Family Guide

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Inspiring Family Ideas

A FAMILY
Adventure
Africa is the perfect destination to deliver a great family vacation. Whether traveling
with younger kids, teenagers or several generations, a safari in Africa is safe, fun and a
cultural opportunity to build a bridge across continents while experiencing one of the
last sanctuaries for wildlife.

From South Africa’s Rainbow Nation and Enjoy the simple pleasures, like the
the majesty of Victoria Falls to adventures serenity of a sunrise over the savanna,
in the Serengeti or the deltas of wildlife-rich fiery sunsets and starry nights around a
Botswana, a family safari is an unforgettable campfire sharing the day’s adventures.
opportunity to experience the wildness of
Africa. There’s plenty of time for adventure too
with exciting game drives, guided walks,
Africa encourages you to leave the bustle
treasure hunts, and more!
behind, slow down to her rhythm, recharge
and re-connect.

Photo Credit: ©Elewana Tortilis Camp, Amboseli


WELCOME TO
African Travel’s
Family Guide
We would like to invite you to learn more about family
safaris to Africa.

We hope this guide is a valuable tool to learn more


about the family safaris we offer together and gives
you inspiring ideas to customize your own family journey.

We Know Africa
Live your African dream on a custom family safari

LOCAL HERE & THERE TAILOR-MADE ONE-STOP-SHOP


team in US and Africa with safari customized to your for air, the best hotels,
extensive knowledge & access style & budget camps & lodges

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® SERVICE


FAMILY OF BRANDS
experiences with a with VIP amenities
taking care of
positive footprint & 24/7 concierge
every detail
Why
SAFARI
Africa is a bucket list destination with experiences for
the entire family. From active adventures to relaxing
poolside, here are some of the things that make a
safari a trip of a lifetime.

WILDLIFE WATER GET


WONDERS WONDERS INVOLVED

Extraordinary game viewing of Beaches to relax on, waterfalls From animal tracking projects and
Africa’s endemic wildlife while to be explored, or deltas to meeting anti-poaching units, there
guides share their knowledge. glide along in a mokoro. are many ways to participate.

SOAR TO LEARN KIDS


NEW HEIGHTS A NEW SKILL PROGRAMS

See the savanna from a new Enjoy photography, painting or There is a program to match kids
perspective. Ages 7+ can soar in a cooking classes while trying something ages and interests at kid’s club and
hot air balloon. new in the bush together. ranger-led activities.
LIVING GO ON A TASTE OF
HISTORY BUSH WALK AFRICA

Local guides share insight from Go on a bush walk to discover Adventurous palettes enjoy Africa’s
Egypt’s ancient civilizations to the part of nature that would have different cuisines and picky eaters
South Africa’s walk to freedom. otherwise been missed. love their comfort food.

STAY RELAX AT BUSH & BEACH


ACTIVE THE SPA GETAWAY

Most lodges and camps have Nothing pairs better than enjoying Combine safari adventures with a
fitness rooms or creative ways to a spa in a bush setting while kids beach or island getaway.
stay active. are exploring the nature around.
FAVORITE
Moments

Photo Credit: Jabulani Safari, South Africa

A safari is filled with many memorable DIGITAL DETOX


moments. Our guests share some of Africa provides experiences where every
their favorite experiences. family member will put down their electronic
devices and enjoy the moment. Animal
spotting checklists, channeling your inner
Maasai warrior, and enjoying dinner at the
boma are some of the ways to fill a day.

Africa encourages you to leave the bustle


WILDLIFE DAY AND NIGHT behind, slow down to her rhythm, recharge
and re-connect.
You will be surprised when the night owl in
your family wakes up early and is eager to
spot wildlife as the sun rises. It is a relaxing Families appreciate the relaxing time between
experience together punctuated by the thrill game drives. Get your digital fix with a quick video
of spotting a herd of zebra, elephants or a game or connect with friends. Or continue the detox
leopard resting in a tree. and read a book or enjoy a lodge activity together.

Going on a night game drive is equally The insta-worthy photos from beautiful sundowners
memorable, closely followed by walks with together are great to look back on and are often
rangers and guides. found memories together.
AMAZING LODGES AND CAMPS
Kids love everything about where they stay from
the friendly staff to the fun bathtubs and showers.

Parents appreciate the all inclusive nature of


safaris where meals and tea time and most
drinks and activities are included. And you can’t
beat the select laundry services.

