Swap the winter chill of the UK for half-term holidays that embrace warm African sunsets. Embark on an adventure of diverse landscapes, rich wildlife and vibrant culture; Africa offers a variety of experiences that will create lasting memories for you and your family. As a year-round destination with minimal time differences, there’s no jet lag to worry about.  

Our half-term heroes

February

In February both East Africa and the Western Cape of South Africa have warm, dry weather, making it an ideal time for safari adventures, outdoor activities, and beach visits.  

Kenya  

The Masai Mara is one of the finest places on earth to see a high concentration of wildlife year round and while the focus is primarily on wildlife viewing on day or night drives and guided walks in the bush, families can also interact with the Masai communities, gaining insights into traditional customs and lifestyle. There’s a huge selection of superb family owned and run properties that range from luxury private houses to traditional tented safari camps.  

Beyond traditional safaris, Kenya also offers a range of adventure activities such as horse riding, e-biking, camel -supported walking safaris, swimming, and fishing all of which adds an extra layer of excitement for families. It’s best to head north to Laikipia and Lewa to experience these activities, which is easily done with a short internal flight.  

Click here for an 8 day sample itinerary for the whole family.

Lewa House, Kenya

Tanzania and Zanzibar  

Combining a safari in Tanzania with a beach getaway in Zanzibar offers a perfect blend of thrilling wildlife experiences and serene coastal relaxation. The safari allows you to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Tanzania’s national parks, and encountering iconic wildlife such as elephants, lions, and giraffes.  

 Zanzibar provides a picturesque base to unwind after the exhilaration of your safari. There’s everything from resort style hotels to the more rustic options. You can expect long stretches of powder white sand and clear blue waters. Younger children can play safely in calm shallow seas while snorkelling, scuba diving, and sailing will occupy those a little older. 

Family Safari, Tanzania

Uganda and Rwanda 

For families with children older than 15 years consider tracking the majestic mountain gorillas found only in Uganda and Rwanda; both destinations offer an excellent opportunity to see the gorillas with a tracking success rates of almost 100%.  

Gorilla Forest Camp, Uganda

South Africa   

In February, parts of South Africa can be quite wet, but the Western Cape is perfect with warm sunny days and offers a fantastic variety of experiences.  

Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Cape Town, where the iconic Table Mountain is a majestic backdrop to a city full of energy and cultural vibrancy. Stay in Camps Bay away from the hustle and bustle of central Cape Town and enjoy the perfect balance of spending a few hours a day on the beach while being a stone’s throw away for exploring the city and its many attractions. 

Next, head to picturesque Franschhoek, a charming town in the heart of South Africa’s wine region, where vineyards, and world class cuisine collide with an array of family friendly activities.  

South Africa is also famous for its incredible wildlife and some of the best reserves in the Eastern Cape are just north of Port Elizabeth (about an hour’s flight from Cape Town). Experience the magic of safari with a stay at Kariega or Kwandwe reserves. These little known gems are home to great wildlife and have the added bonus of being malaria free. 

Click here for a sample 8 day malaria free itinerary to South Africa.

Family Safari, Kenya

October  

Kenya and Tanzania 

Kenya and Tanzania are at their best between December and March or between mid-June and October, making them an ideal choice for either half term. You might also have the chance to see the wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara or Serengeti at this time. 

Wildebeest Migration, Kenya

Malawi 

Malawi may be lesser-known as a destination but it should not be underestimated. This country is beautiful with many different landscapes, from tea plantations and highlands, national parks and of course Lake Malawi, making Malawi an unusual yet very rewarding safari destination.  

 In October, as the dry season comes to an end, wildlife congregates around water sources, offering excellent opportunities for spotting a range of animals. Two of our favourite wildlife areas are Majete Wildlife Reserve and Liwonde National Park, where conservationists have worked tirelessly to re-home hundreds of elephant and keep many species, including lion, leopard, rhino, sable and buffalo safe.  You’ll also find some of Africa’s biggest crocodiles here.   

After the excitement of the safari, unwind on the sandy beaches of Lake Malawi, where clear waters and a variety of water sports await, providing a perfect balance of wildlife, and relaxation in a less crowded setting. 

Lake Malawi

Mauritius 

The gorgeous beaches and coastal lagoons of Mauritius are undoubtedly reason enough to visit but look a little closer and this compact island offers much more than a relaxing time on the beach.  Seven to ten days gives you plenty of time to explore many of the islands attractions, as well as spending time on the beaches. 

A lot of the coastal hotels here are wonderfully family friendly with excellent kids’ clubs, safe beaches for youngsters as well as plenty to keep teens entertained too with tennis, golf, sailing and a variety of motorised water sports. They provide the perfect base for exploring the islands dramatic mountains and inland rainforests where you can hike, climb and visit majestic waterfalls.  

Mauritius works well as a standalone destination or as an addition to a safari.  

The Residence, Mauritius

What next?

We would be delighted to help you plan a safari encompassing any of the exclusive stays and trips mentioned here. Our team of experts has travelled widely throughout Africa and can offer expert advice on every type of safari from family and beach holidays to riding and primate safaris. Do get in touch – chatting to people by phone or email is what we do best. We listen, we explain, we answer all sorts of questions even those you didn’t know to ask, and finally, we make suggestions. If this is your first time in Africa or your twenty first, we have a team standing by to help make the planning easy and the journey the best ever. Please get in touch whatever stage you’re at.

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