Every year safaris get more accommodating, but at many lodges a red-line remained: small kids. Not only was the safety issue obvious—even the most acclimated game animals might see a small human as a snack—but children were considered ill-suited for the jeep for a myriad of other good reasons. They’re loud, unpredictable, difficult to control, and tire easily.
They are also often unprepared for the more animalistic elements of the circle of life. They didn’t like “Bambi,” so why would you take them to see the gore of a fresh lion kill? But as lodges reorient to create private camps within camps designed for multi-generational safari experiences, the cradle of humanity is beginning to look exactly that. Safari company African Travel say a 20 percent increase in booking family bookings last year—40 percent of those trips were arranged by grandparents.
“We’re seeing an increase in multi-generation trips where the whole family from grandparents to grandchildren are together,” says Bjorn Behlert of Scott Dunn . “Safari lodges with private houses are particularly popular as they offer a luxury and private holiday where everyone can be together and enjoy themselves.” To meet that consumer demand, private safari operator The Retreats at Sayari and Namiri in Tanzania is welcoming children aged five and up.
Book with you ankle biter and get a private guide, vehicle, and chef specializing in children’s cuisine. The Retreats’ family-friendly tent setups come w.
