Why you should go on a safari with your family
It is quite difficult to put into words the magic of a family safari. They are exhilarating yet restful, deeply restorative and heart-filling, and all round they offer exceptional quality time with loved ones. What sets a safari apart from any other family holiday is that for a few hours each day, the whole family is together on a game-viewing vehicle or boat, out in the wilderness. This means no cell service, no screens, no busyness or distractions, no work or school responsibility, just dedicated time together searching for some of earth’s most enigmatic animals. There is such a sense of adventure and spaciousness that is missing in our day-to-day lives. And on a safari, there is something interesting for every generation in the family.
The Moffatt family - Sharon, Tom, Michele, David, Joe, Keeley and Emma (ages ranging from 12-74) recently experienced the joy of such a trip and they all highlighted that; “as high as our expectations were, they were exceeded in every way!” It started with a few fun-filled days in Cape Town, exploring the Cape’s wonders such as the penguin colony in Simonstown, the Cape of Good Hope and the Two Oceans Aquarium. They then boarded a plane and set off for Maun, Botswana to spend time at Little Vumbura and Chitabe camps in the spectacular expanse of the Okavango Delta. Next was Victoria Falls (Musi oa Tunya) where they enjoyed the thrill of a helicopter ride through the gorge, a private tour of the falls, boat cruises and white water rafting on the mighty Zambezi River. Each family member was struck by something special on the trip that resonated with them; whether it be early morning sunrises, wild dog and hyena fighting over an impala kill, hot water bottles tucked into beds each night and on the game viewers in the morning, character-filled warthogs, or a mokoro paddle over the delta at sunset. There really is something for everyone on these kinds of trips, and you can explore this itinerary here.
Sharon shared her thoughts on the trip with us, saying; “One of the best trips ever! Remarkable flexibility in planning - no "off the shelf" "cookie cutter" "this is our itinerary" issues. Very prompt replies to questions. Very useful suggestions. Lots of pre-trip information about travel requirements, packing lists, expected weather etc. Assistance at airports (large, small and airstrips) and with drivers, transfers, and availability "in real time" to adjust arrangements (a canceled US flight delayed our arrival in Africa - but the folks kept our hotel apprised). Found and facilitated local "added attraction" reservations: helicopter/diving excursions. Accommodations whether in Cape Town or "in the bush" at Little Vumbura, Chitabe or Victoria Falls River Lodge Villa were easily at or above expectations. The safari camp personnel and guides were top notch. Found our wildlife with ease and had encyclopedic knowledge about the fauna and the areas. It will be hard to top this one!”
Family safari’s set the stage for true connection and quality time together as you share unforgettable sightings and experiences. Sharon says, “the biggest take away was [the] bonding experience with the girls and their uncle and aunt and each other, and that our sons got to spend more time together than they have in a long time as they live in different places and both have demanding jobs. The family safari was awesome - I was nervous that everyone wouldn't get along for [a whole] 2 weeks, but it was great - all the activities and seeing wonderful sights kept everyone engaged and everyone having their own accommodation was really good in terms of us not getting on each other's nerves!”
There is also the enormous learning opportunity that children (and adults) gain as guides narrate the wilderness story. Lessons on ecology, geography, conservation and culture naturally emerge through being immersed in nature and shared conversation. It truly is the best way to reconnect with nature, your family and yourself. The memories made are ones that are spoken about for many years to come.
Sharon ended with; “Just wanted to say that working with Amy, Nicci and Robyn was terrific.”
Thank you Sharon and the whole Moffatt family - we are thrilled that you had such a memorable trip and we can’t wait to plan you next one!
It’s a core purpose of ours to create memories that last a lifetime for our guests. If you’re looking to create your dream family holiday, get in touch and based on the interests of your family we’ll help you create your dream African holiday.
We create safaris in 12 African countries. Your adventure starts here.
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umVangati House is a great addition to a safari holiday in the Lowveld as it is situated on the outskirts of the Blyde River Canyon, the third largest and lushest canyon in the world. The canyon is easily accessible from the Timbavati and Sabi Sand Game Reserves and adds a whole new dimension to a stay in the Lowveld
Founder, Private Guide and Safari Planner
Being born the daughter of David Attenborough (it’s true but he’s probably not the one you’re thinking of) I don’t believe I ever really had much choice about what direction my life would take. I grew up in the city of Durban, South Africa but for as long as I can remember nature has called to me. Whenever I could I would escape to the forests around my home barefoot and in search of chameleons and red duiker to befriend.
And so in 2010, after completing my Journalism and Media Studies degree, I followed that calling to the wilds of Southern Africa to become a game ranger. I planned to stay for a year but it turned into ten. During that time, I worked at Phinda Private Game Reserve, Ngala Private Game Reserve and Londolozi Game Reserve, some of South Africa’s most prestigious lodges and immersed myself in the natural world. I learnt to track animals with Zulu and Shangaan trackers and spent as much time as I could on foot approaching animals with my guests. I also put my photojournalism degree to use by becoming a specialist photographic guide. I travelled to Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, India and throughout South America in search of wildlife. My greatest adventure was living in Gabon training local guides for the WWF and Smithsonian Institute, where we spent weeks at a time living like early nomads in the dense and remote coastal forests, fulfilling a life-long dream of tracking and habituating wild gorillas. Seeing how embodied and present animals are inspired me to begin practicing yoga. I am a qualified vinyasa and yin teacher and spent six months training under a Hatha master in Boulder, Colorado. I am also a certified Martha Beck life coach. With this mixture of knowledge, interests and skills, I started Wild Again to help others really experience the wild places I know and love so much. Through my specialised Wellness Safaris that incorporate yoga, meditation, mindfulness and personalised life coaching I continue to grow more conscious safaris that return people to nature and to themselves. As we re-wild ourselves we hear the earth, our common mother, again. It is only then that we can co-create with her healing.
Tell us if you’re keen to plan a safari or join a retreat. We’re ready to create your dream experience.