When planning a safari — one of those bucket list trips we can all agree on — you need advice on when and where to go, where to stay, what’s best for kids, health and safety, and some suggested tour operators.
A family safari to Africa should be the trip of a lifetime. Many parents choose to wait till their children are above 12 years old, and better able to “appreciate” the trip, but those who’ve traveled with younger children claim it was a wonderful experience, too. As you begin to research your trip, keep in mind:
— The ages of your children
— Their abilities and interests
— The qualifications of the various tour operators, guides, and safari leaders to work with children.
Unlike many other family travel adventures that we encourage, an African safari should definitely be organized by a reputable tour operator, either from abroad or within Africa. When you begin your research, you’ll find safari tour operators who promise sightings of the “Big Five” – Cape buffalo, rhinoceros, elephant, lion, leopard – and rate the game reserves by how much wildlife can be seen there. But for you, the traveling family, how you see it will be just as important as what you see.
Plan Your Safari Together
Involve the entire family in planning the trip and before you go, read about the country’s history, the places you will visit, the wildlife, and other things you expect to see. It makes it much more interesting while you’re there. Adults and children should take photos, keep a family diary, and collect scrapbook items so that when you return home you can all make an album together. You’ll keep family memories alive and create an heirloom at the same time.
When to Go on an African Safari
The best time to see animals in many parts of Africa is during the warm, dry season, when the grass is short, visibility is good, and the weather is usually dry, approximately December to April. Kenya specialists recommend February, March, September and October as the best months for maximum game-viewing. But they also stress that anytime other than April and May, the rainiest months, are fine.
Where to Go for an African Safari
Most first-timers to Africa choose to visit the best known game parks — Kenya’s Masai Mara Reserve, Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park or South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Kenya boasts the the Masai Mara (a rambling open expanse in the south part of the country, with few other tourists and a good variety of animals) plus the Samburu National Reserve (popular, more tourists, but large variety of animals); Amboseli National Park (wonderful scenery, views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, but very arid area with few animals to be seen) and Tsavo National Park (newer preserve said to be rich in wildlife.)
Tanzania features Serengeti, including Lake Ndutu in the north, a region of fertile plains filled with wildlife. (The higher altitude near the equator also means warm days and cool nights.) The Ngorongoro Crater is another, more intimate, wildlife viewing area; it’s pleasantly cool and attracts fewer tourists.
South Africa’s Kruger National Park is its best known safari destination. Families on safari for the first time will be rewarded with exciting game viewing and a range of accommodations.
As Africa tourism expands (due to an improved infrastructure, wildlife management programs, and expanded international flights) travelers have also ventured into Botswana for the game-viewing experience.
Where to Stay on your Safari
Experienced tour operators recommend smaller tented safari camps, which are often quite luxurious. Families often look back on their contact with camp staff, rangers and guides as well as other guests, at meals and on the daily safaris, as one of the best parts of the trip. Traditional safari lodges tend to be larger, often with up to 100 people, which affects the intimacy of the game-viewing experience.
What to Look For When Selecting a Safari
— An introduction to the lifestyles, clothing, customs, arts, dances and rituals of local peoples is fascinating for all children, and should be a part of every Africa itinerary.
— A wide array of eco-adventure and wildlife viewing tours will thrill pre-teens and teens. Note that younger children may not be welcomed by tour operators, because of lodge or camp safety considerations.
— Review the itinerary carefully to be sure there will be enough free time for kids to roam and run on their own. Since animal-viewing is best at dawn and dusk, will there be afternoons free for napping?
— Is the tour guide scheduled for your departure dates accustomed to working with children?
— Check out the operator’s track record on environmental issues.
— Request references from past clients, particularly those with children, so you’ll get a more accurate picture of what you’re investing in.
Health & Safety in Africa
Each country in Africa has its own inoculation demands and safety record, and the tour operator you choose should inform you on what to expect and what precautions (health, physical safety, property safety, etc.) are recommended.
During the early planning stages, research State Department Travel Advisories for the most up-to-date information on political conditions and crime statistics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for up-to-date bulletins on incidences of Ebola and other health concerns. Be sure to notify your physician and pediatrician about your itinerary and discuss recommended inoculations at least six months prior to departure.
Suggested Family Safari Tour Operators
Though accommodations tend to be more expensive, tour operators often recommend a tented safari over one based in lodges. However, we have heard of tented safari camps being robbed at night by local burglars, so some families may feel safer in a well-guarded and secure lodge. The tour operators listed below will provide online or print brochures, quote prices and custom-plan family itineraries on request — a great option if you have younger children in your party.
Inquire about tour operators’ qualifications, and the experience of lodge managers, safari leaders and local guides in working with children. Their ability to plan suitable days (for grandparents and kids) and help children learn from this unique exposure to wildlife is vital to the success of your trip.
