Frequently asked questions from parents and children
Family Safari FAQ
A safari is a family holiday that your children will cherish forever. Over the last three decades we have received hundreds of questions from both parents and children alike. We have answered some of the most frequently asked question about family safaris to Africa below. A safari is a family holiday that your children will cherish forever. Over the last three decades we have received hundreds of questions from both parents and children alike. We have answered some of the most frequently asked question about family safaris to Africa below.
A safari is a family holiday that your children will cherish forever. Over the last three decades we have received hundreds of questions from both parents and children alike. We have answered some of the most frequently asked question about family safaris to Africa below. A safari is a family holiday that your children will cherish forever. Over the last three decades we have received hundreds of questions from both parents and children alike. We have answered some of the most frequently asked question about family safaris to Africa below.
Where Is Best For A Family Safari?
That depends on what you want to experience and when you want to travel. Africa is extremely diverse and there is something for everyone. Whether you want to tick off the Big Five on exciting game drives then head to the beach or try something a little more adventurous such as fly camping and tracking rhino on foot.
Generally, South Africa and Kenya would be the first places to consider for a safari with young children. Both countries have superb family safari accommodation and offer services such as babysitting and kids activity programmes. If you have teenagers or young adult children, any destination can work but for particularly active family safaris we would recommend Zambia, Zimbabwe, or southern Tanzania. If your family wants to conclude with a few days on the beach then the Kenyan coast, Zanzibar and Mozambique are ideal.
The best way to start is to have a chat with one of our experienced team.
Generally, South Africa and Kenya would be the first places to consider for a safari with young children. Both countries have superb family safari accommodation and offer services such as babysitting and kids activity programmes. If you have teenagers or young adult children, any destination can work but for particularly active family safaris we would recommend Zambia, Zimbabwe, or southern Tanzania. If your family wants to conclude with a few days on the beach then the Kenyan coast, Zanzibar and Mozambique are ideal.
The best way to start is to have a chat with one of our experienced team.
Don't We Need Lots Of Vaccinations, And What About Malaria?
We always recommend that you seek medical advice prior to travel, however most of Africa requires no more vaccinations than if you were travelling in Asia or South America and some regions require less. There are now excellent malarial prophylactics for children, however, if you feel unsure, there are parts of Africa that are malaria free.
For destination specific information Travel Health Pro (UK) and the Centre For Disease Control and Prevention (USA) have comprehensive websites which provide the latest vaccination requirements, anti-malarial measures and general health advice for every country. We would suggest booking an appointment with a specialist doctor or clinic to discuss your particular requirements no less than 8 weeks prior to travel.
For destination specific information Travel Health Pro (UK) and the Centre For Disease Control and Prevention (USA) have comprehensive websites which provide the latest vaccination requirements, anti-malarial measures and general health advice for every country. We would suggest booking an appointment with a specialist doctor or clinic to discuss your particular requirements no less than 8 weeks prior to travel.
What Age Is Best For A Safari With Kids?
A safari is an inspirational holiday, introducing children to a fascinating part of our planet, very different from their own. It’s possible to take children of any age on safari but once they reach five or six their ability to take part in a variety of great adventures ensures they get the most out of the experience. Every safari we arrange is created just for you by a member of our experienced travel design team, this allows us to tailor everything to suit your family’s individual needs and interests.
You can explore some of the possibilities based on your children’s ages below.
Best Safaris With Young Children
Best Safaris With Teenagers
Multigenerational and Extended Family Safaris
You can explore some of the possibilities based on your children’s ages below.
Best Safaris With Young Children
Best Safaris With Teenagers
Multigenerational and Extended Family Safaris
How Involved Can My Kids Get?
A safari is a holiday that allows all the family to be completely immersed, enjoying new experiences together each day. Your safari guides will create a schedule of activities, perfectly suited to your family’s interests to keep everyone entertained, whatever their age. Should you need a bit of rest in between, staff at the camp will happily take charge; baking safari cookies, creating arts and crafts, setting out on bug walks and teaching traditional African games.
What Family Activities Are Possible On An African Safari?
There are so many new and exciting things to do on safari, you’ll never be bored! Each evening before dinner you will sit down with your guide to decide what great adventures you would like to have tomorrow; riding horses, game drives, fishing, river rafting, connecting with local communities — there is something for everyone.
