Safari companies in South Africa and Kenya open their doors to families seeking adventure with children of all ages.
Safari, or “travel” in Swahili, is no longer limited to adventure-seeking adults and perhaps older teens. Family Travel Forum’s consulting division has tracked the increase in the number of safari companies catering to families with younger children. For generations, families were discouraged from bringing children under age 14 along on a safari. “They’re too young to wake up for dawn animal viewing,” was one complaint. “They can’t keep still in the Jeeps” was another.
Yet more robust demand has forced the industry to rethink its policies and make more options available. Safari companies such as those in South Africa, Kenya and Zambia are welcoming even toddlers into the world of the wild.
Family Safaris in Botswana & South Africa
Maniago Safaris (254 20 4449461/2), one of Africa’s leading travel destination management companies, has created kid-friendly safaris to include ages 4-12, as well as specialized trips in East Africa. One such excursion is to Stanley’s Camp, a 260,000-acre ground in the untamed landscape of Botswana. Activities allow children to camp outdoors next to hippos, and feed the wildlife while getting to know the elephants. Visitors can walk with the herd and even learn more about the Masai people indigenous to this location.
Two private lodges located within the famous Kruger National Park of South Africa are making efforts to welcome children by incorporating them into guided safari programs. The exclusive Savanna Lodge (27/13 751 2474) at Sabi Sands in Kruger National Park has lowered its minimum age from 14-years to 8. One of their private tent suites will accommodate children of any age, and the camp organizes two family game drives daily with, as they put it, "a drink and snack break" in between.
The Rock Lodge at Ulusaba (877/577-8777), the ultimate “Big Five” (leopards, lions, elephants, rhinos, and African buffalo) safari destination, is another private game reserve that has arranged family suites with plunge pools, a supervised Cubs Club for children of all ages (kids under 6 are free), and specialized game drives for children 6-years and up. Part of Sir Richard Branson's empire, there is no set program for the Cubs Clubs here; children enjoy activities such as treasure hunts and story time, and “Cubs cuisine,” with kid favorite dishes like pasta and pizza.
On the outskirts of Kruger National Park is Camp Jabulani (27 12 460 5605), an award-winning eco-luxury camp that grew after the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC) rescued and nursed a baby elephant, Jabulani, back to health. The camp has a family-friendly villa, the Zindoga Presidential Villa, and a kids program, Team Tusker, for children under the age of 12. As parents enjoy their own safari experience, the youngsters will experience educational and exciting supervised activities twice a day. Unique and fun events include: dung throwing, bush cooking and baking, bug catching, African song and dance classes, bird watching and star-naming. And of course, the staple campfire stories, T-shirt making and arts-n-crafts are also available. Plus, all children (as long as they are accompanied by their parents) will have the opportunity to participate in Camp Jabulani's elephant riding experience.
Also based in South Africa, African Classic Encounters (212/972-0031) puts a kid-friendly spin on the African experience by naming the continent “nature’s theme park.” All safari programs are led by personal rangers and a skilled Shangaan tracker. Special family-oriented programs include a Walk with Baboons, a two- to three-hour guided hike to see troops of Chacma Baboons (the southern-most primates in the world) in their natural environment. Families can also whale-watch along the South African coastline and see the migration of 40-ton Southernright whales, or explore Boulder Beach to watch the jackass penguins, found nowhere else in the world.
The Mantis Collection (877/354-2213) boasts a variety of boutique hotels and game reserves across Europe, Africa and even Antarctica. In Africa, choose from the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, Oceana Beach & Wildlife Reserve, Nkomazi Game Reserve, Jock Safari Lodge, and the Mpumalanga Game Reserve in South Africa, or their newer lodges in Rwanda. The reserves blend luxury accommodations, an award-winning regard for environmental preservation, and an African backdrop to view elephants, rhinos, buffalos, lions and leopards.
Mantis guests with smaller children (4-years and older to participate in excursions) should opt for the child-friendly Shamwari Game Reserve. Their special children safaris offer a coordinator to discuss family activity options in regards to family size, children's ages, and weather. Children also receive a gift pack with plush toy, workbook, and surprises, and have their own children's menu for meals. The reserve also offers children their own culture experience through African bead making, clay making activities, face painting, star-gazing and African story-telling. Family excursions include trips to The Born Free Foundation Big Cat Rescue Centre, Shamwari Wildlife Hospital, and Shamwari Film Studio to capture your family's adventure on DVD.
