Imagine a grassy woodland rife with its open plains and scattered trees where herds of zebras and deer are grazing the vast plains. Picture a pride of lions lurking behind bushes as they stalk their prey ever so silently—they speak of precision.
It all feels so great to visualise, right? Well, an African safari is the perfect way to turn this fantasy into a living, breathing reality. But tell us something. Would you rather experience this dreamy reality all alone or with your family?
Something tells us you want to entertain the idea of a family safari, but you are confused and unsure about whether it will really be that great.
Guess what? The answer is a resounding YES, and we are here to tell you why. Read on to learn about 12 reasons a family safari in East Africa can be your ideal great escape!
1. Make your family time an experience of a lifetime
2. Strengthen your family bonds
Let’s face the bitter truth–we don’t get much time to spend with our family nowadays. Our daily lives are full of hustle and distractions. No matter how much we want to give our best time to our loved ones, we usually get caught up with something “important.”
Going on a safari will not completely solve the problem. But it will certainly give you all enough time together, away from everyday distractions. As you indulge in the various activities together, you get more time to understand each other in new ways and strengthen your family bond unlike ever before!
3. Instil conservation ethos from a young age
When your kids join you on a trip, they gain invaluable first-hand experience observing wildlife and natural habitats. By exposing them to the wonders of nature, you can teach them about endangered animals and the threats they face. This early exposure helps foster a deep appreciation and respect for wildlife. Children who learn about conservation from a young age are more likely to grow up with a strong environmental ethic and a commitment to protecting the planet.
By nurturing an early interest in conservation through such interactive education, you’re not only enriching their current understanding but also potentially inspiring future environmental advocates. Hands-on experiences, such as wildlife tours or nature hikes, allow children to see and understand the impact of human activity on ecosystems. Educational programs and wildlife conservation projects tailored for kids can make learning about sustainability fun and engaging, ensuring that these lessons stick with them as they grow.
4. Captivating cultural experiences for everyone
You likely think of an African safari by picturing animals going about their daily lives or the savannahs lined with broad belts of trees. However, a true African safari experience is just as much about the people and their culture as about the animals and nature.
Every member of your family can learn something from the local tribes. You can learn bits of the local Swahili language, the daily customs of the Maasai tribes, and even the local music and traditional dances. You can also visit historical sites and better understand the history of the land and the way of life.
When your kids see the animals and places from their textbooks come alive, don’t you think their curious eyes will pop out with amazement! It will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for them, and a perfect moment for you to capture on your camera!
With so many things to learn, you don’t take home just the good memories you all spent together. You also pack some ancient African values that can improve your modern metropolitan lives!
5. Discounts for kids
“I don’t like discounts,” said no one ever. After all, discounts can make or break deals. And when it comes to an African safari, discounts can be another reason you should take your kids with you!
Most safari packages offer discounts for pre-teen kids. If you have some young kids in the family, you can enjoy discounts at national parks, adventure activities, and, in some cases, even the entire package! So, budget concerns can no longer be a roadblock!
6. Hop on adventure activities
Do you know what makes a great African safari great? It’s the tons of exciting adventure activities a safari lets you be a part of. And when you have your entire family to share the fun with, “great” becomes “greatest” in no time!
Imagine the fun you’ll have helping each other hop on a camel to see the animals up close. Think of the hot-air balloon rides. You’ll peer down from your basket to see the vast stretches of little trees and animals—how your eyes will light up when you’ll look at your family and see the same excitement in their eyes!
And that’s just two things! Game drives, night safaris, birdwatching, gorilla trekking—you name it. Additionally, many conservancies in Kenya and Tanzania offer unique adventure activities specially catered to kids. For example, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya offers fun experiences like the Young Ranger Programme or the Run with Ranger programme, where the kids can go on a 5-km run with local rangers. This is perfect for your adventurous little kids who never run out of energy!
7. One Safari to rule them all (in)
Do you love the mountains, but your partner likes the beach better? Or are you more into the savannahs and game drives while your children are crazy about trekking? Such differences in interests are common in every family. But that won’t be a problem in an African safari.
You can witness the wildebeest migration in the savannahs and also go on a guided trek of Mount Kilimanjaro your kids will love. You can bask in the sun over the white sand beaches of Mombasa with your partner and also try sport fishing in the Indian Ocean.
No matter how diverse your individual tastes are–a safari across Kenya and Tanzania can provide something for everyone!
8. Instill the love of travel in your kids
We have already told you about the different things a safari can offer to your kids. But there is something that safaris teach your kids that encompasses all else— the love for traveling and exploration.
From going on game drives and spotting the Big Five to witnessing the wildebeest migration and mingling with local communities—all of this, and more, is part of the greater value safaris offer. They make your children curious from a young age, instilling in them a love for exploration and a lust for travel!
9. Safety– check!
Safety is naturally one of the most critical concerns when traveling with family. After all, you want to ensure that your loved ones are always safe and sound.
Well, the good news is that an African safari is just as safe as enjoyable. At Scarface Pride, we ensure your safety and convenience right after you arrive at the airport. Our captains and expert guides accompany you throughout your safari experience, always taking the utmost care that you enjoy every moment while keeping trouble far away.
Hakuna Matata!
We hope we have dispelled all your doubts about family safaris. With so many great reasons worth watching out for, an East African safari can be the ultimate vacation experience for your family. We bet you don’t want to miss out on these invaluable experiences, so stop thinking and start planning your trip!
Not a great planner? No problem! At Scarface Pride, we have an expansive collection of pre-planned packages—complete with accommodation, private safari vehicles, and expert guides—curated for travel buffs like you. All you need to do is explore our packages and choose the one that fits you and your family.
What are you waiting for now? Go, get packing!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the best countries to go on a safari?
Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa, and Rwanda are some of the best countries to go on safari. But as far as East Africa is concerned, Kenya and Tanzania are the best options!
What’s the best age for kids to go on a Safari?
There is no specific age criteria for kids to go on a safari. But most tour operators and guides prefer kids to be 8 years old. However, many national reserves and lodges don’t allow children under 12 to participate in game drives and other activities. Therefore, it’s best to talk with your tour operator to learn about any potential restrictions or age requirements.
What are the accommodation options for a family Safari in East Africa?
There is no dearth of convenient, family-friendly accommodation options in East African safaris. Depending on your package and budget, you can stay in tree hotels, beach resorts, or lavish villas. You can also stay in tented camps while you are out for game sightings.
