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Original poster

Have you taken young children on safari?

49 replies

Kidsonsafari · 28/06/2020 09:58

We’re looking at a big family safari holiday in 2022. It’s a bucket list thing for my mum (she’s not ill but obviously not getting younger) so not one we want to leave for many more years, and something I’ve always wanted to do as well. We’ll be looking at a week only because of kid factors below, whatever we end up doing.

DC will be 6 and 4/5. From reading around, I’m unsure what’s best to do about them. I’m not sure I really want to leave them for a whole week (bloody tempting as it is sometimes) and it’s also the kind of holiday I’d want them to share, but wouldn’t completely rule the option out. We’d be able to ask another family member to stay for the week if we wanted to go for that option (DH will be with me and that is set). Obviously that opens up more options for location and cost.

However, everything I’m reading says it gets boring as isn’t ideal for kids so young, which I fully appreciate. We’ve seen some resorts who are more family-focused, offer good childcare while the adults go out some of the ‘main’ drives, have better opportunities for other more ‘child friendly’ mini drives as well, etc. They look like all three generations would have a wonderful time there.

If you’ve done this, have you any recommendations or experience (or even costs) to share?

OP posts:
Original poster
Kidsonsafari · 28/06/2020 10:00

Just to add that our own preference is to take them but want to be sure it’ll work and everyone will be able to enjoy it enough.

OP posts:
OhioOhioOhio · 28/06/2020 10:03

If there was another lockdown you would be stuck in a different country away from your kids. Take them.

Original poster
Kidsonsafari · 28/06/2020 10:06

True, although hopefully by that point we’ll be far enough away from all of this, plus we’re not booking until probably this time next year. But then it’s 2020 and nothing now surprises me.

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Randomdogbite · 28/06/2020 10:07

I don’t think they let very young children on safari. We went to South Africa and our 5 year old wasn’t allowed but I can’t remember the cut off age.

Original poster
Kidsonsafari · 28/06/2020 10:10

Yes, that’s another thing re childcare and good provision back at a resort. I’ve definitely seen 6 for some places, others do it on a case-by-case basis. Wouldn’t want to split the DC.

It does look like an uphill battle to get this to work but I’m keen to check all options to see if it can at all.

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Tenpintonpin · 28/06/2020 10:11

When I've looked in the past typical minimum age (across several different countries) was 7, I think?

ComDummings · 28/06/2020 10:17

I wouldn’t take children that young on safari. I’ve been on a safari trip once and it was absolutely amazing, but for many of the drives children wouldn’t be allowed. If they’re going to be staying away from you in the resort most days I just think what’s the point in taking them? Many places are in malaria zones, you might need extra vaccinations for them. I mean it’s doable but I just don’t know how enjoyable it would be for them.

Thekindyoufindinasecondhand · 28/06/2020 10:17

We went to Masai Mara 2 years ago. Admittedly we were all over 18 (family of 4, similar to you Mums lifetime dream!)
There was only one family with young children at a large safari resort we were at, so not many at all. There is a fair amount of waiting around when you are out on safari, as an adult you appreciate the beautiful scenery whilst waiting and it's all worth it when you see an amazing animal, chase or kill (or whatever you've been leading up to that particular day).
Like most things it depends on your children. If they are patient and listen well then it would be fine, dare I say it you could even take some distraction for them when you are out on safari for the quieter moments (yes iPad and headphones!)
In the evenings lights are turned down low to stop animals from roaming into the camp and we had to get taken from the main restaurant area to our tents by a guide, as an adult this was quite exhilarating as you would hear lions roaring nearby etc but just one thing that could, possibly be a bit scary for a child.
Hopefully someone who has taken children may be able to help you but just my experience!

JoanieCash · 28/06/2020 10:19

Also factor in that your kids must take anti-malarial tablets and consider if you want young kids to actually be on them (potential side effects and compliance). I also want to take dd but decided in end sometime closer to 12 would be safer. Maybe you could go with just your mum, or for family time closer to home, to Port Lympne or similar.

BananaPop2020 · 28/06/2020 10:20

I don’t think you need to worry about the possibility of another lockdown that strikes at the exact same time as your holiday in 2022, that was a completely alarmist statement. I would be more worried about malaria, suitability of holiday and long journeys etc.

Original poster
Kidsonsafari · 28/06/2020 10:20

If they’re going to be staying away from you in the resort most days I just think what’s the point in taking them?

This is a good point...

