A long journey with a baby, toddler, or preschooler: it all takes a bit more preparation, Decisions need to be carefully considered and during your trip, you have to juggle a few more things. For example, you should just be able to find a nice place to change diapers, dealing with long, bumpy car rides, and constantly managing DEET, covered clothing, and impregnated mosquito nets. However, it would be a shame to skip this beautiful and diverse continent for these reasons. With a tailor-made trip, we ensure a family adventure that won’t leave you needing another vacation afterward. A unique journey where you can explore the real Africa with a safe and comfortable feeling: from lush nature parks to lively cities to idyllic beaches. Our child-friendly partners make every day an adventure, and we are on the ground ready to ensure your trip as new parents goes perfectly.
On this page, you’ll find a treasure trove of inspiration and information about travelling with babies, toddlers, or preschoolers!
Baby-proof Africa: which destination is the best choice? First of all, it depends on the age of your little ones. Traveling across the African continent with an eight-month-old baby is a different story than with a three-year-old toddler who can walk and identify a giraffe. However, you’ll still have the same questions when choosing a destination. Long journeys and young children are often not an ideal combination. Malaria is something you might prefer to avoid. In addition, young children usually find playing the most enjoyable, with little concern for where exactly that playground is in the world. Here, we provide some advice on which countries to consider based on what’s important to you in a trip with your kids!
Malaria: it’s not pleasant, and it can be especially dangerous for babies or very young children. While you can take precautions when travelling in malaria-prone areas, there are also areas where the malaria mosquito simply does not exist! Countries that are good choices for this include (large parts of) South Africa and Namibia. In these countries, travel times are generally longer. You mainly explore these destinations on a 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 even take a train from Nairobi to the coast! As it passes through a National Park, you can see elephants and giraffes from the train window. Especially in Rwanda, the distances are short: the country is smaller than the Netherlands! Rwanda’s economy is more developed, it’s clean, organised, and incredibly beautiful.
Whichever of these destinations you choose, we can arrange comfortable and baby-proof accommodations (with a nice space for changing your baby) everywhere.
How suitable are safaris for babies or toddlers, anyway? A baby probably doesn’t have much interest in a safari and will likely experience it mainly as a bumpy car ride. If you’re travelling with a baby, it’s advisable to, for instance, visit a conservancy where the rules are a bit more flexible. But there are also other ways to witness incredible wildlife without having to get in a car. You can go on forest walks on foot, spotting various monkeys and birds, or hop on a boat and see elephant families bathing in the river while hippos curiously approach your boat. Are you at the coast? There’s a good chance you can go dolphin-watching, and the water is so clear that you don’t even need to snorkel to see a variety of colourful fish.
Wherever you go, it won’t be you but your child who gets approached and receives all the attention. Generally, everyone loves children! Our Travel Designers also keep an eye on safety in different countries, including the political situation. Naturally, we don’t send travellers to areas that are not safe. Moreover, we have moms here who can provide you with good advice. So, start a chat and feel free to ask anything!
Some answers to your questions
Wherever you go, it won’t be you but your child who gets approached and receives all the attention. Generally, everyone loves children! Our Travel Designers also keep an eye on safety in different countries, including the political situation. Naturally, we don’t send travellers to areas that are not safe. Moreover, we have moms here who can provide you with good advice. So, start a chat and feel free to ask anything!
There are areas in Africa where malaria is prevalent, and of course, you want to protect your child against it. However, there are also plenty of areas without malaria, such as a large part of South Africa, some parts of Namibia, and high-altitude areas in East Africa like Nairobi. It is advisable, in any case, to provide long clothing and apply DEET after sunset in malaria-prone areas. Bring your own (impregnated) mosquito net and spray it with DEET beforehand. It’s also recommended to take Malarone (prophylaxis). Get well-informed advice from the GGD (Public Health Service) or your doctor before the trip!
Also, be cautious with drinking water. Only give your child water from bottles with an intact cap (or with a plastic seal). If that’s not the case, or you’re unsure about the source of the drinking water, err on the side of caution and avoid it. Be careful with ice cream and ice cubes as well; they are often made from tap water.
