Recommended Multi-Gen African Safaris Grouped by Age Range

Changes in demographics and lifestyles are creating one of the hottest trends in today's vacation planning - multigenerational travel. As the average age of grandparents in the U.S. continues to decline (now at 48 according to Grandparents.com) more and more three-generation family groups are seeking travel experiences that are suitable and rewarding for a wide range of ages and abilities.

African Safari Company http://www.africansafarico.com/ specializes in the art of discovering and creating engaging and flexible safari itineraries and has identified and reacted to the trend. They have compiled age-appropriate recommendations for extended families for whom a shared safari is an experiential must.

The following safaris, grouped by age appropriateness, were selected by African Safari Company's marketing expert, Julia Nesbitt. She also recommends an alternate option that incorporates traditional safaris folded into the highly personal experience of a Private Bush Villas stay. These provide families and friends exclusive use of private homes and lodges, most of which have their own dedicated team including a host and private chef to ensure a completely personal service. A private vehicle, personal field guide and tracker ensure an equally bespoke safari experience.

These accommodations can be incorporated into any custom safari. Accommodation, meals, game drives, walks, park fees and taxes are all included in pricing available upon request. African Safari Company can arrange these accommodations in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda. See: (http://www.africansafarico.com/safari/private-bush-villas/).

For families with children ages 7 to 11, the Botswana Family Safari combines activities in and around Victoria Falls before journeying out to explore the eco systems of a private island on the Okavango Delta and then flying on to a bush camp in a remote corner of northern Botswana. The highlight of this trip is an exclusive island experience with renowned family safari guide Paul Molesang. Activities include Victoria Falls and a school visit, hands-on learning experiences through island walks and game drives and boat safaris. To minimize transfer time and to maximize vacation time, destinations are connected by light aircraft (included in the fare). The program accommodates a maximum of six. Rates are from $6,668 per adult and from $4,848 per child (7-11). The trip begins at Livingstone Airport and ends at Kasane Airport. For details please see:
http://www.africansafarico.com/safari/elephant-family-safari-2/

Families with younger children might also consider Private Bush Villas' Singita Serengeti House, Tanzania where they are accommodated at an exclusive house set in a private reserve away from the hustle and bustle of the busy areas of the park. This home welcomes kids of all ages and activities include archery, baking, butterfly capture, identification and release and a mini ranger's course. For details please see http://www.africansafarico.com/safari/private-bush-villas/

Families with tweens might consider Wildlife, Culture & Beach Safari, Tanzania that's designed with curious kids in mind and offering a great balance of wildlife and culture before ending on the beautiful beaches on Zanzibar with a variety of experiences of interest to all ages. Cultural highlights include walking with a Maasai warrior, going hunting with Hadzabe Bushmen and meeting Datoga farmers, and exploring old Stone Town, a World Heritage Site, on foot. Wildlife highlights include Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire and Serengeti National Parks. A family has the same custom 4x4 vehicle and guide throughout the safari. The trip begins at Kilimanjaro International Airport and ends at Dar es Salaam International Airport. The rates are from $8,680 per adult and from $4,880 per child (7-11). Pricing is based on a family of four in one family suite or two rooms. For details please see http://www.africansafarico.com/safari/tanzania-fami

An alternative might be Private Bush Villas' Cottar's Private Homestead, Maasai Mara, Kenya, on a private reserve outside of the Mara gate. This luxurious house accesses the Mara Reserve, most recently made famous with BBC's "Big Cat Diaries" which kids can watch on the DVD player when adults sit with a nightcap under the African stars, trading stories about their fantastic cultural interaction with the local Maasai. For details please see http://www.africansafarico.com/safari/private-bush-villas/

Suggested for teens and their extended families is Zambia Adventure, an off-the-beaten-track program that includes safaris by vehicle, boat and foot. Ages 16 and up enjoy game drives and walking safaris, canoe trips, boat safaris, fishing and a visit to Victoria Falls as well as the option to visit local schools. There are light aircraft flights between destinations offering a scenic overview of Zambia. Families can choose between family tents and suites or the option of giving their teens a bit more freedom with their own tent or chalet. This program begins at Lusaka International Airport and ends at Livingstone International Airport. The per person land rate is from $3,598 plus $1,126 for light air per person. For details please see:
http://www.africansafarico.com/safari/zambia-adventure-8-days/.

Another alternative with teens is Private Bush Villas' Jack Hanna House, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, where a minimum age of 15 is required for gorilla trekking. The private house built by zookeeper and television presenter Jack Hanna is perfect for a family of three to four. For details please see:
http://www.africansafarico.com/safari/private-bush-villas/

If a family includes only adults, suggested is Insider South Africa that delves into the history and modern culture of South Africa. There is a little bit of something for everyone, from wildlife to food to history to helicopter flightseeing. Activities include walking with local guides in Durban and Cape Town, spending time in a modern village in Zululand, learning about conservation efforts in Thanda Reserve and interacting with a family of winemakers in Winelands. Wildlife activities include game drives, walking safaris, boat trips on Lake St Lucia, beach safaris and an optional seasonal night walk to see sea turtles laying their eggs on the beach (November-March). The trip begins at Johannesburg or Durban International Airport and ends at Cape Town International Airport. The per person rate, double is from $4,894. For more details please see: http://www.africansafarico.com/safari/insider-south-africa/

Another option is Private Bush Villas' 5-Bedroom Villa Santorni, Vilanculos, Mozambique, located in this gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago, a chain of islands strung out like a pearl necklace and a protected National Marine Reserve that lies parallel to the historical Mozambican channel. Guest can explore, island hop, snorkel and laze in the warm Indian Ocean or around the courtyard pool dreaming of dinner prepared by the expert chef.

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