I got married late in life and had done quite a bit of hunting before hand.

Now I am in the position of having a wife that wants to do the trip with me, but having a hard time figuring out cost associated with bring her and our 2 very young daughters with us.

What do most outfitters charge for infants/toddlers per day?

Can anyone recommend an outfitter they have brought their young kids on safari with?

Against my complete lack of understanding, my wife is admiate that she and the kids go with me.

We are both expats of many years, Africa, Asia, Europe and Australia.

Her thoughts are why woulldn't we go, we have been everywhere else with you?

I tend to agree, any thoughts.

IF, & that's a big if, I were to bring small children to Africa, I would definitely consider Marina & Joof Lamprecht of Hunters Namibia.
Their main lodge is like a small castle & I believe they could accommodate the 4 of you.

you might want to check into the feasibility of malaria prophylaxis in infants before any planning, not to mention other health considerations.

quote:

Originally posted by jdollar:
you might want to check into the feasibility of malaria prophylaxis in infants before any planning, not to mention other health considerations.

+1
IMHO I think it is a really bad idea.

Was thinking of a non-malaria area, can't see any reason to throw gasoline on the fire.

We are old worl-travel hands, heck even our kids were born overseas.

Actually just looking for outfitters where it wouldn't be a problem.

non malaria areas limits you you to parts of Namibia and RSA but you should be able to find an outfitter that can handle kids that young. i have a feeling the extra air fare will be a bit expensive( depending on age , i suppose- i.e. separate seats)

BWW,

If your kids are under 10 they can come for free in most cases. Things I would consider would be who watches the kids while you are hunting? Does your wife come on the hunt but stay with the kids in the Cruiser? Are you comfortable leaving the kids with a "Nanny" for the day? To me it all depends on how much your wife actually wants to participate in the actual hunt.

I've arranged some hunts to include upto 3 pre teens but not toddlers. I think with kids that young you'd have to give it a lot of serious thought.

Mark

An infant in the back of a Land Cruiser going bumpity bumpity bump? I'm thinking that's a bad idea. A toddler perhaps, but not the infant. The benches aren't designed for child seats. But if a baby sitter during the day can be arranged with the outfitter, well it may be okay.

Do you have any family that would be willing to come in and stay with your kids while you're gone? I had my mom stay with our kids while we were on my first safari. First time in the then 12 years since we had our first that we ever left them for a vacation. It was weird to be sure at first, but it was also great for the marriage in the end.

Use em for bait? Sorry, I couldn't resist.

somehow i can't wrap my head around child seats and Land Cruisers- and for sure it would be stupid to carry a 2 year old in your arms in the seat or on top...in the US it would land you in jail. if your wife wanted to sit around camp all day that would work.

quote:

Originally posted by pagosawingnut:
Use em for bait? Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Infant might make a decent predator call for hyena and such. . Seriously, I think Namibia would be great for such a trip. Check out Westfalen Safaris at...

http://www.westfalenhuntnamibia.com

Good people....good hunting!

You really need someone with lots of this kind of experience!



And her is where I took the kids to: Fetch their dad and uncle where he shot a springbok.



I've done this type of thing for many years: First with my own kids, then nephews and nieces, then grandchildren and children of nephews and nieces.

The kids just love a safri

My eldest on her first hunt


Then we went on a family hunt with both kids


Kids are free, and there is loads of stuff to do in the surrounding area. Sun City valley of the waves, Elephant parks, Zoo, shopping and many more.

Just find a willing outfitter. My son did his first hunt with us at 3yrs 9months, he actually did walks with us for up to 2 miles. He mimicked stealthiness and noise discipline within the first day. At 4yr 4months phe would happily spend up to 10 hours a day away from camp. An Ipad, some toys, food and drink on the truck and he is fine.

After seeing a dead giraffe his first comment was that the giraffe wouldn't fit on the truck, he happily spent hours with us while skinning and loading the giraffe.

He is already commenting on the appropiate size and age of animals that should be shot, something that he picked up from listening to us. There is already a undeveloped idea entrenched in his mind that animals and their tracks are somehow connected. When a rifle is picked up he blocks his ears immediately. After missing an impala earlier this year, he would ask me whether I missed again after every shot I take, for some reasons he never ask that of his mother....

In short, absolutely priceless moments, worth all the trouble and maybe even a trophy or 2 less at the end of the hunt.

quote:

Originally posted by Andrew McLaren:
You really need someone with lots of this kind of experience!



