Working in the travel industry, we are often asked if children can be taken on safari. As a mother of two children born into the safari world, I would say — absolutely! The fascination, adventure, and experiences are second to none, and will be something those children cherish for a very long time. In turn, they become storytellers, adventure seekers and develop a deep appreciation for just how delicate and precious our natural world is.
Some of our very first adventures as a family were to family-friendly lodges, where we could safely view animals at a nearby waterhole or from a safari vehicle. As the children got older we were able to get to more remote areas where we could explore small areas on foot and sleep under canvas.
One of my most memorable weekends was staying in a camp on the edge of a dry riverbed in Manyara National Park. As the sun went down, the campfire was lit, the children were showered and clean! The wonderful camp staff told us early dinner for the children was ready, a very special venue for them – dinner in the riverbed watching elephant walk by to a nearby waterhole! Pure Magic!
There are so many firsts for young minds — from seeing elephants to dung beetles. As adults, we often take for granted the thrill of seeing something for the very first time. As a parent, seeing the absolute joy and wonder as new animals are spotted — and the endless questions that follow — is infectious and a beautiful reminder of why we fell in love with the bush.
Now that our children are growing up in Australia, they still have a huge respect for, and fascination with, animals, birds, and the natural world. There are days when we deeply miss the African bush and all it has to offer, but there are a lot of photos with some very happy memories and wonderful moments. From loo rolls binoculars to VTech cameras.
There is so much to see, so much to learn. Safaris are a wonderful family adventure and one that can be enjoyed by all.