I have asked this before, and now I am trying to make up my mind what is the plan for 2016.

I'd like to take a family safari to Namibia or South Africa in May-August of 2016.

My kids at the time will be 1, 3, 5, and 18. All girls, (we are pretty sure the one in the cooker is a girl but we don't know).

I have also just considered taking a family Disneyworld trip, and doing the cruise then going to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Benin, Burkina Faso, or Tanzania by myself. Price point will be similar without them.

A family safari has the opportunity to be train wreck. My wife and kids were pretty great on the great migration to Alaska earlier last year, and our move to California this year. But I really don't know if I want to risk that kind of money on a family safari when I am not sure how well the family will react.

I am starting to question taking them at the very young age, and maybe instead asking my Father in his late 70's to go.

IMHO your 1 year old will be too young for that hard of a trip, plus you should have future years with them.
Take your father, I sure wish I could take mine.

I would not take a one year old either. I'd wait till they were 4+ years or so in age.
I have been to Limcroma safaris twice and may go again. I would not hesitate to bring wife and kids there.
Having said that, there is not a lot to keep a small child entertained.

Take the 18 year old. She will be out of the house soon and won't have as many opportunities to travel with you in the future.

The younger ones won't understand, care, appreciate or remember the trip. Take them in ten years or so when it is a more meaningful experience for them.

Whatever your decision, have a blast!

Think of it this way, your 1 and 3 year olds are really too young even for Disney World, let alone Africa. A 5 year old will appreciate Disney World though. Agree on taking your oldest to Africa, that's a great idea.

I have 12 year old twin boys, a 13 year old daughter and a 15 year old son. The oldest is going to Zimbabwe in July with me and the rest are going on a trip to Italy and Greece with my wife. That way everyone is happy and I don't have to worry about the daughter in Africa.

We talked about it tonight, the war department agreed that everyone is too young.

So I am going by myself or with my father.

The teenager lost interest when it was discussed as a non-family event.

Something didn't stick about spending 10-15 days driving around in a dusty truck shooting zoo animals to her.

That teenager sounds like a great adult - wanting time with the family!

Wish you all the best. Have a great trip!

My teen age daughter wants to know when she can hunt her next Impala.

Good luck with your decision

My daughter was 3 when we went to RSA, and 4 when we went to Zim. my middle son was 4 when we went Namibia. 3 and 4 were great ages. I had to shoot another Zebra for her in South Africa. The rug is going on her wall. It is just awesome. 1 is way too young. we just mix it up. Set up side trips like Cheetah/lion reserves. Sand boarding in Namibia, Swakamond, etc. Kruger in RSA. Helicopter ride in RSA for a game count. went to the Alldays game auction, etc. It is all about balance. When I hunt with the family, I make sure it is not all about hunting. This creates memories of a lifetime for everyone.

Only the teenage "kid" will remember anything, and your dad may be iffy. Wait on the family safari idea. If your wife is interested, find a way to take her along first (but the little ones are just too dependent right now.) Our first safari together was pulled off when the girls still thought a sitter was cool. When they were teenagers, a family safari became a good memory.

I have a 16 month and 3 year old who love going on hunts and fishing trips with me. I think that the family time you will get out of taking them along will be worth it.

Perhaps you can take the family as well as your Dad along.

Safaris are not just for hunters, take the whole family along and enjoy the experience.

I would suggest choosing a location condusive to multiple activities and have the Outfitter quote on having a vehicle and guide available for day trips from the lodge that do not prohibit hunting activities from carrying on.

We conduct our family hunts in KZN due to the close proximity of all of the family freindly options.
Within an hour of most areas you have

Shopping
Restaurants
Midlands Meander Tourist Route
Battlefields Tourist Route
Sani Pass and Sani Saunter Route
Fly Fishing - Great family lodges too
Deep seas fishing
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Super Tubes
Horse back safaris
Big 5 Day trips to the parks
Zulu Cultural village
Croc farms
Bird Parks
Botanical gardens
Drakensberg mountains
Golfing

All of this is mixed in with some great hunting. Including Free Range options for
Nyala
Kudu
Bushbuck
Eland
Reedbuck
Oribi
Red and Blue Duiker
Suni
Common Duiker
Vaal Rhebok
Mountain Reedbuck
Bushpig

Large fenced properties 20 000 acres plus
Impala
Warthog
Wildebeest
Waterbuck
Giraffe
Buffalo
Lion
Leopard
Hippo
Croc

I would suggest setting a budget and giving that to the outfitter and tell them to give you the best options they have within that budget, timeframe and with the species you may like etc.

Request that the travel time, accomodations etc have family in mind and most importantly allowing the trip to happen without your wife wanting to kill you at the end of each day. These trips are not easy on the moms, especially with the little ones still dependant.
I would like to suggest a maid be hired at each location to assist with child care etc. and just occupying the little ones during the day and feeding etc where needed. Its what we do and it works. My wife still loves me despite the fact that I drag her around the country side.

Anyway, good luck and I hope you take advantage of the chance to spend some great time with your family.