Africa is a world of its own. Families who are in need of a little adventure, enjoy discovering nature, or love learning about different cultures are sure to thrive in Africa’s majestic landscape. Adults and children alike will experience the magic through activities and sights that are memorable and engaging for individuals of all ages.
Wait! You think Africa is out of the list because you have kids? Big No, however there are vaccinations to worry about, distances can be large and there are regions you’ll want to avoid, but you might just have the holiday of a lifetime. There are new foods experiences and sights, not to mention quality family time. Travelling to East Africa with children requires careful planning like to check carefully what vaccinations are required for each country you plan to visit, a valid passport, activities and accommodation. You really don’t have to worry about safety when traveling to East Africa with kids but of course, you will have to use your common sense just as you would do anywhere else.
Plan the itinerary ahead and carefully
It’s generally best to avoid the rainy season (March to Jun) when travelling with children. The safari should be tailored to suit both younger kids and older children; younger kids may not have the patience to sit for long periods in a car, but a half day game viewing is a great benefit. Imagine the excitement of a 5 years old spotting their first pride of lions or herd of elephants! There are strict minimum age requirements at most activities because of this, it is absolutely essential to learn about the requirements and make sure your children are able to take part in the activities.
Children are much happier when they are occupied; Include in your itinerary cultural experience activities for interaction and learning, soft adventure, beach holidays and lastly be sure to leave some down time to let them release and refuel their energy by hitting a playground. The point here is your children should enjoy every moment seeing the world and create a lifetime of memories along the way.
Essential travel document
It is very important to find out exactly what documentation your destination requires if you plan to travel with children there. Apart from a 6 months valid passport, If only one parent is travelling with the kids, he/she may be required to bring proof of consent for travel from the children’s other parent and also adopted kids may need their adoption documents carried along. This is usually done to restrain child trafficking and unauthorized adoption.
Whether it’s your trip, your possessions, your luggage, or your health, travel insurance has become an essential item to pack for smart travelers. You may think that travel insurance is just another unnecessary cost, but the truth is no one should ever travel with kids without it. Take out family travel insurance.
Before travelling to East Africa, you will need to consult with a doctor to get your kids vaccinated for yellow fever (a Yellow Fever certificate is valid 10 days after vaccination), typhoid and traveler’s diarrhea. Take also Malarone for malaria prevention throughout the journey to minimize a risk of needing a hospital; health care is hard to find in some places in East Africa
What to Bring
If you are travelling with a child below 2 years, Bring as much as possible from home such as canned baby foods, powdered milk, pampers; they are available in most large supermarkets, but you might not find the brand your baby is used to. Don’t forget also child-friendly insect repellent. Child seats are available but I recommend booking it in advance. For clothes and hygiene check out our previous blog.
http://www.astepintonature.com/2018/06/your-packing-guide-for-a-safari-in-africa/ “
Transport
Travelling between towns on public transport is seldom easy. Opened roof 4×4 Safari Vehicles and super custom van are usually child-friendly. Designed to carry 6 to 8 guests, open safari vehicles offer face to face encounters with nature. A pack guide sits on the frontage reading animal tracks whist the guide drives and ensure your safety.
However, if your holiday destination is fairly remote and only accessible using hours of travel, pack some snacks and something to keep the kids entertained.
Accommodation
Most hotel and lodges can handle most feasibility with assurance, whether it’s the extra bed or cot, or serving buffet meals for finicky eaters; some lodges even have children’s playgrounds and almost all have swimming pools. Children below 6 years usually stay free in most hotels and Children between 6 and 12 years are charged 75% of the adult rate. Large family rooms or apartments are available in some hotels.
Health & Safe Travel
Talk with your doctor before departure; take special care with hygiene once you’re on the road and ensure that they sleep under mosquito net. There is no need to bring mosquito nets for your children, most hotel and lodges provide them
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