On Safari in Africa with Travel Mom Robin
In this episode, we’re going on Safari in Africa with Travel Mom Robin. You’re going to LOVE all her stories and details.
Get more inspiration for your family’s next travel adventure from additional podcast episodes. Adventure Awaits!
What was your family’s last big adventure?
In December, we went on an African Safari to Kenya and Tanzania for 15 days. We flew from New York through London into Nairobi, Kenya, where we stayed for a couple of days, then onto 10-11 days of safari and traveling to the various camps. Her parents 50th Anniversary
It was an extended family trip celebrating my parent’s 50th Anniversary. There were 10 of us, including my daughters (10 years old and 12 years old) and my brother’s kids (13 and 15 years old).
How did you plan and prepare?
We used Micato Safaris and went on The Micato Grand Safari.
They were unbelievable. The minute you book a trip with Micato, you have a concierge, and they mail you packages along the way to prepare you and get you excited. The first package was Out of Africa to watch. Then they keep going with what to pack, how to prepare, and they even send you the bag you can pack (because of the weight limits on the small planes).
We also had to get multiple shots in preparation and buy proper clothing.
Tell Us About Your Safari in Africa Adventures
We went to 5 different camps during the trip, 3 in Kenya and 2 in Tanzania. And we did it all!
The hotels and camps were incredible. They got nicer and nicer, and Tanzania’s were amazing.
- Tortilis Camp in Amboseli
- Lewa Safari Camp in Lewa Downs
- Bateleur Camp in Maasai Mara
- Four Seasons Lodge Serengeti
- Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Travel between camps was via small private planes (12-16 passengers), the 10 of us plus our guide, pilots and sometimes with two other couples.
Our typical day started at 6:30 to 7am. By 7:30, we were out and about for a few hours on game drives. We’d come back for lunch and to hang out. Then late afternoon, we’d do another game drive, then dinner and to bed.
We saw SO many animals…elephants, hippos, rhinos, buffalo, jackals, gazelle, baboons (you have to hear the story of the baboon welcome), cheetahs, leopard, lions, warthogs, and more.
There were different animals at each camp. We saw tons of elephants at the beginning. Then Zebras. Then in Tanzania, we saw the lions, cheetahs, and leopards.
Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania was a super crazy experience as you’re down inside the crater. And there’s nowhere for you or the animals to hide.
And The Maasai Village we visited was a once in a lifetime cultural experience, especially for my kids.
What was the best part of the trip?
Spending time with the whole family was one of the best parts.
Seeing the animals in the wild was unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Seeing the circle of life and how the different species travel. That was what everyone loved the most.
Everything you learn from the guides and the drivers. Our Tour Guide Tim was amazing. He was with us full time and became part of the family.
Other Safari in Africa Tips
- Most animals don’t see the jeeps or the people in them. It’s just a big thing they don’t see as dangerous. Lions will hide in the shade of the jeep.
- December was a great time to go and it wasn’t too hot. It rained a lot before we got there, but we didn’t get any rain while we were there.
- It was a bit more taxing on my parents. The roads were very bumpy. And unfortunately, they decided to leave after Kenya and missed the fantastic experience of Tanzania.
- When we got to the Four Seasons Tanzania, we all just decided to relax for the day. Build-in time to relax.
- My main advice would be to go to fewer places. Our trip was pretty aggressive. We loved it, but it was a lot.
- Be prepared. Go with the flow. And do what they tell you to do. Enjoy all the adventures.
- Ask tons of questions as we learned so much.
Why do you travel with your kids?
When the kids are little, it’s hard to go too far with all their stuff. Now that they are older, it’s great to take them to see different places and experience things together. And they appreciate the experiences more.
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Thank you for joining us, Robin, and sharing this once in a lifetime adventure!
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Get more details on planning your family’s African Safari Adventure in this episode. Adventure Awaits!