A Family Safari Adventure with one’s family has the potential to be one of the most memorable occasions in a child’s life. I know that the day I first witnessed the grace of a mother lion in the wild was in the Shamwari Private Game Reserve, before we set off for the Eastern Cape’s Addo Elephant Park. This particular trip I took with my family left such an impression on me – I would say it has had a hand in steering me in the direction of my dreams. Often there are not opportunities to take children on safari, where there are not the appropriate facilities in place the experience has been designed more in line with the child-less romance of honeymoons and the appreciative solace of natural tranquillity.
There is a place for adult-only adventures in the wilderness, but there is also nothing more comforting than knowing your little loved one is delighting in an animal world only previously seen on the big screen. For the purpose of remembering, bonding, learning and loving, there are a number of top notch camps in different areas of southern and east Africa that are designed to accommodate the multifaceted makeup of a family. With specific rules in place, for the safety of the people and animals present on game drives in Africa, that prevent children under a certain age from joining in, there are numerous other activities on offer designed to entertain young minds.
The Okavango Delta is one of the most spectacular safari destinations in the world, with the sodden wetlands producing the magnificent, nourished riverbank greenery home to around 400 species of birds, elephants and lions adapted to swimming, rare antelope species, and large populations of hippos and crocodiles. Seba Camp in Botswana’s Delta boasts a superb family safari setup that sets an example for others in a similar league, perfect for a Family Safari Adventure. Here, the comforts of home begin in the name. Seba means ‘whisper’ in the local language, Tswana, and this was a name given to a baby elephant who starred in the Disney film “Whispers”, which was filmed in the area. Today, Seba Camp sets families up in the utmost comfort and privacy in 2 individually-styled family tents – one catering for 4 people with an upper-level deck and one catering for 6 people.
All the family tents at Seba Camp have private swimming pools with ample space for poolside entertainment in an environment that simulates one’s home. The lively décor creates fun and inspiring interiors, where games and other sources of entertainment are stored. Outdoor activities are plentiful and certainly give Mom and Dad a break from having to supervise their children. Energetic football games with the staff members, building ‘volcanoes’ in the sand and investigating the various tracks and signs left around camp. Babysitting services are available, meaning that adults are offered relaxing and low-key afternoons should they like to take a break from family activity.
In South Africa, the Kruger National Park waves the flag high for its undying commitment to superb safari opportunities. This is a recommended destination for any foreigners wanting to visit South Africa and also falls into prime holiday itineraries for many locals. The Sabi Sand Private Reserve in the Kruger carries an incredible reputation for unrivalled leopard sightings in this country. It is a reserve with an interesting and significant history and has been moulded over the years into one of the most sought-after destinations on a South African safari. Within the Sabi Sand is Umkumbe Safari Lodge, gloriously located on the banks of the Sand river and offering unbeatable photographic safaris. It is also one of the lodges in the Kruger Park that offers accommodation to families. Interleading tents allow for a certain degree of privacy between adults and children – ideal for families with teenagers – yet maintain the closeness desired by Moms and Dads travelling with their kids. Beautifully designed with African flair, yet relaxed and unpretentious, Umkumbe Safari Lodge makes a Sabi Sand safari family-friendly.
Next, coming highly recommended is the camp dedicated to the walking safari – made famous in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. This is the ultimate thrill, whilst providing a look into the details within the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve’s thriving ecosystem. Africa on Foot is a superb, relaxed, safari camp accommodating in comfort and style while keeping things interesting for excitable family members. Guests are invited to spend a night atop a game-viewing tower in warmly dressed beds and covered by a thatched roof, overlooking the surrounding reserve. Africa on Foot encourages children at the camp have the opportunity to delve deep into the wild world around them as they are taken on fascinating guided walking safaris of their own. Five chalets are decorated with wonderfully African-inspired furnishings, maintaining the authenticity of the bushveld and providing an inviting space for young and old to appreciate the beauty of a safari holiday.
Chloe Cooper
