I both love Africa and we couldn’t resist the temptation to visit our friends in Africa and go on safari as a family.

Finding food for our daughter or cots in hotels wasn’t a problem we found which made our trip amazing. In fact the whole trip was just perfect. We were especially cautious to use mosquito nets and covering her with a strong mosquito repellent she was not bitten once in the whole trip.

So if you are thinking of travelling to Africa with your family but are worried whether your children will enjoy the safari and whether they will be safe, we hope you will be encouraged with our personal experiences. Our daughter Juliette has encountered safaris from when she was very young and we have friends who live in safari lodges that have children so the straightforward answer is yes children do particularly well settling in to the wild but with some stipulations.

Children tend to love the wildlife and a safari is usually a wonderful experience for children of all ages. It can get a bit long and hot for children so we have some suggestions for you;

• take with you some animal spotting safari games
• learn the Swahili names for the animals which will help the children build a relationship with your driver and should provide fun.
• FREE to download are safari games available from the web, this will keep them busy. We have a FREE children’s activity pack which you can view or download and print free of charge and includes a safari animal check list with Swahili animal names, plus some other fun stuff.

An amazing experience that we had and would like to mention because it might be useful for other parents travelling with young children while on safari…
We went on a night drive in Zambia in an open vehicle with other guests from the lodge.The night ended up being one of the most fabulous we have ever done. We noticed a young leopard that night, later we found ourselves right in the middle of a herd of buffalo being ambushed by four female lions. The lions missed their prey. Our daughter in all the bewilderment began crying, within seconds the lions who usually regard vehicles as just part of the landscape started to see the vehicle as a possible prey, like a small animal in distress. Fortunately our guide acknowledged the change in mood and drove us away quickly to safety with a pack of lions following us.

Food in safari lodges are typical to be quite flexible so no problems here either. There won’t be any difficulties with keeping the children entertained, this is a new and exciting world where they will be introduced to different cultures and also perhaps even poverty for the first time, the world and experience of Africa might play an important role in the education of our children.

Provided the parents act sensibly there is no real danger to the children. Once you have booked your safari it would be a good idea to sit down with your children and explain that Africa is a different world from the one they are used to, where there is danger around. There is no need to inflate but camp rules must be obeyed, because if they are not, the consequences can be very serious. For very young children I recommend you choose your camp carefully and confirm with your travel advisor which are most appropriate for children. We can guide you on this from personal experience as we have been on many safaris with our children. We also have a lot of information for going on safari & travelling in Africa

It is recommended that young children should not be vaccinated and are excused in most countries for yellow fever but truthfully I don’t feel this should be of concern. Because this disease is rare you will not meet anyone with it let alone encounter it at a safari lodge. Of a higher matter is malaria which is a problem right through the tropics. The local population catch it repeatedly and it is generally deemed no worse than a bout of flu. But depending on the strain, it may be dangerous and a better solution is prevention. Young children cant be given malaria tablets, please get advice from your GP. Make sure that you apply mosquito repellent generously, cover up arms and legs before sundown and ensure that the children sleep under mosquito nets. If you use these precautions you can diminish the risk of malaria to approximately zero.

Don’t be scared about taking your children to Africa, it is a wonderful experience for them and we have been back with Juliette many times, but do cover them up well and no safaris in open vehicles for very small children

Note: The above information is advice given on the basis of the author’s experience at the time of writing and the author cannot take responsibility for any traveller choosing to take the advise above. Prior to travelling you should speak to your doctor he will provide advice for your travel and probably point you in the direction of further advice from the relevant authorities before travelling.

We watched as elephants trecked through the hotel while on safari in Africa

We travelled from South Africa to Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia and Tanzania both the mainland and Zanzibar when Juliette was nearly two years old. My wife and I both love Africa and we couldn’t resist the temptation to visit our friends in Africa and go on safari as a family.

We had a marvellous safari and really had no difficulty with finding food for our daughter or cots in the hotels. In fact the whole trip was just perfect. We were very careful to use mosquito nets, to cover her with a strong mosquito repellent she wasn’t bitten once in the whole trip.

