Botswana - Blogs - Tripatini2024-03-29T05:08:03Zhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/Botswana6 Awesome African Vacation Destinations for Familieshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/family-travel-africa-safaris-ecotourism-history2023-06-18T06:10:00.000Z2023-06-18T06:10:00.000ZDan Kariukihttps://tripatini.com/members/DenhumHolidays<div><p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11754165873,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11754165873,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11754165873?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/PmZvUaI5Su8" target="_blank">Unsplash</a></em></span><br /> <br /> <br /> If your famiy is a bit adventurous, Africa is a trove of travel gold, from history and culture to sensational safaris and other forms of ecotourism. It's a way to have the time of your lives while creating memories and educating your kids in a vivid way that will stay with them for the rest of their own lives. And here's a quick look at seven of the top places that should be on your family-travel radar:</p>
<h2><a href="https://botswanatourism.co.bw/" target="_blank">Botswana: Delta Force and Other Eco Marvels</a></h2>
<p>This safari superstar is one of Africa's safest countries, with relatively good roads and other infrastructure. It boasts a number of great game parks, such as the <strong>Central Kalahari Game Reserve</strong>, the <strong>Khalagadi Transfrontier Park</strong>, the <strong>Khama Rhino Sanctuary</strong>, the <strong>Khutse Game Reserve</strong>, and the <strong>Moremi Game Reserve</strong>. <br /> <br /> But its main claim to fame is the vast, <strong>Okavango Delta</strong> (designated a <strong>UNESCO World Heritage</strong> <strong>Site</strong> because of its ecological value) in the north of the country, which seasonally floods a vast area every March through June and attracts visitors to several dozen camps and lodges, reaching them via "pakoras" (dugout wooden canoes) poled by locals. The delta is packed with wildlife, notable Africa's "Big Five" - buffalo, elephants, leopards, lions, and rhinos black and white - but also including antelopes, crocodiles, giraffes, hippos, hyenas, jackals, monkeys, and zebras. An amazing opportunity to expose your kids to a huge panoply of African wildlife!</p>
<h2><a href="https://egypt.travel/" target="_blank">Egypt: History, Culture, Sun, and Fun</a></h2>
<p>On the one hand, the remnants of the ancient civilization of the pharoahs continue to amaze you and your kids (though the experience is probably better suited to older than younger children). It's a UNESCO World Heritage extravaganza, from pyramids and <strong>Sphinx</strong> of <strong>Giza</strong> to the feluccas of the <strong>Nile</strong> down to <strong>Luxor</strong> with its <strong>Temple of Karnak</strong> and <strong>Valley of the Kings</strong>, to <strong>Abu Simbel</strong> in <strong>Aswan</strong> (with extra points for the vibrant city of <strong>Alexandria</strong>). <br /> <br /> Meanwhile, the Sinai Peninsula is alluring for family-friendly swimming, snorkeling, and diving at <strong>Red Sea</strong> resorts such as <strong>Dahab</strong>, <strong>Hurghada</strong>, and <strong>Sharm El Sheikh</strong> (along with a another touch of history at the early medieval <strong>St. Catherine's Monastery</strong>, yet another UNESCO site).</p>
<h2><a href="https://www.magicalkenya.com/" target="_blank">Kenya: Another Eco Classic, Plus More Great Beaches</a></h2>
<p>Some of Africa's best beaches are also on the menu on <a href="https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/kenya-mombasa-indian-ocean-coast" target="_blank">Kenya's <strong>Indian Ocean</strong> coast</a>, including <strong>Diani</strong>, <strong>Shanzu</strong>, and <strong>Watamu</strong>, - best from mid-March through May - and the coast is also home to fascinating historica towns and cities including <strong>Lamu</strong>, <strong>Malindi</strong>, and <strong>Mombasa</strong>. <br /> <br /> Inland, safari and adventure highlights including gaping at millions of pink flamingos at the <strong>Great Rift Valley</strong>'s <strong>Lake Nakaru</strong>; cycling with free-ranging zebras and giraffes in <strong>Hell’s Gate National Park</strong>; communing with crocodiles in <strong>Lake Turkana</strong>; white water rafting on the <strong>Sagana River</strong>. But perhaps the country's most iconic experiences is a visit to the <strong>Masai Mara </strong>region in the southwest, famous for its exceptional striking Masai tribal people and its huge populations of cheetahs, elephants, leopards, and lions; it's also the endpoint of the Great Wildebeest Migration (which also includes antelopes, zebras, and the predators which track them) between July and October.</p>
