The response to our family brochure has been very positive and we continue to plan many family trips.  In addition to the many favourites mentioned in previous newsletters, here are just some of the products that have caught our eye recently for those travelling with children.

Growth in family safaris continues and this area now accounts for about half of our business. Most of us at Aardvark have children and we have plenty of experience planning family itineraries. It’s not just parents and children either – we have had several large family groups spanning three generations.

Cinyanja words still ring in my ears and roll off my tongue. During the recent hot London summer I donned my chitenge (sarong) and chitambala (headscarf) and moved through my daily routine with the imagined sounds of a Kunda tribal village filling my head like a spirited melody.

Ten year old Charlotte Deans went to Kenya with her family in July. Her mother thought we might like to see the email she wrote to her friends on their return. Bits of it made us laugh – walking being boring, Mum ‘scared’ to body board – but it was also interesting to see the reaction of a child to her first safari. Apart from sorting out a few spelling mistakes we’ve left the rest un-edited so you can see at first hand how she enjoyed the trip.

Family trips are the fastest growing area of our business. John visits two families to help them plan their itineraries.

Introducing children to the thrill of Africa is not only great fun, but also an unforgettable and educational experience. We outline here some of the issues to consider when planning family vacations in Africa.

Before joining Aardvark in 2001, I had booked a two week family trip to Mauritius during the Christmas vacations. When Richard and John heard about this they decided to put me to work while I was there. They sent me to visit a number of the top hotels on the island with a view to finding out what Mauritius is like as a family destination.

Beach, safari and riding - Charlotte and her family revisit South Africa.

Bush and beach - A Malaria free Christmas vacation.

Charlotte’s children try their hand at Ostrich riding.

A malaria-free trip in South Africa between July & November                                                          

Kenya is one of Aardvark’s most popular family destinations. Charlotte Opperman flies out with her husband Peter and children for a Christmas in the sun.

Private houses in Zambia – perfect for family vacations.                                                                 

Clients are often rather surprised to hear that we are very happy to come and visit them at home and it can be out of hours. We promise we won’t ask you to drop your trousers.