To consider a safari with kids

[HeyThereDelilah1]

I’m looking into booking a Wilderness Safari staying at three camps with three light aircraft flights inbetween flights, in terms of safety animals do also roam around the camp as it’s very much nature first which we like as a concept, but do you think it’s suitable for our 12 and 13 year old daughters? They are nervous to go but I think it would be magical once we’re there, but I’m worried they won’t enjoy as it will feel dangerous. Im also wondering if I’m just being a bit mad and should look at a Greek island holiday instead?! How much would you look to spend for a 7 night stay? We’rep planning on visiting parks in both Zanzibar and Zimbabwe.

@TizerorFizz makes a good point. We watched hyenas tucking into a baby rhino.

My children loved the safari they did at around that age. We travel a lot and this trip remains a favourite for them.

That sort of safari is quite a big step from beach holidays. I think you need to be really honest about whether your vision of safari aligns with what your kids want to do and what they’ll cope with with or whether you’re prepared to compromise (for example South African lodge and beach extension versus harder going camp type safari).

When I was looking at safaris a while back I found the choice quite overwhelming as there are so many options but I discounted camps as I didn’t think I’d get on so well with canvas and thought lodges would give me a better balance and a bit more respite. I think you need a really honest conversation with the girls about what the experience might be like and possibly some alternative types of safari to see what would work best for you all.

I would add Namibia to safari ‘lite’. Great to see animals but less wild with Etosha a guaranteed spotting experience. When our kids were younger they really enjoyed it and you can do lots of other activities too - kayaking in a seal colony was a highlight as well as the giant dunes.