As more and more parents bring their kids to more corners of the globe, Africa is quickly becoming a popular family destination. Tour operator African Travel has compiled a list of their favorite family accommodations throughout the continent, Many of these are in malaria-free regions.
Here are African Travel’s Top Picks (in alphabetical order):
1. Camp Jabulani’s Zindoga Villa, South Africa
2. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, South Africa
3. Jaci’s Lodge, South Africa
4. Lewa Wilderness Camp, Kenya
5. Madikwe Safari Lodge, South Africa
6. Mala Mala Main Camp, South Africa (pictured right)
7. Mara Intrepids, Kenya
8. Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, South Africa
9. Shamwari Riverdene Lodge, South Africa
10. Tongabezi Tangala House, Zambia
Here are a few favorites in greater detail:
1) Mara Intrepids, Kenya
Few places on earth can rival the setting of Heritage Hotels’ Mara Intrepids on the vast savannah grasslands of the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Offering many activities for children, the Heritage Hotels’ Adventurers’ Club is Africa’s favorite children’s safari club, providing a unique close encounter with the African wilderness–and some of the world’s oldest tribal cultures. The Adventurers’ Club is offered to children between the ages 4-12. The aim of the Club is to offer members an outdoor hands-on educational program and help children appreciate nature and hence the need to conserve it, taking care of the land, the wildlife and its people.
2) Tongabezi Tangala House, Zambia
Tangala House is a luxurious family home on the banks of the Zambezi River. This exclusive, private vacation home has four bedrooms, three with ensuite bathrooms, and a private swimming pool. The house comes with a vehicle and boat, chef, waiters and private guide. Tangala House sleeps up to eight and has a children’s playroom and a spacious kitchen-dining room. The rooms are enclosed, with large glass fitted windows to keep out the insects and allow guests to enjoy views across the Zambezi. Over 145 species of birds have been spotted from the kitchen window and elephant herds can often be seen drinking on the opposite bank.
3) Mala Mala Main Camp, South Africa
Mala Mala Main Camp welcomes children of all ages, and offers "holistic" programs for kids that are tailored to suit their needs. Children are always under the supervision of a ranger while on the program, whether within the confines of the camp or out in the bush. The program is geared towards children aged 12 years and under. Activities will depend on the time of the year and the number of days the children are in camp. On arrival, the ranger looking after the family will assess the enthusiasm and level of independence of the children, and in collaboration with the parents and guardians, various activities will be designed to fill their next few days in the bush.
For more information, visit www.africantravelinc.com.