Take the kids to… Africa

With the chance to see the wildlife of their dreams in the real world, there can’t be many children who wouldn’t leap at the chance to go on safari in Africa. In fact, there’s so much scope for family adventure in Africa that travel opportunities are almost endless; with many destinations offering activities perfect for children.

Africa is an elusive continent which becomes much more accessible with the help of a local expert. All of our local partners can suggest activities depending on the age of your children and the overall interests of your family. Of course, tours are bespoke, so you can endlessly tailor your trip until you’re happy that it’s perfect for you.

The incredible wildlife is one of the obvious draws to Africa – but it’s worth noting that safari is, by definition, a game of patience. Before you book a wildlife tracking trip be sure that your children are old enough to understand that sitting still and being quiet will definitely pay off.

Take a look at the ideas below for family fun in Africa. There are so many ways to experience this incredible continent; these are just a few suggestions to get you started.

Malawi

There’s a lot of variety in Malawi, making it an excellent destination for families who like to mix it up and do something a bit different every day. The Southern Malawi itinerary is a fantastic combination of culture, nature and adventure, with many options for the active family. Highlights include Liwonde National Park for riverboat, 4×4 and walking safaris; kayaking and diving at Lake Malawi, cultural insight at the Yodep ecotourism community, and tea-tasting at Satemwa tea plantation.

Senegal

Another incredibly varied trip where you can really pack a lot into your time, this tour allows you to ‘meet the real Africa’ by going beyond the usual sights. If your idea of a brilliant family holiday in Africa includes adventurous pursuits such as cycling and walking, cultural interaction with your host communities, game drives and wildlife spotting, then this trip has your name on it. Add some free time in fascinating Dakar for some urban excitement and you have a superb trip you’ll never forget.

South Africa

Combine a fantastic array of activities with some ‘Big Five’ spotting in the game reserves for an unforgettable family adventure. There’s a lot to see in the Elephant Coast region of South Africa, and our local experts have put together a great package of activities to please all the family. Swim with dolphins off the glorious coast of Mozambique, explore wildlife sanctuaries and wetlands and continually learn about South African culture on this memorable family trip. Perhaps your family will enjoy the opportunity to get to know the elephants at Manyoni, or maybe spotting crocs and hippos from your boat tour of St Lucia estuary will be your top experience? Whichever your kids love best, you will learn all about the wildlife of the area and take home some very special memories of Africa.

Ghana

This wonderfully friendly West African country is a delight, and our partner company has put together some great experiences that the whole family can enjoy together. This village life itinerary allows a close-up look at local life, which is an incredibly powerful learning experience for adults and children alike. Every day is different, with the opportunity to take guided walks to waterfalls and see how the farmers cultivate their land. Why not have a go at a local craft and join in with bead making or weaving? There’s no end to the learning possibilities on this cultural immersion holiday.

Make it happen

Most of the itinerary ideas mentioned here are more suitable for older children, but if your children are still too young for safari or cycling tours, don’t worry. Just get in touch with our partners in your favourite destinations and they will help devise a suitable itinerary for you and your family. To talk to someone in the TravelLocal office, call +44 (0) 117 325 7898.