The links below will take you to articles featuring some of our favourite family safari activities by destination.
The links below will take you to articles featuring some of our favourite family safari activities by destination.
Can You Learn About Different Cultures On An African Safari?
Africa is rich in unique cultures, afterall, it’s the cradle of humankind. There are lots of opportunities to connect with communities during your family safari and we will ensure these moments are authentic and positively impact the people you are meeting. For children it is fascinating to see how the lives of many children in Africa are very different to ours; some live in mud huts, walk miles to school each day or have the occasional elephant visit their playground. We can arrange for your family to spend time with children who live in the areas you visit to learn about their different way of life.
What Will The Food Be Like?
You can expect the food on safari to be delicious and plentiful with a focus on fresh, sustainable, locally sourced produce. Many safari properties have their own vegetable gardens which you can explore, selecting the ingredients for your next meal. They are experienced in catering to different dietary requirements, including kosher kitchens. We inform each property of your dietary requirements prior to your arrival to ensure they are well prepared. Some camps also have fun features like outdoor pizza ovens, so your kids can get involved in creating a feast for dinner.
How Much Does A Luxury Family Safari Cost?
Every safari we arrange is unique, designed to your family’s needs and interests. When you speak with a member of our design team they will explore your requirements, including your budget and create the best safari to suit you and your family.
An average price for a tailor made luxury safari of 7-10 days would be in the region of £8,000 per person. If you travel in low season, or reduce the level of luxury this can fall to around £6,000 per person. Equally, if you travel to the finest properties during peak season or include privately chartered flights and private guides this figure would likely increase to £20,000 per person or more.
There is a world of difference between one of our individually designed safaris and most package holidays. Package holidays are usually designed to be as cheap as possible and involve large numbers of people doing the same thing.
Our safaris use small, exclusive and remote camps that offer great flexibility in the best locations and usually virtually everything is included in the price; all accommodation, internal travel, park fees, meals, drinks, game viewing activities, door to door assistance, and 24/7 support while you are on your safari.
Other Factors that Impact the Cost of Your Luxury Safari:
Whatever your desires might be, our team of experts will recommend the best options based on your interest and budget.
For a tailored quote contact our team here.
An average price for a tailor made luxury safari of 7-10 days would be in the region of £8,000 per person. If you travel in low season, or reduce the level of luxury this can fall to around £6,000 per person. Equally, if you travel to the finest properties during peak season or include privately chartered flights and private guides this figure would likely increase to £20,000 per person or more.
There is a world of difference between one of our individually designed safaris and most package holidays. Package holidays are usually designed to be as cheap as possible and involve large numbers of people doing the same thing.
Our safaris use small, exclusive and remote camps that offer great flexibility in the best locations and usually virtually everything is included in the price; all accommodation, internal travel, park fees, meals, drinks, game viewing activities, door to door assistance, and 24/7 support while you are on your safari.
Other Factors that Impact the Cost of Your Luxury Safari:
- Who you are travelling with can have an impact on the cost. At most of the safari camps and lodges we work with, children under 12 receive lower rates and the youngest (under 3 years old) often go free, so the cost of your trip will also depend on the age and number of the children in your family.
- Combining your safari with a beach stay or a visit to Cape Town or the Garden Route in South Africa can also have a favourable impact on the cost of your holiday as these would not normally carry the same sort of price tag as the safari section.
- Booking out a whole camp exclusively, adding an exclusive behind the scenes tour with leading conservation experts or an Emmy award nominee cinematographer to document your safari will move the price in the opposite direction.
Whatever your desires might be, our team of experts will recommend the best options based on your interest and budget.
For a tailored quote contact our team here.
What Is The Safest Country For A Family Safari?
Your safety is our top priority. We have over 30 years’ experience keeping our clients safe. Our team actively monitors travel advice for the destinations in which we work and complement this with information from our partners on the ground, many of whom we have been working with for decades.
From the moment you step off the plane you will be assisted by our partners so you are never left wondering where to go, or how to get there. In addition we are here 24/7 for any questions you have during your trip.
From the moment you step off the plane you will be assisted by our partners so you are never left wondering where to go, or how to get there. In addition we are here 24/7 for any questions you have during your trip.
How Far In Advance Should I Book My Family Safari?
