Family Safari Safety: 10 Essential Tips for Traveling with Children in Southern Africa
Embarking on a family safari in Southern Africa is a transformative experience for children, fostering a lifelong love for nature and conservation. However, the wilderness requires respect and preparation. To ensure your “Little Explorers” stay safe while having the time of their lives, follow these ten essential safety tips.
1. Prioritize Health and Vaccinations
Consult a travel clinic or your family doctor at least two months before departure. Beyond routine shots, discuss Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and specifically Malaria Prophylaxis. While many regions are low-risk, prevention is better than cure.
2. Choose a Malaria-Free Zone
If you have very young children (under 5), consider destinations like the Madikwe Game Reserve or the Eastern Cape. These areas are completely malaria-free, removing the need for medication and providing peace of mind for parents.
3. Select a Family-Friendly Lodge
Not all lodges accept children, and some have age restrictions for game drives. Look for lodges that offer “Kiddies Clubs,” fenced perimeters (for safety from predators), and specific family suites. Team Safaris maintains a curated list of lodges that truly welcome younger guests.
4. Practice Vehicle Etiquette
Teach your children that a safari vehicle is not a playground. They must remain seated at all times, keep their limbs inside the vehicle, and keep noise levels to a minimum. Loud noises can startle animals, potentially leading to dangerous reactions.
5. The “Golden Rule” of Silence
When approaching a sighting, silence is paramount. Explain to your children that being quiet allows them to hear the sounds of the bush—the snap of a branch or the warning call of a bird—and keeps the animals calm.
6. Sun and Hydration
The African sun is intense. Ensure children wear wide-brimmed hats and high-SPF sunscreen. Always have a bottle of water handy, as dehydration can happen quickly during long, exciting game drives.
7. Respect the “Invisible” Fence
Even in fenced camps, wildlife like baboons or vervet monkeys can enter. Teach children never to feed animals and to keep snacks tucked away in sealed bags to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
8. Pack the Right Gear
Essential items for kids include:
- Binoculars: Their own pair keeps them engaged.
- Closed Shoes: Essential for any bush walks or even just walking around camp at night.
- Dull-Colored Clothing: Khaki, brown, and green help you blend in; avoid bright white or neon colors.
9. Keep Them Engaged
A bored child is a restless child. Bring a wildlife checklist or a field guide. Encourage them to “earn” points for every species they spot. This turns the safari into an interactive game rather than a passive observation.
10. Travel with Experts
Team Safaris understands the unique dynamics of family travel. We provide guides who are not only wildlife experts but also great storytellers who can translate the complexities of the ecosystem into language that children find fascinating. We handle the logistics, so you can focus on making memories.
