If your children loved the Lion King, a well-planned family safari is sure to be a great hit. Although many safari camps don't allow children under a certain age, others positively welcome them and lay on special features, such as baby-sitting, kid's food and guides for family groups. Some even offer children's activities like bush treasure hunts, bead-making and bedtime safaris from traditional African storytellers. If you are worried about malaria choose a malaria-free game reserve in South Africa. Another good option is a self-drive safari in Namibia or South Africa. The roads are excellent, you can travel at your own stress-free pace and combine a safari with a few days on the beach. Read on for our complete guide to family safaris.

[IMAGE1] "No you can't stroke the lion, Tom. This one will bite."

Convincing a four-year-old that the loveable friendly-looking, ever-so-cuddly animal licking her cubs would not like to be stroked is one of the many interesting challenges you'll confront when you take a child on safari for the first time. Of course, when they're older they will realise that the cuddly animal has the potential to bite their hands off, and more, but at my son's age, all he knows is that the lioness looks like the stuffed furry creature that sits patiently at the end of his bed each night waiting to be played with.

Most children love animals - preferably those they can touch and hold. That's one reason why holidaying on farms or visiting zoos and theme parks with pet corners are such excellent child-friendly holiday options. Wild animals are that much more exciting and exotic, but obviously untouchable.

The prospect of taking a child on safari might fill parents with horror. It can be impractical, potentially dangerous and expensive. In some countries there is a risk of catching malaria, to which children are more prone than adults. Furthermore, most children do not fully understand the concept of danger.

But family safaris are not only possible, but great fun - as long as they're done safely and under the supervision of a reputable operator that caters for children. I've found, when researching my books on travelling with offspring, that safaris are one of the most popular holiday options for children from four to eighteen. And tour operators, African tourist boards and parents who have undertaken successful safaris with children all claim that it is the holiday of a lifetime. If you choose your game reserve carefully and select a tour operator which offers a tailor-made family service, it's perfectly possible to have a great, safe break.

Tom's first safari was at the Ngala Private Game Reserve in Kruger National Park. Children are welcome at the Reserve, which prides itself on being child- and family-friendly, offering carefully structured children's programmes. On arrival, Tom was presented with a special eco-guide for Planet Managers, containing a quiz, a learning guide and tips for spoor and animal identification. Tom didn't quite understand the concept of spoor, but he was delighted by the idea of hunting out animal "poo". Rangers help the children complete their eco-guides, collect pods, feathers, bugs (Tom's favourite bit) and leaves, and teach them how to identify different animal species. When all the activities in the guide have been completed, the ranger signs a certificate at the back stating that your child has graduated as a Planet Manager. Tom was given an apron with specially designed pockets for collecting leaves and dung (another favourite bit), as well as boxes for bugs. Rangers take children on special poo-walks, during which they are taught to identify droppings and spoor. Tom also went on fishing and frogging safaris, although he was very disappointed he had to let them back into the water. There are also bark-rubbing expeditions, visits to the garage to oversee Land Rover repairs and lessons in making recycled paper, which can be taken home. The camp chef welcomes children in the kitchen, baking cookies for afternoon tea. Tom sort of helped.

If there is a group of children keen to eat in the boma, they'll be given their own fire and marshmallows to grill over the coals - always under a ranger's watchful eye.

On our last day Tom was silent and pensive as we watched zebra leaving the waterhole that evening. "Mummy, I've had a wonderful time here," he eventually said. "The animals in the zoo at home look so unhappy compared to the ones here." If you do take your children on safari, don't forget your camera. But rather than taking wildlife pictures, focus instead on your children. The look of wonder and excitement that spreads across their faces while they watch antelope, zebra, giraffe and lion is pure magic.

Taking the Kids: Your Questions Answered

What are the best family safari destinations?
A lot will depend on the age of your children and whether or not you want to take them into a malaria zone. Many lodges and camps, particularly in Tanzania, Botswana and Zambia, have a minimum age requirement, excluding children below eight or 12. The majority of family-friendly safari accommodation can be found in malaria-free game reserves in South Africa. However, that shouldn't totally put you off considering other destinations. A children's version of the antimalarial drug Malarone is now available (see Travel Africa, Edition 23).

