For Meningococcal vaccine, effectiveness of the vaccine in children is dependent upon the child's age when the vaccine is administered. Protection may not be completely effective in children vaccinated between 3 months and 2 years, especially for vaccination before 3 months of age. The vaccine may be safely given to infants, but it may be less effective than in adults.
Yellow Fever vaccine should not be administered to any infant under 4 months of age and children 4 to 6 months old should be considered only under very unusual circumstances. Infants 6 to 9 months old can receive the vaccine if they cannot avoid travelling to areas of risk and when a high level of protection against mosquito bites is not possible. Infants 9 months or older should be vaccinated as required.
The risk of cholera to travellers of any age is so low that it is questionable whether the vaccination is of benefit. No data is available concerning the efficacy or side effects of cholera vaccine in children less than 6 months of age. Cholera vaccine is not recommended for children less than 6 months of age. Breast-feeding is protective against cholera; careful preparation of formula and food from safe water and foodstuffs should protect non-breastfed infants. If a child less than 6 months of age is to travel to areas requiring cholera immunization, a medical waiver should be obtained before travel. For older infants and children travelling to areas that require vaccination, a single dose of vaccine is sufficient to satisfy local requirements.
“Everything in Africa bites, but the safari bug is worst of all.” - Brian Jackman (travel writer).
Considerations for families (& solo travellers)
It is a common (and perplexing) question - should you take your (young) family on safari? Will they get enough out of it (to warrant the expense)? Won't they get bored (and annoying) and spoil the experience for their parents? Is it safe?
Only you, as the parent, can answer that question (or questions). All kids are different. Some are just born to outdoor pursuits and being 'on safari' will clearly be the 'experience of their lives'. Others are not so taken! But on balance I would have to say that, from my own experience, it will be all they will want to talk about to their friends when they get home. After all, they have been to Africa, seen an elephant up-close, heard a lion roar - wow! Beat that.
And don't forget - it is all about shared experiences.
That's not to say that being on safari with the kids will be all plain sailing! When going on safari as a family there are a number of challenges worth keeping in mind – here are few things you need to know when travelling with children...shall we say 'considerations worth noting' when planning for a family safari:
Mix it upMake sure there is enough variety in their day and don't be shy to include some 'obvious' teasers - meerkats, quad bikes, bows and arrows...you know what I mean. Don't just drive them around for hours on end.
Be flexibleKids are renowned for their (limited) attention span...so try to be flexible in terms of the safari activities. If possible, arrange a private vehicle and guide - that way, when the kids have had enough, you can go back to camp and throw them in then pool.
See the world through 'young' eyesA child's excitement at seeing an impala for the first time is infectious enough to rub off on even the most seasoned of safari goers. When you start seeing the bush from a child’s point of view, the priority of ticking off the big 5 quickly fades – replaced by the excitement of watching dung beetles at work and imagining the inner-workings of termite mounds. Go with the flow.
Lastly, please try to keep in mind that most safari lodges and camps place a strong emphasis on peace, tranquility and getting back to nature! This may not be your children's style! An 'adults' safari is really not suitable for many young children who often become bored and act up! Please keep in mind that it is the responsibility of the parents to ensure that their children do not infringe upon the enjoyment of other guests.
Anti child-trafficking
New rules on anti child-trafficking have come into force in South Africa and Namibia and may soon be required elsewhere in Africa. These rules require parents to provide airlines and immigration officials with the birth certificates for any accompanying children under the age of 18 years. This will apply even when both parents are travelling together with their children. When children are travelling with guardians, these adults will be required to produce affidavits from the parents proving permission for the children to travel. Airlines will be been given instructions not to allow clients to board without the necessary documents. Check with your Africa Travel Specialist before you leave home as these rules change regularly.
General precautions
Some general precautions on safari for children (and parents) include taking extra care with regard to the hot African sun – hats and sunblock are a must on drives and walks. Mosquito repellent and ‘covering up’ areas of exposed skin in the early evenings is a warning that should also be heeded in malaria areas. And be sure to explain to your children about drinking only filtered or bottled water.
Swimming pools
Many safari camps and lodges have swimming pools, so if your child is not a confident swimmer, do take the time to check that you are comfortable with the access to the swimming pool (pool fence) and accompany them if they want to swim (swimming is at your own risk).
Safety
Most importantly, you should take heed of issues of safety as prescribed by the lodge/camp regarding walking/running in camp and the need to be escorted to/from the room if required. You need to ensure that your children are aware of, and fully understand, these restrictions (and that you keep an eye on their movements). Many camps are unfenced and you may need to take special care to keep a closer watch on your younger ones.
Meals and meal times
Another aspect worth clarifying, when you arrive at a new lodge or camp, is the question of meals and meal times (for younger children particularly). Advise the manager of your child’s dietary requirements and try to work out suitable meal times that fit with your child’s, and the camp’s routines. Some camps, although able to arrange earlier meal times for your children, may then require a parent to be with the children when they go to bed (for safety reasons).
Sleeping arrangements
Depending on the ages of your children, the safari camp/lodge where you are staying may require one adult to sleep in the same room/tent with the under age child (or children) - usually under 12yrs. This is a safety measure to avoid the possibility of young children wandering from their tent or reacting badly to an animal that might approach their tent. Many camps now offer family tents/rooms to prevent parents having to split sleeping arrangements, or can provide a babysitter allow parents to take a few hours out to enjoy an evening meal together without the kids.
Children’s activity programs
Many safari camps have now developed children’s activity programs and some even have a dedicated guide for families.
For the ages of 4 to 8 years these programs mostly consist of a guide who takes the children under their wing, entertaining them with a range of activities around camp (including story-telling, painting/drawing animals, birding and bug collecting amongst others) – keeping an eye on them while the parents go on a game drives or other activity. This can then develop into short bush walks (or "poo walks" during which they help the children collect pods, feathers, insects and leaves, and teach them to identify different animal spoor and droppings) and game drives.