Are you dreaming of embarking on an extraordinary adventure with your family, an experience that combines excitement, education, and the thrill of the wild? Have you considered an Africa family safari? With an African family safari, you can introduce your children to diverse cultures, awe-inspiring wildlife, and spectacular landscapes that continue to capture hearts worldwide. But the challenge lies in the planning. The avalanche of information to digest, safety concerns, and juggling budgets—it can be utterly overwhelming.
Luckily, at Good Earth Expedition, we understand these pain points and are committed to making your dream safari trip a hassle-free and memorable reality. We bring to the table our years of experience, our wide networks with the best local guides, not to mention a dedication to ethical travel which ensures a win for you, and a win for Africa.
Here’s a quick glance at what to expect when planning an ‘Africa family safari’:
- Cost: An African safari can cost anywhere between $125 and $1,500 per person per night, depending on the level of luxury you opt for.
- Best Destinations: You can’t get better than Kenya or Tanzania for a classic, Lion King-style family safari.
- Age Considerations: While not all safari activities are open to children of all ages, many operators offer forward-thinking, child-friendly activities, and most agree 5 or 6 years old is a good age to start.
- Health and Safety: Proper precautions and advisories are necessary, especially in malaria-prone regions. Some destinations offer malaria-free safari locations.
- Our Role: We at Good Earth Expedition customize your journey to your specific needs and budget, ensuring a rich, unforgettable, and safe experience.
Stay with us as we delve deeper into African family safaris, providing you with invaluable insider tips and expert advice for making your wild African dream a cherished family memory.
Understanding the Costs of an African Family Safari
When planning your much-awaited Africa family safari, understanding the costs involved is crucial. It helps you make informed decisions and ensures that your safari adventure stays within your budget.
Budget, Mid-Range, and Luxury Safari Options
The cost of an African safari varies greatly depending on the type of safari you choose. Budget safaris typically average around $150 per person per night. These safaris usually include basic accommodations and meals, and are a great option for travelers who want to experience the magic of Africa without breaking the bank.
Mid-range safaris, on the other hand, offer a balance of comfort and affordability, with prices averaging $350 per person per night. These safaris often feature comfortable lodges or tented camps, more personalized service, and better game-viewing locations.
For those seeking the ultimate safari experience, luxury safaris provide top-of-the-line accommodations, exceptional service, and exclusive game viewing experiences. Prices for luxury safaris start at $750 per person per night, with the most exclusive safaris costing $1,500 per night or more.
Additional Costs to Consider
While planning your safari, it’s important to factor in additional costs that may not be included in your safari package. These can include international and domestic flights, visas, travel insurance, vaccinations, and personal expenses such as souvenirs and tips for your guides and staff.
Moreover, some activities, like gorilla trekking and white-water rafting, have age restrictions and additional costs. Always check the specifics with your safari company to avoid surprises.
At Good Earth Expedition, we strive to provide transparent pricing, ensuring that all our clients are fully aware of the costs involved in their chosen safari. By taking time to understand your unique needs and budget, we can help customize an unforgettable safari experience that is both affordable and enriching.
An African safari is a lifetime experience. While it’s important to stick to your budget, it’s equally important to ensure that you and your family have a safe, comfortable, and memorable safari experience.
In the next section, we’ll discuss how to choose the best destinations for your family safari.
Choosing the Best Destinations for Your Family Safari
Choosing the right destination for your Africa family safari can make a world of difference in your overall experience. Here are some of the best destinations we recommend at Good Earth Expedition:
The Classic Safari Experience: Kenya and Tanzania
For a classic, unforgettable safari experience, you can’t beat Kenya and Tanzania. These countries offer a vast array of safari opportunities. Whether you’re looking to explore the lush rainforest or witness the majesty of the Serengeti Plain, Tanzania offers the greatest animal migration on earth . Kenya, on the other hand, is home to the famous Maasai Mara, where you can witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, a spectacle like no other. This is a top choice for a classic, Lion-King-style family safari.
Malaria-Free Options: South Africa
If you have concerns about Malaria, South Africa offers several malaria-free safari options. It is home to the Kruger National Park, one of the most famous safari destinations in the world, where you can spot the Big Five – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo. The country also boasts of magnificent landscapes, from towering mountains to pristine beaches . It offers a perfect blend of wildlife spotting, unique cultural experiences, and stunning coastal scenery, making it a great choice for families with young children.
