If you’re thinking of venturing off into deepest, darkest Africa with the kids this Summer and you’re feeling hesitant then you’re not alone. Jetting off into an unfamiliar destination with your precious family under your care can be intimidating. But you’ll soon find that a family safari holiday, even with (or especially with) young children, will bring you so much joy and excitement and stories that will stick with you for a lifetime.
Here are our top 5 family safari holiday myths and why they simply aren’t true!
Africa is too dangerous for children
Like every other continent and country in the world there are areas that are not recommended for travel and there are parts that are totally safe. Discuss a suitable family-friendly itinerary with your travel agent and you might be surprised to discover just how safe a lot of Africa is for families with children of all ages.
They’re too young to remember it
It’s true, young children and babies won’t remember it, but YOU will - you’ll remember the time your baby snuggled up and snored quietly whilst a lion roared them to sleep. You will remember that they used to cheers you with their milk bottle out on the open plains. You will remember that they said “epant” for the first time when they saw them wandering past at lunch time. Creating memories with your kids starts from day 0. And just imagine being your child and seeing photographs of yourself as a baby on a family safari holiday. Incredible!
I will feel uncomfortable breastfeeding in Africa
Everywhere you look you will see African women breastfeeding their children. It’s the most natural, normal thing to do and to see in Kenya and in Africa at large. And if you’re traveling with a baby who needs to be bottle fed then you’ll be glad to find baby formula is available in most major supermarkets in Kenya too, alongside nappies, wipes and other essentials.
The food won’t be suitable
Babies are born and grow up and thrive in Africa every day and Africans know all about how to feed and care for babies and young children and they love getting stuck in and helping you with your little ones. The art of mothering is a universal gift. And if you have young kids who are picky eaters most lodges and camps will accommodate your child’s dietary needs if you give them enough notice. You might think you’re being difficult, but you’re absolutely not; giving the camp or lodge as much information about your children’s dietary requirements as possible will mean that you’re all much more likely to enjoy your stay.
It’s going to be expensive
Well, we can’t fault you on this, but it’s also not likely to be as expensive as you’d think! When booking your Kenya safari holiday lodging opt for accommodations that give discounted rates or even free stays to children under 3 and under 12. And if you’re heading to the Kenyan coast you can also opt for a private villa stay - this will be especially helpful in managing costs if you’re traveling with two or more older children.
We hope that’s helps to quell some of your fears around taking children to Africa on a family safari holiday. We have raised two children in the African bush and our grandchildren visit us in Kenya every year. They simply love the freedom and space at The Safari Cottages, spending time in the kitchen with our chefs, helping to clear brush with the askaris and naming all the animals on their game drives.
if you’re still not sure, drop us an email - we’re here to help.
“Our family of eight (including boys ages 8 and 12) stayed for three nights at these wonderful cottages. The accommodations were private and well appointed. The meals were superior, one day we gave the cook a standing ovation! Watching the elephants parade past at lunch was a highlight of our stay. There were plenty of place for our boys to explore safely during the day. Each evenings the guard, Peter, made a small bonfire for us and provided marshmallows and stories to entertain us. One evening he brought out a telescope and showed us the stars of the Southern Hemisphere! He is a real treasure.”
- December 2024 -
