A long journey with a baby, toddler, or toddler: it all takes a bit more preparation, knots have to be cut thoughtfully and during your trip, you have to do a little more. For example, you should just be able to find a nice place to change diapers, long, bumpy car rides are not ideal and you are constantly busy with DEET, covered clothing, and impregnated mosquito nets. Yet it is a shame to skip this beautiful and diverse continent for this reason. With a tailor-made trip, we provide a family adventure that ensures that you do not need another holiday after your holiday. A special trip where you discover the real Africa with a safe and comfortable feeling: from lush natural parks to cozy cities to idyllic beaches. Our child-friendly partners make every day, a discovery and we are on the ground ready to let your journey as new parents run smoothly.
On this page, you will find a ball pit of inspiration and information about traveling with babies, toddlers, or preschoolers!
Baby-proof Africa: which destination should you choose? First of all, it depends on the age of your offspring. Traveling the African continent with an eight-month-old baby is, of course, a different story from a three-year-old toddler, who can already walk quite a bit and identify a giraffe. Yet the same questions keep you busy when choosing a destination. Small children and long travel times are often not a golden combination. You may also prefer to avoid malaria. In addition, young children often find playing the most fun: where that playground is exactly in the world, she can often be a sausage. Here we give you some advice on which countries to visit based on what you think is important on a trip with your kids!
Malaria: it’s no fun, and it can be dangerous for babies or very young children. While you can take measures when traveling in malaria areas, there are also areas where the malaria mosquito simply does not occur at all! Countries that you can best choose are (large parts of) South Africa and Namibia. Travel times are generally longer in these countries. You discover these destinations mainly by road trip and highlights and experiences are often further apart.
If you prefer to travel in countries with shorter travel times, East Africa is a good option. Especially Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda are countries with friendly residents where you can see and experience a lot without having to spend many hours in the car. In Kenya, you can go from Nairobi to the coast by train! Because it runs through a National Park, you can see elephants and giraffes from behind the train window. Especially in Rwanda, the distances are short: the country is smaller than the Netherlands! Rwanda’s economy has developed further, it is clean, organized, and stunning.
Whichever of these destinations you choose: comfortable and baby-proof accommodations (with a nice space to change your baby!) We can arrange for you everywhere.
How suitable are safaris for babies or toddlers? A baby probably does not really have a message for such a safari, and will mainly experience it as a bumpy car ride. When you are with a baby, it is therefore advisable to, for example, look for a conservancy where the rules are more flexible. But there are also other ways to see amazing wildlife without having to get in the car. For example, you can take walks on foot where you can spot various monkeys and birds, or you can step into a boat and see elephant families washing in the river while hippos come curiously to your boat. Are you on the coast? Chances are you can look for dolphins, and the water is so clear that you don’t even have to snorkel to see all kinds of colored fish.
Trains are scarce, domestic flights are expensive, and buses are not always safe and travel insanely long distances. That is why we usually organize our family trips by car! You can – with or without a driver – chug through the country at your own pace and therefore have a lot of freedom. You can stop at places you would never visit otherwise, and meet people you would otherwise not meet. We ensure that the travel times are not too long and that you visit the most beautiful locations!
Some answers to your questions
Wherever you go, not you but your child will be addressed and get all the attention. In general, everyone loves children! Our Travel Designers also monitor safety in the various countries. This also includes the political situation. Of course we do not send travelers to areas that are not safe. We also have moms here who can give you good advice. So start a chat and ask!
There are areas in Africa where malaria occurs and of course you want to protect your child against it. But there are also plenty of areas without malaria, such as much of South Africa, part of Namibia and high-altitude parts of East Africa such as Nairobi. In any case, it is wise to provide long clothes and apply DEET in malaria areas after sunset. Bring your own (impregnated) mosquito net and pre-spray it with DEET. It is also recommended to take Malarone (prophylaxis). Let the GGD or GP advise you well before the trip!
Take care with drinking water. Only give your child water from bottles with the cap still intact (or a plastic wrap around it). If not, or if you’re not sure where the drinking water comes from, err on the side of caution and leave it alone. Also be careful with ice cream and ice cubes, these are often made from tap water.