Other Family-Friendly Safari Destinations
Zambia is another family-friendly safari destination in Africa. It’s home to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and a diversity of wildlife in its many parks and safari areas . The country is named after the Zambezi river, which flows along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, offering an exquisite backdrop to your safari adventures.
Choosing the right destination for your Africa family safari depends on your family’s preferences and interests. Whether you prefer the classic safari experience, a malaria-free option, or a destination with unique attractions, Africa has something for everyone. At Good Earth Expedition, we’ll work with you to tailor your safari experience to your family’s needs, ensuring a memorable and exciting adventure for all.
Age Considerations for Family Safaris
When planning an Africa family safari, age is a significant factor to consider. Different safari activities are suitable for various age groups. Understanding these age considerations ensures a safe and enjoyable safari experience for the whole family.
Activities for Different Age Groups
The safari activities available to your family will depend on the age of your children. For instance, toddlers and younger children require a safari schedule built around their routines. Morning game drives before bath time, meals scheduled before anyone gets too hungry, and short game drives with frequent breaks can make the safari experience enjoyable for them.
For school-aged children, involving them in the trip planning can make the experience more exciting. Let them look at maps, pick lodges, and even plan a day or two of the itinerary under adult supervision.
For teenagers and older children, some areas offer ‘voluntourism’ options. However, extreme care should be taken with these activities to ensure they genuinely contribute to conservation efforts and do not exploit the animals they claim to help.
At Good Earth Expedition, we understand these age considerations and tailor the safari activities to suit the age and interests of your family members.
The Best Age to Take a Child on a Safari
While you can take children of all ages on an African safari, some activities have age restrictions. For instance, gorilla trekking and white-water rafting have a minimum age requirement of 15 years. Walking safaris can also vary at the camp/lodge’s discretion and may depend on the prevalence of dangerous game.
From our experience, children aged 5 or 6 years tend to get the most out of a safari. However, some prefer to wait until their children are 7 or 8 years old.
The best age to take your child on a safari will ultimately depend on your child’s interests, maturity, and ability to handle long drives and new experiences. At Good Earth Expedition, we can provide expert advice to help you decide the best time for your child to experience an African safari.
In conclusion, considering the age of your children when planning your Africa family safari ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for the whole family. At Good Earth Expedition, we’re here to help you navigate these considerations and plan the perfect safari adventure for your family.
Preparing for Your Family Safari: Essential Tips
Now that you have an idea about the best safari destinations and how to plan according to your children’s age, let’s delve into some key details you should prepare for. This includes health precautions, necessary travel documents, and understanding electricity in your destination countries.
Health Precautions: Malaria Medication Options for Children and Pregnant Women
Traveling to certain parts of Africa, especially those with a high risk of malaria, requires special precautions—especially for children under five, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems.
Different types of malaria medication are prescribed depending on the age and weight of the child, as well as the health condition of pregnant women. Mefloquine is a common prescription for babies and children. It’s available in syrup form, which makes it easier for children to take.
For pregnant women and children younger than 10 years, Doxycycline is usually recommended. However, it’s crucial to remember that any medication should be prescribed by a medical professional, considering the medical history and potential contra-indications.
Travel Documents: Unabridged Birth Certificates for Children
When traveling with children, you must secure an unabridged birth certificate. This document includes the particulars of both parents and is required for children traveling without their spouse or unaccompanied.
For children born in South Africa after 14 March 2013, an unabridged birth certificate is automatically issued. For those born before this date or those from countries that don’t automatically issue this certificate, an application must be made well before the travel date.
Understanding Electricity in African Countries
Electricity in most African countries, including Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, is 220/240 volts.
Most safari lodges and camps rely on solar lighting backed up by batteries, with generators running part of the day. Hairdryers may not be usable in camps running on solar power.
We at Good Earth Expedition understand the unique needs and concerns when planning an Africa family safari. We’re here to help you prepare and ensure a safe, exciting, and memorable journey for you and your family.
The Unique Experiences Offered by Family Safaris
Family safaris in Africa are so much more than just a vacation. They are a window to a world of rare and awe-inspiring experiences that your family will treasure forever. There are two key highlights that make an African family safari truly unforgettable: the rich cultural experiences and the extraordinary wildlife sightings.
