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What do kids need on safari?

Some general precautions for families on safari include protection from the hot African sun. Hats and sunblock are a must on drives and walks. Mosquito repellent and 'covering up' areas of exposed skin in the early evenings is a must, especially in malaria areas.



To ensure a high-fidelity and comfortable safari in 2026, children require a mix of functional gear and engagement tools. A high-value necessity is clothing in neutral tones (khaki, olive, or tan) to blend with the environment, as bright colors can startle animals. Because temperatures fluctuate, zip-off trousers and lightweight layers are a necessity for transitioning from chilly dawn game drives to the afternoon heat. High-fidelity safety items like a wide-brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses, and 30% DEET insect repellent are a requirement. To keep them engaged, provide their own lightweight binoculars and a kid-friendly camera, which empowers them to spot wildlife independently. Finally, a high-value "boredom-buster" kit with animal guidebooks, a notebook for sketches, and familiar snacks is a necessity for the long periods of quiet observation often required to see elusive predators in the wild.

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Other children safari essentials
  • Toothbrushes/toothpaste.
  • British plug converter (generally 220/240v)
  • Any books or electronics your children use during down time and long car rides.
  • Headphones for electronics.
  • Chargers for all electronics.
  • Sunscreen (Factor 50 is recommended for children)
  • Children friendly bug spray.


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Here are our top tips for doing a safari with kids under the age of 5:
  1. Don't wait until they're older. ...
  2. Self-drive. ...
  3. Snacks and more snacks. ...
  4. Pack the travel potty. ...
  5. Get clued up on poo! ...
  6. Binoculars, camera and an identification booklet. ...
  7. Be selective in your park choices. ...
  8. Set expectations.


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But when exactly are kids old enough to go on an African safari? Many tour operators recommend waiting until kids are least 8 or 9 years old in order to fully appreciate the experience and have the stamina—and sit-still-in-silence waiting skills—sometimes required to do so.

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10 tips for planning a family safari holiday
  1. Start small. ...
  2. Check age limits. ...
  3. Choose your destination carefully. ...
  4. Consider self-drive. ...
  5. Invest in a local guides or book a private tour. ...
  6. Bring binoculars and wildlife books. ...
  7. Help the kids capture the moment. ...
  8. Don't forget about birds or smaller creatures.


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Taking your children to Africa should be one of the most wonderful things that your family will ever do, on so many levels. Our safari experts have a great deal of experience of creating truly remarkable family safaris for a very wide range of tastes and budgets.

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Some 3yr olds might do well, but the best-recommended age for children to come for a Kenyan safari is 5yrs and above.

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Good pair of trainers or hiking shoes (not boots) – for running around camp, bush walks, avoiding thorns. Also useful to wear with socks and tuck trousers in for evening mosquito protection.

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The things you should not wear on an African safari
  • Camo or military style clothing.
  • Expensive Jewellery.
  • White Clothes.
  • Dark blue or black clothes.
  • Bright colors like Yellow, and Red.
  • Very warm underclothes.
  • Heels.
  • Non absorbent clothing.


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Leggings and yoga pants are especially popular on safari because they're lightweight and comfortable, especially if you're going to be sitting in a Jeep all day. If you anticipate being cold, a fleece-lined pair is good to have too.

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Botswana is considered to be one of the safest places in Africa to visit. The most tourist activity is generally around Maun and Kasane which are gateways to major big game parks such as Chobe, Moremi, Okavango Delta, Central Kalahari, and Nxai Pan.

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Animals lurking in the African bush have much more finely tuned night vision than you. Don't tempt them into making you their midnight snack. During safari tours, don't stand up. And don't stick anything out of the vehicle.

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A lot goes into the cost of running a remote safari lodge, Addison added, especially when taking into consideration high taxes, conservation fees and national park levies. Generally our experience is that it takes at least five years to pay off a lodge before it even starts to make money, he said.

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The best time to go on safari is between June and October, during the dry season. This is a cooler time of the year and you are more likely to see animals, who are searching for water sources. During these months, you can also catch the iconic Masai Mara migration.

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Namibia's big hitter is the astonishing Etosha National Park, while Zimbabwe and Zambia share the Victoria Falls. Namibia and South Africa are the most affordable of all the safari destinations we offer because you can rent a vehicle and drive yourself around, as well as stay in self-catering accommodation.

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