A Safari made just for Dad!

What do Dads love more than getting their hands dirty in the great outdoors, standing beside a fire (usually with a pair of tongs in hand hopefully barbecuing), playing video games (looking at my husband here)… it’s about spending quality time. And what would bring a bigger smile on Dad’s face than an African Safari adventure because that is ultimate quality time!

The K Family in Southern Serengeti, Tanzania

Here’s why it’s the ultimate way to bond with the best Dad(s) in the world:

• Off-road adventures: Get Dad behind the wheel of a rugged 4x4 as he navigates through the bumpy African bush. He’ll track wildlife, conquer challenging terrain, and feel the thrill of the wild. Let the guide rest too … kidding.

• Bush skills boot camp: Dad always wanted to be MacGyver, right?
  Now’s his chance to learn survival skills like fire-making, tracking animals, and building a shelter – all under the guidance of experienced local experts or a tribe member like the Hadzabe in Tanzania or the Himba in Namibia.

• Gourmet grub under the stars: Treat him to a private, open-air feast with a crackling campfire and the African night sky as his backdrop. Pair it with local delicacies, craft beers, or a fine South African wine.

• Glamping fit for a king: For a dad who wants the best of both worlds: the ruggedness of nature with all the comforts of home, then glamping is your go-to. Think luxury tents, comfy beds, private decks overlooking stunning landscapes ... we’ll make him feel like royalty in the heart of the wild. We know the right places for him (and you).

• Reel in the big one: If it’s fishing that floats his boat, I’ll help you plan a trip to the Nyerere Game Reserve (formerly Selous Game Reserve], Tanzania or Zambezi River, Zambia. He can cast his line for tigerfish, battle a feisty bream, or relax by the water with a cold drink in hand (that’s the real reason he loves fishing, right??).

• Stories around the campfire: Imagine the tales Dad will bring home!
  Every night, as the embers glow, the two of you can swap stories, eat s’mores or fresh chips, and laugh at his epic dad jokes. You might even find these relaxed moments are the real treasures of your Safari – and it’s the silence and slow pace of the bush that makes them possible.

My husband with our kids in Masai Mara, Kenya

Your questions answered:
Is a Safari safe for my dad? Absolutely! I prioritize safety above all else when planning my travelers’ Safaris. Experienced guides are trained in first aid and wilderness safety, and I also tailor the itinerary to your dad’s fitness level and preferences.

What’s the best time of year to go on a safari? The best time depends on Dad’s dream destination. The dry season (generally May – October) offers excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources. But the wet season (November – April) promises lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and better deals. And lots of wildebeest babies if you in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Really, anytime is a good time.

Have we inspired you? Let’s chat and make Father’s Day legendary!

Planning your dream Safari for every stage of life.

Jambo, adventurous souls!

My guest Jill K. will be heading on another Safari with us again after 11 years. Her first Safari was as a couple and now, she is taking her family with her [love multigenerational Safaris].

I believe Safaris should be life-changing experiences, tailored uniquely to every traveler. No matter what stage of life you’re in, whether you’re a free-spirited gap year adventurer or a grandparent making memories with your grandkids, there’s a Safari of a lifetime waiting for you – and I can’t wait to help you plan it!

Here's a look at a few important considerations for a Safari based on your current life stage, along with some insights into how I’ll go above and beyond to ensure it’s full of the African magic you’ve been dreaming of.

Alisa has been on five Journey to Africa Safaris and two of them solo. With Gorillas in Rwanda.

1. Solo Safaris
Embarking on a solo Safari is a profound journey within – you’re discovering new places and yourself. Here’s how I make your solo adventure both exhilarating and soulful:

• Safety First: All my guests’ safety is paramount. I ensure experienced guides lead all the solo safaris I plan – and trust me when I tell you these guides know the lands like the back of their hands.

• Connect with People: Whether it is a private Safari or a shared Safari, when traveling solo, having the interesting connections is what we hope you will come back with … from your guide and fellow travelers.