<p>Parenthetically, there's also one interesting Kenyan custom which has recently gained a lot of popularity – enjoying the sunset. As simple as it may be, the Kenyans have taken it to a new level - they find a spectacular location from where the sunset is the nicest. In the late afternoon, they set up a barbecue, a table with drinks, and chairs where they sit and wait for the sun to go down.<br /> <br /> To find out when the best time to visit Kenya for your various interests, click <a href="https://www.denhumholidays.com/1-what-is-the-best-time-to-visit-kenya/" target="_blank">here</a>, and for more information on Kenya safaris, click <a href="https://www.denhumholidays.com/kenya-from-nairobi/">here</a>.</p>
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<h2><a href="https://www.visitmorocco.com/en" target="_blank">Morocco: Come With Me to the Kasbah (and the Sahara, and Again, the Beaches)</a></h2>
<p>Here you and your kids will feel like they have ended up in a storybook. The colors, the aromas, the music, the food – it's most likely completely different than everything you've ever experienced in your lives. The country is fairly safe, and Moroccans value family and love children, so you will find them very friendly and communicative, especially with kids. The country's main allures start with the exotic anicent medinas and sights of its cities - most notaby the Imperial Cities of <strong>Fez</strong>, <strong>Marrakesh</strong>, <strong>Meknes</strong>, and <strong>Rabat</strong>, but also others incuding <strong>Tangier</strong> and <strong>Essaouira</strong>. <br /> <br /> Your kids will also be thrilled by an <a href="https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/morocco-sahara-desert" target="_blank">excursion of several days into the mighty Sahara Desert</a>, including camel and quad riding, as well as sand surfing and listening to local music around a campfire amid the dunes and the stars. <br /> <br /> And if you want a bit of sun and fun, there are several great <a href="https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/6-beautiful-morocco-beaches" target="_blank">beaches</a>, with <strong>Agadir</strong> along the southern Atlantic coast is a popular destination (and a magnet for surfers and windsurfers), but others on both the Atlantic and Mediterranean coast include <strong>Al Hoceima</strong>, <strong>Asilah</strong>, and <strong>Saïdia</strong>. (And as a bonus, take them to see the <a href="https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/morocco-argan-oil" target="_blank">tree-çlimbing goats of the <strong>Souss Valley</strong></a>)</p>
<h2><a href="https://www.southafrica.net/us/en/" target="_blank">South Africa: Family-Friendly Safaris and Stimulating Cities</a></h2>
<p>The Rainbow Nation is home to 42 public and private game reserves, including Africa's largest, <strong>Kruger National Park</strong>. There are three options in particular which are particularly kid-friendly<strong>:</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://www.pilanesbergnationalpark.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Pilanesberg National Park</strong></a> - arguably the safest safari option out there. it's also very affordable. The accommodation is fenced-in, and there are many amenities for children since most visitors are families with kids. There’s no sense of wilderness as in more common safari locations, but families can still easily spot the "Big Five."</p>
<strong><a href="https://www.shamwari.com/" target="_blank">Shamwari Game Reserve</a> </strong>- If you're willing to pay a bit more, apart from guaranteed "Big Five" sightings, there's a special “kids on safari” program, parents may also take advantage of a babysitting service should they decide to have some alone time.</div>
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<div class="ctaButton"><strong><a href="https://www.madikwereserve.org/" target="_blank">Madikwe Game Reserve</a> </strong>- In this private game reserve specially adapted for kids, children under four can go on a unique “jungle drive,” whereas a bit older kids can engage in “children’s safari” which in addition to wildlife spotting including teaching survival techniques and bush medicine.<br /> <br />
