Ask the Experts

Q&A

ASK THE EXPERTS...

MULTI-GENERATIONAL SAFARIS

As more families of all ages are going on safari together, our experts answers the most commonly asked questions we receive...

MEET OUR SPECIALISTS

Katie Sherman

MIke Herscot

Molly Gustafson

Tom Wilkinson

Hailey Landers

QWhich area would you recommend for a multi-generational safari? AKenya is my top pick for a large family group because it offers so much more than just amazing wildlife, it’s easy to come up with activities to appease a wide set of interests. For example, meeting the Maasai or Samburu people while your kids join in a soccer match in the local village is something that can have a lasting impact on all ages.

You can also visit projects like the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary to learn about conservation, or finish your stay with time at the beach. Even the safari itself can be diverse – with options to explore on foot, by horseback, as well as fly camping. Kenya also has many options for families to rent a private home or sections of camps. Kenya Airways new nonstop flight from JFK to Kenya, also makes travel more seamless for young families.

For families looking to try their first safari, I would also be hard pressed to not mention South Africa. You can see so much on a short safari drive adapted to shorter attention spans, and the wildlife areas are accessible so a few days on safari works well with time in Cape Town and visiting Victoria Falls, for example.

South Africa also boasts safari reserves where malaria precautions aren’t necessary, which can be a deciding factor especially for young families.KS

QWhat is the minimum age for children to go on a safari experience? AThere are many different safari activities, and some are only possible for older children. While minimum ages differ from country to country, a good guideline would be that all children are welcome to go on safari, though if they are younger than 12 it is common to be required to book a private guide and private vehicle. To go gorilla and chimpanzee tracking you must be 15 years or older. MH

Will there be any

Q activities tailored especially towards children? ASome incredible children’s programs have been introduced at some of our favorite safari camps, with trained and enthusiastic guides.

The benefit of this is while the adults relax in the middle of the day, the children will have fun with the guide making bows and arrows, turning a termite mound into a pizza oven, and learning about the tracks and dung left by smaller critters around the camp.

Activities are flexible and varied, depending on what the family enjoys doing at the time, and there is always a huge focus on learning, conservation and appreciation of nature.MG

QWe’d ideally like to all stay together on safari, is this possible?

ANot only is it possible to stay together on safari, it’s an advantage! There is no better way to connect with nature and each other than by staying at an exclusive-use property in the bush. Some lodges offer multi-bedroom villas that cater specifically to small groups, creating a private atmosphere with your very own chef, safari ranger and even butler.

Other smaller camps allow groups of varying sizes to book the entire property at no additional per person charge. Beyond the obvious advantages of exclusivity, it is exceptional value for money. Not only do you get to explore the most thrilling regions of Africa with your closest friends and family, you do it at a fantastic price! TW

QWhat’s your top tip for a large family traveling together on safari? AThe dynamic and age range of your group are the most important details to consider when planning your safari. The right lodge can make a huge difference, so be specific with your specialist. A safari lodge is more than a place to rest, they include dedicated naturalists, full days of game drives plus activities and all your meals. A few really stand out from the pack when it comes to creating meaningful and memorable experiences for all ages in your group. HL

46 | AUDLEY TRAVELER

The hot seat (clockwise from this) A boy gazes out from the tracker chair; elephant; a family watches river wildlife in Kruger; giraffes