From reading a book under a palm tree to abseiling down a mountain, the older and younger generations in one family often have very different ideas as to what makes the perfect unforgettable holiday.
Despite their varying interests, different generations still like to travel together, and multigenerational travel is undeniably an up-and-coming trend for 2017. The trick is to find activities and destinations that will please granny as well as teenagers and tots.
We have lined up four destinations in Africa that are sure to ‘wow’ the entire family:
1.Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or Zambia
Grandparents will enjoy going on guided tours of Victoria Falls or participate in game drives together with their children and grandchildren in the Zambezi National Park. There are elephant interactions, steam train trips or even fishing expeditions to keep the entire family entertained.
While the older generation relaxes with a book in the garden or at the bar in the afternoons, the younger generation can seek out the vast array of adventure sports on offer. They could bungee- jump off one of the most famous bridges in the world, the grand Victoria Falls Bridge or wrestle the mighty Zambezi River waves whilst white-water rafting, or even take a walk on the very wild side with the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit.
2.The Sossusvlei in Namibia
Families find the ‘off the grid’ scenario offered by the Sossusvlei in Namibia attractive as the kids can’t be glued to their electronic devices at all times. Instead, their focus is on the desert that surrounds them and spending quality time with their families.
The entire family will enjoy climbing up the dunes to see the breathtaking views of the region, including Deadvlei – a ghostly expanse of dried white clay with ancient camelthorn trees. Watching the sunrise from the silence of a hot air balloon is another experience the entire family is guaranteed never to forget.
And while granny and grandpa enjoy an evening of stargazing, the younger generation will enjoy quad biking through the dunes or plunge down the slopes on a sandboard.
3.The Masai Mara in Kenya
A safari holiday tends to appeal to everyone in a 3G (three generational) family holiday. Kenya with its luxury safari lodges offers something for every member of the family, from bird-watching and big game sightings to visiting some of the oldest tribes in the world.
Granny and grandpa will love to learn about different cultures and how the elders are being revered in the Masai tribes, whereas teenagers will be fascinated to see how their Masaai peers track wildlife. The younger ones of the family will enjoy learning how to make and shoot a traditional bow and arrow, make a fire, build a hut, learn traditional songs and dances, and herd cattle.
And of course, the miracle of watching a family herd of elephants or a lioness tend to her cubs are the moments that the entire family will be talking about for many years to come.
4. Cape Town in South Africa
The affordability of South Africa is a major draw for multi-generational travelers. They can embark on more activities with a larger group of people for a fraction of the price they would pay elsewhere.
Cape Town is undeniably one of the most popular destinations for families travelling to Southern Africa thanks to the sheer amount of activities on offer that cater for children, parents and grandparents alike.
The entire family will enjoy climbing up to the lighthouse at Cape Point, take the cable car up Table Mountain, swim with the penguins at Boulders Beach or visit the Two Oceans Aquarium. Also the game reserves in the Western Cape are ideal for families, as there is no malaria in the area, and that most game reserves have a vast array of kids’ activities.
Teenagers will enjoy stand-up paddle boarding at the V&A Waterfront, while grandma and grandpa can sip a glass of wine at one of the many restaurants.
As you can see: Africa truly has it all…