Does your family holiday destination suggestions no longer elicit any excitement? Surely you saw an eye roll from one of the kids when you announced the holiday plans.
Well, good things can lose flavor if you see or do them over and over again. So, the first time your family went on a beach vacation, it was exciting because it was a new experience. But, after five visits, the sandy beaches and water activities have become familiar.
Well, your search for a fun holiday destination is over. We have the perfect solution in the form of a safari holiday.
What Is a Safari?
Safari is a Swahili word that means “to travel.” Allow us to give you a little language lesson here. If you say “nitaenda safari kesho,” it translates to “I will be traveling tomorrow.” But, over time, the word now describes an overland trip to see wild animals in their natural setting.
Watch the sparkle come back to the kids eyes when you suggest a safari holiday. Allow their imagination to wander at the chance to see the Big Five up close. We are talking about the majestic lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, and elephants. Not just big five, they can experience the Small Five, Shy Five and so many more things.
But there is much more to see and experience with animals, culture, food, and tons of activities.
Now, let’s look at some family safari destinations you will never forget, or regret visiting.
Tanzania
The East African country, Tanzania, is a dream destination for a family safari holiday. It has so much to offer that you will not believe how fast the holiday time runs out. The must-visit areas are the following:
- The northern circuit takes you through the award-winning Serengeti National park. It also transverses Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara
- The southern part of Tanzania with Selous and Ruaha Safaris
- Western circuit to visit Mahale and Katavi Tanzania Safaris
- The islands and coast for some fun beach time. The miles of pristine beaches are incomparable to anywhere else in the world. Indeed, it provides a fantastic culmination to a safari-packed day.
Top Famiy Safari Recommendation: Serengeti National Park
Our top recommendation for a first-time family safari is the Serengeti National Park. Expect to see all types of animals, including lions, hyenas, and elephants.
You may see a Maasai herdsman mere feet away from a lion. The relationship between this tribe and the predators is quite fascinating. You will hear plenty of stories during the visits to the Maasai Manyattas or villages.
Best Time to Visit
The Serengeti hosts the breathtaking Wildebeest Migration. You can catch this spectacle in the dry season from late June to October.
Please note, the Serengeti is a popular safari destination. So in peak seasons, it can get pretty crowded. If you prefer a more peaceful time, go during the low season. This falls during the long rains that fall from mid-March to mid-May.
Other good times are early November to Mid-December, and the last two weeks of January. You will have to contend with some rainy spells but will get to avoid the hustle and bustle of so many visitors.
You have the option of staying at the luxurious resorts or tented camps. What could be more thrilling than sitting by the bonfire with the knowledge that a lion could be a few feet away?
South Africa
South Africa is another delightful safari destination. It is home to a diverse landscape ranging from semi-deserts to jungles and swamps. It is also the place where you can catch a glimpse of the endangered black rhino.
Some amazing safari destinations are the world-famous Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands Game reserve and the Kwazulu Natal.
Top Famiy Safari Recommendation: Krugher National Park
Our top pick for a first-time family safari would be Kruger National Park. The park is huge, covering over 2 million hectares.
Private reserves ensure the continuity of endangered species, like the African Wild Dog and the Black Rhino. Bird watchers flock to the park to view over 500 bird species.
And of course, we would not recommend a safari destination that does not have the big 5. The rich fauna and flora could explain why the oldest national park in the world attracts almost so many visitors each year.
You can tour the sites on foot through guided walks. The other option is self-drives or game drives.
If you have time, also check out the adjoining Sabi Sand. The two parks have no boundary fences, so the animals have free rein to roam the areas at will. Your family will love the massive population of predators, notably the big cats.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kruger national park is between May and September, which is the dry season. For bird watching, however, the wet April to October is a major draw for migrant birds.
Kenya
Kenya is right next door to Tanzania and is also a favorite family safari holiday destination. It is home to some of the best parks, including Tsavo, Aberdare, Amboseli, and Maasai Mara.
You will also love the Nairobi National Park, which sits in the southern part of the city’s center. The open grasslands are home to lions, ostriches, warthogs, and buffalos. Bird watchers also congregate here for a chance to see over 400 bird species.
Top Famiy Safari Recommendation: Maasai Mara
One must-visit destination is the Maasai Mara. The park sits on the Kenya-Tanzania border and is part of the Serengeti ecosystem.
The selling point for the Maasai Mara as a family safari destination is the dense animal concentration. Indeed, you may find it hard to get another safari destination with so many animals. Predators, prey, and the Maasai tribe live together in perfect harmony.
Best Time to Visit
The animals move back and forth between the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara. They do this in search of food during the seasonal changes. You can plan the Maasai mara trip for any time of the year.
April is the best time, though, because the long rains ensure plenty of food for the herbivores. And, of course, that means the predators will also be around. The family can also catch the wildebeest migration in July and August.
Final Thoughts
We have shared the top three family safari destinations worth visiting. Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa will give you a chance to interact with a wide selection of fauna and flora. Imagine waking up to majestic creatures roaming around the resorts or quenching their thirst at the watering holes. Please note though, these are wild animals and you must maintain a safe distance at all times. There are specific sanctuaries where you can get close to the animals.
Our final advice is to use the services of reputable travel companies. They will make the arrangements for your family safari. That way, you can concentrate on what is crucial, which is complete rest, relaxation, and the enjoyment of the wild.
