Family Travel in Africa
Africa is a continent boasting fifty-four countries and although it may not be the obvious choice for a family holiday, there is so much more on offer than just safari trips for families.
With an estimated population of 1.2 billion people, it is the second most populous and second largest continent in the world. But it’s not just the people who make the country, it’s the variation of landscapes, the options for adrenaline seekers, the endless beaches and it’s fair to say there is no chance of boredom when visiting. And that’s without even touching on of the mass of amazing wildlife it has to offer.
Safety is imperative when travelling anywhere and Africa is no different. You cannot possibly plan for every eventuality, but always be aware of your surroundings, people and like anywhere don’t flaunt money or expensive items. Whatever the situation, your family’s safety comes first.
Lagos in Nigeria is considered the financial centre…
City Options
Africa offers a number of exciting cities. Lagos in Nigeria is considered the financial centre and is one of the most highly populated African cities with over sixteen million inhabitants, compared to Cape Town at over 3 million. But Cape Town is a perfect place to commence a family holiday where a trip to Table Mountain, watching the penguins at Boulders Beach and enjoying the restaurants and beach at Camps Bay, are just some of the attractions on offer.
The Garden Route
The Garden Route is accessible from Cape Town if you hire a car. The distance is about 150 miles, so although it can be done quite quickly, it’s worth taking the time to observe the African scenery and make stops in picturesque places such as Knysna or Plettenberg Bay. There’s no end of activities, beaches and fabulous landscapes for the whole family to enjoy. Like anywhere it’s sensible to be vigilant regarding safety by keeping valuables hidden and it’s advisable to take a taxi at night rather than walking. On the whole driving is safe and the route is a huge tourist attraction so it’s generally busy.
Other options for families
What you do next depends on your time, desires and budget. If you do nothing else but Cape Town and the Garden route, you will undoubtedly experience a very memorable holiday which will benefit the whole family. However, if you’re not done yet, there are many options. You could head to Port Elizabeth for a safari or you could take a flight to Johannesburg and access to the well-known Kruger National Park. Just be aware that children under four will generally not be permitted on game drives so if you have very young children safari may be best to wait. Alternatively if you are seeking relaxation you could fly to Maputo in Mozambique and head to the coast where the beaches are beautiful and the array of activities are vast.
These are just some of the African adventures that are suitable for families. As with any holiday destination it is always advisable to plan the trip thoroughly, be aware of visas in case they are required, and be sensible about where you go and when you go there. In addition, in Africa there’s always the wildlife to be aware of too!
Written by Lucy Benson
