Africa Archives

Zambia’s Top 5 Family Safaris

By GoUp User

Zambia is a country that is ideal for families – great wildlife, expert guides and a huge range of activities for all the family. Here’s our pick of the best for 2019/2020:

1. GET WET AND WILD ON THE ZAMBEZI

The Zambezi River offers the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with big game from a croc’s-eye perspective. Try your had fishing (on a catch-and-release basis) for the world renowned Tiger Fish, probably the fiercest fighting fresh-water fish in the world.

Experience a quality walking safari as well as venturing out by day in open vehicle, or at night with a lamp. Top-drawer game-viewing in an exceedingly beautiful setting with some of the most comfortable camps in Africa, there is arguably nowhere better to combine adrenalin-filled activity with real relaxation. Take a look at the Lower Zambezi National Park.

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2. SAVOUR THE SECLUSION OF A PRIVATE HOUSE

Possibly the greatest luxury that you can have on a family safari is exclusivity – the ability to do what you want, when you want. A private safari house affords the privacy to do just that, to be a family, share meals, enjoy the pool and take your own drives and walks led by a superb guide, when and how you want – without ever having to concern yourselves about upsetting any fellow travellers determined to identify every brown blob in the bush.

Zambian guides have infinite patience with kids of all ages and are grand-masters of engagement – bringing the wilderness to life in a instructive yet fun way. There are a network of safari houses stretching across Zambia from the Victoria Falls in the west to the Luangwa in the east via the Lower Zambezi in the south. Some are simple and (relatively) rustic – others architectural icons in their own right, all offer the possibility of a tremendously bonding trans-generational family holiday of a lifetime.

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3. WILDLIFE AND WATERFALLS

Combine an authentic, deeply-immersive family safari with a trip to one of the natural wonders of the world where you can do as much, or little as you like. Spend a week among the wildlife in the Luangwa, Kafue or Lower Zambezi National Park before heading down to the Falls for a more à la carte selection of activities. Family safaris are without doubt a wonderful experience but it may be wise to consider how long everyone’s enthusiasm for rising with the dawn and tolerating an electronic curfew will last once the excitement of the first encounters with elephants, lion, leopard and hippos begins to wear off.

We suggest that it is not all about how long you travel for but rather the optimal use of your time, so we ensure you are in the best place, at the right time, with a great guide for the safari aspect – when you head to the Falls there is a near-endless list of things to do for those that wish, and exceedingly beautiful swimming pools for those who’d rather lie back and watch the river flow by.

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4. TAKE A WALK ON THE WILDSIDE

Zambia is the birthplace of the photographic walking safari – and beyond that it remains among the top best places to experience this inimitable means of wildlife watching. Highly trained guides, conscious and proud of the country’s enviable safety record, bring the bush to life. The wonderful thing about walking from a family perspective is that it is active and participatory – there are no passengers – and the shared experiences can be tremendously bonding. Amaze your brood by proving just how rewarding replacing wi-fi with the wilderness can be.

Walking Safari in Zambia

5. MAKE A JOURNEY

There is nowhere like the Kafue to rival the breadth of game-viewing activities on offer – from walking, boating, canoeing, driving and even skimming the tops of the trees in a hot-air balloon. Make a mega-transect from one end of the park to the other.

This is as far from formulaic as you can get and feels like a real journey, of which your family group are the only participants as you bounce through an array of unique, eclectic and sometimes eccentric camps. Each destination offers a different landscape to explore – plains, woodland, river and lake – and it’s this variety which makes this park a unique proposition. We challenge even the most insouciant teen to not become intermittently animated here.

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Top Safari Destinations for Christmas

By GoUp User

December is ripe with opportunities to experience sensational wilderness in many parts of the world. here is our pick of the bunch to get you started:

STEP OFF THE BEATEN TRACK IN THE SERENGETI

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ESCHEW THE CONVENTIONAL AND HEAD FOR MADAGASCAR

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ISLAND HOPPING AROUND THE GALAPAGOS.

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TIGERS, TURBANS, LEOPARDS AND TRUNDLING CAMELS IN INDIA’S RAJASTHAN.

