Expert: Ernest Tufft - 3/6/2007

Question
WHAT AGE DO YOU THINK CHILDREN SHOULD BE TO GO ON SAFARI IN KENYA.

Answer
I can't answer this question, really.  Ultimately, that's the parents judgement call.  But, here's a couple of things to bear in mind:  1)  immunizatons--your pediatrician can advise you about infants and the regime of immunizations required for Kenya.  Infants under age three may be at risk for some dangerous diseases, and a sickly child of any age may be also.  2) The disposition of your child.  Some children are easy to please while others are more difficult.  Joining a group of adults with a child that's prone to temper tantrums is an imposition on those who have waited a lifetime to go on the safari.  The child in this situation doesn't understand this, and in some cases, parents don't either.  So, consider the maturity of your child and level of socialization within the public world  3) From there, a child who understands numbers 1 & 2, is also in a better position to appreciate the wonderful opportunity being presented.  I have friends who have literally packpacked their children all around the world without problem, and the earlier parents can manage the logistics of taking children traveling, the better for the child.