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<\/p>\nAs summer approaches, discussions of potential family vacation destinations arise. Without a doubt, an African safari is on your wish list. Elephants, leopard, rhino; seeing them in the wild against a backdrop of bushveld as the sun sinks is incomparable.\u00a0 A safari is also the perfect multigenerational holiday; we\u2019re never too young or too old to enjoy watching wildlife in its habitat. A safari is exciting, fun, bonding, and a fascinating natural history lesson every day. It will become the best trip your family has ever taken.<\/p>\n
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You\u2019re convinced, your only hesitation; can you afford it?\u00a0 The answer is yes\u2026 if.
\nIf you choose the right country.
\nIf you choose the right park.
\nIf you choose the right game lodge.<\/p>\n
The Right Country<\/strong><\/p>\n South Africa is the best choice for diversity of experience, affordability and family-friendly infrastructure. While other African safari destinations have much to recommend them, affordability and accessibility can negatively impact the family budget.\u00a0\u00a0 Johannesburg is South Africa\u2019s air travel hub. Most major airlines fly there, which not only keeps fares competitive, but opens the door for fantastic international stopovers.\u00a0 There is no better way to add value to a trip then by including another destination; the ultimate two for one.\u00a0\u00a0 Fly on Delta, and enroute are Paris or Amsterdam. Fly on Emirates, and a few days in Dubai makes sense.\u00a0 British Airways and Virgin Atlantic offer London stopovers.\u00a0 And, for those who like to focus on one destination, South Africa Airways offers daily non-stops from New York and Washington DC.<\/p>\n Entry permits are issued on arrival in South Africa at no charge. That can save a family of four, $400.<\/p>\n While wildlife viewing is supremely riveting, it does involve early morning wake ups and hours in a vehicle, so it\u2019s good to mix the safari up with other touring.\u00a0 South Africa offers not only the safari experience, but also great beaches, safe self-drive routes, wine touring and exploration of one of the world\u2019s prettiest and most walkable cities, Cape Town.\u00a0\u00a0 Not to mention, every teenager\u2019s Instagram dream post \u2013 a great white shark dive!\u00a0\u00a0 From lions to lighthouses, from baboons to body surfing, South Africa is the complete vacation package. The recommended number of days at a game lodge is three or four, which leaves plenty of days for other equally fun pursuits.<\/p>\n As South Africans also travel widely in their own country, there is a solid, reliable, family friendly infrastructure in place.\u00a0 Kids, especially younger ones, love to touch and get up close and personal with animals, and the many sanctuary and wildlife orphanages in South Africa make this possible.\u00a0 Meeting local families on vacation can be a memorable cultural exchange.<\/p>\n The Right Park<\/strong><\/p>\n The Eastern Cape is also a malaria free game area, and the game parks in that region make a great starting or finishing point to a vacation that includes Cape Town at the other end, linked by the Garden Route, South Africa\u2019s safe and scenic self-drive road.<\/p>\n The Right Lodge<\/strong><\/p>\n There are many, many beautiful game lodges in South Africa, ranging from 3 star to luxury \u2013 but not all of them welcome children. Some have a strict no kids policy, and some allow children, but don\u2019t especially cater for them.\u00a0 Fortunately, there are lodges who encourage families and offer age appropriate wildlife programs and even nanny service for the tiny tots.\u00a0 Accommodation includes villas for larger and extended families, and family\u00a0 or interconnecting rooms for those who like to stay in close proximity.\u00a0 For a little extra, these lodges usually offer private use of game vehicles, which means that your kids can be as exuberant as they like without disturbing others.<\/p>\n Getting the advice of a travel professional who knows the parks and lodges that work best for you is key to having an experience that will please all members of the family.<\/p>\n![\"GameDrivewithGuestsonRockface\"](\"http:\/\/www.budgetyourtrip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/GameDrivewithGuestsonRockface-850x688.jpg\")
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Travelers from the US tend to believe that the only park to go to is the Kruger. While it is certainly a great park with a deserved reputation, it is no more the only park in South Africa than Waikiki is the only beach in Hawaii. Pilanesberg National Park is only a 2 hour drive (avoid expensive airfares!) from Johannesburg, is as game rich as the Kruger, and has the added attraction of being malaria free. The peace of mind, avoidance of side effects, and cost savings of not having to deal with anti-malarial medication is a bonus.<\/p>\n
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