Africa is an amazing tourist destination for people of all age groups. Be it children, adolescents or adults, the country has a little something for everybody. If you plan to take children with you to Africa, then all you need to do is plan your trip strategically for a memorable experience.
Here are a few do’s and don’ts if you are traveling to Africa with kids:
Dos
-
Take Hot Air Balloon Rides
If you are planning your trip to Africa, then hot air balloon rides with your children should be a part of your to do list. Explore the breath-taking beauty of Africa and experience the wildlife during your flight. Get a view of the amazing African landscapes and give your children a once in a lifetime experience with a hot air balloon ride.
-
Go on a Kenya Family Safari
If you are confused about taking your children to an African Safari, the answer is definitely yes. Going to a safari is a memorable experience, where children can interact and enjoy wildlife in an intimate manner. Sitting in a game vehicle and observing animals pass by is an experience you wouldn’t want to compromise upon.
As you will be visiting the safari with children, make sure to book a tour with a reliable company to make your experience hassle-free. Some tours also have dedicated children activities to ensure that your little ones have the best of time, one example of this can be seen through the 13 day Kenya family tour with African Sermon Safaris.
-
Take Care of What You Eat and Drink
Traveling with children isn’t easy. You wouldn’t want to spoil your vacation by getting sick during the trip. Invest in bottled water to ensure that you or your loved ones don’t drink anything contaminated. Further, do not make bad food choices if you are hungry. Always carry snacks to avoid eating street food.
-
Visit an Animal Orphanage
Africa is all about wildlife. The local animal orphanage is a treat for all animal lovers who wish to experience wildlife from a distance. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya is known for rescuing injured and orphaned elephants. Once they are rehabilitated they are sent back to the wild. Your children can enjoy young elephants being bottle-fed and loved.
Don’ts
-
Plan Your Trip on Your Own
While on a trip to Africa, you need to understand that it is not as simple as one may perceive it to be. If you are travelling with children then you need to be extra careful. The country has numerous places that need to be explored along with tiny details that add value to the overall experience. You wouldn’t want to be stressed while on vacation. Try planning your trip beforehand and book an Africa Safari specialist to make your experience enjoyable. Such people are well aware of the local conditions and can suggest cheap yet delicious local food.
-
Avoid Making Assumptions:
While the news portrays a frightening picture of Africa, it is important to do your own background research before paying heed to assumptions. Africa is a natural beauty with picturesque landscapes making them ideal for a family trip.
It needs to be noted that Africa itself is huge and South Africa is extremely safe.
-
Don’t Wander Alone
While this may be true for any other destination, avoid wandering alone in Africa. If you are traveling with your family and have children, don’t be adventurous and explore new areas unless you are completely sure about your safety. Try asking a tourist guide and hotel staff about the areas that are unsafe and avoid them completely. Moreover, it needs to be noted that Africa is not pedestrian friendly. Thereby, even if an area looks nearby do not risk the safety of your children by walking to the location.
Further, do not risk direct exposure of your children with wildlife. Many consider the African wildlife to be tame. However, that may not be the case. Always maintain safe distance with animals to ensure the safety of your loved ones.
*Collaborative
Annemarie LeBlanc says
A trip to Africa is in our travel bucket list. To be able to go on a real African safari is my dream. Thank you for these tips. If I ever get to make this travel to Africa come true, I can assure you, I will never wander off alone.
Stephanie Pass says
These are great tips. I have never been to Africa and would have no idea where to start.
Rosemary Anderson Palmer says
I would love to visit Africa, but no children in the family. Great tips for any trip.
Terri Ramsey Beavers says
I bet my grandkids would enjoy a trip to Africa.. I know we would all enjoy seeing an animal orphanage.
Rose Ann Sales says
Such a great tips. Traveling can be great and nice if you are safe minded. Always remember that safety first.
cewtypye says
Don’t ever think you cant do something. I often chicken out of traveling because I was so afraid of what might happen. Traveling can be great if you are safety minded
Mimi "MimiCuteLips" Green says
These are great tips, my biggest worry is if we are eating and drinking something that could make us sick. Outside of the US my worry goes up drastically.
I wonder if my kids would be brave enough to do a balloon ride, that sounds dope.
Kiwi says
Great tips for traveling to Kenya. No kids for me yet so I took this advice for myself I think I will get someone to organize some trips for me if I even visit the country.
chubskulit says
These are great tips. My husband has been to some parts of Africa but me and my kids have never been there yet.
Alison Rost says
I so loved reading about the animal orphanage. What a beautiful thing they’re doing. We have neighbors who went on an African safari last year and couldn’t stop talking about it. I loved looking at all of their photos. Especially those of the elephants! x
Claudia Krusch says
I have been wanting to take the kids on an African Safari. It is definitely on my bucket list. Thanks for the great tips.
Pam says
These are great tips for traveling with children to Africa. My husband wants to take a safari someday. It’s on his bucket list.
Emily, Our house now a home says
These are great tips! A family trip to Africa would be amazing! I can see how planning it yourself would not be good. It is so vast and a once in a lifetime trip, you want to hit all that you can.
Amber says
I will keep this in mind. Down the line we do want to go to Africa. It’s so gorgeous there. We’d for sure do a safari! Not sure about the balloon, only because my husband and I are terrified of heights.
Liz Mays says
These are really helpful recommendations. My kids are older now but it would be nice to go on a trip to Africa with my boyfriend. I think seeing the wildlife would be a priority!
Tomi_C says
Bring bottled water and don’t venture alone. These are lifesaving tips to keep in mind when traveling abroad. I never appreciated the bottled water tip until I got sick on a trip a few years back.
Sarah Bailey says
What some lovely sounding things to with kids in Africa, it is somewhere I would love to visit one day. Especially to go on safari.
Candy Kage says
Africa is on my husband to do and visit list. Your right so many great things to see and do while visiting Africa.
Jeanette says
We traveled to South Africa a few years ago and we LOVED it! Africa is BEAUTIFUL and I can’t wait to go back! I think you hit the nail right on the head. I always do bottle water and I really cook any meat we get there.