<p>Then of course South Africa is also home to several vibrant cities with a lot to offer families, including <strong>Durban</strong>, <strong>Johannesburg</strong>, <strong>Pretoria</strong>/<strong>Tswane</strong>, and especially colorful <strong>Cape Town</strong> (and at this last, don't miss a day trip to its nearby beaches and the colonies of adorable penguins at the <strong>Cape of Good Hope</strong>!).</p>
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<h2><a href="https://www.visittanzania.africa/" target="_blank">Tanzania: Yet More Wonderful Safaris & Beaches, Plus Historic Zanzibar</a></h2>
<p>One of this country's most notable eco stars are threefold, and all located up north. The <strong>Serengeti Plains</strong> are the site of a <a href="https://www.serengeti.com/" target="_blank">national park</a> of nearly 15,000 square kilometers (5,790 sq. miles) harboring many thousands of varied species including antelopes, baboons, Cape buffalo, cheetahs, crocodiles, elephants, hyenas, hippos, jackals, leopards, lions (Africa's largest population), monkeys, ostriches, rhinos, and wildebeest, among many others. It's also the starting point of the spectacle that is the July-to-October Great Wildebeest Migration (mentioned under Kenya, above). Next to the Serengeti, the volcanic, UNESCO World Heritage <strong>Ngorongoro Crater</strong> (the world's largest) is home to varied wildlife including Cape buffalo, flamingos, gazelles, hippos, black rhinos, wildebeests, and zebras. And <strong>Mount Kilimanjaro</strong> is Africa's highest peak (4,877 meters/16,000 feet), but depending on the route, even kids can trek up to its summit (the youngest, in 2018, was just six years old). <br /> <br /> Other cool family-friendly experiences include mountain biking through banana plantations and local farming villages, ending your ride with a traditional Tanzanian lunch. And <a href="https://meseranisnakepark.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Meserani Snake Park</strong></a> west of Arusha is home to a fascinating collection of not just snakes (venemous and otherwise) but other reptiles. <br /> <br /> The beaches are also exceptional (and apart from family friendly, also <a href="https://www.denhumholidays.com/best-5-honey-moon-destinations-in-africa/" target="_blank">a very popular honeymoon destination</a>). There are several on the mainland, such as <strong>Ras Kutani</strong>, <strong>Sange</strong>, <strong>Ushongo</strong>, <strong>Vumawimbi</strong>, and those in <strong>Saadani National Park</strong>. Then of course there is <strong><a href="https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/zanzibar-tanzania" target="_blank">Zanzibar</a></strong>, among whose <a href="https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/zanzibar-tanzania-beaches" target="_blank">beach stars</a> are <strong>Jambiani</strong>, <strong>Kendwa</strong>, <strong>Paje</strong>, <strong>Pongwe</strong>, and <strong>Ungwi</strong>. Other great local experiences include seeing and feeding giant land tortoises and spice plantations (the "Spice Island" has long been famous for its cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardemom, and others), where you can also learn about other use of spices, such as repelling mosquitos and getting rid of toothaches. There's a touch of fascinating history out here, too, in the form of exploring <strong>Stone Town</strong> (the stone referring to coral rock), the medieval core of <strong>Zanzibar City</strong>, full of fascinating markets, narrow streets and alleyways and various palaces, mosques, and fortifications.<br /> <br /> For more information on Tanzania safaris, click <a href="https://www.denhumholidays.com/safari-in-tanzania/">here</a>.</p>
<p><br /> <br /> Finally, for the do's and dont's of African safaris, click <a href="https://www.denhumholidays.com/6-dos-and-donts-of-african-safaris/" target="_blank">here</a>. And consider this valuable advice from an expert from <strong><a href="https://easymovekw.com/" target="_blank">Easy Move KW</a></strong> about efficient packing: he says you should try to organize your suitcase as if it were a shelf. Pack all your clothes into little flat, rectangular bundles and stack them so that you can see them all at once when you open the suitcase; this packing method is simple and user-friendly.</p>
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