So if you are thinking of travelling to Africa with your family but are worried whether your children will enjoy the safari and whether they will be safe, we hope you will be encouraged with our personal experiences. Our daughter Juliette has enjoyed safaris from the very earliest age and have friends who have raised their children so the easy answer is yes children do adapt well to the wild but with some conditions.

Children tend to love the wildlife and a safari is usually a wonderful experience for children of all ages. It can get a bit long and hot for children so we have some suggestions for you;

• take with you some animal spotting safari games
• learn the Swahili names for the animals which will help the children build a relationship with your driver and should provide fun.
• FREE to download are safari games available from the web, this will keep them busy.  We have a FREE children’s activity pack which you can view or download and print free of charge and includes a safari animal check list with Swahili animal names, plus some other fun stuff.

A remarkable experience we had one night while out on safari, I want to mention it because it might be useful for other parents travelling with young children while on safari…
We went on a night drive in Zambia in an open vehicle with other guests from the lodge.It ended up being one of the most amazing we have ever done. We spotted a young leopard and later found ourselves right in the middle of a herd of buffalo being ambushed by four female lions. The lions lost their prey. In all the excitement our daughter began crying, it took seconds for the lions who characteristically think vehicles as just part of the landscape began to think the vehicle as a promising prey, like a small animal in distress. It was lucky that our driver recognised the change and drove away quickly with a pack of lions following us.

The food in safari lodges tends to be quite relaxed so no problems here either. There should be no problems keeping children interested in this new and stimulating world where they will face a different way of life and maybe poverty for the first time, but I think the lifestyle of Africa can play an essential part in the education of our sometimes pampered children.

Common sense is if the parents are sensible and make the children abide by the safari rules no danger will come to the children. To help your children get the most out of the safari we suggest that you sit down and explain to them how different Africa is, where there is danger around. There is no need to overemphasize but camp rules are there for your protection and must be followed, because if they are not, the consequences can be serious. For very young children I would suggest you select your camp carefully and check with your travel advisor which are most suitable for children. We can guide you on this from personal experience as we have been on many safaris with our children. We also have a lot of information for going on safari & travelling in Africa

It is recommended that young children should not be vaccinated and are excused in most countries for yellow fever but truthfully I don’t feel this should be of concern. It is an uncommon disease which you wouldn’t come across in a safari lodge. Of a higher matter is malaria which is a problem right through the tropics. Locals who catch it regularly usually considered it to be no worse than a bout of flu. Although dangerous depending on the strain, the answer is prevention. Young children cant be given malaria tablets, please get advice from your GP. Make sure that you rub mosquito repellent liberally, cover up arms and legs before sundown and ensure that the children sleep under mosquito nets. If you take these safety measures you can reduce the risk of malaria to almost zero.

Don’t be scared about taking your children to Africa,  it is a wonderful experience for them and we have been back with Juliette many times, but do cover them up well and no safaris in open vehicles for very small children

Note: The above information is advice given on the basis of the author’s experience at the time of writing and the author cannot take responsibility for any traveller choosing to take the advise above. Before travelling you should speak to your GP and take advice from the relevant authorities before travelling.

Elephants treck through hotel while we were on safari in Africa

We could not resist the temptation to visit our many friends in Africa My wife and I both love Africa. Juliette was nearly two years old when we travelled from South Africa to Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia and Tanzania both the mainland and Zanzibar.

Finding food for our daughter or cots in hotels wasn’t a problem we found which made our trip amazing. Actually the entire trip was just perfect. We were very careful to use mosquito nets, to cover her with a strong mosquito repellent and in fact she was not bitten once in the whole trip.

So if you are thinking of travelling to Africa with your family but are worried whether your children will enjoy the safari and whether they will be safe, we hope you will be encouraged with our personal experiences. Our daughter Juliette has encountered safaris from when she was very young and we have friends who live in safari lodges that have children so the straightforward answer is yes children do particularly well settling in to the wild but with some stipulations.

Children tend to love the wildlife and a safari is usually a wonderful experience for children of all ages. It can get a bit long and hot for children so we have some suggestions for you;

• take with you some animal spotting safari games
• learn the Swahili names for the animals which will help the children build a relationship with your driver and should provide fun.
• Download “safari games” free from the web this will entertain them when the safari is quiet.  We have a FREE children’s activity pack which you can view or download and print free of charge and includes a safari animal check list with Swahili animal names, plus some other fun stuff.