Walking Safari in Zambia

WILD NEPAL IN THE JUNGLES OF BARDIA NATIONAL PARK.

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Top 5 Wilderness Safaris

By GoUp User

For those looking to get off-grid and into pristine wilderness, here is our pick of the bunch:

1. DOGSLED EXPEDITION IN ARCTIC SWEDEN

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2. MOROCCO: THE HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS

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3. KAFUE NATIONAL PARK, ZAMBIA

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4. NAMIBIA CONSERVANCY SAFARIS

Walking Safari in Zambia

5. MONGOLIA

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6 Of The Best Beach & Safari Holidays

By GoUp User

Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, every safari holiday is a truly magical experience that will remain with you forever. As exceptional as they are, the days spent travelling the savannah are full of non-stop action. You’ll be up before sunrise, adventuring under the searing African sun during the day, and spending the evenings gazing up at the magnificent starry skies. That’s why, when you’re not exploring, some much-needed R&R is in order.

For this reason, a safari and beach holiday is the perfect combination. As well as immersing yourself in the unforgettable wildlife of Africa’s expansive landscapes, you can kick back and enjoy an idyllic beach escape that leaves you feeling pampered and nourished.

This spectacular pairing will be the trip of a lifetime, so don’t waste any time booking your dream beach and safari holiday.

Have a look at our top six destinations for inspiration.

1. Selous and Mafia Island, Tanzania

Selous and Mafia Island, Tanzania

Best experienced between July and October, this safari and beach holiday combination offers the opportunity to get off the beaten track into remote, remarkable places.

Selous is the largest game park in Tanzania and offers a stark contrast to all others in almost every way. Only a few hundred feet above sea level, this park boasts a huge variety of wildlife which you won’t see on other safari holidays. Stay in the Nomad Tanzania’s Sand Rivers Selous for five-star service in a small but luxurious safari lodge, and explore the different habitats on foot to discover wondrous places inaccessible by car.

Over on Mafia Island, which lies off the Rufiji delta just a 30-minute flight away from Dar es Salaam, you can embrace everything Tanzania’s first marine park has to offer. The waters provide the ultimate diving experience, with over 400 species of fish to see. Rest your head at Pole Pole on the east coast of the island, seven small bungalow suites that provide an intimate slice of perfection.

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2. Waterberg, South Africa and Bazaruto Island, Mozambique

Bazaruto Island, Mozambique

Tucked away in Limpopo province, the pristine, rugged and ancient Waterberg region doesn’t make it on to most South African travel itineraries. Thankfully this loss is your gain, as Waterberg is a fantastic alternative to the packed and overexposed Kruger area. Unlike the latter, which tends to feel slightly controlled and regulated, Waterberg exudes freedom and authenticity, boasting soaring mountain peaks and vast open plains.

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3. High Atlas Mountains and Essaouira, Morocco

Atlas Mountain

If you’re keen to go off-the-grid then you must experience our expeditions in the High Atlas Mountains. Led by a herd of mules carrying the beautiful tented camps, you will be led through the breathtaking wilderness by our expert guides. Your days exploring on foot will be followed by nights beneath a blanket of stars.

This enchanting experience can be perfectly complemented by a few days of bliss at Essaouira, a laid-back seaside town where you can spend your time delving into the sheltered markets and enjoying delightful fresh fish in the many fabulous restaurants on offer. Although not a beach by definition, this quaint town by the sea is sure to calm things down after your time in the wild.

4. Sossusvlei and Namibia’s Skeleton Coast

If you’re looking for a twist on the beach and safari holiday, then consider Namibia for an adventure encompassing the giant dunes of Sossusvlei and the wild Skeleton Coast. This flying safari by plane will see you soar above some of Africa’s most beautiful scenery and enjoy views of extraordinary desert-adapted elephants and lions. Expect to drift over sand waves, land on deserted beaches, and drop into valleys far beyond the reach of humans.

Make no mistake, this is one of the greatest experiences in Africa, and anything but your typical safari and beach holiday package. After all, it may not be wise to put anything more than a toe into the raging, shark-filled waters of the south Atlantic!

