Taking the whole gang on holiday is no easy feat, and trying to find a destination, accommodation, activities and food to please both grandparents and grand children alike can quickly become complicated and stressful. This is where we step in. Africa Travel have years of experience creating tailor-made family travel, and we are delighted to share some of what we feel are the best places to stay which will leave everyone with a smile on their face…
Tswalu Kalahari – South Africa
Tswalu Kalahari offers a truly unique family safari experience, with a wonderful range of activities and a stunning setting that inspires visitors of all ages. Set in the malaria-free Northern Cape of South Africa, a stay here negates the need for malaria tablets, which always appeals to families. Add the fact that daily direct flights into the Tswalu Airstrip are available from both Cape Town and Johannesburg and you get a wonderful reserve with easy access and truly stunning surroundings. Tswalu now offers all guest parties their own private safari vehicle, meaning that days can be planned around what your group are looking to do, whether you fancy a crack of dawn start for a game drive, or a more leisurely late morning start and a picnic for lunch then this can be arranged. If you are looking for an educational safari experience for children there is nowhere better. Their Junior Ranger Programme allows children to learn more about the bush and the animals that they see with their guides taking them on game drives or interactive walks. This is a very popular option for the adults as children are taken off their hands for a few hours to allow them to enjoy that all important relaxation time. It is not just the game drives where children can get involved in the whole experience – there is a special children’s boma where they can enjoy their meals and even get involved in preparing and cooking them. Accommodation-wise, families can either take over the two-bedroom family suite at The Motse or, for larger groups, the beautiful Tarkuni Lodge on an exclusive basis to give the ultimate feeling of privacy and a true family safari experience.
Chongwe River House - Zambia
As its profile and accessibility grow year on year, Zambia is becoming an increasingly popular safari destination, however, accommodation for family groups is still limited. That mould is now broken by the amazing Chongwe River House, set in the game-rich Lower Zambezi National Park. This is an exclusive use property, accommodating up to 8 people in a glorious lodge overlooking the river. As an exclusive use property you can plan your days around what you are looking to do, although most groups prefer to enjoy morning and afternoon game drives with afternoons spent relaxing by the pool and enjoying the wonderful food that the lodge is renowned for. Whilst other properties in the area offer a similar experience, it is the unique style of accommodation that makes Chongwe River House stand out and be a real favourite for family groups. The whole lodge is made of stone with thatched roofs, making it look like a set from The Flintstones that has been transported into the Zambian Bush (although it is fully equipped with modern appliances and game viewing vehicles). The whole feel of the property makes visitors of all ages fall in love with it the moment they arrive and makes it very difficult to leave.
Almanara Villas - Kenya
Family safaris can be very tiring, so many groups like to finish up with a few days relaxing on the beach and what better way to do this than by having your own exclusive villa set within a small resort, complete with bar, restaurant and easy access to the beach where a wide range of activities are on offer. Step forward Almanara Villas, a stunning collection of boutique villas just outside of Mombassa on the Kenyan coast. The villas all have three bedrooms, with their own fully equipped kitchen, butler and chef, meaning you can sit back, relax and know you will be wonderfully well looked after by your dedicated team. There is also a restaurant and pool bar, so should you wish to get away from the villa and meet other guests then this option is available to you. The resort has a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and child friendly activities such as table tennis and table football. In addition to this they offer their own SurfLeo Watersports Centre where guests can enjoy a wide variety of water based activities from the pristine beach.
&Beyond Botswana Explorer - Botswana
For more adventurous families, the &Beyond Botswana Explorer is a truly fantastic trip, taking you into the remote heart of Botswana for some truly phenomenal game viewing before ending up at one of Africa’s foremost family destinations, the incredible Victoria Falls. Each expedition is limited to 6 people (children must be 12 and older) meaning you get a completely private experience, with your guide and camp staff dedicated to you at all times. The expedition lasts for 9 nights, with the camp moving every couple of days to give you plenty of variety in the areas that you visit. The informal nature of the expedition (you sleep in dome tents and eat around the camp fire) means that everyone can get involved in the trip and is a wonderful family bonding experience. You will have your own dedicated safari vehicle, as well as the chance to enjoy canoeing and boat safaris along the way. Finishing at Victoria Falls means you can enjoy canoeing trips, helicopter flights over The Falls and white water rafting in season, which is always very popular.