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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To consider spending a LOT of money on a safari holiday ...

132 replies

lilybetsy · 30/08/2017 21:35

My three kids will be 19, 16 and 13 next Summer, I am a single parent and really thinking this is likley to be the last oppportunity for us to go away as a family together,

It's a 3 weeks trip, very nice, and pretty expensive. But amazing. Will see stuff and do stuff together that we will always remember,

What are memories worth ? Is it worth the debt it will be for me ( but I can manage) .... I can't make my mind up ...

OP posts:
weaselwords · 30/08/2017 21:36

Oh God yes, do it! You will remember it for the rest of your life.

Holidayhooray · 30/08/2017 21:36

Do it. Do it. Do it.

(Obv I don't know the impact on your finances but presuming you wouldn't be considering if it was going to cause hardship, then do it!!

Hassled · 30/08/2017 21:38

If you really really can manage the debt (and could you manage it if you lost your job/whatever worst case scenario you can think of?) then absolutely, go for it. It would be an amazing experience and you're right, it's possibly the last year this sort of thing would happen (although my adult DCs still come on holiday with us so don't despair if it doesn't work out). Have fun booking it :).

Sodaface · 30/08/2017 21:38

It's a once in a lifetime but kids will make memories anywhere. However if it was me I'd do it, go & enjoy, life's for living!

SoftSheen · 30/08/2017 21:38

If you can afford it, do it. The memories will be priceless.

JustMarriedBecca · 30/08/2017 21:39

Stay at Shindzela in Kruger. Off road private camp but really good value. £180 a night including drives rather than £350-400 per night that trailfinders was quoting us

Tweennightmare · 30/08/2017 21:39

Absolutely do it. I have a 19 year old and I can really feel the family holidays will definitely be coming to an end soon

HereBeFuckery · 30/08/2017 21:42

Not sure if it's allowed to recommend a friend's company, but Jackalberry Safaris in Zambia do budget but brilliant safaris. And I can vouch for the owners being lovely, fun people!

Liara · 30/08/2017 21:42

For most holidays I would say don't get in debt, but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and your dc are exactly the right age so that it will be amazing for all of them.

Holidayhooray · 30/08/2017 21:43

Elephant plains

Amazing

dazzlingdeborahrose · 30/08/2017 21:45

Do it! It's an amazing experience.

AliCat36 · 30/08/2017 21:50

Safaris are just the most amazing experience. I first went in 1989, to Kenya, & I can still remember the excitement, seeing the places & especially the animals. I went to Zambia in 2007 & it was such an incredible experience. Absolutely the best holidays imaginable.
Do it!!

jay55 · 30/08/2017 21:54

Do it. I've not been but my dad has been on several and his pictures are amazing. You'll have a great time.

TeenTimesTwo · 30/08/2017 21:54

We went to SA in 2012. I don't think you need 3 weeks.
We did
Fly overnight
2 nights recovery in hotel
4 nights in one reserve 2 game drives morning and evening
4 nights in second game reserve, 2 game drives morning and evening
2 nights recovery in hotel
Fly overnight

We removed all the stuff we didn't value, and spent on the bits we did value. It was an excellent holiday and made fantastic memories.

BadLad · 30/08/2017 21:55

Safaris are amazing.

Hpwever, I think it's madness to get into debt for a holiday.

IfYouGoDownToTheWoodsToday · 30/08/2017 22:06

No, I wouldn't go into debt for a holiday.

Save up for it and then go. My Dc still came on some holiday with us and they are in their twenties.

AdoraBell · 30/08/2017 22:07

Absolutely do it. You will all have fantastic shared memories.

Mallowmarshmallow · 30/08/2017 22:07

Nope, I definitely would if I was you.
Memories are priceless.
We did a safari in Kenya for our honeymoon and we speak of it often, it's our one big 'when the kids are older' type holiday. We would love so much to be able to share the experience with them when they're (much) older.

ApuskiDoo · 30/08/2017 22:08

Don't go into debt for a holiday.

fluffiphlox · 30/08/2017 22:09

Go to Zambia to a smaller camp or lodge. Best trips of my life.

ferriswheel · 30/08/2017 22:10

Oh I don't know. I thought you should definitely go until you said the debt word.

How much debt?
How long would it take to pay off?

I'm a single parent of three, what are your tips?

C0untDucku1a · 30/08/2017 22:10

I stil go on holiday with my parents and im
38! Im actually on holiday with my mil right now. But yes safari hold are amazing.

Newtssuitcase · 30/08/2017 22:12

We went to madikwe two years ago. It was amazing. DH and I have also done Kenyan safaris twice. However 3 weeks is way too long IMO.

Tazerface · 30/08/2017 22:12

I had a friend whose parents took them on a once of a lifetime safari holiday when she was just about to go to uni. She says it was the best experience of her life.

I'd do it OP.

fairyqueen · 30/08/2017 22:12

Our similar holiday is on the mortgage. Three years on I don't regret it for a moment. Try 'the Ant collection' in South Africa. It's a horse riding safari and the most amazing place. We aren't even that into riding and loved it.

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