• Flexible Itineraries: The itineraries I design will give you freedom while ensuring you experience the best of Africa. Want to spend an extra day tracking wildlife on foot or exploring a local market? Let’s make it happen.

Patricia and Arnaud celebrating their honeymoon in Tanzania.

2. Romantic and Honeymoon Safaris
A honeymoon, anniversary, or a ‘just because’ romantic Safari means you’ll
celebrate your love in one of the most magnificent places on earth. Here’s how I
ensure a dreamy experience for my lovebirds:

• Exclusive Lodges and Camps: Privacy and comfort are key for a
  romantic getaway. I handpick secluded places-to-stay known for
  their gorgeous views, exceptional service, and romantic ambiance. How
  does waking up to the sight of elephants at the waterhole right from your
  private deck sound?

• Unique Experiences: Africa is a land of extraordinary experiences that
  extend far beyond the Jeep. I arrange once-in-a-lifetime activities, such as
  private hot air balloon rides over the Serengeti, candlelit dinners under the
  stars, or picnics and sundowners in the middle of no-where.

• Bespoke Itineraries: Every couple is unique, and your Safari should be,
  too. Whether you’re thrill-seekers keen on tracking the Big Five or prefer a leisurely pace with plenty of spa treatments and cozy evenings by the bonfire, I’ll tailor your itinerary to match.

• Celebrate in Style: If you’re honeymooning or celebrating another
  special relationship milestone, let me know, and I’ll add some surprise
  touches – be it a champagne breakfast in the bush or a serenade by local
  musicians.

Two Journey to Africa Safaris for this beautiful family. This Safari was in South Africa with Singita Lodges.

3. Family Safaris
There’s nothing I love more than family Safaris – seeing children’s eyes light up when they spot their first lion or when learning the art of animal tracking alongside a helpful guide is always so heartwarming. Here’s how I put a smile on the kids’ faces while ensuring a balance between family bonding and downtime for parents and grandparents:

• Child-Friendly Activities: My family Safaris place the kids at the core. I choose places-we-stay with engaging kids’ programs and activities and ensure spacious, ultra-comfy family-friendly accommodation. I also take your children’s ages into consideration – after all, what might keep a nine- year-old busy probably won’t be quite as inspiring for an adventurous teen.

• Flexible Itineraries: As a mom myself, I know families rely on a delicate balance of adventure and relaxation. I craft my itineraries to be flexible, whether it’s a lazy afternoon by the pool or an exciting nature walk. There’s something for everyone – and I make sure it’s easy to make adjustments as needed (nobody’s going to enjoy an early morning game drive if your toddler had a bad night... breakfast in bed will probably sound much more inviting in that instance!).

• Educational Opportunities: A family Safari is a living classroom where children learn about wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation firsthand. Africa’s guides are skilled at sharing knowledge in a fun way, sparking a lifelong love and respect for nature in young hearts.

• Accommodation: Comfort is crucial, especially when traveling with kids. Which is why I select family-friendly places-to-stay offering safe, comfortable, and convenient lodging options. Think family suites or interconnected rooms, equipped with amenities catering to everyone’s needs.

A sweet family on Safari in Serengeti, Tanzania. Can’t wait to take them back on Safari.

4. Multigenerational Safaris
Why not bring the whole family on Safari? Here’s how I accommodate the interests of every age group:

• Accessibility and Comfort: I choose accessible and comfortable destinations and lodges, including those with easy access for grandma and grandpa, as well as those offering engaging activities for the littles.

• Private Accommodation and Transport: Private accommodation and transport means more space and time for family bonding. Whether it’s a private safari vehicle for game drives or exclusive-use lodges, these arrangements ensure a personalized and intimate experience for your family.

• Flexible Pacing: Understanding the varying energy levels and interests within a multigenerational group, I pace the Safari accordingly. There’s lot of time for rest, leisure activities, and private family moments amidst the organized tours and activities.