Abercrombie & Kent Although known for their high-end deluxe tours and exotic family holidays, A&K began their business with African safaris. They offer Kenya and Tanzania Small Group Family Safaris, with separate activities for parents and teenage children, from the eight countries in which they run safaris; discounts for travelers 12 and under.
African Travel Specialized in luxury custom safaris, with safari programs to South Africa’s Kruger National Park. FTF members have had excellent experience with them and report fantastic safari conditions and animal-viewing at Kruger. Call them for program information and rates; everything is customized to your needs.
Big Five Tours and Expeditions Long-time luxury tour operators to Africa now include families in special summer and winter holiday safaris. Besides a safari experience, their trips include a sightseeing tour of Kenya, cultural activities, visits to ranches and other programs of interest to kids.
International Expeditions offers the exclusive tented camps and country homes, itineraries in Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa, and special family itineraries.
Let’s Go Travel, based in Kenya, is now part of the much larger Uniglobe and has expanded their scope of operations. They are still recommended for arranging custom safaris in the Lake Ndutu and the Serengeti, for those who are getting themselves to Tanzania and just need a local tour operator.
Thomson Family Adventures For more than 20 years, Thomson specialized in bringing clients to Tanzania, and now books several family departures each year there and around the world. They are willing to plan individual family itineraries (ideal for those with younger children who aren’t accepted at many luxury tent camps.) Trips include shorter drives, more interaction with the Kenyan people and culture, and a greater variety of activities. Optional extension to Zanzibar for beach time. Ask about children’s discounts.
Wildland Adventures Cited by Outside magazine for their ecotourism trips around the world and African family safaris. Focus on contact with the locals and planned activities that include children who live in the region.
6 Useful Travel Tips from Old Africa Hands
Take it easy: Flights to Africa can take 10-20 hours — stop over en route so everyone can acclimate to the time difference.
Pack lightly: Luggage space is very limited on small internal planes to and from the parks. Some lodges can provide outerwear; ask your travel agent for a list of essentials.
What to Wear: Dress in neutral colors and layer cottons for warmth in the cool nights: Be prepared to do some handwash by carrying biodegradable soap powder.
Shoot pictures: Take more than one camera and extra data storage! Disposable panoramic cameras are good for younger children.
Health: Inquire up to 6 months in advance about necessary immunizations. Visit the CDC’c online Traveler’s Health section at cdc.gov/travel, and consult with your pediatrician. Carry in hand luggage your own First Aid kit with the usual essentials, including insect repellent and sun screens made specially for children. Most items can be bought locally, but are expensive.
Collect. Bring zip-loc bags and small plastic containers to store collectibles such as found bugs, leaves, dried flowers, feathers, and to preserve stamps, ticket stubs, etc.
Then let the adventures begin!
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
People who choose to book trips for summer or further out should do so with caution; the coronavirus pandemic is unpredictable. And many reservations may claim flexibility. Amid so much unknown, there will be one certainty: the headaches of rescheduling and canceling.
With a rugged interior featuring 286 peaks topping 3,000 meters Taiwan’s railway system is shoehorned onto the coastal margins where most of Taiwan’s cultural life is concentrated. Whether you ride the high-speed service from Taipei City to the second city of Kaohsiung or spend a week slowly circumnavigating the island by local train, all journeys are within eyeshot of either the cobalt-blue Pacific Ocean, flatlands of verdant rice-paddies, or towering mountainsides
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Amazing Post! about Amsterdam
There’s one street in Baltimore that’s more festive than the rest. Every holiday season, the neighborhood of Maryland’s miracle on h Street is decked out in Christmas lights and festive displays. From a tree made of hubcaps to classic candy cane fixtures, each house is uniquely decorated.
Considering Northeast Ohio has plenty of breweries, as well, Thomann was asked if it’s more likely we’ll find the members of Dorfrocker touring different venues tasting beers or visiting the Rock Roll Hall of Fame?
Covid-19 certainly affects travels plan…Not long ago my friends were among passengers of the British cruise ship Braemar. And how could the US refuse to help the ship and close the borders?? Unlike the US, Cuba showed its humanity and friendship! Thank you Cuba
Would you like to stay in the gorgeous area around Keukenhof? You can! We have a broad range of great hotels and bed and breakfasts for you. Accommodations in Haarlem, Leiden or Amsterdam are also good options.
I will reach Amsterdam only on 19 May morning, the last day of the flower exhibit. Is it still worthwhile to go Keukenhof Gardens? Will there still be many flowers to be seen?
Tulips and other flowers mainly bloom during spring. March through May is therefore the best time to visit the Netherlands if you want to watch them in bloom. The world’s most beautiful spring park, the Keukenhof, is open during this time.
