Features > Family > Family Friendly Africa
Traveling in Africa can be a wonderful experience, but it s not without it's challenges, risks and frustrations. For this reason travelers are sometimes hesitant to travel with their families, especially if they plan to do a game viewing safari. Here's some inside information on child friendly destinations that will offer you a great family vacation.
Top of the list has to be South Africa, with its extensive transport infrastructure and variety of touring options it's a firm favorite. For affordability, your best option is to do a self drive tour which will be both economical and allow you the freedom to accommodate the whims of younger travelers. Good quality guesthouses offer a home away from home and many larger hotels have a free child policy if they share a room with parents.
Not all private game lodges and reserves accommodate children, so if you are travelling as a family, be sure to check their child policy in advance. However there are some lodges in the Addo Elephant National Park that have specific family programs. This affords the parents an opportunity to enjoy game drives and bush walks whilst the children are taken care of by experienced guides. The children's program includes activities that teach them about the different animals and their habits. The kids then get to enjoy a short guided walk in an area free of large predators and game drive on their own where they can spot birds and animals from the safety of closed vehicles.
Possibly not considered to be a true African destination, Mauritius is nevertheless a fantastic family destination. Warm temperatures year round and beautiful tropical beaches make it a place where the whole family can relax and have fun. Most of the resorts and hotels have kiddie clubs which keep the children entertained with daily activity programs. Perfect for allowing the parents an opportunity to relax on the beach knowing the kids are taken care of.
The other destination worth mentioning is Namibia. Whilst it is primarily a desert landscape, it has many interesting attractions. A great way to explore with the family is to do a road trip. A two week itinerary will afford you sufficient time for game viewing in Etosha, visits to the high dunes of the Skeleton coast and exploring the cultural and historic sites in between.
Cherella | Jun12, 2009 | Category: Family