One spectacular night that we experienced that I would like to mention because it might be useful for other parents travelling with young children while on safari…
We went on a night drive in Zambia in an open vehicle with other guests from the lodge.The night ended up being one of the most fabulous we have ever done. We spotted a young leopard and later found ourselves right in the middle of a herd of buffalo being ambushed by four female lions. Suddenly we realised that the lions missed their prey. Our daughter in all the bewilderment began crying, within seconds the lions who usually regard vehicles as just part of the landscape started to see the vehicle as a possible prey, like a small animal in distress. Fortunately our guide and driver noted the change and immediately drove us away at top speed to safety with a pack of lions following us.

Because the food in safari lodges are flexible you won’t have any problems with children’s food. There should be no problems keeping children interested in this new and stimulating world where they will face a different way of life and maybe poverty for the first time, but I think the lifestyle of Africa can play an essential part in the education of our sometimes pampered children.

Each safari and lodge have guide lines that must be adhered to – if not then danger, trouble could follow. As these are set there to keep you and your family safe it is wise that you and your children abide by them. To help your children get the most out of the safari we suggest that you sit down and explain to them how different Africa is, where there is danger around. There is no need to make too much of it but camp rules for your safety must be obeyed, because if they are not, the consequences can be very serious. For very young children I would advise you to select your lodge carefully and check with your travel advisor which are most suitable for children. We can guide you on this from personal understanding as we have been on many safaris with our children. We also have a lot of information for going on safari & travelling in Africa

It is recommended that young children should not be vaccinated and are excused in most countries for yellow fever but truthfully I don’t feel this should be of concern. This is a rare disease which you should not encounter  in a safari lodge. More concern is for malaria which is a problem all through the tropics. The local population catch it repeatedly and it is generally deemed no worse than a bout of flu. But depending on the strain, it may be dangerous and a better solution is prevention. Very young children can’t take malaria tablets, please get advice from your doctor. Make sure that you apply mosquito repellent generously, cover up arms and legs before sundown and ensure that the children sleep under mosquito nets. If you take these safety measures you can reduce the risk of malaria to almost zero.

Don’t be scared about taking your children to Africa,  it is a wonderful experience for them and we have been back with Juliette many times, but do cover them up well and no safaris in open vehicles for very small children

Note: The above information is advice given on the basis of the author’s experience at the time of writing and the author cannot take responsibility for any traveller choosing to take the advise above. Travellers should speak to their GP and take advice from the relevant authorities before travelling.

My wife and I love Africa and we couldn't resist the temptation to visit our friends in Africa and visit the continent, when Juliette was nearly two years old we travelled from South Africa to Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia and Tanzania both the mainland and Zanzibar.

We had a splendid safari and actually had no trouble with finding food for our daughter or cots in the hotels etc. In fact the whole trip was just perfect. We were extremely vigilant to use mosquito nets, we covered her with a strong mosquito repellent to the point that she wasn't bitten once in the whole trip.

So if you are thinking of travelling to Africa with your family but are worried whether your children will enjoy the safari and whether they will be safe, we hope you will be encouraged with our personal experiences. Our daughter Juliette has enjoyed safaris from the very earliest age and have friends who have raised their children so the easy answer is yes children do adapt well to the wild but with some conditions.

Children tend to love the wildlife and a safari is usually a wonderful experience for children of all ages. It can get a bit long and hot for children so we have some suggestions for you;

• take with you some animal spotting safari games
• learn the Swahili names for the animals which will help the children build a relationship with your driver and should provide fun.
• Safari games available for free from the internet, grab some of these to keep them busy.  We have a FREE children’s activity pack which you can view or download and print free of charge and includes a safari animal check list with Swahili animal names, plus some other fun stuff.

An amazing experience that we had and would like to mention because it might be useful for other parents travelling with young children while on safari…
We went on a night drive in Zambia in an open vehicle with other guests from the lodge.  It turned out to be one of the most spectacular we have ever done. We found a young leopard and soon we were right in the centre of a herd of buffalo that was being ambushed by four female lions. The lions missed their prey. In all the excitement our daughter began crying, it took seconds for the lions who characteristically think vehicles as just part of the landscape began to think the vehicle as a promising prey, like a small animal in distress. It was fortunate that our driver spotted the change and drove away at full speed with a pack of lions following us.