• Safety and Health Considerations: Your family’s health and safety are my priority. This includes providing options for dietary requirements and ensuring immediate access to medical care if needed.

No matter where you are in life’s journey, Africa’s calling with an adventure that’s the perfect fit for you. Let’s chat about designing the Safari of your dreams!

"Enjoyed every bit of it"

Joe Maggio and I talked about his Family Safari for a long time. He was so involved in the Safari planning details to make sure his Family Safari in Tanzania was a memorable one. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Joe because in envisioning his Safari to all the lovely Tanzanian National Parks, it took me right back to my many Safaris.

And so happy to say, Joe and I are back at it with planning his Safari Two for 2022. This time to Zambia and Victoria Falls and the glorious Mahale Mountains and exquisite Greystoke Mahale with an ending in Zanzibar Island for rest.

Some of the highlights from my phone conversation with Joe when we were going over their Safari were:

• The Camp Manager in Serengeti [Ubuntu Camp] made authentic Swahili food for them when they asked for Tanzanian cuisine.

• He loved all the lodges picked for them. He thought he got, “super value for the money”.

• He said, “it still surprises me how close we got to the wildlife! I was not zooming at all.”

• At Oliver’s Camp in Tarangire National Park, Tanzania, when walking to the room, the guard says “stop, the backup, turn around and walk away”. Two lions were mating about 30 ft from the room. They drove them to the room at night. He said he heard them mate until 6:00 am that following morning. They will never forget the sounds.

• The bush plane rides were an adventure especially when there was a bit of wind.

Thank you for much Joe for letting us show you our favorite corner of the world - Tanzania.
And thank you, Melissa, for sharing your pictures from your Family Safari. To many more Safaris together.

Let’s chat and get you and your family on Safari somewhere in amazing Africa.

Safari Stories from our Family Safari.

I wanted to share some of the many Safari Stories from my kids Summer Safari 2019. We continue to recollect, ‘remember that’, and keep the stories alive from our memorable time together.

“ My four favorite things were seeing all the Masiys [Maasais] dance because it was really nice. And I really liked seeing Scarface because he was cool to achaly [actually] see him. All the people at the camps were very nice because they are surprized that a kid is here - they really enjoy kids. And my last thing I liked was leopards. We found 2 leopards - they are bautiful [beautiful] creturse [creatures].
- Farhana, 8-yeard-old at the time of her Safari. Written out as she wrote in her Safari journal.

“ The funniest things I saw on Safari … seeing cheetahs getting surprised by a vulture. Cheetahs, really? And seeing lion cubs walking away from their mom and the mom was yowling for them to come back. They were so naughty, the mom had to go run after them.”
- Shiraz, 10-years-old at the time of his Safari.

Family Safaris are amazing!
If you have any questions - will they be bored, how to create the right Safari itinerary, and more - Let’s chat.
I will share my personal experiences for your Safari.

Safari Highlights Checked - Family Safari to Kenya + Tanzania

Summer 2019 for my kiddos will be one of the memory books. Before we embarked on your Family Safari, we created a checklist of what we wanted to see on our Safari. Happy to report that not all did we successfully check all from the lists below, we have created more lists as the kids are hooked on Safari.

Spend time with the Maasai Tribe in Ngorongoro.
This experience was an eye-opener for all. We started our walk from lovely Entamanu Ngorongoro with our Maasai guide. On the way, he explained the flowers, fruits, bushes, etc. that they use on a daily basis for food, curing illnesses, pains, etc. We then arrived at the village where we were welcomed with songs and fire lighting. We were encouraged to participate. The mamas lead us to their boma [homestead] and a quick run-through of their home. That night, my kids were so thankful for running water to brush their teeth, light in the room to read, and space in general. An evening we still talk about at home.