In urban areas in South Africa and in Nairobi, the level of medical care is high. However, outside these areas, medical facilities may be more limited. We recommend scheduling a timely consultation with the GGD to arrange vaccinations and other necessities. It’s handy to bring for kids: paracetamol (suppositories or chewable tablets) and nasal spray.
We create a tailor-made trip together with you, based on your preferences! Of course, we choose the best places that suit families, such as accommodations with family rooms, a swimming pool, and plenty of space to play. Most accommodations have good facilities for young children, such as cribs, changing mats, and high chairs. For families, a private villa by the coast is truly a must. Here, you have all the freedom and can relax to the fullest when the kids are in bed.
Long car rides and little ones: not really an ideal combination. We take this into account, of course! For example, we ensure short distances and sufficient rest in your travel itinerary. In the travel plan you receive from us in advance, we provide expected travel times everywhere. If you want advice on this from one of our moms on the ground, let us know in the chat!
Diapers are readily available everywhere in Africa, although they might be slightly more expensive than in the Netherlands. So, you don’t have to lug around a few weeks’ worth of Pampers! Alternatively, you can choose to use cloth diapers, as many locals do. But that’s entirely up to you and your preferences during your vacation.
If you use formula, that does require some preparation. Follow-on milk is available in East Africa but is expensive and often contains a lot of sugar. Therefore, it’s best to bring a basic supply from the Netherlands, along with baby cereal, cookies, and jars.
A Maxi-Cosi and a baby carrier or sling are handy! However, strollers and prams are not really Africa-proof, so it’s better to leave them at home. If you need a car seat, we can arrange it for you! Otherwise, you can bring what you usually take on a trip, such as muslin cloths, toys, teddy bears, swim floats, a sun hat, and plenty of sunscreen (factor 50+). Go through this checklist, and you’ll be 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 some Masai. Not the guys who have meticulously planned their tourist act, but the real warriors living in the middle of nowhere, pumping water from wells and slaughtering goats. A dinner for two by a campfire with a Masai family will put your Dutch luxury life into perspective. We consider contact with the locals crucial! By connecting more with the people living in the areas you travel through, your journey gains more depth.
We discussed it earlier; we consider contacting the residents extremely important. Connecting with the people who live in the area you are travelling in will provide you with a deeper understanding. Consider, for instance, a unique homestay! The Prins family went before you! In the video, you can see a summary of their journey: special encounters, an abundance of wildlife, and relaxation on Takawiri Island.
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Is camping with kids a hassle? Not at Kibo Safari Camp! Here, you’ll experience the ultimate safari feeling with the luxury of a lodge. Wrap up a game drive through Amboseli National Park with a dip in the pool before indulging in the lavish buffet. High chairs, cribs, mosquito nets, and even a warm shower; the charming safari tents are fully equipped. And all of this with the majestic Kilimanjaro as your backdrop. Do we need to say more?
Armbands, bucket, shovel: that’s all it takes to entertain your kids. For families, a private villa by the coast is a must. Here, you have all the freedom to relax to the fullest. Optionally, hire a chef to prepare a delicious meal for you in the evening. And when the children are in bed, you don’t have to sit on a small balcony but can enjoy the spectacular starry sky with your feet in the sand. Pure romance!
At Yellow Haven, you can escape the hustle and bustle of vibrant Kampala. This paradise, surrounded by papyrus, is located on the shores of Lake Victoria. The various apartments have a Dutch touch, and there is even a treehouse. Float in the infinity pool with your children or take them to Wonder World Amusement Park: a fun playground for both young and older kids just 5 kilometres away from Yellow Haven.
Are your kids also crazy about elephants? In Addo Elephant National Park, you can spot them everywhere. This park is malaria-free, and you don’t have to cover large distances. Ideal for little ones! The cosy guest house Addo African Home is the perfect base to explore the park. On this former farm, everything revolves around eco and fair trade. There is a gigantic garden full of vegetables and fruits and even a pool that is entirely 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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