Family Safaris in Kenya
As the originator of the safari as tourism movement, Kenya holds a special place in the hearts of many animal lovers. Almost any African tour operator can arrange a safari for your family in Kenya, but there are noted guides who specialize in customizing a safari to a multi-generational group, providing private trackers, planes and lodging for a big price tag. John Stevens Safaris (+263 4 494313), run by John and his wife Nicci — who handles logistics — from their base in Zimbabwe, is one of the continent's pre-eminent private guide services. Notes world traveler John Levy, "We had one of our greatest family adventures with John who took us through the wilds of Botswana. I cannot overstate what a fantastic experience this was for all of us, and we are eager to return." The extended Levy family safari included 17 family members ranging from 7 to 83 years of age. With two decades of tracking and living amongst the continent's wildlife, we found John to be a remarkable storyteller who leaves his mark on visitors of any age.
In Kenya, the well regarded Governors’ Camps (254 (20) 273 4000) are welcoming families with a flexible “do-it-your-way” safari set up. Basically, this program offers three drives per day with your own vehicle, a hot air balloon safari, walking safaris with a guide, and the opportunity to visit a local school for Maasai children. Using facilities at the six Governors’ Camps properties (voted Best Hotel in Kenya by Travel + Leisure magazine), families can have their own sleep-and-dine tents with 8 beds and a verandah for game viewing. Smaller family tents sleep up to two adults and three kids. The company provides childcare for parents who want to dine alone, and guarantees that kids who want to pitch their own tent will be assigned a night watchman to stand by.
Maniago Safaris (254 20 4449461/2), who cater to ages 4-12, are based in Kenya. They specialize in family programs to Giraffe Manor, outside of Nairobi and work closely with the recreation staff of Heritage Hotels (254/ (20) 44 6651, 303/993-7906). The luxury hotel group is considered a leader in youth programs and offers a variety of family and wallet-friendly safari programs to make your trip to Africa the family vacation to remember.
The Adventurers Club (ages 4-12) exposes children to the magic of Africa with activities such as making plaster casts of Big Cat tracks from the real thing, planting trees and learning about deforestation, and catching and studying butterflies, the program features a “bush school.” This unique opportunity allows children to learn about the bush through excursions to historical sites, conservation work, and cultural and sporting exchanges with local Maasai and Samburu communities. The activities are run by famed Kenyan naturalists, who are each assisted by highly trained counselors responsible for the care and wellbeing of the younger children. All Adventurers staff have undergone specialist 1st-Aid training, and most speak at least two European languages.
The focus of the Young Rangers Club for teen guests is conservation education, community interaction, and practical ‘bush skills.’ It aims to educate teens about the importance of Africa’s wilderness and tribal cultures, and the need to preserve both for future generations. Participants are encouraged to join in special fly-fishing and camping expeditions (available to Loita Hills in Maasailand or to the summit of Samburus’ sacred Mount Olokwe).
Family Safaris in Zambia
Robin Pope Safaris (260/216 246 090/091/092 ) welcomes families at several different facilities in Zambia including Nkwali Camp and Luangwa Safari House (7-years and up), Robin’s House (children of all ages), and Tena and Nsefu Camps (age 12 and up). (Bush camping is suggested for ages 16 and up.) These unique camps boast impressive collections of lion, leopard, buffalo, hippo, elephant, giraffe, and more than 400 species of birds that will dazzle families and children. Each camp sleeps 14 people or less to ensure an intimate setting and individual attention. Children enjoy watching the animals playing, eating, and hunting on game drives. And on guided nature walks, families can learn how to identify animal paw prints and droppings, just like authentic bushmen.
Children delight in visiting native children at their school in the Kawaza Village and learning about local customs and culture. The Robin Pope Safari also keeps families entertained after a long day of exploration with safari packs featuring fun quizzes and puzzles. To keep the family-bonding going all safari long, lodges also provide books, games, cards, swingball, paints, sandbox, nearby swimming pool, kid-friendly meals, cookie-baking, and collecting eggs from the hen house. Parents looking to steal a moment to themselves can also arrange for childcare.
Whether families are traveling for a glimpse of the “Big Five” or just looking for a memorable experience, with more safari companies catering to the younger generation, Africa may soon become a more mainstream — and affordable — family destination.
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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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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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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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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.