Need to find a 'true' family safari

[mrsm5]

Want to take DH on a surprise safari for his 40th next year and would love to take DS, who will be 4 in March 2009 (when I'm planning for). However, I'm finding that under fives aren't allowed or we can only go on a 'Family Safari' if there's two adults and two children (discrimination anyone?).

Am I hoping for too much to take DS with us to see his favourite animals on safari? Do I have to give in and just plan for me and DH, and assuage my guilt by buying a million souvenirs for DS while we're there?

The typical structure of a safari holiday is based around game drives - one very early in the morning, one later in the day towards dusk as this is when the animals are most active. These are often for several hours at a time and not an ideal activity for small children.

If you want to do a classic luxury tent in the bush wildlife experience, I would suggest that at 4 your DS is a bit small to appreciate it.

If you want to do a family holiday you could do a trip to say South Africa and combine beaches and other things with visits to National Parks to see wildlife. It may be easier to find a larger hotel which is better provisioned for children to stay in for a short while within a park.

Depends what you really want?

There are lodges that specialise in catering for children - search for Jaci's Safari Lodge.

But you also want to think about malaria, most Parks are in malarial areas and this can also be a problem with smaller children...

I would tend to go with what the others that 4 is still quite young for an activity safari holiday, however that is your choice and obv the resorts at the end of the day. I expect it is to do with insurance and the fact that you may be with a group on the tour, so everyone needs should be taken into account.

www.rexsafaris.com is a good place to start.

I've been looking at a website for a travel firm called 'the adventure company' (www.theadventurecompany.co.uk I think) who seem to do lots of different safari-type things all over the world including some aimed at younger children. Haven't actually used them myself but their website looks informative as they make it clear which ones definitely don't suit children.

We would love to go on a safari but it would be a once-in-a-lifetime holiday for us, and we took the view that it would not be worth doing until the dc were old enough to appreciate it, and remember it. About 8 we think.

If you want your DS to see his favourite animals in a more natural setting than a zoo, take him to Longleat!

We went to Namibia with Expert Africa. Namibia is great for kids. The website is has a bit of info about family trips and which lodges to choose (some have dedicated childrens' guides). But there is not that much info on the website so call the company. Their people are so nice and helpful.

www.expertafrica.com/

We are going on an Adventure Company trip at Easter, but to Egyopt, not safari. However, so far I have been very impressed with their booking staff - I looked at one hol, but their sales guy advised me to do a differnt one after we had talked about the ages of the children, thier personalities and interests - they do take time and make the effort to ensure they match you to the approporaite schedule, so should give you good advice re your DS.