If you ever went on safari as a kid, you’ll know that they’re even more magical through the unadulterated (sorry!) lens of childhood.
Born and raised in South Africa – with safari destinations like the Kruger on my doorstep – I was lucky enough to go on many family safaris growing up. Sometimes we went five star, and others we camped next to our Land Rover.
Whatever the lodgings, safari holidays gave us kids the opportunity to play wildly while learning loads: how to behave when faced with someone higher on the food chain than you, what plants to use on bites and stings, the various techniques for making fire and why you should suffer the indignity of sunscreen.
We didn’t have iPads to distract us, but I’ve since seen them abandoned by humans of all ages in a reassuring display of the wonder of the wilderness outshining the wizardry of Wi-Fi. Because, of course, family safaris are not just for kids. They give the whole tribe a chance to reconnect, to forget about work and school and emails and Facebook and simply enjoy being together in nature.
In this issue, we've rounded up some incredible family-safari experiences for you, from joining the Warriors Academy in Kenya to staying in a family tent in Zimbabwe. Our website showcases yet more safari ideas to feed your imagination – from train safaris to beach-and-bush breaks and romantic trips for two – so take a look there as well. When you’re ready to start designing your own dream safari, chat to one of our safari specialists – you'll find contact information on the next page.
Yours in safari,
LEAH VAN DEVENTER
Editor
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