And her is where I took the kids to: Fetch their dad and uncle where he shot a springbok.



I've done this type of thing for many years: First with my own kids, then nephews and nieces, then grandchildren and children of nephews and nieces.

I can't think of a better man than Andrew to conduct such a safari.

Eastern Cape of South Africa. No disease , no special pills lots fun family things like lion cubs elephant back rides etc an kids are free

Do not take your small children into Lion or Leopard Country.

quote:

Originally posted by shakari:

quote:

Originally posted by Andrew McLaren:
You really need someone with lots of this kind of experience!



And her is where I took the kids to: Fetch their dad and uncle where he shot a springbok.



I've done this type of thing for many years: First with my own kids, then nephews and nieces, then grandchildren and children of nephews and nieces.

I can't think of a better man than Andrew to conduct such a safari.

+1 to that!!
JCHB

If you had to choose SA defiantly pic an Outfitter like Andrew in the E Cape, can see he has had lots of experience in that realm,

If you were looking at being a bit more adventurous then Tanzania Masaai Land is a great choice as well,

I took my wife and 4 kids under 11 years old with me in 2010 and had a fantastic time, was close enough to Ngoro Gore Lake Manyara and Tarangero to have some great times when not hunting,

Only risk is Malaria - though we went in dry time never saw a mozzi and no tsetse flies,

quote:

Originally posted by Big Wonderful Wyoming:
Was thinking of a non-malaria area, can't see any reason to throw gasoline on the fire.

We are old worl-travel hands, heck even our kids were born overseas.

Actually just looking for outfitters where it wouldn't be a problem.

Wow the man is just looking for an outfitter not a lecture ?!

When you consider just GETTING THERE, time issues, etc, not to mention the aforementioned issues with meds, etc I would not even consider it.

Once you overcome the travel issues (ie, 20 hours on the plane) I would think it wouldn't be all that big a deal to take a small kid on a low-key plainsgame hunt on a ranch in RSA or Namibia. The photos the South Africans are showing remind me very much of hunting with my young cousins, nephews and nieces and my own sons here in the US. I just think you would have to lower your expectations as to how much time you will spend each day actually hunting, as opposed to hanging out at the ranch.

It looks like you've got some viable options from this thread. I'll add another: Christi Liebenberg of Hatari Safaris. He & his wife Velia grew up on farms in Namibia. They have a toddler and an infant as well. Christi has some great hunting areas in Namibia, loads of game. He introduced my wife & I to African hunting. A fun, knowledgeable PH who loves kids. Best to you wherever you choose to hunt!

I am not sure what you are looking for. But I know that on Stuart Williams property your daughters wouldn't be any problem. During the day when you are hunting they can use the pool and the main house it fenced with a lot of space. If they are old enough they can go horse riding at the neighbors property.

Last year two families with Kids went there and had an amazing time. The husbands did 5 days of hunting and two days the whole family spend on trips to national parks or see things around.

I think you should do it. Google Eitaalo Safaris in Namibia and talk to Andre and Annel. They have small children themselves and may be able to provide all that you want.

My three daughters were all born in Africa (Djibouti) and then also lived in Madagascar for three years as toddlers or young children. We took them everywhere. Hiking (when they could walk), camping trips into the bush, etc. We rented a sailboat and cruised the Mitsiou Islands and Nosy Be in Madagascar for a week. Every year we flew from either Djibouti or Madagascar to the West Coast of the US where my parents, brother and sister lived. They had more air miles under their belts at 5 years old than many adults. Going to Africa, to a well organized hunting camp, is no big deal. Your children, and you, will be the better for it.

quote:

Originally posted by Wink:
Going to Africa, to a well organized hunting camp, is no big deal. Your children, and you, will be the better for it.

+1

Thanks all!

I appreciate most of the post.

Wink, my kids are little diplomats as well. They have passport stamps that most only dream about.

Your biggest issue may not be the safari but the plane trip over. Keeping a toddler or infant happy 20 hours on a plane would be a undertaking.
You may have some unhappy travelers around you if the kids get fussy.

I am in the midst of my 3rd trans-world move with my family in 3 years.

International travel with toddlers and infants sucks! There isn't another way to put it.

