Why do dung beetles roll around in dung all day? Why does the giraffe have such a long neck? How long can a hippopotamus hold its breath? These are questions your child might ask while on safari and as a parent, you might already know the answer, or perhaps you might also learn something new about Mother Africa and her curious creatures.
Seeing the world, and especially its wildlife, through your children’s eyes is both entertaining and rewarding, which is why &Beyond specialises in family travel that is memorable, educational and most importantly, transformative.
With multi-generational travel consistently on the rise, families across the globe are looking to reconnect in distant, faraway places. They want to explore new destinations, have authentic experiences, learn about local cultures, witness unique wildlife and have the opportunity to give back to our planet and help safeguard its future. This growing need to disconnect oneself from reality and bond as a family is becoming more and more important to today’s time-pressed, wifi-addicted families.
&Beyond understands the importance of family travel and for 25 years we have been designing fun-filled, informative and inspirational adventures to help get families away from their screens and out into the great outdoors. From tropical island escapes and intimate villa safaris in Africa, to jungle adventures and cultural festivals in South Asia, all the way to bicycle tours, horseback riding and culinary excursions in South America, we encourage families to explore, learn and, most importantly, reconnect with each other in the most magnificent, enviable destinations
As a trusted family travel specialist, &Beyond has a wide selection of family-friendly lodges, each with its own unique WILDchild programme that was specifically designed to create opportunities for families to engage not only with each other, but also with their environment.
Carefully thought out and presented by rangers trained to share their knowledge in a way that sparks the enthusiasm of even the youngest guests, WILDchild was created to do more than just keep children occupied while their parents enjoy some quiet time. While it is essential that the programme remains entertaining enough to capture youngsters’ imaginations, it also has a strong conservation message at heart.
Our family safaris are filled with fun, interactive WILDchild activities that allow children to learn and discover new experiences and cultures. Deeply rooted in the love for the African bush, it not only creates a series of unforgettable moments for the whole family, but also forges strong bonds between the children, our planet and its people.
Each young guest receives a WILDchild backpack with a scrapbook and a gift, such as a beaded bracelet, animal keyring or small wooden carving. Throughout the safari, the ranger helps the child to fill up the scrapbook with notes, drawings and stickers. Entertaining activities are also planned for the little ones, from identifying animal tracks and bird calls, to fishing and frogging, which attempt to tie in with the lodge’s environment, as well as the local heritage of the region.
For instance, children staying at &Beyond Klein’s Camp will complete an energetic and educational Maasai obstacle course, meanwhile, over at &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp they’ll gather for a festive pool party and make their own pizzas.
At &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas, once children have mastered how to shoot a bow and arrow and build fire the Maasai way, they will celebrate by roasting marshmallows. Deep in the heart of a mahogany forest, children visiting &Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge enjoy long walks along sandy forest trails where they learn how to identify butterflies and further north at &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, they might spend an afternoon beading jewellery and other trinkets with the Maasai mamas.
At &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, children try their luck in Dullah’s workshop carving their own piece of woodwork and over on &Beyond Mnemba Island, little ones build sand castles, collect shells, snorkel and go on scavenger hunts. And this is just a taste of what is planned to keep young minds engaged and entertained.
Each lodge puts its own unique, stimulating and unforgettable spin on the WILDchild programme in order to change the way your children see the world. Remember, not all classrooms have four walls and a family safari is a million times better than any words printed in a textbook. We encourage you to spend quality time with your family. Get out and explore.
“It was more than we expected. It was fabulous.
We are planning the next trip.
I have told my kids I am going to spend their inheritance bringing them here.”
~ Jane, &Beyond Guest Book