Safaris

Specialist Reports Special Interest Holidays Safaris Preparation Tips 

• Take good binoculars ideally a set per child and practise with them beforehand.



• Do some research into the animals you will probably be seeing. The David Attenborough videos are good.



• Consider your position on the issue of whether children should be allowed to see animals killing each other. It is unlikely in practice that they will do so, as most kills tend to take place at night. The Attenborough videos would prepare them for the possibility. Alternatively if on a private drive you could simply ask to drive on.



• If you take electronic games make sure the sound can be turned off.



• Ideally take khaki and olive coloured clothing to wear near the animals as they blend into the background.



• Take a torch per person. Particularly in camps where generators are switched off a night torches are provided, but it is better to be safe.



• Particularly if you will be making transfers by light aircraft it is best to travel as light as possible.



• Pack easily washable clothes as particularly in the dry season everyone gets very dusty. Fleeces are useful for the evenings when it can get cold.



• Although obvious, it is worth pointing out that these are wild animals who might see a child as a convenient meal. Even in the Kruger Park with its tarmacked roads visitors have died. Children may have to be reminded that the Disney and other childhood stories bear only a very passing relation to the reality of these animals. It would probably make sense to lay down ground rules even when discussing booking, and continue to offer reminders.



• Naturally take a camera and bear in mind that in the long-term you will be less interested in the look on the lion's face and more in that on your child's when it spots the real furry creature.