End your trip with a few days at Swakopmund, Namibia’s largest coastal town, for wonderful seafood and a chance to soak up the beaches and palm-lined streets. And as you tuck into your prawns, try to convince yourself that the previous four days exploring Namibia by private plane weren’t just a dream.

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5. Luangwa Valley and Lake Malawi, Zambia

The Luangwa Valley in Zambia is probably the most famous park in the country and boasts all-round good game drive and, in recent years, a well-earned reputation for walking safaris. We love an adventure on foot that allows you to be at one with nature and experience the thrill of tracking animals in their territory, with unforgettable viewings on their terms.

After a walking safari in the Luangwa Valley, Lake Malawi provides the perfect escape, which some may argue is even better than a beach. The water is warm, clear and home to a colourful array of tropical fish. This makes it an impeccable spot for snorkelling, learning to dive or kayaking. Still an uncommon destination on the tourist map, Lake Malawi has a small offering of gorgeously designed lodges that have retained a wonderfully authentic feel.

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6. Masoala and Antongil Bay, Madagascar

Few places offer an all-in-one beach and safari holiday as comprehensively as Madagascar. Head to the Masoala peninsula in the north east of the island to find an exquisite rainforest tumbling to the shores of the Indian Ocean. Between July and September, you can watch spectacular humpback whales glide, breach and slap their tails from the comfort of your beachside bedroom. Of course, you could always get a little closer. Stick your head under the water and you’ll hear their song, or paddle out in a kayak and you may see them pass you just a few metres away.

Take guided walks into the jungle behind your campsite to find endemic lemurs, brightly coloured birds and plant species that are simply unknown to science. Later, you can swim and snorkel in the warm waters of Antongil Bay and indulge in the local rhum arrangé and exquisite seafood with a French-Indonesian twist at the beach bar. This safari and beach combo is distinctly un-run-of-the-mill and will appeal to the more adventurous, but an exceptional destination and one of our favourites.

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Here at Natural High, we can organise your dream safari and beach holiday at the destinations above and many more. Our team has spent over 20 years organising and embarking on safari trips. All this knowledge and expertise enables us to plan perfect, tailor-made holidays, with personal insights to make your experience extra special.

Setting you up in authentic yet luxurious accommodation and offering the chance to see the world’s most phenomenal wildlife in their natural habitats, a Natural High holiday is one you’ll never forget. Enquire now, and let the adventure begin.

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Tanzania’s Top 5 Family Safaris

By GoUp User

2. YOUR OWN PRIVATE SAFARI HOUSE

ON A FAMILY SAFARI, ONE OF THE THINGS YOU’LL VALUE MOST WHEN YOU GET TO AFRICA IS FLEXIBILITY TO PLAN YOUR DAYS AS YOU GO.

You’ll want to make or change plans according to how you feel each day. Get up early one day and be out before dawn. Take a picnic and return to camp at dusk. Other days, sleep-in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast in camp heading out for a gentle bit of game-viewing before returning for lunch and a glass of cold white wine and a swim. Private safari houses like Kiba Point in the Selous of Mkombe’s House in the Serengeti are all about this approach to safari. You’ll have a highly experienced private guide and vehicle at your disposal and meals can all be planned to suit you.

3. MIX IT UP: BOAT, DRIVE, WALK

THERE’S NOTHING LIKE A BIT OF VARIETY TO KEEP CHILDREN ENGAGED ON SAFARI.

Selous and Ruaha in Southern Tanzania offer the ideal combination for families. Both have fewer visitors than the north and both are home to prodigious wildlife. Safaris are in open-sided 4×4 landrovers. Ruaha is known for very large herds of buffalo, a strong elephant population and it’s an excellent place to see lion and leopard. Early morning game drives along the Mwagusi or Mdonya Rivers often turn up large cats soaking up the rays on a crisp morning air. Selous is bisected by the massive Rufiji River where boat safaris are a great contrast to days spent in a vehicle. Throw a line in and try to catch a tigerfish while gently drifting past phalanxes of hippo and of crocodiles.

