Are you considering going on an African safari with children and wondering what others' experience is? Then, this blog might be useful to you: I asked a few questions to Marie who returned from a safari to Tanzania in August 2019 with her husband and 3 children aged 10, 12 and 14 years old. I'm sure you'll agree that her enthusiasm is contagious!
Marie, we have known each other for a while, as we used to work together. We used to talk about African safaris in the office corridors a few years ago and I remember when you told me 'One day, I will take my children, I am waiting for the right time as I want them to remember the experience'. Fast forward to a few months ago when you asked me to help you organise your African safari – I am so grateful that you asked me to create this amazing holiday for your family!
So tell me:
What made you decide that it was the right time to take your family on safari?
This year was a very special year for us since we celebrated our 20-year wedding anniversary! We wanted to do something really special with our children to celebrate. Also, Jules, our youngest son just turned 10, his brothers being 12 and 14, we believed they reached the perfect age to experience a Safari, and old enough to keep memories for life.
Photo: Marie Doutriaux
Sometimes people aren't sure where to go in Africa, but you were quite set on the destination: Tanzania. Can you tell me why?
Actually I checked a few popular Safari destinations before making the final choice. We were tempted by Namibia, Botswana as well as Kenya/Tanzania ; we finally opted for Tanzania since it is seemed the best choice at this time of the year (August) both in terms of climate and for the big migration. Tanzania was also a good destination to mix a Safari and a beach holiday in Zanzibar.
You did the Northern circuit in Tanzania in August 2019, what are your 3 highlights from it?
We absolutely loved Tarangire probably because it was the very first park we discovered, but also because of the amazing concentration of animals : we encountered hundreds of elephants, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, girafes, and colourful birds. We did not expect to see as many so quickly! Tarangire atmosphere is very quiet and the landscapes are truly beautiful.
Of course we were also very impressed by the Ngorongoro crater, where we were lucky enough to see rhinos and cheetahs.
In the Serengeti National Park, we were especially amazed by the proximity that we managed to have with the animals, we have been a few meters away from massive lions and leopards.
Photo: Marie Doutriaux
As a mother of 3 children, were you worried about their safety or whether they would enjoy it ‘enough'?
Not really, I knew that we would be in good hands and that the trip had been carefuly prepared ; and I must say that the feeling of being in an wild and possibly unsafe environment even added to the excitement. For example, we spent a couple of nights in a tented camp in the Serengeti, knowing that lions and hyenas may wander around our tents, this was super exciting!
Now that you are back home, what is their impression of their first African safari?
They loved it and would do it again tomorrow if they had a chance! They also got a real good connection with our driver and guide, who was very very knowledgeable and able to spot an animal from far away. He had a very inspiring personal life, one of my son told him he wanted to become a Safari guide when he grew up!
And how do you feel about this trip, did it meet your expectations? Would you recommend it? And if so, who would you recommend it to?
I loved it too and I can say that this trip exceeded my expectations! I knew I was going to be impressed by the wild life and beautiful African plains, but I did not except to become so excited and moved by the game drives, scanning the savanna with binoculars to capture amazing unpredictable scenes. I also loved the African vibes, we stayed in charming and authentic lodges and met very nice people everywhere we went.
I would definitely recommend this trip to families with kids aged 9-10 and over.
Photo:Marie Doutriaux
Do you have anything to add that you feel future families may want to be aware of before embarking on this Safari?
We took several good Safari books with us and did not regret it ; when we were discovering new species, we were always very keen on getting to know everything about it; my 3 sons were always trying to find new facts about the animals, what they were eating, how they were hunting, what were their habitat, etc . Since we spent a lot a time in the car, it is good to keep them busy and entertained; also very important to take good quality binoculars, at least a couple, to avoid family arguments, and enjoy the sightings!
I also want to say a personal thank you to you for supporting my charity 'Wild&Free Rehabilitation and Release' by purchasing our hoodies for all members of your family. You are a dream client, thank you so much Marie!
You are so welcome, we were very proud to support your charity. Big thank you Geraldine for organising this amazing trip for us! I now have to sort the 1600 pictures we took to create a photo book of this incredible experience!
Photo: Marie Doutriaux
If you would like to discuss your next safari with your family, do not hesitate to call me: +44 (0)7815553834 or email me: geraldine@morellitravel.co.uk.
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