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A safari offers an exceptional educational experience for children, providing an opportunity to uncover the wonders of the natural world.

A safari offers an exceptional educational experience for children, providing an opportunity to uncover the wonders of the natural world. Both you and your children can fully immerse yourselves in diverse cultures, landscapes, and the profound significance of nature.

The Great Migration

The Great Migration is the ever-moving circular journey of over a million animals across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. This year-long trek takes them through the plains of the Masai Mara in Kenya, into Tanzania across the Serengeti, and south to the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, before circling back in a clockwise direction. Along this remarkable journey, high drama unfolds as predators claim thousands of prey, while thousands more are born, replenishing the cycle of life.

While many animals will survive the hazards encountered along the way, hundreds of thousands will not. Witnessing the peak of the Great Migration (typically between July and August) is awe-inspiring, yet it can also be a challenge, especially when witnessing river crossings or predator hunts.

In this video, our CEO, Marco van Embden captured a Zebra Crossing a River in the Mara »

Factors to consider when taking young children on safari:

Duration of game drives

Enjoy the flexibility of your private safari vehicle and guide, allowing you to embark on drives at your convenience without early wake-up calls and return to camp when the children have had their fill, without disturbing other guests.  The Safari Guides are professionally trained and are experts.  Your safety is their priority and the guides will judge the children’s reactions on the drive.  It will be their discretion whether young children (3 years old) can go on safari drives.

 

Road conditions:

Safari drives do not take place on tarred roads, and can be hot, bumpy, and occasionally dusty. Do bear that in mind. Often young children are lulled by the safari vehicle’s motion, sending them off to dreamland!

The safari napper.

Bathroom facilities:

During safari drives, restroom breaks entail stopping and locating the nearest big bush or tree. Your safari guide will be your lookout and ensure privacy and safety.

  • Malaria precautions: Tanzania requires malaria prophylaxis, so it’s essential to consider how this may affect your children.
  • Accommodation considerations: Consider room types such as inter-leading rooms or cots suitable for children.
  • Camp fencing: Camps and lodges may be fenced or unfenced. Unfenced camps allow wildlife, including predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas, to roam freely. Guests are typically not permitted to leave their rooms unaccompanied during dawn or nighttime. Fenced camps offer a safer option.

 

Safari game drive viewing the wildebeest migration in Kenya

Mara Bushtops

Noise:

Amidst the thunderous sound of a Mega Herd comprising hundreds to thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and antelope, children may experience the ground trembling, accompanied by loud grunts and groans from the animals, signaling potential predator threats. If your child is sensitive to noise, bring earplugs along. A Buff is a great addition to your wardrobe, to cover your nose and mouth if you go through any dust clouds.

Hunts and Kills:

Not far away from the herds, the predators such as lions and hyenas are on the prowl for vulnerable prey. And then there is the holy grail – a River Crossing that only a few are fortunate to witness.  Lurking beneath the surface of the River are massive crocodiles, capable of inflicting swift and brutal death. These sights can be traumatic for younger children.

A safari game drive at Cottars Safari Camp in Ol Derkesi Community Conservancy

Top Tip

Additionally, inquire about swimming pool safety, as most pools may not be fenced, while some luxury lodges feature private unfenced plunge pools.


In this article
  • Introduction
  • The Great Migration
  • Considerations when taking young children on safari

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