Planning a Family Trip to Africa

FAMILY & MULTI-GENERATIONAL TRAVEL 

East and South Africa are ideal locations for family and multi-generational trips. Enriching encounters that will inspire the imagination of young and mature alike. Many Born Free Safaris staff have traveled to Africa with their own families. We are confident in our recommendation of accommodations and specialist guides that actively encourage and enjoy the interaction. 

Africa is a rare destination that generally has everyone, from 5 to 85 years of age, on the same page as far as interests. There is nothing more rewarding than having the opportunity to watch your children, at any age, connect with different cultures to find a common bond or to turn a corner and see the excitement on their face when they see their favorite animal. Sounds like fun? It is!  

Born Free is passionate about being involved in planning a journey that is destined to become a life-long memory for you and your family. The same goes for our safari guides. Wherever you travel, you will be assigned one of our family-oriented specialty guides.

THE KEY ELEMENTS WHEN PLANNING A FAMILY TRIP TO AFRICA 

The trip must be well paced allowing time to explore the area and avoid long drives every day. Born Free will mix game drives with various activities including walking with the Maasai, visiting a school, visiting a wildlife orphanage, learning about conservation and even being ‘kissed’ by a giraffe. In South Africa, the sites are varied with Cape Town and then going on safari for 3 nights or a bit longer for 5 nights in two different areas is ideal. 

1. EXPERIENCES

There should be a variety of activities interspersed with the game viewing Schedule activities that are outside of game drives such as walks with the Maasai, learning about the constellations, a boat ride or camel bush breakfasts.

2. PRIVATE SAFARI for ALL BUDGETS

A private vehicle will afford the family the most comfort and flexibility.

3. YOUNGSTERS

The youngest age where we have found that children start to appreciate the journey is six. There is plenty for them to do and certain camps even have organized programs and will watch the children if Mom and Dad want to sip a quiet drink or just simply have a break.  As a special feature we do like to encourage setting up pen pal communications and hopefully meeting the pen pal child on the trip.  

4. CHILD FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATIONS

Depending on the families ages, we will recommend accommodation that have special family suites or attached units.  

5. HEALTH CONCERNS

Before we even start the planning check with your doctor to make sure all family members can take malaria pills. If a family member cannot take malaria pills there are excellent wildlife reserves in South Africa that are malaria free zones.  We always recommend tetanus, Hepatitis inoculations. For those under 60 years of age and going to multiple countries, you may also need a Yellow Fever shot. Due consult with Born Free on what is advised for the places you are planning to travel then consult with your doctor.   

6. SPECIAL NEEDS

Speak with your Born Free consultant about any and all the family’s needs. Born Free has hosted families for MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION and various dietary requirements from Kosher to Vegan to even the pickiest eater.   

7. PACING

Born Free Safaris’ family tour specialist will of course take in to consideration when creating your family’s to Africa.