When I decided to take my family on an adventure to Africa, we knew it would be an eye-opening experience for all of us. What we didn’t anticipate was just how much we would learn, laugh, and be in awe of this incredible continent. From vibrant townships to sprawling wildlife reserves, each day brought something new and unforgettable.
We are a family of 4 and our kids were 10 & 6 years old at the time we travelled.
Here’s a snapshot of our May 2024 journey through southern Africa.
A Lesson in History: Soweto Township, Johannesburg
Our journey began in Soweto, a bustling township in Johannesburg with a deep and complex history. Riding Tuk Tuks through the streets, we saw firsthand how the township, formed during apartheid, now thrives as home to over two million people. It was a meaningful experience, especially for the kids, as they learned about South Africa's challenging past and vibrant present. The highlight? Visiting Nelson Mandela's former homes—a surreal and humbling moment.
Back in Botswana: A Walk Down Memory Lane
Returning to Botswana after 22 years was a personal milestone for me, and sharing it with my family made it even more special. We started our adventure in Maun, then explored a local village in Chanoga. The kids were fascinated by the simplicity of life there, from the handmade toys to the community spirit. Watching my daughter Sky's blonde hair draw the curiosity of local children was a sweet reminder of how connection transcends differences.
Off-Grid in the Wild: Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans
Camping under the stars in Botswana’s remote wilderness was nothing short of magical. At the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, the endless skies and absolute solitude were breathtaking. Moving on to Nxai Pan National Park, we spent two nights immersed in wildlife. We watched an enormous elephant enjoying their "spa day" (a wash, a scratch, and a mud bath), and my son Rio even impressed our guide by driving our 4x4 across the salt pans!
Wildlife wasn’t confined to the parks—elephants roamed freely along the roads, sometimes digging up water pipes, much to the villagers' dismay. Their mischievous antics only added to the charm.
The Jewel of Botswana: Okavango Delta
Flying into the lush Okavango Delta from arid Maun was an unforgettable sight. We stayed at Camp Guma, where we slowed down to the pace of Africa—relaxed, yet filled with moments of wonder. We explored the lagoon, fished, and marveled at the hippos and crocodiles lurking in the water.
Our last day in the Delta was marked by a peaceful Makoro ride. Gliding through the water in a traditional canoe was serene and gave us a chance to reflect on the beauty of this life-giving oasis.
Close Encounters: Khwai and Moremi
Camping by the river in Khwai was like stepping into a wildlife documentary. Elephants wandered just meters from our tent, hippos and baboons were regular visitors, and hyenas prowled at night. With no fences, safety was paramount—but the thrill of being so close to nature was unmatched.
The game drives in Moremi Game Reserve were extraordinary. We saw lions with their cubs, wild dogs (a rare treat!), giraffes, elephants, hippos, zebras, buffalo, and even a lazy leopard lounging under a tree. Every sighting felt like a gift.
Cruising the Chobe River
Our time in Botswana wrapped up with a cruise along the Chobe River. Watching a family of elephants swim across a river, trunks raised like snorkels, was unforgettable. Hippos and crocodiles basked along the banks, and buffalo grazed nearby. It was the perfect finale before heading to Zimbabwe.
Victoria Falls: A Grand Finale
Victoria Falls, "the smoke that thunders," was as awe-inspiring as we’d imagined. Spanning the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, its misty spray and roaring waters left us in awe. While the kids were too exhausted for ziplining after an eventful baboon encounter (Rio: 0, baboon: 1, ask me more about that over a wine!), we opted for some poolside relaxation instead.
One of the most touching experiences in Zimbabwe was visiting a village near Victoria Falls. Sky bonded with the local children, and we gained insight into life in rural communities. Our stay at The Elephant Camp was another highlight—feeding and interacting with rescued elephants was a profound and humbling experience.
Reflections on Our African Adventure
As our journey came to an end, we were filled with gratitude for the memories we’d made. From the vibrant streets of Soweto to the tranquil waters of the Okavango Delta, every moment was a reminder of the beauty, complexity, and resilience of Africa.
For our family, this trip was more than a holiday—it was a chance to see the world through a different lens, to connect with nature, and to learn about diverse cultures and histories. We’re leaving Africa with full hearts, incredible stories, and a longing to return.
Tips & Insights for Your Own Travels in Africa
Find a balance
For our family trip we did a mixture of private camping safari & luxury lodge safari. We wanted to kids to have the experience of camping in the wild and truly connecting with the environment and having a private vehicle and private guide was perfect in order to tailor our timings and experience to our family. Between our camping adventures we enjoyed some beautiful lodges offering amazing safari experiences and overall providing a great balance in the itinerary.
Mix it Up
It is always good when travelling with kids to ensure there is a mix of experiences. Kids get tired after multiple days of game driving so breaking it up along the way is a great idea. This can include village walks where they can interact with local children, allowing time to spend by the pool and have downtime, or doing other exciting activities such as helicopter rides, boat trips and hikes.
< Back to Viva Travel Hub