I mean it’s doable but I just don’t know how enjoyable it would be for them.

Issue in a nutshell. It’s too much money for it to just be ‘doable’, I think.

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Bumbers · 28/06/2020 10:21

It was a long time ago (with much less in the way of regulation) but I went on safari in Kenya when I was 5 (my uncle was working there). We were even setting up camp and sleeping in tents (I was on the top bunk and we were told we had to be off the ground because of the scorpions, which was a bit scary but exciting).

I LOVED it and have very vivid memories. So - it possibly depends on your kids (my brother at 7 did get a bit bored) but I wouldn't have missed that for anything.

Original poster
Kidsonsafari · 28/06/2020 10:22

I don’t think you need to worry about the possibility of another lockdown that strikes at the exact same time as your holiday in 2022, that was a completely alarmist statement

Quite Smile

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Bumbers · 28/06/2020 10:23

And I never had a huge issue with extra injections (maybe a tad nervous at first but easy to sell as part of the big adventure) and my Mum used to take a pot of honey and we had a spoonful of honey with our anti malarial pill on each day. Worked wonderfully.

Original poster
Kidsonsafari · 28/06/2020 10:26

Definitely don’t intend to go without DH, purely from the POV that I don’t want to do an experience like that without sharing it with my partner and best friend (especially as mum and sis will have their partners!).

Do have some concerns about the eldest’s attention, all things considered. Possibly the youngest’s. Not averse to iPad and headphones when needed but hiking them all the way to a different hemisphere to sit in a jeep on iPads... at least back at a resort with the right provision they’d be focused on.

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Original poster
Kidsonsafari · 28/06/2020 10:27

Bumbers, you bloody lucky thing. What incredible memories Smile

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TeenPlusTwenties · 28/06/2020 10:33

We went on safari when my youngest was not quite 8.
She massively enjoyed it (is an animal nut).
We did 8 consecutive days with evening and morning game drives lasting 2.5-3 hours.
We had to get up at 5:30am for the morning drive, and didn't eat until 9pm ( or later?) after the evening one.

We went to S.Africa to 2 parks near J'burg - Pilansberg and Madikwe. We didn't need malaria stuff due to the altitude.

For part of the time there was another family in the truck with us. They had a 6yo who was frankly bored and therefore badly behaved and annoying and a pain. He was too young. He didn't have the concentration, or the interest.

Original poster
Kidsonsafari · 28/06/2020 10:34

Teen thank you - that is all very useful.

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midnightstar66 · 28/06/2020 10:34

Not me but I followed the Facebook adventure of a family who just did an extended safari with 3 young dc recently and wow it looked the most amazing experience. I'd do it in a heartbeat if I had the funds. Depends on the dc though I suppose. You'd need adventurous ones that cope well out of normal routine

Random63638 · 28/06/2020 10:35

Ive done self drive safari in South Africa and Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and both were amazing. It's so easy to do. Fly to Johannesburg, rent car, drive to park. There is simple but great accommodation in o around the parks and you have the option of going to other areas too. Kruger was probably my least favourite park because it's so commercial but it is also incredibly easy. You could sled drive with the kids where they will only be annoying you and go on a night drive without them or something. Pretty sure baby sitting is available. In Eswatini you can go cycling in a game park without big predators, its an amazing experience biking with zebras. You have the option of a total DIY experience using the parks and wildlife accommodation, or go upmarket, or mix and match. I would do it again in a shot if I could.

I think the British perception of safari is a bit different to the range of options available. It doesn't have to be an elitist upmarket thing where kids wouldn't be tolerated, but it certainly can be!

whichteaareyou · 28/06/2020 10:36

I went on a safari a couple of years ago and kids were more than welcome but the family had to have their own truck so couldn't share with other people. It was the best thing I've done in my life!

TeenPlusTwenties · 28/06/2020 10:36

The trucks are quite bumpy.
You start in the morning with about a million layers of clothes and finish with as little as you can get away with without burning. Reverse for the evening.

I think they are too young. Let them stay with grandparents or something.

britnay · 28/06/2020 10:37

Also, bear in mind that if you're going to Southern Africa, it'll probably be 12-15 hours travelling just to get there....

midnightstar66 · 28/06/2020 10:38

To add the family in question didn't just book a package they arranged it all them selves with private guides. It was much cheaper that way too

TeenPlusTwenties · 28/06/2020 10:39

We wondered about self drive but I am so glad we didn't as with the expertise of the guide we saw and understood so much more.