Drumbeat Autumn 18

Set in around 200 acres on the edge of Volcanoes National Park the property will offer luxurious accommodation comprising eight suites and one villa with magnificent views over the Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes. Gorilla tracking will be the main focus but there’s plenty more to explore in the area. Its opening creates a fabulous chance to see the highlights of Tanzania and Rwanda in absolute comfort by combining Singita’s Faru Faru and Mara River Camps with gorilla tracking at Kwitonda. The two Tanzania camps, in different areas of the Serengeti, offer diverse habitats, stunning settings and the chance to walk, game drive and visit anti- poaching and community projects. It goes without saying that the wildlife and guiding is simply superb. If exclusivity and luxury are on your list then there’s no better way to experience the dramatic wildlife in these two remarkable safari areas. The ultimate primate and wildlife safari We’re already fans of Singita’s wonderful safari camps in Tanzania, Zimbabwe and South Africa. With conservation a core value, the concessions and reserves in which it operates are some of the most pristine wilderness areas on the continent. It’s no surprise then that the high-altitude cloud forests of Rwanda, home to some 300 mountain gorillas, should be the destination for Singita’s newest lodge – Singita Kwitonda. Then there are the bigger operators with fun and educational programmes running throughout their camps and lodges. Among our favourites are: &Beyond’s Wildchild programme where younger visitors to Namibian camps might learn how to find food and water in the desert while Okavango Delta adventures include fishing and making necklaces with the Delta’s beautiful water lilies. Singita’s Mini Rangers’ course includes tracking, bush survival techniques, bird spotting competitions, nature quizzes, and a ranger’s test. A certificate on completion recognises new-found knowledge and accomplishments. Ker and Downey’s Young Explorers safari covers tracking on foot and in 4x4 safari vehicles, identifying spoor and a range of birds. There’s even the chance to try poling a traditional dugout canoe and sit behind the wheel of the game drive vehicle. Saruni Camps’ Warriors Academy in East Africa which is a fabulous learning adventure allowing families to explore the wilderness, wildlife and authentic lifestyles of Africa’s iconic Masai and Samburu tribes. Well, we’ve been planning family safaris for nearly 20 years, most of us have travelled with our own children, and over 80 % of our family holidays are either word of mouth or repeat bookings. But not to rest on our laurels, we’ve also spent the last six months chatting to all the family friendly camps we feature to make sure we’re absolutely up to the minute on who is offering what. We know who’s got the best family tents, who can provide child minders during the day and a child listening service at night. We can tell you where a camp will include a private vehicle and guide as standard for families and even how deep the swimming pool is. We’ve winkled out the best safari guides, the home-from-home safari houses, and where you can find the most family friendly rates. We know who will accept toddlers and where it’s best to go with teenagers. Crucial to everyone’s enjoyment on a family safari are the activities on offer and that there is plenty of variety. Fortunately, when it comes to activities specifically for children the choices are endless. There are individual camps like our old favourites Ant’s Nest and Hill whose guides will take kids on bug and spoor walks, or the wonderful ‘safari school’ at Laikipia Wilderness. There are mobile operators who will plan an entire itinerary around a family’s specific interests – so if you are travelling with an elephant enthusiast or a budding birder we can make sure they get the best attention. There are guides who will make bow and arrows, who will spend ages toasting marsh mallows over the camp fire and who’ll play football during down time. www . aardvarksafaris.co.uk l P5 How can you be sure we’re as good as we claim when it comes to helping you plan the holiday of a lifetime for your nearest and dearest? Aardvark Safaris The Family Safari Specialists Safaris with children have come a long way since we first started and there’s so much more than we can cover here. Do take a look at our website and blog pages (this one gives you our six best reasons to take a family safari bit.ly/ReasonsFamilySafari ). For the best way to find out how to plan the perfect family safari, give us a call.