A safari is definitely one of the most exciting family getaways you can choose. Filled with adventure, wildlife, education, and even relaxation it’s a perfect break from daily life. There are many excellent options for school holiday safaris in Africa. Below are just a couple of country ideas and what they might offer for a family looking for a safari holiday.

Kenya

Kenya is a superb safari destination for families with younger children. When you think of Africa images of huge, beaming red sunsets, rolling plains and iconic wildlife all come to mind and you’ll find all of these in Kenya. Many lodges are family orientated here and have staff specially trained in working with children. You could have your own private vehicle for game drives and children can get involved in lots of extra activities such as learning to become a Maasai warrior, baking animal biscuits and bug safaris! Kenya also has a superb coastline with some excellent family hotels, ideal for relaxing in after your days in the bush.

Rwanda and Uganda

Most people visit to see the mountain gorillas, our closest living relatives, that live deep in the forest. Finding them can involve some fairly serious hiking through the rain forest, so you need to be fairly fit and in good health to take this kind of holiday. When you spot them it’s an incredibly rewarding experience, watching as the tiny ones play with one another under the watchful eye of the magnificent silverback. There’s also opportunities for you meet local people, find other primates (including chimps!), go birding, take boat cruises, climb volcanos, find waterfalls and visit various community projects including hospitals, orphanages and coffee cooperatives. Children under 15 are not allowed to trek the gorillas and so this kind of holiday is best suited to an active family with older children.

South Africa

Malaria-free reserves in South Africa make it a popular choice for families who don’t want to give their younger children medication. Both accommodation and wildlife in these reserves are fantastic. You’ll see lots of game, accompanied by an experienced, specialist guide. This is undoubtedly an extremely educational experience, as well as an enjoyable one. South Africa is an incredibly diverse country so there’s more to do than just safaris. Explore the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town, relive history at the sites of the Anglo-Zulu battles, go whale watching or even look for meerkats in the desert.

There are a lot of activities to enjoy that a holiday presents a great opportunity for. Scuba diving is one such thing, and is a great way to experience the wildlife in our oceans.

The best way to experience scuba diving is by going to a coral reef; that way, you can see an entire ecological environment in its micro climate. The diversity of wild life in coral reefs is higher than anywhere else in the oceans, and the different forms of life are sure to make an impact, and create memories which will stay with you for the rest of your life.

There are other ways in which you can experience the ocean through scuba diving. One such way is by joining a scuba diving tour, touring through communities of some of the bigger marine wildlife. This may mean diving with sharks, dolphins, whales, or seals. Being able to interact with some of the big mammals in our ocean is a singularly amazing experience.

When we think of the most relaxing holidays, there are certain elements that will always come to mind, and you should make sure they’re included in your holiday package.

The first is a hotel with the convenience of a spa. This may be part of the gym or a health complex on the site, but a spa can be the place where you begin to feel like you’re on cloud nine.

The hotel should also have various pools. This is because one pool will soon get busy, therefore not being relaxing and peaceful. With numerous pools there tends to be one that’s a lot more quite than the others, and less aimed toward children and families.

A beach within close proximity is also beneficial. If you have a beach nearby you won’t have far to walk to find a secluded area, and once you move away from the crowds situated near the main front, you’ll find quieter spots, and that’s where you can really find peace.

Cuba is a popular holiday destination, not just for Americans but also for those living in Europe. Cuba benefits from warm sun, bright blue waters, delicious foods, cocktails and palm trees, so it’s a bit like paradise.

It’s very secluded and undisturbed, while it’s also the home of salsa, so you’ll certainly come away having tried plenty of spices. Cuban rum is also popular while popular local foods include enchiladas and paella.

There are extended beaches so you’re bound to find a quiet spot if you’re seeking relaxation and a trip to Cuba may just be the holiday you’re looking for. It’s a fairly long flight from the UK as it is situated between Jamaica and the Bahamas, but it’s a place like no other, and we’re sure it will not disappoint.

If you’re in the midst of planning an African safari holiday you’re probably already aware that you’ll need some khaki or beige clothes, some good insect repellent and lots of sunscreen. Below are five handy items that you might not have thought about packing:

Spare Batteries

There’s nothing worse than your camera batteries running out mid game drive! You’ll have charging facilities back at camp, but it’s always a good idea to bring along some spares to take out with you on activities, just in case.

Warm Pyjamas

As a continent, Africa is known for its high temperatures but did you know that the evenings and mornings can be very cold? Most camps pop a hot water bottle in your bed to keep you warm during the night. If you feel the cold easily, though, bring some warm nightwear along with you!

A Fleece or Jumper

The best time to see wildlife is very early in the morning and, as mentioned above, these early mornings can be quite chilly. Take a jumper or fleece with you to keep you warm whilst you’re exploring.

Lip Balm

As well as your usual sunscreen, bring along a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from the strong African sun.

Travel Journal or Sketch Book

You’ll have some down time in between activities to sit and relax, maybe on your deck or by the pool. You might like to take the time to write down what you’ve done each day or do some sketching of your beautiful surroundings to keep your safari memories alive once you’re home!