THE FOOD!
The flavors of Africa will
delight you. Africa has
been doing farm to table
forever and most lodges
and camps invite you to
learn about the local food,
Younger kids often fall in love with the kid’s
taking you to their garden
clubs while older kids love going on guided
or local markets. A
game drives, nature walks and canoe trips.
favorite is our custom
cooking classes in secret Everyone takes pleasure in the afternoon at
locations. the pool!
Africa’s
LODGES & CAMPS
TENTED SAFARI CAMPS BUSH LODGE
Wild Africa Flexibility and Spa

Enjoy the glow of lantern light on canvas walls and Boutique-style lodges offer an
drift off to sleep to the sounds of the bush. our favorites are set on coffe
and conservancies.
Options range from Hemingway-style mobile safari
camps to massive, tented suites. Tented camps are Lodges range in style and the
great for smaller families (3-4 people) who might several rooms. There is also m
share a tent or families with older kids who take between rooms. Lodges are a
over several tents. all ages.
Home to some of the world’s best hotels and resorts, Africa has a range of
accommodation to meet each family’s needs. The following three styles are
the most popular for families. Pick a favorite or mix and match!

BUSH HOMES AND VILLAS


ace Home Away from Home

n intimate experience. Most of Looking to keep your bubble small? Bush homes and villas
ee plantations, private reserves are perfect for those who prize their own personalized
service. It is also a great value option for several families
traveling together or a large group.
eme and families can take over
more flexibility in moving A hospitality team can consist of a host, private chef, spa
a great option for families of therapist. You will have your own private vehicle led by a
dedicated field guide and tracker team.
AFRICAN TRAVEL CARES

Photo Credit: Little Chem Chem, Tanzania

Tourism is the lifeblood of Africa and every


dollar makes an incredible difference.
CONSERVATION
Our mission is to have a positive impact CONTRIBUTION
on the people and communities we visit,
to help protect wild and marine life, and to Park fees and part of the accommodation
care for the planet we call home. costs are invested directly into wildlife
As African experts, we guide you to the and communities. This can fund tracking
most memorable experiences that will also units, wildlife research and community
leave a lasting impact on the communities projects.
you visit.

HOW WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

TREAD RIGHT
As part of our How We Tread Right
(HWTR) sustainability strategy we
have launched special MAKE TRAVEL
MATTER® Experiences. Each
experience is ethically responsible,
helps preserve wildlife or communi-
ties, and enhances the United Nation’s
global sustainability efforts.
1 2 3

4 5 6

33
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER
Each of our itineraries includes at least one of our 45 sustainable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences.
Here are just a few of our diverse opportunities to engage with Africa’s people and wildlife.

1. WILDLIFE REHABILITATION 2. REWARDING 3. JABULANI ELEPHANT


CENTRE WALK THROUGH COMMUNITY PROJECTS EXPERIENCE

Go behind the scenes and get In the Northern Serengeti visit At Camp Jabulani follow the
a firsthand look at conservation Maasai communities untouched by herd virtually than meet your
projects and meet the passionate large-scale tourism and learn about foster elephant in person.
wildlife caregivers at Shamwari. their innovative community projects.

4. ART AND SUSTAINABLE 5. RE-WILD KIDS AT THE BUSH 6. JOIN THE


LIVING SHOOL ANTI-POACHING UNIT
Spend a day in Cape Town meet- Spend time with guides and Go behind the scenes with the
ing inspiring people and learning resident naturalists learning anti-poaching team. Meet their
about their music, customs and bushcraft skills based on each dogs and learn about their scent
way of life. kid’s age. tracking.

Every safari includes a donation to a child’s education and wildlife conservation.


Photo Credit: © Natural Selection Safaris
EXPLORE
AFRICA
Find the right Africa just for you
with one of these special journeys.

Like the stripes on a zebra, no two human fingerprints are


the same. The same is true for each family’s ideal safari.
We specialize in crafting magical journeys to suit each
guest’s personal travel style and interest.

Whatever your dreams of Africa, use one of these ideas as


inspiration to create the perfect safari.
SAFARI FOR
SOUTH AFRICA’S
All AgesWONDERS
NATURAL
This adventure begins in
Cape Town, journeys to
Grootbos Nature Reserve,
a coastal wonderland where
you’ll search for the Marine
Big 5, and ends in an epic
safari in a wildlife heaven.

THE JOURNEY
Over three days explore Cape Town with private tours of the city and Cape
Peninsula. Relax among wildflowers and coastal views in the Grootbos Private
Reserve. Enjoy wildlife-rich Shamwari Game Reserve, home to the Big 5 and
Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE


This safari satisfies adventurous city and bush interests while allowing
downtime in beautiful places.

AFRICAN TRAVEL BENEFITS


Local led city tours customized to your interest. Choice of accommodation
from lodge suites to villa or house takeovers. Arrange special cooking
classes in the bush or soccer matches with the local kids. A donation is
made to wildlife conservation at the malaria-free Shamwari Game Reserve.