How effective is children's Malarone?
Malarone claims to be over 98% effective against Plasmodium falciparum - the most serious form of malaria, accounting for 95% of cases in Africa. You can find out more about it at www.fleetstreetclinic.com. MASTA, www.masta.org, can also advise on medical issues such as malaria and yellow fever. The Malaria Healthline, 0906 550 8908, charges £1 per minute at all times.
Remember to always take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes by covering up and applying repellent. A good option for children's sensitive skin is Ben's Family insect repellent cream containing 30% DEET.

What game reserves in South Africa are malaria-free?
There are several to choose from, including Addo Elephant, Kwandwe and Shamwari. The 75,000ha Madikwe Game Reserve, www.madikwe.com, is just over three hours drive from Johannesburg and has a good reputation for family-friendly facilities. Inside the reserve (which is home to a wide range of animals, including the Big Five) Jaci's Safari Lodge welcomes children of all ages; special game drives are provided and there is also a baby-sitting service.

Are there tour operators or safari companies who specialise in parent and child-friendly safaris?
An increasing number of companies, both in Africa and abroad, are gearing up to meet the special requirements of families. In Africa, Ant's Nest, CC Africa, Heritage Hotels and Kwando are among those who have facilities and activities tailored towards children (and their parents) - see the box, Children Welcome, p78. Richard Bonham Safaris (www.richa-rdbonhamsafaris.com) also cater for families, while Robin Pope Safaris (www.robinpopesafaris.net) and Tongabezi (www.zambiatourism.com/tongabezi) have teamed up to offer a special family safari circuit visiting Victoria Falls, Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa National Parks in Zambia.
In the UK, several travel agents produce dedicated family brochures featuring African safaris. They include Abercrombie & Kent (www.abercrombiekent.co.uk), Explore Worldwide (www.familyadventures.co.uk), and Travelbag Adventures, (www.travelbag-adventures.co.uk). Aardvark Safaris (www.aardvarksafaris.com) and Steppes Africa (www.steppesafrica.co.uk) both lend a wealth of specialist experience to planning tailor-made family safaris.

What activities are available for children on safari?
Since young children are not always allowed on game drives, a good family-friendly safari lodge will lay on plenty of stimulating alternatives. CC Africa's Ngala Private Game Reserve in South Africa, for example, has rangers specially trained to look after and inspire children. Activities include foraging trips to collect seed pods, feathers, bugs and leaves in order to complete Planet Manager eco-guides. Kids are also taught how to identify animals on safe safari expeditions. They can bake Big Five cookies for afternoon tea, have their own table at dinner time and roast marshmallows over the boma fire.

Where can I find out more about travelling with kids?
Several books are available on travelling with children, including Your Child's Health Abroad (Bradt Travel Guides 1998, ISBN 1898323631, £8.99) and Have Toddler Will Travel (Hodder Mobius 2002, ISBN 0340819960, £10.99).

What's on offer for teenagers?
Outposts Ltd (www.outposts.co.uk) run ecological and historical hands-on "Wilderness Challenge" expeditions in South Africa for 14-20 year-olds. Participants must fundraise for the expedition (which is eligible for Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award qualification) and pass a selection week. Each expedition includes a 10-day Game Ranger Course, battlefield tours at Rorkes Drift and Isandlwana, cultural integration, white-water rafting on the Tugela River and walking in the Drakensburg Mountains. A shorter "potted" version is also available for families.

Sarah Tucker's Top Tips

1. Canoeing and walking safaris are not safe options for young children, partly because of the increased exposure, but also because of the risk of becoming separated. Instead, choose a vehicle safari - perhaps not as dramatic, but certainly much safer.
2. Make sure your kids have the right gear. Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers with socks are essential for the early evening and morning when mosquitoes are most active. Also remember to pack sunglasses, wide-brimmed sun hats or caps with flaps to protect the back of the neck.
3. Be sure to take adequate supplies of medication with you, including high-concentration DEET repellent (child-friendly brands only) and any prescription or OTC drugs you need. These may be expensive and in limited supply in Africa. Children's sunblocks (factor 30+), and lip salves, are also essential. Make sure you have a comprehensive first aid kit (see p97).
4. Children have a limited concentration span. On traditional game drives you can expect to spend long hours without seeing much and, unless you are prepared to entertain your child and even give up the possibility of seeing animals yourself, it's best to arrange shorter game drives. These cannot usually be prebooked and are subject to availability of vehicles and rangers.