3 African Safaris Where Your Family Can Make a Difference

Nov 14, 20183 min read

Updated: Aug 26, 2020

Looking for a bucket-list African safari experience that gives your family the chance to make a positive impact on the world? It’s never too early to teach your children the value of learning about other cultures, giving back to local communities, and conserving the environment and endangered species. In Africa, there are so many ways you can build a philanthropic component into your vacation.

The word safari means “journey” in Swahili. What began in the Middle Ages as a means of trade has transformed into a source of adventure and discovery in the modern era. Today safaris play an important role in Africa’s economic empowerment, conservation, and sustainability. The continent’s national parks and reserves need a steady stream of visitors to do their important work, so in a very real sense you are making a difference simply by taking a safari.

Here are three unique learning tours that combine the excitement of safari with the chance to make a meaningful difference in Zimbabwe, Tanzania or South Africa.

Zimbabwe: Spend Spring Break Saving African Painted Dogs

How many kids can say they helped rescue an endangered species on Spring Break? This 10-day Zimbabwe trip over Spring Break 2019 offers your family the extraordinary opportunity make a meaningful difference in saving the beautiful African Painted Dog, one the most vulnerable species on the continent, through work on a conservation project with our partner, the Endangered Canid Project.

On this incredible trip, you’ll also have the chance to see an array of extraordinary wildlife in the Hwange and Zambezi National Parks and learn about the history and traditions of safaris. This spectacular adventure also takes in the natural wonders of Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River, and Batoka Gorge. Our recent blog featured this trip: Top 8 Reasons to take a Conservation Safari to Zimbabwe.

Tanzania: View Wildlife with a Wow Factor

Looking for a classic wildlife safari experience that packs a wow factor? Our 9-day family safari in Tanzania is just the ticket. Located inside the African Great Lakes region, Tanzania is home to some of the world’s most impressive game reserves and national parks. You will encounter giraffes along Lake Natron, spy leopards and lions in the Serengeti, and marvel at exotic birds in the Rift Valley. Every day will be an adventure as your family new sightings of extraordinary wildlife and landscapes.

This trip also gives your family plenty of opportunity to connect with local people in Tanzanian communities. During your stay, you’ll visit a local Maasai village, meet students at the Ganako Secondary School, and learn how the Karatu Education Fund (KEF) is making a positive impact in these schoolkids’ lives.

South Africa & Botswana: Experience Both Cities & Safaris

On this amazing 11-day trip to South Africa (which can be extended three additional days to include Botswana), your family will discover both the cosmopolitan cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg and the natural beauty of rural South Africa and Botswana. While visiting the rural communities surrounding Kruger National Park, your family will learn about tribal customs and language and pitch in on a community service project. Then you’ll discover truly amazing wildlife while on safari in Kruger National Park and Chobe National Park in Botswana.

One of the highlights of this safari is to make a meaningful difference through a cultural exchange, where you will work with local communities around Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Kruger National Park. Opportunities include mentoring, one-on-one tutoring, and helping with after-school programs.

And great news! From now until November 26, save $500 for every two people booked on select volunteer vacations from Global Family Travels departing through summer 2019. That means a family of four can save $1,000 on a transformative trip of a lifetime!