10 Considerations for families going on Safaris; There are several challenges worth keeping in mind for families going on safari – not least of which will be cost! Below are some of considerations worthwhile;
How do I Plan a Family Safari in Kenya?
First of all, due to the safety considerations with proximity to wild animals, many lodges and tour operators accept kids younger than a certain age which is usually starts between 8 -12-year-old age. First step to take when planning a family safari in Kenya– always read the fine print before booking your family vacation in Kenya or making payment for your safari. Another way; Contact the lodge or tour company about what family -friendly means to them.
The few details you get before you plan for your Kenyan safari -you need to book accommodation with a swimming pool and other thrilling children’s activities offered at the city hotel -babysitting services which makes a different when traveling with the whole family.
Working together with locally based safari operator with intimate local knowledge is the key to ensure all of your family’s unique needs are attended to.
Note; traveling with a reputable tour operator that has previously worked with families is every essential for young kids to engage in, educating the family and showing you both big game and creatures, otherwise you might miss in Kenya’s wildlife rich national parks.
Minimum Age Restrictions;
Families going for life adventure should be aware about the accommodation or where to stay – note to some safari camps and lodges welcome children of all ages but some have a minimum age restriction of 4 and 12 years. Therefore, one of the aspects you should consider when selecting the appropriate accommodation. However, if your booking -you must check first the relevant child policy with the camp/lodge.
Age Restrictions on Activities;
Yes, you should know that not all safari activities are open to children of all ages. We see Gorilla trekking and white -water rafting, for example have a minimum age of 15 years. Walking safari is another activity that can vary at the camp/lodge’s discretion, because it may relate to the prevalence of dangerous game.
When it comes to activities like walking safaris or gorilla trekking you need to do exercise your parental discretion or physical body.
If you’re travelling with teenagers, a few adrenalin -inducing Kenya safari activities must be planned for them to keep them focused.
Discounts for Children;
In terms of pricing, most safari camps/lodges consider some children over 12 years of age to be an adult. However, you should not get confused with minimum age restrictions that might apply for specific activities. So, children over 12 years of age generally pay adult fees. But very few safari camps/lodges give discounts to children over 12 years. So then, children under 12 years need to be sharing with an adult to receive a discounted fee.
Children’s Activity Programs;
We see many camps, have now developed children’s activity programs and some of them have got skilled guide with a lot of love and care for the children- good a dedicated guide for families.
Considering the age of 4 to 8 years, this program is mostly consisting of skilled guide who takes the children under their care. There are wide range of thrilling activities children can engage in around the camp, including narrating to them interesting stories, painting /drawing animals, birding and bug collection. The guides available can keep an eye on them while the parents go on a game walk, during the time of nature walk guides will help the children through collecting pods, feathers, insect and leaves.
Guides also teaches them how to identify different animals spoor and dropping as well as game drives.
When is the best time of year to go on a family safari in Kenya?
The best time to go on a family safari in Kenya is during the drier seasons starting from Mid-June to October. During this time of the, heat can be a lot because of much sunshine that forces the animals to congregate at watering holes thus making them easier to spot. It is also best time to go for the annual wildebeest migration ‘’July to October’’. Then, from October the wildebeest circle back to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. If you want to be certain you observe the migration, plan to be in the Mara in early September. You visiting the park, you will be guided with experienced guide who track the migration across the vast plains, makes sure you watch the Mara River crossing.
What is the cost of a family safari in Kenya?
The cost of a family safari in Kenya varies on what you prefer or want; private safari or group safari. Otherwards, do you want a private vehicle for your family or are you willing to include other guests in your vehicle, which may reduce costs. Kenyan Family Safaris ranges from USD200 per person per day to upwards USD1,000per person, per day. Achieve Global Safaris can accommodate all kinds of the budget while considering the family size.
Is it safe to travel to Kenya with kids?
East Africa may seem like an un safe place for kids, but let’s just be assured that country like Kenya is perfect place to travel with kids, especially when traveling with a reputable tour operator. As we all know that, everyone in the family need vaccinations, but if you’re prepared to spend a bit extra and are prepared for explore, then you are guaranteed to have the vacation of a lifetime.
Consider the location your visiting – We recommend you to always ask your lodge or tour operator company to make arrangements for you for airport pickup, so that you do not need to hassle with taxi cabs after along flight.
Things to see and do in Kenya with kids
Kenya safari destinations as got a bucket of child- friendly activities, it’s hard to choose. Starting from traditional game drives where kids can enjoy to see the Big Five while roaming the savannah plains in Masai Mara National Reserve or Amboseli National Park. Goes to guided bush walks, hot air balloon rides giving eye flying view of the above landscape. You can visit feeding the baby orphaned elephants at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi National Park, visit the Masai local visit during walking safari in the bush among others.
Above of all, engaging in the great wildebeest migration truly stuns everyone’s mind -life style.
Get Started Now! Start planning a family safari in the heart of Africa ‘’Kenya one of the top visited safari destinations in Africa and worldwide’’.
