Family & Multi-Generational
I'm a proponent of introducing youngsters to a variety of countries and different cultures. My daughter (pictured above) made her first international trip strapped to my chest in a baby carrier. By the time she was twelve she'd been to the Caribbean, Central America, Middle East, and twice to Europe and Africa.
Many of the destinations we feature offer wonderful experiences for family travel and have few or no restrictions on children. There are various age-appropriate activities that will engage both young and old. We’re happy to discuss these with you based upon your family’s interests.
An African safari has become an increasingly popular choice for Family and Multi-Generational travel - parents with their children, grandparents with their adult children and grandchildren, or even grandparents traveling with just their grandchildren, or multiple families traveling together.
Safaris may have age restrictions. Each safari country has its own minimum age criteria which in some cases is set by the individual camps and lodges. As a general rule, children are not permitted to be in their own accommodations (room/tent) unless they are twelve or older. Thus, a child under 12-years old must share with an older child or adult. Triples are possible, but somewhat uncommon unless a family unit/tent or villa is available.
In East Africa, Kenya and Tanzania have few age restrictions for children to be on safari although some properties may require eight years of age. Gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda has a minimum age of fifteen.
Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe) may have tighter age restrictions. Where there are age restriction the minimum age to permit a child on safari is usually nine although some safari properties raise the age to twelve or sixteen. Certain camps may allow children as young as six-years-old provided the family take over the entire camp.
Considerations for traveling on safari with young children (typically six and under):
Many of the destinations we feature offer wonderful experiences for family travel and have few or no restrictions on children. There are various age-appropriate activities that will engage both young and old. We’re happy to discuss these with you based upon your family’s interests.
An African safari has become an increasingly popular choice for Family and Multi-Generational travel - parents with their children, grandparents with their adult children and grandchildren, or even grandparents traveling with just their grandchildren, or multiple families traveling together.
Safaris may have age restrictions. Each safari country has its own minimum age criteria which in some cases is set by the individual camps and lodges. As a general rule, children are not permitted to be in their own accommodations (room/tent) unless they are twelve or older. Thus, a child under 12-years old must share with an older child or adult. Triples are possible, but somewhat uncommon unless a family unit/tent or villa is available.
In East Africa, Kenya and Tanzania have few age restrictions for children to be on safari although some properties may require eight years of age. Gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda has a minimum age of fifteen.
Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe) may have tighter age restrictions. Where there are age restriction the minimum age to permit a child on safari is usually nine although some safari properties raise the age to twelve or sixteen. Certain camps may allow children as young as six-years-old provided the family take over the entire camp.
Considerations for traveling on safari with young children (typically six and under):
- Malaria is present in many safari destinations. Will your pediatrician prescribe a malaria prophylaxis for your child? Safaris in malaria-free regions can be arranged.
- Similar age consideration for a Yellow Fever vaccination where required.
- Safari camps/lodges may allow the child in camp, but will not permit young children on game-drives unless the family books a private safari vehicle.
- Where younger children are not permitted on game-drives it is advisable to select camps/lodges that have children’s "Junior Safari" programs/activities to keep children occupied while parents are on game-drives. There may be minimum age requirements for these programs (childcare or babysitting services may also be available).
- As an additional safety precaution, it is recommended that parents consider selecting a camp or lodge that has a fenced perimeter rather than unfenced camps/lodges which are more susceptible to dangerous wildlife and predators.