4. STRIKE OFF ON A WALKING SAFARI

FOR FAMILIES WITH OLDER CHILDREN (AT LEAST 12 YEARS OLD) THERE ARE FEW EXPERIENCES AS MEMORABLE AS A WALKING SAFARI.

Supported by a lightweight mobile camp and lead by a highly experienced armed guide, a walking safari is not only an exhilarating experience, it’s also one of the best ways to unplug and leave facebook and the internet behind. Learn to identify the sound of ox-peckers that betray the presence of dangerous game like buffalo – or how to read tracks and the wind, to creep up unseen on elephant. By night sleep under the stars in simple mosquito net tents. Safaris like this in Ruaha are genuinely life-changing experiences.

5. COMBINE YOUR SAFARI WITH SOME R&R BY THE BEACH

THE GREAT THING ABOUT TANZANIA IS THAT IT NOT ONLY OFFERS WORLD-CLASS WILDLIFE INCLUDING MOST OF THE MAJOR AFRICAN MAMMAL SPECIES IN SEVEN OF ITS NATIONAL PARKS, IT ALSO HAS SOME OF AFRICA’S BEST WHITE SANDY BEACHES.

Zanzibar is the best known of the beach destinations with pristine white beached on the east coast in particular. If you like the idea of somewhere a little more off the radar then consider Pemba Island, just to the north and originally at the heart of the global spice trade. Mafia Island to the south is an excellent place for keen snorkelersand divers, while those looking for the ultimate desert island escape could do a lot worse then trying Fanjove Island with it’s beguiling 19^th century lighthouse built from coral stone

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Top 5 Walking & Trekking Holidays

By GoUp User

1. WORLD-CLASS WALKING SAFARI IN ZAMBIA’S LUANGWA VALLEY

BEST TIME TO VISIT: DRY SEASON – JUNE TO OCTOBER

The Luangwa Valley is where walking safaris were born back in the 1960’s. Now nearing their sixth decade immense pride is still taken in their operation and execution, a gruelling apprenticeship and qualification system ensures only the top guides become walking guides and ensures the superb safety record.

The Luangwa Valley also happens to be one of the most beautiful places you could undertake a walking safari, the slow meandering eponymous river is flanked by beautiful glades of riverine forest and green grazing plains. An ever changing landscape where the only constant are the hippos and crocs. Plentiful elephant and a plethora of antelope along with graceful giraffe and humongous herds of buffalo complete the picture.

Head up to the far north of the South Luangwa National Park and you’re guaranteed to be in one of the few places on the planet where lion far outnumber man. Here along the crystal clear Mupamadzi River you can find one of the most authentic safaris available anywhere – and the focus is very much about being on foot.

Combine with… Lower Zambezi where the ability to get out on the river on boat or canoe affords another perspective, or over to the Victoria Falls.

2. LUXURY TREKKING IN NEPAL’S HIMALAYAS

BEST TIME TO VISIT: OCTOBER/NOVEMBER AND MARCH/APRIL

Nepal offers some of the best trekking in the world amid truly spectacular mountain scenery. The country is home to eight of the ten tallest mountains on earth, and while they are hugely impressive even from afar, nothing beats getting up and close and personal with the Himalayas on foot.

Hiking for four to six hours each day in the company of your expert guide our luxury adventure takes you along ancient winding paths between snow-capped peaks and roaring glacial rivers amid the epic mountain landscape. You only need carry what you need for the day and there’s plenty of time to soak up the extraordinary views and discover village culture.

Each night is spent at a rustically comfortable mountain lodge with en-suite rooms; luxury here is the excellent personal service, evening drinks around a dancing fire, your bed warmed by a hot water bottle and falling asleep beneath a blanket of stars.

Combine with… a safari in search of tiger and rhino in Chitwan National Park

3. TREKKING WITH A PRIVATE CAMP IN MOROCCO’S HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS

BEST TIME TO VISIT: YEAR ROUND

Morocco is a wonderfully exciting country to explore. It’s a short flight from Europe and offers unimaginable diversity, from the souks and squares of the imperial cities to the dunes and mountains of the south.

