The Okavango Delta, Vic Falls, and the Great Migration: The ultimate multigenerational vacation
Did you know Virtuoso considers family and multi-generational travel its leading travel trend? And the stats show it’s here to stay. According to the MMGY Portrait of American Travelers survey conducted post-pandemic, 23% of grandparents traveled alone with their grandchildren and 45% of all leisure travelers brought kids along on their trips.
A Preferred Hotel Group study also reported that more than three-quarters of multi-generational travelers do their best to take a multi-generational vacation every year.
Thankfully, various tour operators and accommodation providers in Africa are stepping up to ensure these travel groups are well catered for, focusing on an assortment of activities and amenities to maximize comfort and improve experience – from immersive kids’ mini-ranger programs to relaxing spa treatments for parents and grandparents, as well as fenced safari camps to protect curious little ones, and walker-accessible pathways for grandparents with reduced mobility.
Ready to live out the African dream with all your nearest and dearest by your side? There’s no better way to do that than with a multi-destination vacation, promising the biggest bang for your buck and countless opportunities to create treasured family memories.
Our favorite multigenerational spring break combo? Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania. This incredible trifecta means you get to experience the wildlife-rich Okavango Delta, one of the magnificent Wonders of the World: Victoria Falls, and The Greatest Show on Earth: the Great Migration.
What to expect
The Okavango Delta, Botswana
Water-based safaris are the name of the game in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. This vast inland river delta is known for its expansive grassy plains, which flood seasonally, creating a lush habitat for all sorts of incredible creatures. Expect to see a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and rare species like the African wild dog. Activities include guided mokoro (traditional canoe) trips through serene waterways, bird watching (with over 400 species), fishing, and scenic helicopter flights.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls, known locally as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’, is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Straddling the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, these massive waterfalls are a spectacle you have to see (and hear) to believe. And good news – you can do more than just gaze at the Falls in awe. Activities range from the adventurous, like bungee jumping and whitewater rafting, to more laid-back, family-friendly experiences, such as river cruises and guided rainforest walks.
The Great Migration, Tanzania
The Great Migration in Tanzania is an epic journey of over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, across the Serengeti Plains and into Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This annual cycle, driven by the search for fresh grass for grazing and water, offers heart-stopping river crossings and intense predator-prey interactions. Expect to see massive herds on the move and plenty of wildlife including lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles – it’s kind of like a traditional safari experience on steroids!
The best time to go
This African trio is at its best either for a spring break in May (this is the start of the dry season in the Okavango Delta when the floodwaters appear, when the Falls are at their fullest, and when the wildebeest migration is starting to move northwards from the southern Serengeti) or between July and September (when the waters in the Delta are still flowing strongly, adventure activities, like whitewater rafting, at Victoria Falls are at their best, and the dramatic river crossings for which the Great Migration is famous are in full swing).
What to consider for your combo vacation
Traveling with kids and grandparents means your trip will require thoughtful planning. Some important factors to consider include:
What range of activities can cater to different energy levels and interests?
Are there specific child-friendly activities and equally engaging options for adults and seniors? And what activities are suitable for bonding and family fun?
What are the best travel options to ensure comfort for all family members, especially during longer journeys between destinations?
What are the best accommodation options that offer family-friendly amenities and accessibility for older adults?
How accessible are healthcare and emergency services in these regions, considering the varied needs of a multi-generational group?
Are there specific health precautions or medical supplies that should be considered when traveling with kids and the elderly?
How can meal preferences and dietary restrictions of all family members be accommodated?
How should the itinerary be paced to ensure it’s not too exhausting for seniors and still engaging enough for the younger ones?
Is there adequate downtime scheduled for rest and relaxation?
What safety measures are in place during safaris, especially with children participating?
Where to stay
There are plenty of exceptional family-friendly lodges and camps across Africa. Here’s just a snapshot look at some of the finest worthy of a spot on your itinerary.
Botswana
Kiri Camp is a multi-generational favorite, based on a private concession in the Okavango Delta near the Kiri River. It features two family tents, accommodating four family members each. Then there’s andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge, with customizable safari vehicles and a spacious family suite with an interleading walkway. Welcoming kids of all ages, it’s known for its engaging Wildchild program and even offers childminders on request.
Zimbabwe
Ursula’s Homestead promises a cozy escape in Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, with four individual garden rooms, which can be configured as twin or triple rooms to accommodate little ones and grandparents. The property is also available for booking on an exclusive-use basis. Another great choice is Matetsi Victoria Falls on the banks of the Zambezi River. Its four-bedroom private villa, with a private chef and butler, is ideal for restful multi-generational vacations.
Tanzania
All families love Singita Mara River Tented Camp, featuring two family tents, each accommodating two adults and two children. With a family-friendly focus, the camp is celebrated for Singita’s Mini Game Rangers’ Course, covering everything from outdoor survival and animal tracking skills to astronomy and bird identification. Siringit Migration Camp is perfect if you’re keen to get as close to the Great Migration action as possible. It has an inter-connected family tent, accommodating two adults and two children, along with seven other tents, accommodating two adults each.
Ready to book your multi-destination African adventure with the entire family in tow? Contact us today to plan a bespoke itinerary for a seamless journey and a stress-free stay.