Food in safari lodges are inclined to be quite adaptable so no problems here either. There won’t be any difficulties with keeping the children entertained, this is a new and exciting world where they will be introduced to different cultures and also perhaps even poverty for the first time, the world and experience of Africa might play an important role in the education of our children.

As far as wellbeing is concerned we feel there is no real danger as long as the parents act sensibly. To help your children get the most out of the safari we suggest that you sit down and explain to them how different Africa is, where there is danger around. There is no need to make too much of it but camp rules for your safety must be obeyed, because if they are not, the consequences can be very serious. For very young children I recommend you choose your camp carefully and confirm with your travel advisor which are most appropriate for children. We can guide you on this from first hand experience as we have been on many safaris with our children. We also have a lot of information for going on safari & travelling in Africa

It is recommended that young children should not be vaccinated and are excused in most countries for yellow fever but truthfully I don’t feel this should be of concern. This is a rare disease which you should not encounter  in a safari lodge. More concern is for malaria which is a problem all through the tropics. The local residents get it regularly and it is typically regard it as no worse than a bout of flu. Depending on the strain, it could be dangerous and the answer here is good prevention. Young children cannot take malaria tablets but please get advice from your doctor. Make sure that you apply mosquito repellent abundantly, covering up arms & legs before the sun goes down and make sure that the children sleep under mosquito nets. If you take these precautions you can cut the risk of malaria to almost zero.

Don’t be scared about taking your children to Africa,  it is a wonderful experience for them and we have been back with Juliette many times, but do cover them up well and no safaris in open vehicles for very small children

Note: The above information is advice given on the basis of the author’s experience at the time of writing and the author cannot take responsibility for any traveller choosing to take the advise above. Travellers should speak to their GP and take advice from the relevant authorities before travelling.

If you are thinking of catching the February wildlife great migration in the Serengeti national park, now is the time to book.From around the world 40 of our friends gathered in the Serengeti on our honeymoon. We timed it just right mid February we arrived.
It was amazing like a scene I had seen on a documentary the plains were full of gnu and zebra’s the sight was spectacular and the sounds amazing with lions roaring in the background. In the morning light we watched the mothers around us giving birth, with only a brief moment to give birth some mothers had calves half in and half out as they had to continue with the herd.
No sooner were the calves born than they starting unfolding and stretching, staggering as quickly as they could to their feet to join the herd. Watching with quiet awe we witnessed as predators stalked the weak, the sick, the aged and young (if they were left alone or could be separated from the herd), while yards away mothers were giving birth to their young.
We went deep into the Serengeti where the scenery was spectacular, but the biggest concentration of game we saw was near lake Ndutu. Huge flat topped acacias surround the beautiful glistening and welcoming Lake Ndutu it is a beautiful setting that is home to the wild life that migrates through the Serengeti.
We stayed two nights at Ndutu Safari Lodge which is quite small (I think we filled it) but was full of old style game lodge charm and is the only lodge where you can sit and watch the migration of the wildebeest as they give birth and feed on the grass. The end of our Tanzania safari was near, and soon it would be our turn to migrate back to our homes, we now have a memory of fun filled holiday adventures, joy of making new friends, our eyes were soon filled with tears as the Serengeti is left behind our plane moves higher over the African land below while we whisper into the clouds our vow to return again

