We used to think we could design family safaris really well, until a few of us had kids, and then...we realised we could design them really, really, well. A family holiday is truly a work of art and not always easy to pull off. You have a group of people of varying ages, different interests, different sexes and their own individual opinions...and you have to ensure that they are all happy!
Thankfully the natural world is an area that never ceases to inspire interest in people of all ages, opinions and persuasions; there is something to engage everyone whether it be marvelling at a dung beetle as it rolls its merry way through the African dust, reaching the summit of Maccu Piccu, or tracking the tigers of India. The natural world is our niche and it provides the ultimate playground for families of all backgrounds.
As the world has become more accessible this has meant remote places that were once unlikely to welcome families as their clients are now at the top of the list. There is a whole new world out there for families to explore and right here we hope to open your eyes to some of the great new family opportunities…
1. Kenya
The key to Kenya is accessing some of the private concessions and conservancies. These regions only permit a limited number of properties to be built and have strict regulations on number of vehicles allowed on wildlife sightings at any one time. This automatically increases the quality of your family adventure and ensures you are not sitting in a queue waiting for your glimpse of a lion in long grass. With only a few lodges in each private conservancy, you are guaranteed a quality experience and with these conservancies now bedded in more than ever, the resident game often beats that in the Masai Mara itself.It’s an oldie but a goodie. We used to not be huge fans of Kenya as we felt it was too mainstream for us. Over the last 4 or 5 years however we have to say we have been convinced otherwise; if you know where to go then you can avoid the crowds, enjoy some spectacular wildlife sightings and access some of the most pristine wilderness areas left on the African continent.
KENYA & TANZANIA
A memorable safari, exploring the Masai Mara and Ol Pejeta Conservancy before relaxing alongside the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean in Zanzibar. Spend some quality time with your family within idyllic private camps.
Enjoy a tailor-made safari to Kenya taking in the big cats and game of the Masai Mara Reserve. After catching a flight here, you will be able to spot game en route during your transfer to Naribor Camp. Due to the stunning location of the camp there may even be a number of resident game wandering through the grounds as you arrive.
From 9500 per person
2. Galapagos Islands
Where better to get up close and personal to wildlife than the Galapagos Islands! With some of the most at ease wildlife on our planet, the Galapagos Islands offer that perfect educative experience for families with children. The boats in the Galapagos Islands all run on a set departure basis and with some of these being dedicated to purely family bookings, this is a great way to meet other families both for the parents and the children alike. If this is not your style, then we also cater to individual family requirements on private departures making for the perfect Galapagos adventure. Whilst the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands is the main draw, there are also plenty of other activities to keep everyone happy with snorkelling, diving and kayaking offering you alternative means to explore.
An epic, lodge-based Galapagos wildlife safari staying in some wonderful accommodation. Perfect for anyone who doesn't want to stay aboard an expedition ship. This lodge-based Galapagos itinerary visits the incredible Santa Cruz and Isabela islands and includes boat trips to surrounding islands. This is an incredible way to see the wildlife of the Galapagos for those land-lovers with an aversion to spending too much time on the sea. Swim with playful sea lions; watch the blue footed boobies as they perform in a charming courtship dance; see the emblematic tortoises in their natural habitat and a whole host of other fearless animals.
From 8000 per person
These itineraries showcase a few ways of combining the attractions of this fascinating country. Please note however these are intended as a guide only and can be completely tailored to your specific requirements.
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3. Borneo
Great value for money, great fun and a huge amount to see! Borneo is an ideal family holiday destination with a variety of wildlife from swinging orangutans, colourful birdlife, howling gibbons, lumbering elephants and lazy beaches. From jungle lodges to some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world, Borneo is a must for any family adventure.
From swinging orangutans and honking proboscis monkeys, to sandy beaches and exploring the jungle; this safari is perfect for families with just the right mix of wildlife, relaxation and adrenaline.
School holidays are a fabulous time to take the family away on those once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Below we have detailed some of the best places to explore with your children during their breaks from education for Easter, summer and Christmas holidays.
Track the Gorillas in Rwanda & Uganda
The kids have to be 15 years or older but this is a trip that will not be forgotten. It is also the rainy season, however due to the overcast conditions this is one of the best times for photography.
The Polar Bears of Svalbard
These are the months if you want to explore the frozen north. As the season progresses the ice melts and you can make further progress round the Spitsbergen archipelago and even in the later months attempt a circumnavigation.
This safari is perfect for anyone who is limited on their time in Rwanda, or as a combined safari with another East African destination.
From 11500 per person
The Ultimate Svalbard Safari
Explore the stunning Spitsbergen Archipelago aboard the R/V Kinfish; an intimate ship charter focusing on sightings of the amazing polar bear and other Arctic wildlife of Svalbard. You will sail north from Longyearbyen exploring the western coast of Spitsbergen in search of colonies of walrus as well as other resident marine mammals.Trgen Archipelago aboard the R/V Kinfish; an intimate ship charter focusing on sightings of the amazing polar bear and other Arctic wildlife of Svalbard. You will sail north from Longyearbyen exploring the western coast of Spitsbergen in search of colonies of walrus as well as other resident marine mammals.
Kenya and Tanzania for the Great Migration
One of the most mesmerising wildlife spectacles you will ever see. Whilst July and August are great months, if you can stretch it then visit during the month of September as it gets quieter and quality and exclusivity of sightings therefore improves.
Big Cats of Brazil
These summer months provide the peak times for spotting the elusive jaguar venturing through the wetlands of the Pantanal. As temperatures increase and water sources diminish, these big cats make their way down to the riverbanks in pursuit of their prey…
Galapagos Islands
A good time to visit but as long as you avoid September (when all the boats are in dry dock), you can pretty much visit all year round!
Small Group Safari
This extraordinary Tanzania small group safari invites you to delve into the heart of the wild, aiming to capture the mesmerizing migration, observe wildlife in the Ngorongoro Crater, and relish the optional adventure of a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti.
Short Brazil
Jaguars are perhaps the most elusive of all the big cats, with most favouring dense jungle as their habitat. But in the Pantanal – the world’s largest wetland – these majestic felines depend on the waterways for survival, just as the rest of the wildlife does here.
Sailing on board the luxurious Natural Paradise yacht, spend 10 days exploring the natural highlights of the Galapagos Islands; snorkelling with sea lions and sea turtles, observing the abundant birdlife and encountering marine iguanas and other endemic wildlife.
From 11000 per person
Tropical Costa Rica
These are some of the driest months of the year making for great exploration and also the arrival of humpback whales to mate in the waters off the coast.
Botswana Shoulder season
December is especially good with great savings, great sightings and often only the odd afternoon shower to deal with. A great opportunity for families to enjoy some of the best game viewing and private concessions on the African continent.
The Frozen South
Head to Antarctica aboard one of a selection of ships we offer. Temperatures are slightly warmer, more daylight hours, penguin hatching season, the emerging seal pups attempting their first steps. This is a once in a lifetime adventure.
A thrilling eco-adventure through the jungles & beaches of Costa Rica spotting an abundance of wildlife and doing exhilarating activities such as ziplining and white water rafting, ideal for families.
From 7000 per person
Small Group with Karim Iliya
Experience the Botswana wilderness with acclaimed wildlife photographer Karim Iliya as your expert guide, lending his expertise and assisting you in producing a collection of truly breath-taking images. Stay in two of African Bush Camps’s renowned safari camps, with some of Botswana’s finest guiding.
Cross the Drake Passage and Explore Antarctica and the South Shetland Islands.
From 9500 per person