As a general rule, we recommend booking your safari no less than 12 months prior to travel. The best safari properties often have between six and 12 rooms, so arranging your trip early will help us to secure the best properties for you.
How Do I Plan A Family Safari?
Africa has been refining the safari experience for over a century; today the possibilities are seemingless endless. Which destination should I visit? What time of year should I travel? How long should I spend at each location? If you’re in search of your family’s perfect safari, you should work with an expert who will answer these questions and design an itinerary to suit your unique needs and interests.
We have over 30 years experience arranging family safaris; we understand which questions to ask and what needs to be considered. We then combine the information you give us about your unique requirements with our knowledge of Africa to create the trip of a lifetime, without the stress. Our long standing relationships also allow us to go further, arranging for special interactions or experiences that wouldn’t normally be possible.
When you contact us, we will begin with a short conversation so that your dedicated travel designer can start to understand the needs of your family and can give advice on destinations or experiences that would be right for you.
We have over 30 years experience arranging family safaris; we understand which questions to ask and what needs to be considered. We then combine the information you give us about your unique requirements with our knowledge of Africa to create the trip of a lifetime, without the stress. Our long standing relationships also allow us to go further, arranging for special interactions or experiences that wouldn’t normally be possible.
When you contact us, we will begin with a short conversation so that your dedicated travel designer can start to understand the needs of your family and can give advice on destinations or experiences that would be right for you.
What Happens When You Enquire About A Family Safari With Journeysmiths?
When you contact us to enquire about a family safari, an Africa specialist from our travel design team will get in touch to arrange a convenient time to talk over email, phone, video chat, whatsapp or whatever suits you. This step is really important as we get to know you and your families interests and requirements and discuss ideas for your safari.
Your dedicated travel designer will then create the first draft of your journey to share with you, this can then be finetuned until you are completely happy with everything.
Once you have confirmed your safari with Journeysmiths we will send you all the information you need to prepare for your trip from packing lists, to visa and vaccination information etc. In the background, our operations team will be working away to ensure every element of your itinerary runs perfectly.
Your dedicated travel designer is available to support you as you prepare for your trip, answering any questions you have.
While away, you’ll be met at every step of the way by our partners and we are also only a phone call or message away, 24/7.
You can read more about how we work by clicking the link below, or, get in touch.
Your dedicated travel designer will then create the first draft of your journey to share with you, this can then be finetuned until you are completely happy with everything.
Once you have confirmed your safari with Journeysmiths we will send you all the information you need to prepare for your trip from packing lists, to visa and vaccination information etc. In the background, our operations team will be working away to ensure every element of your itinerary runs perfectly.
Your dedicated travel designer is available to support you as you prepare for your trip, answering any questions you have.
While away, you’ll be met at every step of the way by our partners and we are also only a phone call or message away, 24/7.
You can read more about how we work by clicking the link below, or, get in touch.
Safari Trip Ideas for Families
Family Trip Idea
Family Safari in Botswana
From the glistening floodplains of the Okavango Delta, to the pristine wilderness of Linyanti, and beyond to the shimmering salt flats of Makgadikgadi - this family friendly safari will leave you all with lifelong memories. Experience the diverse ecosystems and wildlife Botswana has to offer in this spectacular journey from Delta to Desert.
Family Trip Idea
South Africa Family Safari
See the splendour of South Africa as a family on this exclusive safari. Spend your days exploring captivating Cape Town, enjoying the delights of the Winelands and on safari, seeking out the abundant wildlife that roams the wilderness. No matter your age, this iconic safari will leave you with memories for a lifetime.
Family Trip Idea
Family Safari in Kenya
From the iconic Masai Mara to the awe-inspiring Laikipia, explore Kenya as a family. Witness breathtaking wildlife and immerse yourselves in rich traditions for an unforgettable adventure in a land where the untamed wilderness thrives alongside vibrant cultures.
Family Trip Idea
10-day Tanzania Family Safari
Create memories of a lifetime together on an epic family safari in Tanzania. Witness the endless, game-filled plains of the Serengeti, explore the natural wonder of the Ngorongoro Crater and experience the magnificent wildlife in Tarangire.
Why Travel with Journeysmiths
We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made safaris to the timeless savannahs of Africa. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made safaris to the timeless savannahs of Africa. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.