If a court order states that one parent can travel abroad with the child without the consent of the other parent, what documentation is required? We recommend carrying a copy of the court order stating that the other parent’s consent is not needed to travel abroad with the child. Any questions about the wording of the court order should be directed to a family lawyer.
If transporting your pet by air is the only option, find out whether they can travel in the cabin with you. Most airlines will allow you to take a cat or small dog in the cabin for an additional fee. But you must call the airline well in advance; there are limits to the number of animals allowed in the cabin. If you are transporting your dog, make sure they meet the size requirements. If you get overwhelmed by all the regulations, there are companies that can help you navigate through the process of flying with a pet.
Is a consent letter mandatory? There is no Canadian legal requirement for children to carry a consent letter. However, a consent letter may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving a foreign country, airline agents or Canadian officials when re-entering Canada. Failure to produce a letter upon request may result in delays or refusal to enter or exit a country.
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2 adults available to drive your car from New Orleans to north suburb of Chicago mid October. Need 3 or four nights. Split the gas,
Dogs and cats should always be kept safely inside the car. Pets who are allowed to stick their heads out the window can be injured by particles of debris or made sick by having cold air forced into their lungs. Never transport a pet in the back of an open pickup truck.
Ever dreamed of driving along the cliffs that overlook the Pacific with the windows down? Or wanted to travel the historic Oregon Trail in a car instead of on a computer? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.
Rhonda, from a railman who started his train travel when he was 16, I would strongly suggest a Canadian Train Ride! Via Rail Canada offers four significant rides through wilderness and coastal areas with deluxe, overnight trains from Toronto to Vancouver ( 4 nights), and Montreal to Halifax, Nova Scotia (one night). Both offer a chance to have decent meals enroute, and sleeping car accommodations. Train crews tend to be a bit friendlier than south of the border, Canada, largely uninhabited, offers many scenic vistas with little hamlets few and far between, certainly a wonderful way for both of you to enjoy these new experiences.
Via Rail Canada also offers Railpasses, which enable you to travel on other routes as well for a bit of a price reduction. It’s all up to you!
Their website is http://www.viarail.ca for further information.
My son is a rail fan and we have traveled only in the US but I would love to surprise him with an excursion where he could talk to the train staff and railroad personnel. I would also like to include beautiful scenery as well for Both of us. My son is 16 and I am 59. We love to explore and don’t mind walking and roughing it!! any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won??™t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.
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This driving route of the Appalachian Trail parallels the epic hike. From the top of New England to the heart of Dixie, it takes you through continuous natural beauty—without the sweat, bugs, or blisters.
7 memorable Tips for Traveling to Mexico
Don stress if you don Mexico is agreeable to English speaking travelers, And there a ton of tips to get to know the country landscapes, terms, And younger culture.
yet still, If you new to traveling or have never been out of the us, A trip to Mexico may be somewhat frightening.
If you interested in learning some tips for traveling to Mexico, Take a look at our 7 easy to remember tips for your journey. We outlined some of the basics that you’d like to learn for your own aventura!
1. Choose the Right Transportation If you traveling to Mexico, You need to decide you might arrive by car, aeroplane, Or liner. It important to know how you want to arrive because it will searching,an extravagance,good to have city you arrive in, How much luggage you results, and so forth.
an individual can find international flights if you prefer to travel by air. instead, There are plenty of cruises to Mexico that you can enjoy if you like the amenities and beautiful views that are included in ship travel!
If you live nearby the border, Or just need to take a bit of a road trip, going down the road by car is always an option as well.
2. Use Pesos When You Can It best if you use the local currency pesos when you can. while touristy areas accept USD, They choose the rate at that they accept it, So it is possible to get a better deal if you just use pesos.
Consider exchanging USD for pesos somewhere in the usa before your trip and dividing up your cash between USD and pesos during your trip.
3. Know bathing room Etiquette In Mexico, The sewage pipes just aren built to handle a lot. this means that people rarely flush their toilet paper. rather than, There will often be a trash bin near the toilet for you to put your used toilet paper in.
further, Men may make of entering a bathroom labeled with an M, let’s assume that it stands for However, The M actually can stand for mujeres, Which is the word for in Spanish. Men needs to look for doors labeled H, Which stands for the Spanish word for men, Hombres.
4. Practice Some Spanish One of the most basic tips for traveling to Mexico is to learn a few Spanish phrases before your trip.
once you know basic things, Like how to ask where the bathroom is or how to order food, Will make your trip to Mexico a lot smoother. sometimes, The locals will appreciate the effort, Even if they undoubtedly speak English as well!
