Safari with your squad – real families tell all

Africa is an incredible, life-changing holiday destination. But if you’re travelling with a young family, especially if it’s your first visit, we understand that you might have a few concerns about things like itineraries, medical and safety requirements or even food.

But rather than us tell you that you really don’t need to worry, we thought we’d speak to some EA clients and ask them about their family holidays in Africa. Spoiler alert: it seems like the only thing that scares them about Africa is not going back!

What made you consider Africa as a destination?
“We had an unquenched need to visit Africa and share our passion with our daughter.”

Did you have any hesitations about travelling to Africa as a family?
“None. We’d been to Africa on two prior occasions and had felt nothing but safe the whole time – we felt as safe as we would have at home.”

Did you have to undertake any special preparations for your trip?
“Vaccinations and medications. These can all be done through a travel doctor – and can be expensive if you haven’t had any in the past. We packed roll-on insect repellent, hats, sunnies and sunscreen.”

What sorts of things did Zahra get to do?
“Safaris and swimming were her number one and two activities, but when we stayed in Tuningi Safari Lodge in South Africa, Zahra played with a couple of other kids that were staying there, and one day we also asked the staff if their children could come to play. They came for a couple of hours and played soccer, danced and sang; it was amazing fun. The food was exemplary at every place we stayed in, and the chefs would do anything for the little <mtoto> [child – a.k.a Zahra!]. After the first couple of weeks we weren’t sure if Zahra was really taking in everything she was seeing. We then stayed in an eco camp in Tanzania – on the first night we were there by ourselves, but on the second night there was another couple. When we all sat down to dinner Zahra told this couple – in great detail – everything she’d seen so far, so obviously she <was> taking it all in! When we got back, Zahra asked if we were going to see the gorillas next year.”

How did Encompass Africa help?
“Jono and the crew know their stuff, they know the people at the campsites and very much seemed like they had their finger on the pulse. Once we outlined where we wanted to visit, how we wanted to visit, how long we were wanting to visit and the budget we had to try and make it all happen, everything else was taken care of. The documents that were given to us prior to going filled us in on pretty much any questions we had – and if it wasn’t in the documents, the team had the answers. In Africa, there was always someone to meet us at the airport, and then someone to accompany us every step of the way. When traveling with a small child I feel like this service is underrated. Having someone waiting to take you from place to place, so it’s not something you ever need to worry about, is nothing short of amazing.”

What advice would you offer any other parents considering a family holiday in Africa?
“Do it! And then do it again! Be open to the experience and just roll with it – everything is a story to remember and share. Once you go to Africa, you will only be content when you’re going back again.”

Would you book another holiday with EA?
“We did, just a year later! Although the volunteer program was through another company recommended by Encompass Africa and based in Kenya.  Encompass Africa was there for everything else, before and after. And we are already coming up with destinations for our next trip!”

What made you consider Africa as a destination?
“We had friends in Pretoria and work colleagues who had travelled to Africa and highly recommended it – and we wanted to tick it off our bucket list.”

Did you have any hesitations about travelling to Africa as a family?
“No major concerns, as we’d researched each location as a family, and also with Danica and Jono from Encompass Africa.”

Did you have to undertake any special preparations for your trip?
“Our eldest son, Jackson, is a Type 1 diabetic, so we had to ensure certain requirements were able to be fulfilled, and we had to have the necessary letters from medical professionals regarding what medication he was travelling with, but this was no issue. We took malaria tablets for both trips, and had yellow fever vaccinations for the second trip. I thought that the most important medication to take was a pack consisting of tablets for fever, nausea, diarrhea and energy etc, to cater to the whole party.”

Did Jackson and Cooper enjoy the holiday?

“Everyone enjoyed the holiday. There was a time that the boys were hesitant as there was no internet at several places, but that made it better as they had to communicate! They were with us all the time, but at every place we stayed the staff made them feel important too (for example, letting Cooper drive the boat; going fishing without us etc). The food was great and if you had any dietary issues you simply disclosed them before leaving Australia. And once in Africa, if you didn’t want something all you had to do was inform the staff and they would accommodate you. I cant think of any meal that wasn’t good!”

How did Encompass Africa help?
“Everything was organised by Encompass Africa after we had telephone conversations and personal visits with them – we were all on the same page after these contacts. We had a draft itinerary and made changes along the way thanks to EA’s input and extensive knowledge (e.g go here before you go there; go there as it’s better to see this etc). Their advice was to not overcomplicate the holiday – just follow the itinerary, relax and enjoy… it’s all part of the adventure!”

Would you book another holiday with EA?
“Definitely yes – I am in the process of doing so! It would have to be one of the best places to go. You just cannot predict what you will see or do.”

Are you ready for Africa?
We tailor family holidays to suit you.

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