Before You Go: Things to Consider
Africa for Your Kids
This article was contributed by a friendly reader: Suzie Jones. Thanks, Suzie!
“Everything in Africa bites, but the safari bug is worst of all.” -Brian Jackman
It is very fashionable to decorate your nursery with animals from Africa – while actually taking your kids to this great continent can result in some raised eyebrows. Some folk will think you have turned the final bend when you tell them you are planning to take small children to an area with wildlife ranging from mosquitoes to elephants!
The fact of the matter is that millions of children are born and live happy and healthy lives in Africa. It is also an open university where subjects such as fauna, flora, cultural studies, ecology, geography, archaeology, religion and many languages are studied freely.
Who knows chances are excellent that the only thing to ever bite will be the safari bug!
Taking our cue from the famous animals of the Safari continent – a couple of travel tips:
Giraffe Calves Grow An Inch A Day
… and even more amazingly they do this on a steady diet of greens. Your children might be less excited about strange foods (especially the green ones!) on holiday. Prepare them for the fact that food on another continent will be different (you might want to explain the reasons why) and try to show them some examples of what can be expected. In Zambia big fat Mopane worms are an everyday delicacy and in Botswana flying ants are collected and considered a great energy booster. Almost everywhere in Africa children (and most grownups) routinely eat with their hands and most meals are served with a staple that is present at every meal. On safari you will most likely only be offered local food if you request it – unfortunately the wonderful meals dreamt up in bush kitchens are not always kid-friendly and it can be very difficult to find specific foods on safari at short notice – some camps are very remote and supplies can only be delivered periodically. Make sure any serious food preferences are noted to your travel agent – and if necessary pack some emergency rations…If your kids like marshmallows pack a bunch and ask the lodge to allow them to roast them on the campfire.
Hippo’s Get Sunburn
The African sun is relentless and sunstroke is a serious disease. Even in the middle of winter on a rainy, cloudy day – do not forget the strongest sunblock and insist on hats and long sleeves being worn at all times! Sunblock is expensive and a luxury in Africa – pack copious quantities. Also remember that your kids will be dehydrating faster than they would at home and it is a good idea to keep reminding them to drink frequently. Camping suppliers sell great water bottles that toddlers and older children can clip onto a belt and carry with them all day. Remember to ONLY use bottled water.
Impala’s Have A Scent Gland Above Their Hooves (One Way Of Keeping The Herd Safe And Together)
Everyone knows that it is vital that you read the small print regarding illness and discuss all your options with your doctor well before you travel. Just as important is using your instincts once you are safely back home. If you think your kids are sick within 6 months of returning from Africa do mention your travels to your doctor! Most tropical diseases benefit greatly from early diagnosis and treatment. A TOP TIP is to try and find an ex-pat parent living in the country you intend to visit and having a chat about medical problems and possible pitfalls before speaking with your doctor.
Hyena’s Are Well Known For Their Loud Laugh (Which They Use To Defend Their Territory)
It is important to let your kids know that noise can disturb wild animals – at the same time make sure your activities are tailored for your children’s attention span. Unless you have a personal guide, taking young children on a long game drive with other travelers is not really advisable. Make sure your travel agent or tour operator is very aware of the ages of your children and ask them to advise you (in writing) what will be available and/ or prohibit for young children. While you are discussing animal behaviour… it might be worth pointing out the fact that there will be a big difference between actual safari and what they are used to seeing on National Geographic Wild!
Elephants Are Famous For Their Indestructible Memories
If your children are old enough encourage them to keep their own journals/ take their own pictures. For really small tots you can do all the writing and photographing – although it might be fun to add a foot or handprint made in African mud (you can find an amazing variety of soil colours in Africa)/ leaves from the trees etc. (Ask the chef at your lodge if they will prepare a traditional African celebration cake – iced elephant dung for your children) Even if the real memories of the trip do not last, revisiting a safari journal later will provide them with hours of pleasure.
Or if writing is not your family’s strong suit ….
Despite Its Weight An Eland Can Jump Up To 6.5 Feet In The Air
Older children can keep a small book of AMAZING FACTS – you can add to it as you travel … and it can include anything from the fact that people eat flying ants in Botswana and worms in Zambia – to who watched the most movies on the way over …
… and finally
Vervet Monkeys Have A White Band On Their Foreheads Which Makes Them Easily Identifiable
Travelling through the larger airports or cities it is advisable to make sure you keep a tight hold on young children – Even in areas where there is no inherent danger young children might be frightened by the African customs which include the idea that personal space exists to be invaded. Children with blue eyes and blonde hair can be a source of curiosity even in quite developed areas of Africa – the attention will generally be well intended and very friendly but you and your kids might find it a little overwhelming! While the remote areas are generally very safe all the big cities need to be approached with a healthy dollop of common sense.
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