Self-drive African Safaris with Kids
Is taking your family on an African safari on your travel bucket list? There are many factors that can prohibit you from making this dream come true such as the expense, possible dangers, and distance of travel. The good news is that there is a safe and affordable way to make your safari dream a reality! Today Jenny Lynn from TraveLynn Family is here to share her knowledge and insights on how to plan a self-drive African safari that will be very cost-effective, allow you to travel at your own pace, and will give the flexibility many people desire when setting off on a family vacation.
Have you ever considered going on a safari with your family? Cost can be prohibitive if you plan to go with a big tour company. Listen in while Jenny Lynn shares her tips, insights and ideas on how to plan and execute an amazing self-drive family safari.
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“Don’t wait to make your big dreams happen.”
One great way to get to go on an African safari that is budget-friendly and allows you to move at your own pace it to do a self-drive vacation. You can rent a car and drive yourself to campgrounds or hotels along with driving yourself through the safari parks.
If you are looking for even more information about safaris with kids from Jenny, be sure to check out her Africa-focused articles.
Here are some of the highlights of the conversation with Jenny Lynn.
Safety Tips
One common concern about safaris is their safety. This could be a big concern if you are self-driving and exploring the safari parks on your own. Here are a few things to do to keep as safe as possible:
Use common sense
If animal babies are nearby, keep a big distance as the parents will be extra defensive.
Never leave your car
Follow all of the rules of the safari park
Respect the animals
If you camp, stay in a fenced campground
Take anti-malaria pills if you will be in a malaria area
How to Save Money on a Safari
Rent a car and self-drive. One rental car company option is Bush Lore.
Stay at campgrounds instead of hotels.
If camping, buy gear at a grocery store.
You could also rent camping gear from a rental company.
Shop at the grocery store and prepare your own food.
Do not hire a guide for the safari. Drive yourself to the safari park and use the park map as a guide to move around the park.
How to make the safari amazing
Don’t try to do too much in a day.
Plan to go out for 3-hours at a time.
Be grateful for what you got to see.
Sunrise is the best time to see the animals.
Make up a scavenger hunt to keep kids searching for things.
Bring along binoculars.
Point out the interesting details in everything.
Keep out the poop! You can learn a lot about an animal by doing this.
Where to Go
Jenny recommends a couple of parks that are easy to navigate, a great place to see animals and they are affordable.
Etosha National Park in Nambia. Etosha Park information from Jenny.
Visit Malawi. They have great parks plus a lot of other fun, family activities. Here are Jenny’s Malawi experiences and tips from her website.
Kruger National Park. They have lots of paved roads which makes it easy for families to get around if they rent a 2 wheel drive vehicle.
If you want more information from Jenny about doing a self-drive safari, be sure to check out her website at Travelynn Family.
You can also connect with Jenny @travelynnfamily on Instagram.