Family Safari: Preparing for an African Safari with Kids, Part II
Balancing the Wow with the What-Ifs
In Part I, I shared why we're taking our boys to Kenya, how our previous travels prepared us for this adventure, and why Jeff and I believe in giving our kids opportunities to experience the world.
With our trip just weeks away, we're getting into the details of preparing for a family safari. And let me tell you, there's more to think about than what to pack!
As we've shared our plans, I've noticed two reactions. Some people immediately say, "Wow, what a trip of a lifetime!" Others have a little hesitation, usually around safety and taking the kids so far from home.
And I get it! I've had my own what-if moments, too. But rather than getting overwhelmed by everything that could happen, I'm focusing on what we can do to prepare. From getting the boys ready for something entirely new to vaccinations, packing limits, and school coordination, here's how we're gearing up.
Getting Ready for the Experience, Not Just the Trip
Some of the best parts of this trip have already started at home. We've been watching Disney's Lion together as well as other travel documentaries, talking through what a game drive schedule will look like, and having more conversations about culture, especially what is and isn't appropriate when we're guests in another country. Jeff has also been teaching the boys some Swahili, and Gavin (age 8) has really taken to it! He's practicing words and phrases and genuinely wants to try them out when we arrive. I love his willingness to try something new.
We've also talked a lot about the difference between a "journey" and a "vacation". A vacation is about rest and comfort; a journey asks a little more of you. There will be unfamiliar foods, new routines, and moments that push the boys outside their comfort zones, and we'll be counting on their patience, flexibility, and maturity along the way. But we've also promised plenty of time to just be kids!
And the payoff? At 8 and 12, they'll see incredible wildlife up close, ask our guides a million questions, try new foods, meet people from around the world, and set foot on an entirely new continent. Not every moment will be easy, but I have a feeling those will make some of our best stories. Of course, getting everyone ready for an adventure like this takes a little planning, especially when it comes to health and travel logistics
Preparing for the What-Ifs: Health and Travel Essentials
This is the area I've spent the most time thinking through: our family's health and being prepared for the unexpected.
We've completed our vaccinations and ordered antimalarial medications and the oral typhoid vaccine. Our family doctor has been fantastic, helping us think through what we might need and providing prescriptions for a few just-in-case scenarios. We've planned for potential stomach issues, have Zofran available for nausea during travel or game drives, and are bringing an EpiPen as an extra precaution for Gavin, who can have significant reactions to insect bites.
Do I think we'll need most of these things? Hopefully not! We're staying at beautiful properties with experienced teams accustomed to welcoming families. But as a mom, I'd rather pack a few things we never use than wish we'd brought them.
Planning Tip One thing I've learned is to start thinking about medications and vaccinations at least 90 days before your trip. Some medications need to be ordered, and certain vaccines and medications require a schedule before departure. Your healthcare provider or a travel clinic can help you figure out what's right for your itinerary.
Travel Tip Another thing I'm glad we checked off the list is Global Entry for the boys. Here's a tip I didn't know: kids under 18 can enroll for free when a parent is already a member or has an application pending. The application and interview process was easy, and since I'll be flying home solo with the boys, anything that helps us get through customs a little faster after a long flight is a win in my book!
Packing for Safari: My Wardrobe Challenge
Now, let's talk about packing, because this has been a whole other adventure. Thankfully, Jeff's incredibly thorough Kenya Travel Essentials and Packing List has kept us organized.
One thing I wasn't prepared for was the luggage restriction on our smaller flights within Kenya. 33 pounds per person! Yep, that's everything. And for someone who likes a few options when getting dressed, this required some serious discipline.
I've been focusing on capsule packing, choosing pieces that work together rather than individual outfits for every day. The goal is to mix and match, layer, and get multiple wears out of what we bring. I also want to feel like myself on this trip. I love the idea of comfortable, practical safari clothing while still having a little style and fun.
I'm leaning toward a fall-inspired neutral color palette (no neon's or bright colors on safari) with pieces that transition from game drives to afternoons at the lodge and even a nice dinner.
And then there's the weather. We're traveling in November, visiting Nairobi, Laikipia, and the Maasai Mara. Higher elevations mean chilly mornings and evenings, especially on early game drives in open vehicles. Afternoons can be warmer, and November may bring some rain, so layering is going to be the name of the game. Lightweight tops, pants, and shorts, a fleece or sweater, a packable rain jacket, and shoes that can do double duty are all making the list. I'm prioritizing things that dry quickly, don't wrinkle easily, and can be worn more than once.
For the boys, I'm keeping things simple. Comfortable clothes that can handle dirt, work in different temperatures, and don't require much thought at 5:30 in the morning. Because let's be realistic, getting two boys dressed and out the door that early is already an adventure! We're having them help with their packing lists and make decisions about what to bring. It's a good opportunity to talk about the difference between what we want and what we actually need.
Between clothing, toiletries, medications, electronics, and entertainment for downtime, those 33 pounds add up quickly. I'm determined to make this capsule packing thing work, but I have a feeling there will be a few rounds of packing, weighing, unpacking, and negotiating with myself about whether I really need that extra pair of shoes.
Stay tuned. This might be my biggest personal challenge of the entire trip!
Keeping Up with School While We're Away
Traveling during the school year isn't for every family, and I understand why. For us, it's a practical choice: off-season travel typically comes with lower rates, which is often what makes a trip like this possible for a family of four. The trade-off is school.
Taking the boys out for nearly two weeks isn't something Jeff and I take lightly, but it's more manageable than you might think. You'd be surprised how supportive teachers can be when you give them an early heads-up and show you're there to partner. With one in third grade and one in sixth, we're working ahead where we can, fitting in a little schoolwork on the road, and planning for the boys to share what they've learned about Kenya with their classmates when they return.
We value their education deeply, and we also believe some of the most meaningful learning happens outside the classroom. Watching a guide read animal tracks, hearing another language spoken all around them, seeing how families in another part of the world live day to day: those are lessons a textbook can't fully teach. Our goal is to bring that learning home, without turning our adventure into two weeks of homework!
Is All This Preparation Worth It?
Has preparing for this trip been a little overwhelming at times? Sure. But I keep coming back to the bigger picture.
Our boys are growing up quickly, and the opportunity to see the world together while they're young is something I don't want to take for granted. I think about what it will be like to do our first game drive as a family, watch the boys practice Swahili with someone they meet, learn about Maasai and Samburu cultures, and come home with stories to share with our family and friends. Those are the things that make all the preparation worthwhile. I want our boys to grow up curious about the world and to see that adventure and preparation go hand in hand. The lists, the doctor's visits, the weighing and re-weighing of duffel bags: they're how we make room for the wow.
So yes, I'm the mom with the packing list and a medical kit that could stock a small pharmacy. And in just a few weeks, I'll be the mom watching her boys spot their first elephant in the wild… I can't wait.
Missed Part I? You can find it here.
The Stivers Family is headed to Kenya in November. Follow their journey on our Instagram (@outlier.journeys) for get in touch with Jeff at jeff@outlierjourneys.com to discuss your own Family Adventure to Africa.
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