frenchtouch

we are considering next february to do a " safari" butwith 3 little boys ( 2 , 4 and 6 years old ) whatdo you suggest for us .
they used to travel all over the world since they were born but they are children !!
our budget is not unlimited but we like nice and charming place
we have rented afetr for two weeks a house in lamu
thanks for your comments

napamatt_2

Nowhere with a risk of malaria.
Preferably somewhere where you will have sole use of a vehicle.
2 seems awfully young to me.
Maybe self drive in Kruger might be a good option.

Grcxx3

I even think 4 is a bit young. My kids were 9 and 11 when we went, but most of my friends (expats) didn't even consider it until their kids were at least 6.

atravelynn

Here are some details on malaria free areas.
http://www.uyaphi.com/accommodationMALARIAfree.htm
http://www.go2africa.com/malaria-fre...is/default.asp

Some Fodors posts on malaria free areas
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34927087
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34923279
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34980156

I can't imagine a 2-year being anything but uncomfortable on a safari. A 4-year old could enjoy seeing some animals for a limited time and a 6-year old for a little longer than limited.

Time in Africa, such as the Cape Town area, could work, or you could do a safari if some of the adults stayed back at the lodge with the kids, but I wouldn't take kids that age out for any length of time.

A self drive in Kruger might work ok, especiallly if the 4 and 6 year old could have things to occupy them during downtimes when you are just driving. But I think Kruger is NOT malaria free.

Check with the age requirements wherever you go, as some places don't allow children as young as yours for safety reasons.

Good luck. When your kids are 10-14 I think a safari could be a great family trip.

sandi

You mention house rental on Lamu so you'll be in Kenya.

Whether you take them on safari or only beach you are in a malaria area, so have to discuss with children's pediatrician about inoculations and malaria meds. There is a pediatric dose for the Malarone med, but for the 2/yr old he/she has to be a certain weight.

If already on the coast, you can safari on the mainland from Mombasa to Tsavo East or West or even Shimba Hills... maybe 2-3/days. You'll need private vehicle, and suggest child seats for the kids. Few vehicles have seat belts though they are required to have them. Driving in these vehicles over terrible roads can be dangerous. Traveling in February will be hot, so it's also a good idea to have air conditioning in vehicle.

In addition, the children have to be old enough to understand instructions - not to make noise, move around, even crying - which can attract animals or otherwise impact your safari negatively, when animals retreat for such actions.

Ideally, age 8 is the perfect age to start a child on the safari experience.

If you can arrange for a nanny for the two youngest for a few days while you safari with the oldest... would be the only way I'd do it.

Whether you safari or not, be sure to have sun protection cream and insect repellent for everyone.

In the end, it's up to you.

Momliz

I am going with my three boys, and my nephew - ages 18, 17 and 13 yr old twins. The 2 older ones will have fun, once they get over the shame and pain of spending time with family - the 2 younger are very excited, but all would prefer to be at home with friends.

That said, 2 and 4, I think, are too young - why spend the money for something they won't remember, and won't appreciate. 6 is on the edge, 8 and up is perfect.

As Sandi said, it's up to you - but if I was you I'd save my money, vacation somewhere simple closer to home, and go in a few years.

frenchtouch

thanks for your comments .
we know they are young but we can organise this this year and we don't know in the coming years , so we'll go . but considering they are so young we will organise the transfert only by plane
we are thinking for the kids about staying at samburu intrepids camp
any comments ? andthen serian wich seem quite something
then we ahev a house rented in shela ( lamu ) in order to relax

sandi

>>we are thinking for the kids about staying at samburu intrepids camp
any comments ? andthen serian wich seem quite something <<

At Samburu Intrepid's check whether they've finished refurbishing and have "family" tents. These would be 2 individual tents with a joined living area.

As your children are so young, they're not allowed on game drives UNLESS you arrange a private vehicle at an additional daily cost (a few hundred dollars... $250+up).

Also, suggest you pre-arrange for a nanny to allow yourself for private dinners. Otherwise, Intrepid's camps do have the Children's Adventure Program which would work for the 4 & 6/yr olds.

At Serian, the tents in the main camp are small and doubtful sufficient for family of 5. Ask for tents at Ngare which is across the suspension bridge which are larger.

Here, each tent is provided a private vehicle so you can set your own schedule. However, the camp is unfenced with game walking around... there is that suspension bridge that has to be crossed... better keep close eye on the kids. Also, inquire about a nanny.

Serian is also quite expensive even though the little ones probably won't cost (at least not the 2 & 4/yr olds).

In the Mara, you might do better with a stay at the Intrepid's camp with family tent. Staying consecutive days at Intrepid's at both Samburu (2/nts) and Masai Mara (3/nts) may afford you better discounts.