TRAVEL TIP
Add a few days in Victoria Falls
for an exciting land and water
safari.
Watch this video and see what it
is like to be on safari at Victoria
Falls River Lodge.

Photo Credit: Shamwari Private Game Reserve,


South Africa; Victoria Falls River Lodge
FAMILY SAFARI
IN KENYA
Kenya is home to diverse
game reserves and
conservancies, beautiful
landscapes, great game
viewing, and delightful
cultural encounters.

THE JOURNEY
This nine-day adventure is perfect for all ages and is all about
extraordinary wildlife and true adventure in style and safety. While
staying at family owned bush homes and camps, re-wild the kids, meet
the local Maasai, and participate in wildlife conservation
projects.

Bring your kids to Kenya’s first Bush School for Children and for older
family members accompany the anti-poaching ranger unit to learn about
game counts, de-snaring and tracking.

ACTIVE AND MULTI GENERATION FAMILIES


Kenya is a fantastic option for more active travelers and multi generation
families. Spend time together on game drives and in between
parents or grandparents can relax or everyone can participate in
active adventures like bush walks, mountain biking or horse riding.

AFRICAN TRAVEL BENEFITS


Tour flights between camps to maximize your time in the wild.
Participate in several MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experiences including
exploring Kenya’s oldest national park and meeting the mammas and
local children at House in the Wild.

TRAVEL TIP
Interested in more hidden gems? On the Captivating Kenya itinerary,
spot the Samburu 5, search for endangered rhino with Nairobi as a
backdrop, and visit Kenya’s first community owned elephant sanctuary.

Photo Credit: House in the Wild, Kenya; Sasaab, Kenya


SAFARI FORTHE
DISCOVER
All Ages
WONDERS OF
TANZANIA
Tanzania never fails to
deliver an exceptional safari
experience. Explore
UNESCO World Heritage
sights including the
Ngorongoro Crater and the
Serengeti.

THE JOURNEY
Stay at Tanzania’s largest coffee plantations. Descend through the
mists into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. Fly to the northern edge of the world-renowned Serengeti
for 3 nights of luxury under canvas at the elegant TAASA Lodge.

DREAM SAFARI
Home to the Great Migration usually from July to October, Tanzania
offers a classic safari experience. There’s plenty to see here and pairs
well with Kenya, Rwanda and the Spice Island of Zanzibar.

AFRICAN TRAVEL BENEFITS


Learn age-old survival techniques from Maasai warriors. Identify bush
food, learn how to make a fire, spear, bow and arrow. Or maybe search
for wildlife tracks with your guide and make a mold of the footprints to
take home as a souvenir!

TRAVEL TIP: Consider our


Enchanting East Africa for an
interesting mix of bush and beach.
Explore the Serengeti and Maasai
Mara, and then escape to Zanzibar.

Photo Credit: Sanctuary Swala Camp, Tanzania;


The Manta Resort, Znzibar
REASONS
To Visit
Africa is a year-round destination and we can guide you to
the best times and destinations to visit based on what your
family wants to see or when they want to travel.

A YEAR-ROUND MIX OF EXPERIENCES


MAY - OCT
NOV - MAR DRY SEASON
BEACH & SURFING The bush thins making it prime
Cape Town comes alive with wildlife viewing. Daytime temps
sunny weather and big events. are mild.

JAN - JUL
SERENGETI MIGRATION MAY - JULY
The world’s largest cirgular GRUMETI RIVER CROSSING
migration of zebras and wildebeest The herds risk it all to continue their
cross the Serengeti. trek to the Maasai Mara.

JANUARY - MARCH APRIL - JUNE

JAN - FEB MAR - JUN


GORILLA TREKKING OKAVANGO DELTA
Gorilla treks are year- The waterways fill and the delta is
round. Babies start to transformed with an extraordinary
arrive. hive of animal activity.

JAN - MAR FEB - JUN


BIRTHING SEASON VICTORIA FALLS ROARS
Young wildebeest are born Victoria Falls is in full flood.
and there is intense big cat
action.
SEP - OCT
YEAR ROUND GREEN SEASON
BEACH HOLIDAY Between September and October
Africa’s white sand beach and islands thousands of birds migrate to the
have enjoyable tropical weather. rivers and lakes surrounding the
Zanzibar is on the equator and Makgadikgadi Pans.
beautiful.

FESTIVE SEASONS
Another great option
JULY - NOV to get away. Holiday
KENYA MIGRATION pricing may by higher but
The herds cross the Mara River so is the level of fun.
in a spectacle filled with drama.

