Family holidays are no easy task – there are interests to be considered, diets to be planned, and the most diverse of desires to be reconciled!
There is no minimum age for taking children on safari, however, some of our &BEYOND properties do only welcome children from over the age of 12-years-old. For our properties that welcome children of all ages, the general minimum age of a child on game drive is six years. However, the lodge manager and rangers will gauge the personality and temperament of your child, such as willingness to stay calm during sightings, or their stamina and interest for hiking in the wilderness.
Planning for extended stays at one or two of our properties and avoiding longer drives is recommended. A great option for families with smaller children is our family suites and sole-use villas that include a private vehicle. In South Africa, this option can be found at:
- &Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge
- &Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge
- &Beyond Phinda Homestead
By booking these exclusive family suites or sole-use villas, your family has more leeway with game drive times and duration, and you have the comfort knowing that your little ones’ squeals of delight is not disturbing other guests.
Our &Beyond WILDChild Programme is also on offer at all our family-friendly properties. This offering is targeted at sensitive families who want to make the most of the adventurous tours that they embark upon. The programme engages children through the safari and builds relationships between children and the land and environment in which they are travelling. Not only do children (and their parents) learn about the land and imbibe a strong conservation message, they are also sensitised to local way of life, inculcating respect and understanding of the life approaches that might be very different from their own.
A safari in Africa can be an incredible adventure for your young ones. A little bit of advanced preparation can go a long way to ensuring that your African adventure is memorable, smooth and rewarding. My job as your travel specialist is to help you every step of the way and to make sure that each member of your family, no matter their age, is looked after, engaged and inspired while you are on your dream family holiday.