The level of medical care is high in urban areas in South Africa and in Nairobi. In addition, medical facilities may be somewhat more limited. We recommend that you schedule an interview with the GGD in time to properly arrange vaccinations and other means. Which is handy to take with you for kids: paracetamol (suppositories or chewable tablets) and nasal spray.
We will make a tailor-made trip with you, based on your wishes! Of course we look for the best spots that suit families, such as accommodations with family rooms, a swimming pool and plenty of space to play. Most accommodations have good facilities for small children such as cots, changing mats and highchairs. For families, a private villa on the coast is a must. Here you have complete freedom and you can relax optimally when the kids are in bed. Get an impression of all our accommodations in Southern and East Africa.
Long car trips and small children: not really an ideal combination. We take this into account of course! For example, we ensure short distances and enough rest in your travel schedule. In the travel plan that you receive from us in advance, we indicate the expected travel times everywhere. Would you like advice from one of our moms on the ground? Let us know in the chat!
Diapers are available everywhere in Africa, although they are slightly more expensive than in the Netherlands. So you don’t have to carry around Pampers for a few weeks! You can also choose to use washable diapers, as many locals do. But you should just feel like it during your vacation.
Are you bottle feeding? Then that requires some preparation. Follow-on milk is available in East Africa but is expensive and often contains a lot of sugar. It is therefore best to bring a basic stock from the Netherlands, just like porridge, cookies and jars.
A Maxi-Cosi and a sling or bag are handy! Buggies and prams are not really Africa-proof, you better leave them at home. Do you want a car seat? We will arrange it for you! Furthermore, you can just take with you what you always take with you on a trip, such as hydrophilic cloths, toys, cuddly toys, armbands, a sun hat and a lot of sunscreen (factor 50+). Go through this checklist and you are good to go!
Do you have another questions?
Read more tips about traveling in Africa in our FAQ or in our blog Traveling through Kenya with children.
Over the years, Charlie has become good friends with a number of Maasai. Not the guys who have their tourist act down to the last detail, but the real warriors who live in the middle of nowhere, pumping water from the well and slaughtering goats. A dinner à deux at a campfire with a Maasai family will put your Dutch luxury life into perspective. Contact with the residents is super important to us! Making more contact with the people who live in the area you are travelling around will give your trip more depth.
We talked about it above, we find contact with the residents super important. Connecting with the people who live in the area you are traveling in will give you more depth. Think for example of a special homestay! The Prins family preceded you! In the video you can see a summary of their journey: special encounters, an abundance of wildlife and relaxing on Takawiri Island.
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Is camping with kids a hassle? Not at Kibo Safari Camp! Here you will experience the ultimate safari feeling, with the luxury of a lodge. End a game drive through Amboseli National Park with a dip in the pool before you plunge into the soothing buffet. Highchairs, camping beds, mosquito nets, and even a hot shower; the atmospheric safari tents are fully equipped. And all with the mighty Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. Do we need to say more?
Armbands, bucket, scoop: that’s all you need to keep your kids entertained. For families, a private villa on the coast is a must. Here you have complete freedom and you can relax optimally. If necessary, hire a chef to prepare a tasty meal for you in the evening. And when the children are in bed, you don’t have to sit on a small balcony, but you can enjoy the spectacular starry sky with your feet in the sand. Pure romance!
Do your kids also love elephants? You can spot them everywhere in Addo Elephant National Park. This park is malaria free and you don’t have to travel long distances. Ideal with small kiddies! The cozy guesthouse Addo African Home is the perfect base to explore the park. This former farm is all about eco and fair trade. There is a huge garden full of fruit and vegetables and even a swimming pool that is completely organic.
The team lives and works all over Africa and therefore has a lot of first-hand knowledge and experience.
Wherever Charlie and his team travel, they develop new routes and experiences together with local entrepreneurs.
We tailor each trip based on your wishes and our African knowledge. Everything is possible and nothing is too crazy! Give us a try?
Charlie’s Travels works together with local partners and contributes to CO2 projects to offset environmental pollution.
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