They dream of meeting the Lion King? Below 6/7 years, we avoid. Why ? Because of early morning awakenings, long 4×4 journeys and anti-malaria treatments. Above all, children must be old enough to understand and follow the safety instructions.
I choose:a circuit really suitable for families, to be done in a private vehicle, with short transport times alternating between 4X4 trips and walks in the bush (to safely observe zebras, giraffes, antelopes, etc.) and comfortable accommodation (mini -club, swimming pool…).
Where ? In Kenya and Tanzania (French-speaking guides) or in South Africa, in the private reserves of Kruger Park.
For example at:www.vacancestransat.fr, www.clubaventure.fr, www.kuoni.fr…
A dream that deserves! Gorillas are rare and highly protected, the number of visitors allowed to approach them limited (you need a "gorilla permit" issued bit by bit each year) and the physical effort required intense.
I choose:a circuit with a very complete program because meeting the gorillas is always too short:after an approach walk of 1h30 to 5h depending on the season (wet or dry), we finally reach the group of gorillas with which we are not going spend only one hour. In theory, they are observed at a minimum of 8 meters, but in practice, they often come close. Most impressive ? Their obvious personality. You almost expect to hear them talking like in cartoons!
Where ? Head to Bwindi Forest in Uganda and the volcanoes of Virungas National Park in Rwanda, made famous by the movie "Gorillas in the Mist".
For example at:www.sanctuaryretreats.com, www.nomade-aventure.com, www.objectif-nature.com…
There is no question of giving up on your convictions on vacation, especially in countries where water is scarce.
I choose:a tour operator who is a member of the ATR network (Acting for responsible tourism) or clearly involved in respecting nature and local populations:cooking with a gas stove rather than a fire, candle lighting, nights in tents , correct salaries for porters… If you travel à la carte, you choose accommodation in ecolodges.
For example at:www.comptoir.fr, www.wilderness-safaris.com…
If Africa (southern and eastern) remains the number 1 destination for safaris, today you can also do safaris all over the world.
I choose:a tour operator specializing in animal discovery, with a professional naturalist guide to be sure to see the fauna. Otherwise, you can spend a week in Costa Rica without spotting a single parrot!
Where? In India in the footsteps of the Royal Bengal tiger, in Sri Lanka to observe wild elephants and Asian leopards, in Costa Rica for birds and crocs, in Canada for the polar bear...
For example at:www.aventuria.com, www.viesauvage.fr, www.objectif-nature.com