Enjoy the sunsets in Mara and Serengeti.
This was not hard to do at all. We were blessed with glorious sunsets in Masai Mara, Kenya and Serengeti, Tanzania. The evening game drives were extra special when we had some drinks in hand as well. The kids thoroughly enjoyed Tangawizi [gingerale] and I enjoyed Kilimanjaro beer or a lovely glass of wine. Amazing African Sunsets, a drink, good company … not a bad way to end your day on Safari, eh?

See all the beautiful elephants in Tarangire and Amboseli.
Elephants are magic! Whether it is your first time or multiple times, being with them in the wild and in their own landscape is pure bliss. We had the pleasure of seeing huge herds with lots of babies. Once you have spent time with them, you can not fathom a world without them.

”The say an elephant never forgets. What they don’t tell you is, you never forget an elephant.”
- Bill Murray.

And we also got to recreate this image originally taken in 2014 [see above]. We can’t wait recreate this again in the near future.

What is on your family’s checklist?
Let us know and we can start planning your Family Safari to somewhere special in Africa with your loved one.

Family Safari in Africa.

I love planning Safaris. But when I get to plan Family Safaris - woohoo!
I am thinking of all the possibilities that can happen when a child or children are on Safari. They may come back home having seen something that will shape their future because of the people they will have met on Safari. The wildlife stories told by their Safari guide will make them future conservationists. The forever memories that will be told for years during get-togethers. Endless!

However, my goal is to also make sure the adults also have a good time and don't come back from their Safari needing another vacation - well, maybe. ;)

Here are some ideas to make your Family Safari go as smooth as possible. 

Get a Family Room.
Most of the lodges have a family room and if we book ahead of time, we can get that room for you. You will have two rooms with usually a living room between the rooms. Most will also have two bathrooms within that space. Perfect when you have younger kids and are not comfortable with them having their own room yet or having to split up the adults. 

Slow Travel.
Safaris can be a bit of go-go-go especially if you are keen on waking up early to capture the sunrise but also want to be out until the last light of the day and enjoy the sunset. Slow Travel. Stay in one place for a few days to make it easy on yourself and settle down. You know you have a room ready for an afternoon siesta, the crew knows what foods the kids like, what drinks mama and baba need to wind down, etc. If there is a pool, take advantage of that as the pools will have amazing views. 

Private Safari.
Having your own vehicle is appreciated by most families. The biggest advantage of this is that you can set your times. Want to sleep in a bit today - sure! Want to come back to camp early in the evening  - of course! Fussy kid on the game drive - no worries! You and your Safari guide set the schedule versus having to go by a set schedule or have other guests give you that look. 

Plan B - cards, movies, book. 
Always have a Plan B. It is your holiday after all and some days, just take a break. All the camps we recommend have great views, amazing ambiance so even if you want to stay back and read, watch a movie in the afternoon, you are still part of the environment and you may have to pause to see wildlife stroll by the camp. 

Sawa! Okay, now let's get you on Safari.  

Your Kids will Thank You.

Going on a Family Safari is a great investment. We are talking high yield in your family memory bank. You will also be alright with the 'Safari bug' you are bound to catch. Everyone who goes on Safari is struck. At this time, they don't have a fix and no one is looking for one. 

Investment of Time.

We are all busy. School, work, homework, deadlines, practice, etc. Go, go, go. The list is endless. When you are on Safari, you are forced to take a break from the day to day.

That time spent in the Safari vehicle out game driving, with your camera capturing all that you can see, is time well spent together. Chatting, planning, life talks... it all happens when you have the gift of time. Uninterrupted time. Pauses are always welcomed for a cheetah spotting or an elephant herd. 

You will spend time in the Safari lodges and tented camps; to just chill in the lounge or your room, connecting as a family. You will love our Bush TV time. Take a book, listen to music or write in your journal. Time, moments, together to last a life-time. 

Investment of Education.

Learning never really stops. Whether you are on your winter, spring or summer break - or taking a break from school and learning about the world - the best education is to experience first hand.