If you can afford it, I suppose it can be done. Ideally you need to take a nanny if wife wants to participate, as the kids will need full time supervision. Airfares are not cheap at $2K plus per pax ... you live in Wyoming ... if it were me I would hunt close to home for the next several years. Get a tent trailer and take the family ... once they figure out that hunting is only fun for the hunter then perhaps they will decide to stay home. Until the kids are at least 12 years old, then if they are up for it perhaps you can take them along and they will take something away from the experience. Or maybe you can do a deal with the wife .. she looks after kids while you are hunting; then you look after kids while she goes off for a much-needed break.

I am actually in the same boat as I am trying to figure out what kind of safari to take my family on. My daughters are 4 and 2 and can be bad passengers at times. They have both been overseas more than once and my only recommendation on travel is, go first or at least business class. Yes, its expensive but the lie flat seats are so worth it when you are trying to put a baby or toddler to sleep.
We haven't actually tried coach with them but I'm not particularly inclined to either.

I remember sleeping on the floor between the rows of seats as a kid on countless flights between Europe and the US but I don't think they allow that anymore.

Once in Africa I think you're problems are mostly over. We are looking at somewhere with a nice lodge, kid friendly pool, attractions within an hour or so.

I have only been to Namibia myself but I will second that recommendation as a malaria free area.

As far as the hunting goes, my wife and I will take turns. She is not as into hunting as I am so I will likely get a little more hunting time than her but on her hunting days I will stay with the kids. I think it will not only work out but will be great.

I am also interested to hear suggestions for outfitters.

I do not agree that you should wait till your kids are 12 years of age to take them on Safari;

You never know what the future will bring and what you will be able to experience with your kids and what memories you wished you had with them,

There is nothing better than seeing your kids help carry a springbok or chasing ground squirrels around.

It is true that they do slow the pace down on a safari but not to the degree that it will influence the hunt.

Some of my best times on Safari were had listening to the stories that come out their mouths when they heard a lion roar or saw an Elephant.

You should choose your destination by your comfort zone in dealing with malaria as well as access to doctors.

In my opinion the whole of South Africa including Kruger is a safe bet, if you come all this way with your kids you have to spend some time in Kruger for them to see the Big 5.

I have travelled with my kids into malaria areas from when they were born and it all comes down to you and how you prepare your safari, dead of winter, not running around after dark in shorts and a good preventative syrup that is available from your doctor as well as all the sprays and creams.

Now for the Outfitters, the best ones are the ones with Kids,

Stormberg Elangeni Safaris are a great bunch who have always hunted well with families with Kids,

Andrew who posted earlier also seems like a chap that knows his way around a dirty diaper if needed,

But whoever you take just remember the first 48 hours are not the best when traveling but after that you and your family will have the time of your lives,

JK

My girls went on their first African hunt with us when they were 3 and 6. No big deal you just have to stay away from malarial areas. And you also have to adjust your hunting a bit. What some guys are missing here is that this a wonderful family experience so go about it that way. You don't always have to hunt until you drop. Sit back smell the roses make it a fun relaxing vacation with some hunting involved. That's what we did the kids loved it and so did we.

International travel with young children is difficult and each destination presents its own challenges. You've already done this so you know what you're getting into. Arguably, a hunting safari in Africa may be more difficult than other trips, but once you arrive in camp, it will be far easier than a family camping trip to the Rockies. I'm sure there are many outfitters in Namibia and RSA that would go out of their way to make your trip special.

I clearly understand why you want to do this and see no reason why you shouldn't. I wish you well and look forward to seeing your hunt report and photos!!

Regards..........TWL

tx- one usually gets more than one wants from some of our members here!! Some cannot simply answer the questions posed, reminds me of some of the Liberal Looney Dems you see being interviewd on TV lately.

BWW - by all means take you young'ns if at all possible. As you see there are lots of PH's out there that are very capable of providing for you and yours.

Have a great "Family" Safari.



Larry Sellers
SCI (International) Life Member

quote:

Originally posted by txlonghorn:

quote:

Originally posted by Big Wonderful Wyoming:
Was thinking of a non-malaria area, can't see any reason to throw gasoline on the fire.

We are old worl-travel hands, heck even our kids were born overseas.

Actually just looking for outfitters where it wouldn't be a problem.

Wow the man is just looking for an outfitter not a lecture ?!

Thanks!

My kids have been on a fairly rough outback adventure in the Daintree of Queensland and the Outback of NSW and tons of weekend trips to the Snowy River country.

I can't see any point of travelling without them anymore.