Are you considering taking your family on safari? One company familiar with a range of safaris available in Africa suggests that some safari programs are better than others for families with young children and/or teens.

Julia Nesbitt, director of sales and marketing for Seattle-based African Safari Company, says that overland travel distances, the pace of a program and style of accommodations are among important considerations. Following are her safari planning tips for families:

1.    The weather generally 'works' for safaris scheduled over summer holidays. In December and January, plan to go to South Africa or Eastern Africa to avoid rains. The African sun can be intense - pack lots of sunscreen!

2.    Allow 24 hours for travel time to Africa and 24 hours to return. Be sure to allow a few days upon returning home so that children are able to get over jet lag before going back to school.

3.    Select age-appropriate programs and be aware of their duration. For all but the most patient teenagers, long game drives are best avoided, Nesbitt advises. The age limit for gorilla trekking is 15 years. Some water and walking activities may have age limits of 12 to 16 years old. Many safari lodges have dedicated programs for children, taking them for shorter game drives and nature walks closer to camp.

4.    Consider the travel pace. "Ask how long the road transfers and drive times are. If transfers are longer than a couple of hours, ask about interesting places to stop along the way or consider flying to your next destination instead," she suggests, adding that sometimes it's preferable to visit just a few places that are easily accessible from one another but that allow enough time in each for immersion. Families will be rewarded by getting to know the region, staff, guides and even some of the resident wildlife. "Children love to learn about other kids. We recommend including cultural elements in your family safari for a great blend wildlife, wilderness and learning about the local culture and customs."

5.    Factor ages into accommodation requirements. Many camps and lodges offer one or two family units with adjoining bedrooms. Children up to age 11 can share with two adults. However age 12 and up may constitute a third 'adult' in the parents' room which some lodges preclude. "But, you won't want your 12-year-old alone in their own room, so ask for camps with flexible child policies wherever possible," she advises.

6.    Weigh geography and health concerns. "Malaria-free? Choose one of the excellent game reserves in South Africa. Want to avoid mandatory vaccinations? Visit the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls instead of the Zambian side." Nesbitt also highly recommends travel insurance for the whole family; some plans include ages up to 12 in their parent's coverage at no cost, she notes.

African Safari Company recommends custom trips that can be built around a family's interests. However here are some scheduled programs that work well for families. One of African Safari Company's suggested safaris for families with teens is a 12-day Walking Wild in Kenya and Uganda which features Maasai guides, visits to a Batwan pygmy community, gorilla trekking and game drives. 

Another suggested program for teens is a nine-day Zambia Adventure. This trip includes a variety of activities for active teens including canoeing on the Zambezi River, walking through the African bush and game drives. 

For a safari with young children, a safari called South Africa Family Adventure offers a private, eight-day safari in a malaria-free zone for families of four and up. Included are private guides and vehicles on safari and in Cape Town, shared activities at Grootbos Nature Reserve, a stay at an exclusive safari homestead, all meals, game activities, park fees and taxes. The trip originates in Johannesburg, transferring by air to the Eastern Cape for sightings of the 'Big Five' on a private reserve and concludes with sea kayaking and horseback riding or quad-biking through vineyards outside of Cape Town.  

Another program for ages seven and up is the nine-day Elephant Family Safari (Botswana). On guided walks guests learn about tracking wildlife and understanding animal movement, patterns and behavior.  A specialist guide, Paul Moleseng, is passionate about engaging local children and young guests in Botswana's national heritage.

Wildlife, Culture & Beach Safari (Tanzania) is a 14-day choice for ages eight and up for an adventure embracing Zanzibar, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and more. This trip includes walking with Maasai warriors, hunting with the Habzabe and visiting historic stone towns, as well as remarkable wildlife viewing. 

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About African Safari Company & Small Ship Safaris: Mike Nesbitt, a native of South Africa, and daughter Julia bring an intimate knowledge of wildlife migrations, climate variables and cultural opportunities to the African Safari Company that he founded in 1998. Specializing in small group travel and custom safaris for the independent and inquisitive adventurer, the company carefully vets each lodge, camp and safari partner they work with in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda & Rwanda, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Namibia.

A new division launched in 2013, Small Ship Safaris features a similar exotic adventure experience - on water instead of land. Expedition ships for between 16 and 210 guests transport wildlife and nature enthusiasts to remote areas of Alaska, Hawaii, Amazon, Polar Regions, Baja Sea of Cortez, Galapagos and Patagonia.