Travelling with children to Africa is a delight, to see the shift of focus from their electronic world to Pumba or Zazu, games with their guide, making mud pies or elephant dung paper, means only one thing, precious memories made for evermore. From Cape Town to Kenya, Mauritius to Namibia, there is an abundance of camps or lodges offering some great family experiences and here follows my top five that my children have loved over the years.

Whale Watching for Families

Grootbos Nature Reserve is a family haven, wide open spaces for children to be children, beach picnics which invariably end with a game of cricket, a visit to the farm with its rabbits, chickens and array of baby animals. Most inspiring are the community projects close to the owner's heart; these may include football with the local team or digging up vegetables with the local ladies. All this and I have not yet mentioned the main reason travellers flock to this area, whales... we packed up a picnic, sat on the rocks and watched the whales basking in the waters below, one with its calf, another waving its tail above the water and the star of the show another as it belly flopped into the sea causing much laughter for the kids. 

Cape Town for Families

Also in the Cape a family day out with a fun loving, adventurous guide (the kind that even grumpy teens will think is ‘cool’) will offer any family an off the wall experience with lots of memories. Activities cover the most of what amazing Cape Town has to offer, but with a twist of whatever takes your fancy. Paddle board around the V&A Waterfront, visit a working harbour and meet the seals, take a guided hike around Table Mountain, paddle with penguins or learn to surf in the ocean. The choice is entirely yours, a memorable day is sure to be had by all.

Safaris for Families

Safari options for families are aplenty across all of Africa and the majority offer amazing activities to keep the young ones occupied and interested, and yes, thanks to the wonder of Disney and Lion King the animals are the main attraction (I have to tell the tale of a young boy with his parents on his first game drive, came across a pride of lion, he sat transfixed by the animals watching them with great intent, after about 10 mins, he turned to his mum and asked 'when do they start to sing mummy?' ) but these following properties offer that bit more to enhance the whole experience

In Tanzania, at Gibbs Farm near the Ngorongoro Crater, kids can embrace farm life with a range of experiences from baking bread and roasting coffee to milking a cow! There are many ways to explore the farm either with a guide on an interesting walk or by mountain bike. There are also a range of cultural activities, visits to the local village or school with many projects you can sponsor, you can even help build a school desk with the local carpenter!

Malaria Free Family Safaris

Travelling with young children always poses the question, to take malaria tablets or not? And that is why the Morukuru Game Reserve, with its varied family accommodation options and located next to the malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa, makes a great option for a family safari. Not only is the game great here, a range of other activities means lots to keep the kids happy, be it safari drumming, fishing, baking biscuits, trekking lessons, playing football with the staff or beading, the choice is wide, but also their philosophy on family travel is one that tailors the needs of the children into the daily timetable, happy kids means happy parents, it’s a ‘win win’ for all. 

After a Family Safari - time for the beach?

After a hectic safari it is time to head to the beach and in Kenya for a family to really regroup, there is no better place for a beach stay than Kinondo Kwetu - family run, great family accommodation - a real home from home experience where all can relax. There are a range of activities too, apart from the usual watersports you find at any beach hotel, you also have kite surfing, stand up paddle boarding, or sail a traditional dhow. On dry land you can horse ride, watch turtles hatching or take a nature trail in the nearby reserve, or you could just relax on the beach building sandcastles or collecting seashells on the shore...

For More Inspiration

It's a Family Affair

Family Time in East Africa

Kenya for Families

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