Learning happens throughout your Safari. On Safari, you will spend a lot of time with your Safari guide who will share a wealth of information on wildlife. Ask them about conservation efforts. Go to the root of the issue, you will see the other side of the coin. Talk to them about the people. In Tanzania for example, there are 152 tribes - what is their language, tradition, food, clothing and more. If you are going to a Hadza or Maasai village, you may get to partake in oral tradition, the way it was done hundreds of years ago. 

The Safari Lodges will have their own teaching. The crew will share regional dances. Ask them to introduce you to traditional and modern, internationally recognized songs, and of course food. They will incorporate lots of local dishes for you to try out. Be adventurous.

Investment for the future of our Planet. 

"Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living." - Miriam Beard.

I have been lucky to plan many family Safaris over the last 16 years for children ranging from 3 years old to 18 years. All come back with the same theme. Thankful.

The children are thankful they got to experience something completely different than what they are used to at home. As a parent, you have just opened their eyes to how other people live in our planet and how we are all connected. Differences to be embraced. Similarities to be celebrated. We need more of that in the world right now.

Help them realize how precious and endangered the wildlife are and how they need our help to be safe. The more we know, the more we can do. And if they have spent time with wildlife, the more they will understand the importance of protecting them for generations to come. 

A few of my children clients who have grown up, continue to sponsor organizations like Rift Valley Children's Fund because they made a stop there when visiting Ngorongoro Crater. Some became supporters of organizations like David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust after stopping by for a visit. 

What Next?

Make your Family investment and head out on a Safari.
We can help you plan one that will be the highlight of your travel memory bank. 

5 Unforgettable Safari Experiences for Your Mother.

Being on a family Safari is a special time to make memories that you can remember forever. And who better than a mother, who loves getting everyone together, so that family stories are kept alive. Indulge mama on her Luxury Safari.

We know 5 experiences mommy would Love on her Safari.

1] Let’s start with jewelry.
Mamas, we all like browsing, receiving and buying jewelry. On Safari, you will see lots of beautiful Maasai jewelry on display. So why not go straight to the source to see how it is done. Head to the Maasai village with our friend Tati of Tanzania Maasai Women Art or spend time with the mamas at Sidai, a local jewelry shop in Arusha and seeing how the Maasai mama’s use their beads to create unique jewelry piece. She will always have something to admire and reminisce about.

Your visit not only gives you the lovely jewelry you will enjoy but directly empowers the Maasai women who achieve financial independence when collaborating with companies like Sidai.

2] A cooking class in the middle of Serengeti.
Chefs at many of the lodges will set up time to help mother’s cook up a feast. Of course, she will have lots of help from the sous chefs and the kitchen staff  – she is on Safari after all. The chef will show off their talents in their kitchen. The chef will come up with a cooking plan that best suits mama and her cooking skills.

A gourmet meal is always on the menu on Safari.

3] How does date night sound on Safari!
Would mommy be traveling with young children? A big yes to bringing children on Safari. Babysitters are available!  The babysitter can play with the children in the room until you get back from your date-night dinner.

The goal here is for you to enjoy a delicious dinner with amazing wine under the African skies on your night out. Bliss on Safari.

4] A massage for mama.
Imagine coming back after your wildlife viewing to a soothing room, essential oils burning, and a massage. Don’t you feel your muscles relaxing already? Some of the lodges take you outside where nature gives you the music.

Get pampered on your Safari. Yes mom, you deserve it!

5] Fly high over Serengeti or Tarangire in a hot-air balloon.
Oh the little luxuries in life for the mother in your family. Soar over the African savannah and enjoy this special family moment in your own balloon basket. Upon landing, you will have a breakfast table set up in the middle of the park where you can toast with champagne bubbles and enjoy a delicious English breakfast under a tree.

A high flying family treasure to keep.

Add any of these fun memory keepers to your Family Safari.
Happiness is being on Safari with mama.