Family Africa 2 nights at either the Intercontinental Elephant Hills Hotel, or the Chundukwa Tree Lodge on the Zambian side close to Victoria Falls
2 nights at the Mowana Safari Lodge or Muchenjie Safari Lodge next to the Chobe National Park
3 nights Delta Camp in the heart of the Okavango Delta
1 night in the Holiday Inn Hotel conveniently located in the ohannesburg Airport complex
6 nights on the Island of Mauritius staying at the Paradis Resort Hotel Very few Safari Lodges allow children less than 12 years of age. However we have designed a programme that only includes hotels and Safari Lodges where children are not only allowed, but are warmly welcomed. Before committing yourself to an African Safari with young children, we do advise you to consider various important factors; When going into the 'bush' on a walking safari, mokorro trail, 4x4 game drive or out on a river excursion, the participants will be given very strict instructions by their Guide concerning safety and security, you are after all, going into what is a 'potentially' dangerous situation with wild animals, insects and poisonous snakes. It is of crucial importance that young children follow these instructions, and that they are continually monitored by their parents. Before going out on any excursion, you will be required to sign an indemnity form which absolves the Hotel or Safari Lodge that you are staying at, from any responsibility for anything arising during the excursion. A safari can be both tiring and uninteresting for many children. One normally starts a safari excursion very early in the morning, around sunrise, and may be out for between 3 and 5 hours. The opportunities certainly exist to see lion, cheetah, leopard etc. but you may be unlucky and not have good sightings, whereas the huge bird-life and other animals might not be sufficient to keep young children interested. We would advise you to come prepared for the children to carry out various projects; a daily journal or a bird check-list for example. Play facilities in 'bush' Camps and Lodges are limited to board games, cards painting etc. Very few bush camps have swimming pools, since they are not conducive to the environment. However, for young children who are genuinely interested in wild-life, birds and adventure, an African Safari has no parallel, and will leave them with memories that will last a life-time. A scheduled flight from Johannesburg to the Victoria Falls Airport, close to the majestic Victoria Falls ,a 'must' for any visitor to Africa, we have chosen the Elephant Hills Intercontinental Hotel, a large resort hotel a short distance from the Town of Victoria Falls, but with regular transport. The Chundukwa Tree Lodge also accepts young Children, and is an alternative, especially since it is on the Zambian side, and does not require going into Zimbabwe. During your stay you will have extensive opportunities to explore the Falls. The more adventurous can partake in white water rafting, bungi jumping or even surfing the rapids. The world famous 'Flight of the Angels' is well worth doing. After two nights at the Elephant Hills Intercontinental Hotel, you will transfer by car to the Mowana Safari Lodge at the Chobe National Park, in Botswana, a drive of approx. 90 minutes. Your safaris from the Mowana Safari Lodge will be on 4X4 and motorboat in the Chobe National Park, home to some of the most spectacular herds of elephants in all Africa. Cruising along the Chobe river and flood plains enables you to approach the wildlife and birds at very close quarters, but in all safety. After two nights you will transfer to Kasane Airport (approx 20minute drive), where you will board a light aircraft, flying over the spectacular Okavango Delta to Delta Camp ( a flight time of 1hr 20mins). Delta Camp is one of the original luxury lodges built in Africa, and is frequented by the cognoscenti wishing to get as close to nature as possible. The owner, Peter Sandenberg, has young children of his own, and has equipped the Camp to cater to the needs of children. Overlooking the Boro, one of the main waterways of the Okavango, Delta Camp is imaginatively built from locally-sourced natural materials. Your private 'reed' bungalow has the "most comfortable beds in Africa" - (at least according to our many guests who have raved about Delta Camp), electric lights, showers with continuous hot water, and flushing toilet. It is hard to imagine surrounded by this comfort that you are in fact 65Km into the bush! Delta Camp has a number of family rooms, either for four persons or for for three persons, so young children will be able to share with their parents. Your safaris from Delta Camp will be the most interesting during your holiday. You will explore the intricate and stunningly beautiful waterways of the Okavango Delta by mokorro, a dug out canoe poled by your personal Guide. This is a truly magical experience, allowing you to view the abundant bird-life at very close range. Floating through beds of water-lilies, watching antelope, zebra, giraffe and perhaps the occasional cheetah, your memories of Delta Camp will remain with you for ever. Walking Safaris are also featured at Delta Camp. Even the most satiated safari-goers will tell you that tracking and viewing wildlife on foot is 'the only way to go!' Accompanied by your personal experienced and qualified Guide, you will, in all safety and security, become part of the African landscape. From your three night stay at Delta Camp, you will fly back to Maun to connect with an Air Botswana flight to Johannesburg, arriving around 18.30. A short transfer to the Holiday Inn Hotel, and a relaxing evening before flying out to Mauritius the following morning. You will be met at the airport, and transported to the Paradis, located at le Morne peninsula possibly the most beautiful site in Mauritius. With seven kilometres of beach and calm clear reef-protected waters you and your children can relax in all safety. The Hotel has a 'Bob Marlin mini club' for children between the ages 3 - 6 and 7 - 12 years, which is open from breakfast through to nine o'clock at night, so if you wish to play a round of golf at the 18-hole par 72 international Golf course, or spend the day deep sea fishing for Marlin (the Morne peninsula is one of the most prolific breeding grounds in the World, and hosts the World Marlin Fishing Championship), then you can do so knowing that your children are having a 'whale' of a time under caring supervision. The accommodation is of a very high standard, featuring television with in-house video, mini bar, telephone and individually controlled air conditioning. Rooms can accommodate three, or for larger families adjacent rooms with inter-locking doors are available. After 6 relaxing nights, you will be driven to the Airport for a flight back to Johannesburg. 14 nights: Euro5,956 for adults, Euro3972 for children SAFARI ONLY 7 nights: Euro2756 per adult Euro1671 per child
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