Cultural Experiences
One of the most enriching aspects of an Africa family safari is the opportunity to immerse yourself in diverse cultures. Africa is a continent of rich traditions and vibrant cultures, and a safari gives your family a unique chance to experience this first-hand.
Good Earth Expedition seamlessly integrates cultural experiences into our safaris. We take you to local communities where you can interact with the residents, participate in their daily activities, and learn about their traditions and way of life. This not only enriches your travel experience but also helps support the local economy and uplift the communities we visit. It’s a win-win situation that leaves a lasting impression on both our travelers and the communities we interact with.
Wildlife Sightings
Let’s face it, the real stars of any safari are the animals. The thrill of spotting a lion on the hunt, or a herd of elephants crossing your path, or a flock of brilliantly colored birds taking flight is an experience that’s hard to match.
At Good Earth Expedition, we specialize in incredible wildlife viewing away from the crowds. Whether it’s silently gliding through the Okavango in a dug-out canoe, trekking mountain gorillas, walking through the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, or boating on the Zambezi, we make sure you get the best wildlife viewing experiences.
We carefully select our safari guides, ensuring they are some of the best in Africa. Their expertise and passion for wildlife not only enhance your safari experience but also ensure a safe and unforgettable journey for your family.
No two safaris are ever the same as every family and their preferences are unique. Whether your family seeks excitement, relaxation, or a mix of both, we at Good Earth Expedition can tailor an African safari that perfectly matches your family’s unique needs and interests.
Choosing the Right Safari Company: Good Earth Expedition
Choosing your safari partner is just as important as picking your destinations. The right safari company will not only ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey but also have a positive impact on the communities and environments you visit.
When it comes to tailoring an unforgettable Africa family safari, we at Good Earth Expedition stand out for several reasons.
Tailored Safari Experiences
We understand that each family is unique – with different preferences, interests, and expectations. To cater to each family’s unique needs, we create flexible and customised safari experiences. Whether it’s wildlife viewing in open safari vehicles, mountain trekking, or a thrilling adventure of sleeping under the stars, we can make it happen. Our commitment to personalised experiences ensures that your family holiday becomes a cherished memory.
Commitment to Local Communities
At Good Earth Expedition, we believe in travel that not only enriches the traveller but also benefits the local communities. Our unique program combines adventure with education, giving you the chance to make a real difference while seeing some of the most amazing places on earth. We are committed to supporting sustainable practices that help protect our good earth and uplift local communities.
Best Price Guarantee
As a budget-conscious traveler, you’ll appreciate our guarantee of the best price for our tours. Our goal is to make world-class safari experiences accessible to all. We offer a range of safari packages, from affordable group safaris to luxury private tours, ensuring there’s something for every budget.
In summary, choosing Good Earth Expedition as your safari partner means you’ll get a tailored safari experience, an opportunity to support local communities, and the best price guaranteed. If you’re ready to start planning your unforgettable African family safari, we’re just a call away.
Conclusion: Creating Unforgettable Family Memories in Africa
Embarking on an African family safari is more than just a vacation. It’s an opportunity to create lifelong memories, expose your children to different cultures, and instil in them a love for wildlife and nature. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-packed adventure or a relaxing retreat immersed in nature’s bounty, there’s an African safari that’s perfect for your family.
At Good Earth Expedition, we specialize in creating tailor-made safari experiences that cater to the unique needs and interests of every family. We understand that every family is unique, and that’s why no two safaris with us are ever the same. Our expert team will guide you through every step of the process, from choosing the best safari destinations and accommodations to planning activities that will engage and delight every member of your family.
Our safaris are not just about offering you the best wildlife viewing experiences, they also contribute to the conservation of Africa’s stunning wildlife and wilderness, and help uplift and empower local communities. As African Family Safaris states, “Our safaris have a light footprint, but leave a lasting impression.”
Choosing Good Earth Expedition as your safari partner also means you’re choosing to travel responsibly. We’re committed to supporting local communities, and we ensure our safaris have a positive impact on the places and people we visit.
Our previous guests speak highly of their experiences with us. As A. Stout from the USA narrates, “The entire experience was a delight and it was wonderful to be equals in a new adventure! Every detail was tended to, not a thing was missed. I would be on a flight tonight if it were offered to me. Everyone in our family would rank it a 13 on a scale of 10.”
So why wait? Discover the magic of Africa with us and create unforgettable memories that your family will treasure for a lifetime. Get in touch with us today to start planning your dream Africa family safari.
