Seeing the World Through the Eyes of Your Children

As the world has become more accessible this has meant remote places that were once unlikely to welcome families as their clients are now at the top of the list. There is a whole new world out there for families to explore and right here we hope to open your eyes to some of the great new family opportunities…

1. Kenya

The key to Kenya is accessing some of the private concessions and conservancies. These regions only permit a limited number of properties to be built and have strict regulations on number of vehicles allowed on wildlife sightings at any one time. This automatically increases the quality of your family adventure and ensures you are not sitting in a queue waiting for your glimpse of a lion in long grass. With only a few lodges in each private conservancy, you are guaranteed a quality experience and with these conservancies now bedded in more than ever, the resident game often beats that in the Masai Mara itself.It’s an oldie but a goodie. We used to not be huge fans of Kenya as we felt it was too mainstream for us. Over the last 4 or 5 years however we have to say we have been convinced otherwise; if you know where to go then you can avoid the crowds, enjoy some spectacular wildlife sightings and access some of the most pristine wilderness areas left on the African continent.

2. Galapagos Islands

Where better to get up close and personal to wildlife than the Galapagos Islands! With some of the most at ease wildlife on our planet, the Galapagos Islands offer that perfect educative experience for families with children. The boats in the Galapagos Islands all run on a set departure basis and with some of these being dedicated to purely family bookings, this is a great way to meet other families both for the parents and the children alike. If this is not your style, then we also cater to individual family requirements on private departures making for the perfect Galapagos adventure. Whilst the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands is the main draw, there are also plenty of other activities to keep everyone happy with snorkelling, diving and kayaking offering you alternative means to explore.

3. Borneo

Great value for money, great fun and a huge amount to see! Borneo is an ideal family holiday destination with a variety of wildlife from swinging orang-utans, colourful birdlife, howling gibbons, lumbering elephants and lazy beaches. Aside from the wildlife we offer exclusive access to Miki’s Survival Camp where you spend the night as a family learning local survival techniques such as how to use a blowpipe, making bamboo chairs and camping out in the jungle! From jungle lodges to some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world, Borneo is a must for any family adventure.

4. South Africa

One of our more mainstream destinations, South Africa still has a huge amount to offer for those families wanting to get away from it all. From the city lights and atmospheric Cape Town, the winelands, whale watching and of course the Big Five, South Africa has it all…except perhaps, for great beaches. When it comes to beaches, it is probably best to give South Africa a miss and head to neighbouring Madagascar, Mozambique or the Seychelles. For value for money, diversity and a similar timeline to that of the UK however, then South Africa is hard to beat.

5. Alaska/Canada

Not somewhere that one at first considers for family holidays, however Alaska and Canada offer some great opportunities to get away from it all and enjoy each other’s company. One of the last remaining true wildernesses the outbacks of Alaska and Canada offer an array of grizzly bears, heli-skiing, fly fishing, wilderness trekking, polar bear watching and more. From luxury all inclusive lodges such as Ultima Thule Lodge and Clayoquot Wilderness, to wilderness camps, expedition ships and Arctic camping, these destinations offer a truly once in a lifetime experience.

6. Costa Rica

If you want good value for money, wildlife and beaches, then Costa Rica must be considered. Costa Rica was almost invented as the ultimate family playground. From tree top lodges, volcanic peaks, cloud forests and zip lines to white water rafting, horse riding and surfing, you won’t get bored and with some of the most incredible wildlife and nature experiences, you are guaranteed to come away having learnt something new.

7. Madagascar

Wildlife is not the only attraction to the Red Island, with tropical waters and pristine beaches, Madagascar also offers some great beach relaxation and staying at either Princesse Bora Lodge or Anjajavy, you will not be disappointed.One of our favourites, so maybe we are slightly biased?! Everything about a Madagascar holiday conjures up a world of discovery and excitement; this tropical island knows no bounds and has endless surprises in store. Weird and wonderful wildlife from cyanide eating bamboo lemurs, panther chameleons, geckos that look like leaves, and whales breaching off the coastline, if your kids want to get up close and personal and experience something truly different then this is the island to visit.