After a year of global travel restrictions, a family safari holiday with bucket list experiences has never looked more appealing. From paddling with African penguins, to swimming on the edge of Victoria Falls, our Family Travel Specialists have put forward a range of Africa bucket list experiences for families seeking an unforgettable getaway with their loved ones.
Hands-on Rhino Conservation Experience
Mantis Founder’s Lodge, South Africa
Munu’s pen at Mantis Founder’s Lodge, South Africa
It’s one thing to visit a new country, it’s another altogether to take part in the mission to rehabilitate and rebuild its wildlife. Mantis Founder’s Camp is the birthplace of conservation in South Africa’s Eastern Cape and invites families to partake in a unique Rhino Conservation Experience while enjoying utmost exclusivity in South Africa’s wilderness.
Private patio overlooking the valley at Mantis Founder’s Lodge
The 6 day itinerary is jam-packed with hands-on conservation focused activities from planting trees and tracking wildlife, to veterinary procedures and rhino feeding. The camp is also home to Munu, a blind Black Rhino – one of only 250 left in the world. During your stay, you are invited to visit Munu and learn about the work being done at Founder’s Lodge to save these rare animals from the brink of extinction.
Witness the Makgadikgadi Zebra Migration
Nxai Pan Camp, Botswana
Zebra migration in Botswana
East Africa’s revered Great Wildebeest Migration has ranked on travelers bucket lists year after year. The African continent, however, has a secret migration – and it’s in Botswana. An incredible sight to see, the Makgadikgadi Nxai Pan National Park sets the scene for the world’s second largest zebra migration each year. This spectacular wildlife phenomenon sees approximately 25,000 – 30,000 plains zebra journey from Botswana’s Okavango Delta to the nutrient dense salt pans in search of fresh grazing.
Exterior view of Nxai Pan Camp
Located on the western edge of the pan, the family-friendly Nxai Pan Camp overlooks the open grasslands and gives you front row seats to the mega-herds of zebra from December to early April each year.
Paddle with African Penguins in Cape Town
Tintswalo at Boulders Boutique Villa, South Africa
Paddling with penguins experience at Boulders Beach
Overlooking Cape Town’s famous Boulders Beach, Tintswalo at Boulders offers families a seaside escape in the charming suburb of Simon’s Town. The star attraction is undoubtedly the colony of African penguins right on the property’s doorstep.
View of Boulder’s Beach from Tintswalo at Boulders
While most are happy to watch the penguins frolic on the shores of Boulders Beach, we recommend taking to the water for a 2-hour paddle alongside Cape Town’s feathered-friends as they head out to their fishing grounds. Accompanied by a qualified marine biologist, the sea kayak experience combines adventure, education and conservation for families traveling with children 16 years and older.
Swim at the edge of Victoria Falls
The Royal Livingstone, Zambia
Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls
Ideally situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, The Royal Livingstone gives guests direct access to one of the Natural Wonders of the World – the mighty Victoria Falls. Here, you can wake up to the sight of zebras grazing on the hotel grounds, picnic under the shade of monkey trees, and choose from an array of Africa bucket list worthy experiences.
Aerial view of The Royal Livingstone Hotel
An experience not to be missed is catching a glimpse of the sheer 100m drop of the Falls from the edge of Devil’s Pool on a 2-and-a-half hour tour to Livingstone Island. Starting in Livingstone, join your guide on a boat journey up the channels of the Zambezi towards the island where Dr David Livingstone first witnessed ‘The Smoke That Thunders’. Devil’s Pool is open during the dry months from mid-August to mid-January, when the Zambezi waters are calm enough for swimmers to take the plunge.
Note: Children must be 12 years old and up to swim in Devil’s Pool.
Adopt a baby elephant
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Kenya
Keeper with orphaned elephant at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
A visit at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a must for all families traveling to Kenya on an Africa bucket list safari. The Trust operates the most successful orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation program in the world, and has successfully raised 262 elephant orphans and 17 rhino orphans to date.
Keeper walking with elephants at David Sheldrick Orphanage
Located in Nairobi National Park, you and your family can visit the orphanage from 11 to noon each day. Here, you can meet the keepers and listen to stories of the orphans while they play, enjoy a mud bath and drink their milk. You will also have the opportunity to learn about the threats facing elephants, why there are orphans, and the work being done by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to protect wildlife in Kenya.
Note: For as little as US$50 a year, you can foster an orphan elephant, rhino or giraffe.
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Ready to start planning your Africa bucket list family safari for 2021? Get in touch with our team who will help create an itinerary just for you.