Time slows down when you head off into the wilds of Morocco. For just a few days you can leave the modern world behind and gently explore the stunning mountain passes, accompanied by your expert Berber guide. Our trekking holidays in Morocco are typically spread over 4 days and 3 nights – a complete adventure that starts with 4-5 hour jeep journey to your pick up point where your private crew and pack animals await you. The treks take you up arid hills, plains peppered with sweet-scented herbs and then, suddenly, impossibly lush valleys.

Walk by day to explore soaring mountain passes, leafy groves of almond trees and high alpine pastures. At the end of the day your luxurious tented awaits you – crisp white walk-in safari tents, proper sheets and duvets, khilims and a brocaded dining tent. Mint tea revives after the days walk, while freshly cooked food is prepared by your chef under a blanket of stars.

Combine with… time in the bustling souks and squares of Marrakech.

4. WALKING SAFARI ALONG THE DRY RIVERS OF RUAHA

BEST TIME TO VISIT: DRY SEASON – JUNE TO NOVEMBER

Ruaha is East Africa’s largest National Park and the best in the region to undertake a proper walking safari. The Great Ruaha River, with its impressive gorges, pools and rapids runs or a hundred miles close the park’s southern boundary creating stunning rugged landscapes.

Ruaha sits at the crossroads of East and Southern African flora and fauna with good populations of Greater and Lesser Kudu, ostrich, eland, sable, a lot of lion, wild dog and a bird list comparable to all of Botswana. It’s also home to one of the highest concentrations of elephants in the world and few animals are as rewarding when encountered on foot as elephant.

Nowhere in Ruaha is busy, with the Park receiving a fraction of the visitors that head to the more famous northern attractions of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, but in a remote northern corner the inimitable Kichaka Expeditions has been operating gold-standard small tented camps and fly-camping since 2003, where the ethos has always been to get out on foot and be properly immersed in the wilderness.

Combine with… the Selous Game Reserve which has a much more southern African feel – or hit the beach on Zanzibar.

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What’s Madagascar like for a Family Holiday?

By GoUp User

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What To Take On Safari

By GoUp User

The first thing to say is that everyone always takes too much so try to be different; most of the smaller camps have excellent and often complimentary laundry services, which are able to return clothes the same day (weather dependant). Very few camps require anything too smart and as a rule layers is the name of the game.

For game drives you’ll find that shorts and a long sleeved shirt will be perfect (long sleeved so you have the option of rolling up or down). In many parks it gets quite cold in the mornings and evenings so you will need a light jersey and warm (probably sleeveless) fleece at these times. A light rain jacket (easily stuffed in the bottom of your bag) could just save the day if you’re travelling in the green season.

For walks we usually wear shorts and a long sleeved shirt, though some people prefer to walk in long trousers to keep grass seeds and ticks at bay. A good compromise is those trousers that zip apart at the knee to become shorts. Unless you’re climbing mountains you won’t need heavy duty boots; the most important thing is that they are comfortable and well broken in. Lightweight goretex boots or something similar with a bit of ankle support work well. Light & comfortable slip on shoes are also useful in and around camp.

Colours; khakis and natural colours are probably best, but people can get carried away here. The most important thing is not to wear bright colours or white on safari, although around camp on the beach everything goes.

Make sure you take hats, ideally wide brim and tight (with a tie as a last resort) so you don’t lose them from cars or boats, and plenty of sunscreen / block. If you have even remotely sensitive eyes, after a few days of glare and dust you will almost certainly be thankful for eye drops or eye wash of some sort. Game driving vehicles are either totally open or have large open roof hatches so you are often in direct sunlight. As it’s often quite a pleasant temperature or even fairly cool in the mornings you can easily forget how strong the sun is.

Take swimming / beach things for anywhere on the coast as well as areas like Mahale (or any of the camps with swimming pools). Kikois & kangas have a multitude of uses as sarongs, scarves or whatever so worth snapping up a few at the earliest opportunity. If you’ve got long journeys or waits, it’s an ideal time to listen to music – we’d highly recommend bringing an ipod for these moments. Likewise consider a small travel set of chess or backgammon – to be whipped onto the vehicle bonnet as you wait for your plane to arrive on some far flung bush strip.