5. Adjust to the Time Whether you are changing time zones while having trip or staying in the same one, You find that Mexico runs on a lot more fluid schedule. Punctuality is less of a concern, So you take pleasure in it a lot more if you can relax and don push a strict schedule.
furthermore, Meals are spaced out a bit distinct in Mexico. You will usually have a large breakfast, associated with the main meal of the day between 2:00 together with 4:00 pm hours. then finally, You will enjoy a smaller meal at dusk.
6. Drink Bottled Water Bottled water can be found on just about any street corner for purchase. Why exactly do you wish to buy bottled water?
let me tell you, Most of Mexico plain faucet water is unpurified. Some hotels may have filtered water, But be sure to go shopping for a sign above your sinks before you test it out!
If you be residing in Mexico for a lengthier trip, Consider buying or bring a water filter with you to purify the tap water and avoid buying so much bottled water. You be decreasing costs and plastic consumption!
7. Stray off the Beaten Path While sightseeing attractions and famous beaches are always fun to see, Traveling to lesser known places will offer you a more authentic taste of Mexico.
of which this isn an excuse to be reckless or oblivious to your surroundings. Be mindful of the areas you visiting and research where you will make sure it a safe area.
Now You Armed with all very reputable Tips for Traveling to Mexico Mexico is a diverse country with so much to see and offer.
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The blog shared is interesting to read. Got some useful information of Chicago which will be really helpful before planning a trip to this place. Thanks for sharing this!
Many parents of individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder dread traveling or often avoid it altogether. Most people with ASD do better with routine and structure and a break from that (vacation) can often lead to stress and even meltdowns. Additionally, traveling by air can include having to navigate a multitude of unpleasant experiences from airport security procedures, moving sidewalks, and boarding tunnels to cramped seats, unfamiliar noises, and lots of strangers. Experts indicate that preparation and practice is the key to a successful flight and travel. Before your trip, talk with your child about what to expect. Go over the details of the travel: how you’ll get to the airport, wait in line, go through security, find your departure gate, get on the plane, buckle seatbelts, and spend time onboard. Flying to See Janet: A Fun Guide to the Airport Experience is a book you can use to prepare children for the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the airport experience. You can also write your own social story.
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Emily, my coming of age years were the late 1970s, early 1980s at the YMCA. I agree with you about the open showers versus the individual shower stalls. From a guys perspective, I spent many nights and weekends swimming or playing basketball at my local YMCA. Showering with not only my friends, but over the years, dads, neighbors and guys from church. It really makes one comfortable, not in a sexual way, with one self and others. Never had the nude swimming, I think that ended in the 1960s as women/girls joined the YMCA, forcing may YWCAs to close their doors.
Amelie, here in the US a number of Korean Spas have opened. As with Japanese, Korean families bath together (grandmother, daughter, grand-daughter), (dad, son) separated by gender. They are starting to attract a diverse clientele (age, race, etc). So who knows, maybe the nude swimming will return to the Y someday.
The Ski and Snow Vacations for Families article is one of the best I have ever read!
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Note that Global Affairs Canada cannot provide you with advice about the Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad beyond what is offered on this website.
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Chicago is a famous place that has many impressive landscapes.
Most visitors like traveling there.
I am always looking online for tips that can facilitate me. Thx!
helo, do you happent allow drive passengers to another state?
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I’m so happy that you enjoyed your experience at the Onsen!
I’ve never been to an Onsen, but I would love to get to visit one some day.
Back in the 1980s and 1990s my mom was the head supervisor at a YWCA in Ohio. I practically lived in the YWCA (not literally, of course) for the 19 years that my mom worked there. I had a part time job at the YWCA for a few years in the 1990s.
One of the great things about spending so much time at the YWCA was that I grew up using the locker room all of the way from a young child to a young woman and being 100% comfortable with both my own nudity and the nudity of all other females.
I feel that it was so much better back then when the Y had one big room full of shower heads on the walls than it is with stalls these days. The group shower setting was great from a bonding experience. I feel that it’s much healthier psychologically speaking that females are exposed to other women’s and girl’s bodies, as opposed to feeling that we need to hide from each other and change clothes in toilet stalls or under towels.
One of the benefits of having a mom who was a supervisor of the Y was that after hours my mom and my sisters and myself could just skinny dip in the pool, and my sisters and I were allowed to have our female friends with us for a skinny dipping session on Friday and Saturday nights.
Also, my aunt and a few of my female cousins would skinny dip with my mom, my sisters and I every once in a while.
My mom said that she had heard that the YWCA used to have one night a week that was for nude swimming back in the 1960s and most of the 1970s. Obviously it was a female only facility at the time.
Dubbed the Great Northern in memory of the pioneer railroad that parallels the western half of the route, US-2 is truly the most stunning and unforgettable, not to mention longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips.
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Oh man. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I certainly appreciate your take on this though, a little humor goes a long way. I’m headed to Barcelona in a few days, so I’ll be sure to keep my valuables close. Thanks for sharing.