Edition 40: Autumn 2007

As William Gray illustrates from page 90, there’s no shortage of child-friendly activities across Africa. So I’m always amazed – and saddened – when I meet parents who are reluctant to go on safari with their children, afraid that it will be unsafe or too complicated.

Such reluctance shows the uncertainty that many people still have about Africa – particularly those who have not been there before. And yet, here is a continent that is ideally suited to children. Transport is relatively easy, exciting (where else can you spot zebra on the highway?) and varied. And vast swathes of Africa are absolutely safe and secure, ensuring a relaxed holiday. Best of all, Africa offers unprecedented exposure to the natural environment, removing our youngsters from the smog of our Western cities and placing them in the most stimulating, creative and fun classroom that you or they could ever imagine.

In this setting children truly focus their attention on their surroundings, eagerly learning everything they can. Witnessing this as a parent is one of the most rewarding parts of the trip, especially if your never seem to concentrate at home! Bird calls are quickly learnt and imitated. Holes in the ground become irresistible points of focus, with inquisitive minds pondering: “what will come out of there?” Tracks in the sand weave tales of mysterious nocturnal journeys, and discarded vegetable ivory becomes the ultimate memento for the school yard (“bet you can’t break this!”).

Sympathetic, knowledgeable guides are invaluable, enabling you to understand surprising features of the bush and stoking young imaginations, transforming seedpods into elephant biscuits and revealing the mysteries of elephant dung and termite mounds. My children have entertained themselves for hours while trying to lure an ant lion out of its sandy trap, and they were mesmerised when holding a chameleon. Often it’s their enthusiasm that ignites our own interest, leading us to learn about insects or plants that we may have otherwise paid cursory attention to. And as night falls, the campfire draws you together in a perfect family time in which to recount the day’s adventures.

That is not to say that big game animals have no appeal. Our daughter will never forget the time a lioness charged our Land Rover, or when a female elephant searched for our scents in the vehicle, it’s trunk snaking across our bodies.

These extraordinary moments in the wilderness will stay with you and your children for the rest of their lives. Importantly, they expose them to the fragility and significance of the natural world, developing an awareness that is invaluable for their future and the wellbeing of the continent. Without question, there is nowhere better to take your children than Africa. Stimulating, fun and rewarding, it will be the holiday of a lifetime.