JULY - SEPTEMBER OCTOBER - DECEMBER

SEPTEMBER DEC - MARCH


BABY NAMING ZEBRA MIGRATION
Rwanda’s Kwita Izina, baby Once the rains have fallen, the
naming ceremony coincides zebra migration can be seen in
with great trekking conditions. the Makgadikgadi Pans.

Planning Tip
There are great rewards for families who want to travel now but they must be flexible.
Planning for a big occasion or have your heart set on a certain lodge or camp?
Plan six months to a year in advance.
FREQUENTLY
Asked Questions
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT AFRICA?
Africa is a year-round destination, and the best time depends on your family’s schedule and
travel preference. While the dry season is one of the best times to get a fill of Mother Nature, and
the dry season differs by destination and depends on your interests. The Green Season is a
wonderful time of year that buzzes with new life and is a great time to avoid the crowds of high
season while saving money. Also, not all the animals are migratory so you will see wildlife and spend
more time with your guide viewing them.

WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING A FAMILY SAFARI?


Choose a destination, then decide on pace, and experiences. Some families are very active and
prefer constant engagement, while other families prefer longer stays with less packing and unpacking.
Once you decide on pace and some of the top things each family member wants to see, we can craft
the right mix of lodges, camps and experiences to fit your needs.

IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE FOR CHILDREN?


We cater to all families. Our safari specialists will advise the best destination based on age, family
travel style and any other requirements. For families with younger kids, a good kids club or program
keeps kids entertained and can also provide some time for parents or grandparents to relax or
enjoy a safari on their own.

WHAT IS IT LIKE BEING ON A GAME DRIVE?


There will be moments when textbooks and nature documentaries come to life and you’re awestruck
at the site of a dazzle of zebra, herd of elephants and gaggle of giraffe. Then there are moments of
quiet reflection with stunning vistas. There’s always time for breaks for tea or sundowners (happy
hour in the bush). Along the way, a guide shares both the big and small flora and fauna. Game drive
times can vary in length and usually happen at least twice daily. Night drives can be done in select
areas.

For those that worry about family members getting restless, hiring a private jeep gives more
flexibility in what and how long you do a game drive. Most family suites and accommodation include
a private jeep.

IS AFRICA SAFE?
When you travel with us, you can rest assured your family’s wellbeing is our top priority. Each partner
and guide is vetted. African Travel and its destinations are endorsed by the World Tourism & Travel
Council (TTC) as a Safe Travels destination. We have a team both here and in Africa to answer your
questions and respond in real time in all phases of your trip.
IS INTERNET ACCESSIBLE THROUGHOUT MY JOURNEY?
City hotel and many lodges and camps have Wi-Fi, however some areas in the bush are more
remote and have less access to the internet. Depending on your needs to connect or disconnect,
we can tailor the right experience for you.

HOW PHYSICALLY DEMANDING ARE PROGRAMS?


Generally, the safari programs are not physically demanding. Walking safaris can require more levels
of fitness, but usually they are not strenuous. Depending on interests, we can also include more
active experiences ranging from quad biking and camel-back safaris to Maasai Olympics or swimming
in the Devils’ Pool.

IF I NEED TO CHANGE MY BOOKING, WILL MY MONEY BE SAFE?


Absolutely. You can choose new dates and/or a new destination prior to final payment (subject to
terms and conditions). Travel protection plans are mandatory. If you choose to purchase African
Travel’s own Travel Protection plan, you will have the flexibility to cancel for ANY reason, up to 24
hours before departure. Depending on the plan you select, you will be eligible for either a Future
Travel Certificate, or a mix of 60% cash back insurance benefit with a 10% Future Travel
Certificate. Both plans include additional coverage for COVID-19.

DO WE NEED PASSPORTS OR SPECIAL DOCUMENTS?


Passports are required and must be valid for at least 6 months after the scheduled return date and
have sufficient blank pages. Children who are not traveling with their parents may need additional
documentation. Visa requirements vary by country.

CAN I ALSO BOOK AIR TRAVEL WITH YOU?


We are a one-stop-shop for everything Africa. We have contracts and
rates with many airlines and you can either request to add flights at the
time of booking, or we can add flights at a later stage.

Priceless Support
Included in each of our
journeys are experts that save
time and money selecting the
right safari to match your needs.
While on safari you will have
access to in-country 24/7 guest
services to assist with changes.
LIVE THE AFRICAN DREAM
We find the right Africa just for you.
Plan your family safari now.
Contact your favorite travel advisor or visit
africantravelinc.com

800.421.8907 | info@africantravelinc.com

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