Africa may not be the first destination that comes to mind for a family holiday with a two-year-old and a four-year-old. However, in March 2018, Jenny Lynn and her family arrived in Johannesburg, picked up a Land Rover TD5 with roof tents, and embarked on a thrilling 101-day self-drive adventure across South Africa, Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Namibia.
With no previous 4WD experience, the family navigated corrupt officials, impassable roads, significant weather events, and the familiar challenges of traveling with toddlers. Nevertheless, these obstacles were insignificant compared to the remarkable nights spent camping beneath the African stars, the exciting wildlife encounters, the warm receptions from local villages, and the strengthened family bonds formed throughout this journey. It quickly became their best adventure yet.
Traveling with Young Kids
Since meeting at Hull University in 2000, Jenny and her husband have traveled extensively, often choosing off-the-beaten-track destinations while on a budget. When their children arrived twelve years later, they felt it was essential to continue their travels as a family, adapting by making room in their backpacks for diapers and comfort items.
Parenting poses challenges regardless of location, with consistent bedtime routines, sleep deprivation, and an array of demands to manage. However, travel transforms these daily challenges by providing a dynamic backdrop. Most importantly, it grants families quality time to share experiences away from everyday distractions.
Before embarking on their African journey, the family lived in Bangalore because of work commitments, seizing opportunities to explore India and its neighboring countries. During their time there, the children became remarkable travelers, embarking on adventures such as overnight sleeper trains, trekking in the Himalayas at elevations of 3000m, and riding tuk-tuks in Sri Lanka. Understanding that their kids were ready for Africa, a continent that had captured their hearts previously, was thrilling.
When the husband received a voluntary redundancy package, they eagerly seized the chance for additional travel finances. Within weeks, they packed up their Bangalore apartment, returned to the UK, repacked, and boarded a flight bound for South Africa.
Planning for Africa
For many travelers, planning a trip to Africa can take years. However, the Lynn family didn’t have that luxury.
They began their adventure in Johannesburg and worked within a fixed budget, calculating that with £50 per day (which covered flights, visas, and Land Rover hire), they could sustain their travel for 101 days. This budget was tight for Africa, but by camping and self-catering, they made it work.
Moreover, the family organized their plans only a few days in advance. They left each day with a Plan A and Plan B, often needing to pivot to a Plan C. If they enjoyed a location, they’d set up camp and extend their stay; if not, they moved on, benefiting from the flexibility.
Regarding visas, they opted to arrange them at borders, although obtaining them in advance would have streamlined crossings, particularly at the Mozambique-Malawi border.
How Did the Boys Cope?
Border crossings were often challenging for the boys, generally leading to restless behavior. However, a humorous memory persists: Ezra (then just two years old) spontaneously hugged a Malawian border guard in a comical moment that lightened the serious atmosphere. Kids have a unique ability to diffuse tense situations during travel.
Embracing the adventure wholeheartedly, the boys experienced Africa’s natural playground uniquely. From running down sand dunes to spotting elephants and lions during their self-drive safari, to reveling in waves at pristine beaches and camping under the vast African sky, their joy was infectious.
Opting not to overpack toys, they found pleasure in simple items like sticks and stones, climbing on boulders, engaging with sand, and even inspecting animal dung—a common topic during safari excursions!
Did We Feel Safe?
Throughout their travels, the family never felt unsafe or threatened. They camped at secure, fenced locations and always made sure to arrive well before dark. Equipped with a medical kit (including a malaria test kit) and antimalarials (they cleverly mixed the boys’ tablets with chocolate spread), they ensured their health needs were covered. They also prioritized self-catering, minimizing the risk of food poisoning, adding reassurance that no one fell ill during their 101 days on the road.
Incidents of road deterioration were the only times they experienced discomfort. If the Land Rover seemed unfit for a dirt track, they’d simply turn around and choose another route. Such situations arose frequently in Tanzania, where the country faced its worst rains in over two decades.
Back Home in the UK
More than a year has passed since they returned from Africa, and the boys frequently reminisce about their experiences. Their oldest is especially captivated by David Attenborough documentaries, likely influenced by all the safari drives they shared. Recently, their youngest proudly recounted his third birthday surprise – a boat trip to see Victoria Falls.
Many people claim that young children struggle to retain memories, and Jenny once held that belief. Initially, she thought the essential aspect of travel was the precious bonding time spent together. However, through priceless experiences that stood out against daily routines, she has come to realize that children do remember moments uniquely. The open plains of Africa have a way of capturing the hearts of everyone, regardless of age.
Jenny writes about her family’s adventures at TraveLynn Family, a multi-award-nominated blog that has been thriving for three years. For more insights on their Africa overland trip, explore their blog post: Self drive Africa overland with kids.