Binoculars, photographic, and video

Binoculars

We think these are the single most important element of your packing. We would recommend bringing the best pair you can afford and (most definitely) try to take a pair each. If you are buying binoculars, try lots of different pairs, don’t be tempted to buy anything too small and avoid gadgets like zooms. Roof prism binoculars with internal mechanisms (Leica 8 x 32 my personal choice) are likely to give you the best quality.

Photography and Video

Bring lots of extra camera memory – you will undoubtedly use it. If you’re still that way inclined, bring plenty of film – best not to assume that you can buy it out there although the reality is its probably available in any decent sized town or major lodge, albeit expensively. 100 – 200 asa is perfect for most places but pack a couple of faster films for use in any thickly forested areas. The ideal all round lens for a trip such as this is probably a 28 – 300 mm zoom. A small bean bag is often very useful to rest the camera on to stop camera shake. If you bring the bag with you beans can be supplied locally. If you can’t find a bag an old sock would work was well.

If you need video batteries charging, this can be done at most camps. You will need a UK type 3 pin plug and electricity is generally 220 V AC. Give your charger and batteries to the camp manager or your guide and they will organise charging for you. Bring plenty of spare batteries so some can be left charging during the day whilst you’re out and about – the peace and quiet of smaller camps can be shattered by having to run generators into the evening solely to recharge peoples camera batteries. If you can find a 12V charger for use with a vehicle cigarette lighter, bring that too as a back up.

Baggage

The baggage allowance on light aircraft is usually 15kg (32lbs) per person, this must be packed in soft bags, not hard suitcases. It is often helpful to have two or more small bags rather than one large one – and an easy way to make bush pilots happy.

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What to Pack for a Walking Safari

By GoUp User

When packing for a walking safari, there are a couple of key principles to stick to. Make sure you are going to be comfortable and don’t plan on wearing bright colours or white while walking. Remember that the sun in Africa is fierce so go for long sleeves, lightweight trousers and a wide-brimmed hat – sunburn is not fun. Shorts are fine, but you might find yourself getting a bit scratched up. Natural fabrics are often more comfortable than synthetic stuff. Choose your walking shoes carefully: light but sturdy hiking boots are ideal. Sun-cream is a must, and it is quite handy to have a little bottle which you can carry with you for reapplication.

For the most part, water is carried by the guide, however if you’re on a long walking safari, it’s good to have a water bottle on a shoulder-strap to make sure that you keep well hydrated. Compact cameras and binoculars are ideal for walking, and if you do have a big pair of binoculars, there is a strap that helps to spread the weight across your shoulders which is much more comfortable than having them hanging around your neck.

We’ll give you specific advice for the safari that you are going on, but should you have any particular questions, please don’t hesitate to ask us.

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Child Restrictions in Botswana

By GoUp User

There is no easy way to sum up the child restrictions in Botswana. Every lodge seems to have a different rule; some do not allow any children under 12 years, while others allow children but only those over 6 years old are allowed out on excursions (making a family safari a little pointless). The majority of camps set the minimum age at either 8 years or 12 years.

The decision not to allow young children on safari is usually a combination of safety, consideration for other guests and economics. Camps and lodges in Botswana are very safety conscious and so are anxious that in a potentially dangerous encounter with an animal, you only have to think about yourself while haring up a tree. Camps are also unfenced and many are raised on platforms so also not conducive to a relaxing holiday for Mum and Dad. Since all the camps are small and beds are restricted by government regulations, it is difficult for lodges to cater for the additional beds and offer reduced rates. Furthermore, there is the obvious issue of the proximity of wildlife and other guests, both of whom are expecting peace and quiet.

However, all is not lost! There are one or two destinations that actively encourage and cater for children, allowing the folks to have a holiday while the kids are entertained. For example, The Young Explorers club operates out of {Shinde} in the Delta and {Edo’s Camp} in the Kalahari. There are lodges such as Garden Lodge near Kasane from which you can explore Chobe while having a safe, family-friendly place to return to. So, if you are set on a safari for your young family, there are options. If you are not sure about what the average day will be like and whether they are likely to really appreciate the experience, feel free to give us a call and chat about it.

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