If you are thinking of catching the February wildlife great migration in the Serengeti national park, now is the time to book.Our honeymoon was spent with 40 of our friends in the Serengeti. We came at the end of the second week in February which was ideal timing.
It was amazing like a scene I had seen on a documentary the plains were full of gnu and zebra’s the sight was spectacular and the sounds amazing with lions roaring in the background. With the great migration comes the calving season and I remember at first light all around us there were animals being born, the mothers hardly stopping to give birth, some calves half in and half out as the mothers continued the march.
Calves were born and from that moment the mothers are there encouraging them to stretch those awkward lanky legs, stagger to their feet and to move with the herd, as the mother knew staying with the herd will help their survival. Although it seems cruel to us it is natures way to trim out the weak, sick and aged animals for the survival of stronger and younger animals right in the midst of mothers giving birth to their young.
We went deep into the Serengeti where the scenery was spectacular, but the biggest concentration of game we saw was near lake Ndutu. Lake Ndutu, a picturesque scenery that is surrounded by massive acacias that provide shade for the migration and the lake with the water sparkling in the sunlight the thirsty animals line the lake and quench their thirst.
We stayed two nights at Ndutu Safari Lodge which is quite small (I think we filled it) but was full of old style game lodge charm and is the only lodge where you can sit and watch the migration of the wildebeest as they give birth and feed on the grass. Soon it was time to turn homeward bound ourselves, it was then that we realised that leaving Ndutu safari lodge, the lake Ndutu and Serengeti was going to be the hardest thing we have done because at some point of our Tanzania safari, Africa had captured our hearts

If you are thinking of catching the February wildlife great migration in the Serengeti national park, now is the time to book.Our honeymoon was spent with 40 of our friends in the Serengeti. Half way through February we landed and we couldn’t have timed it any better.
What a fabulous scene, gnu and zebra’s filled the plains turning the Serengeti into a moving mass, the air full of sounds with lions roaring to each other in the background zebra’s snorting and gnu calling out to each other this was my own personal safari documentary. In the morning light we watched the mothers around us giving birth, with only a brief moment to give birth some mothers had calves half in and half out as they had to continue with the herd.
Mothers were giving birth to their calves right in front of us and within minutes of the birth the calves were stretching their long legs staggering as quickly as they possibly could to join the herd. Watching with quiet awe we witnessed as predators stalked the weak, the sick, the aged and young (if they were left alone or could be separated from the herd), while yards away mothers were giving birth to their young.
We went deep into the Serengeti where the scenery was spectacular, but the biggest concentration of game we saw was near lake Ndutu. Lake Ndutu, a picturesque scenery that is surrounded by massive acacias that provide shade for the migration and the lake with the water sparkling in the sunlight the thirsty animals line the lake and quench their thirst.
We stayed two nights at Ndutu Safari Lodge which is quite small (I think we filled it) but was full of old style game lodge charm and is the only lodge where you can sit and watch the migration of the wildebeest as they give birth and feed on the grass. Soon it was time to turn homeward bound ourselves, it was then that we realised that leaving Ndutu safari lodge, the lake Ndutu and Serengeti was going to be the hardest thing we have done because at some point of our Tanzania safari, Africa had captured our hearts

If you are thinking of catching the February wildlife great migration in the Serengeti national park, now is the time to book.Our honeymoon was spent with 40 of our friends in the Serengeti. Mid February we arrived and our timing was perfect.
What a fabulous scene, gnu and zebra’s filled the plains turning the Serengeti into a moving mass, the air full of sounds with lions roaring to each other in the background zebra’s snorting and gnu calling out to each other this was my own personal safari documentary. As the sun rose on a new day we witnessed mothers giving birth all around us, for many they just paused gave birth, for others they had to continue the march with the herd which meant for them giving birth while walking.
In an amazing sequence we watched as calves were born then encouraged to stand and stagger with the herd. With mixed feelings we watched animals being born, nurtured and encouraged to get up and move off with the herd while others were chased and eaten by stronger predators, not able to take our eyes away from the dreadful scene we knew this was the survival of the fitest.
We went deep into the Serengeti where the scenery was spectacular, but the biggest concentration of game we saw was near lake Ndutu. Lake Ndutu, a picturesque scenery that is surrounded by massive acacias that provide shade for the migration and the lake with the water sparkling in the sunlight the thirsty animals line the lake and quench their thirst.
We stayed two nights at Ndutu Safari Lodge which is quite small (I think we filled it) but was full of old style game lodge charm and is the only lodge where you can sit and watch the migration of the wildebeest as they give birth and feed on the grass. Upon leaving Ndutu Safari Lodge, Lake Ndutu and the Serengeti national park we found it was one of the hardest things we have had to do, our hearts wanted us to stay in Tanzania but we had to return home knowing that we will return to Africa and all of it’s wonderful splendour