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Children On Safari
By Kevin Murphy
It's the dream of many a child to go on an exciting adventure in a
far off distant land, where they'll encounter wild animals roaming
free and perhaps even meet up with the exotic, colorful natives.
Well now, thanks to one enterprising company, that dream can become
a reality. Maniago Safaris, one of Africa's leading travel
destination management companies, has created kid-friendly safaris
that will enable the whole family to enjoy the holiday of a
lifetime.
Recognizing that often what children want to do can be quite
different from what their parents enjoy, Maniago has developed lots
of activities and specialized trips designed specifically to appeal
to the younger crowd. One such excursion is to Stanley's Camp, a
260,000-acre expanse of untamed bush in Botswana. The visit includes
getting to know the camp's herd of semi-habituated elephants.
Visitors can walk with the herd on their daily foraging trips and
enjoy the sort of close, personal encounter that will remain a
lasting memory. A visit to the renowned Masai Mara game reserve,
with its rich and varied wildlife, will be highlighted by meeting
with members of the tribe of fabled Masai warriors. These
magnificent people have a long history steeped in storytelling. Now
they enjoy passing on their wondrous tales to the spellbound
children who visit. Kids love camping and the chance to stay in a
tent with hippos wallowing in a nearby river, while a Masai warrior
keeps watch outside is one most would relish.
At Giraffe Manor outside Nairobi, youngsters have the opportunity to
feed, and even share a breakfast table with, these majestic, not to
mention rather tall, animals. The Manor, with its tower of
endangered Rothschild's giraffes, also features an education center
where kids can take guided walks through the surrounding primeval
forest and learn about the rich local flora and fauna.
The Kenyan-based Maniago organize various children's activities with
Heritage Hotels, who run their celebrated Adventurers' Club from
their facilities at Mara Intrepids and Siana Springs Intrepids.
Available to children aged between four and twelve, the Club offers
lots of exciting activities, including traditional cultural and
sporting events.
Under the guidance of the Club's experienced staff, kids will learn
how to build a Masai home using sticks, mud and cowdung. They can
participate in Bush Treasure Hunts, discovering the local
environment and seeing how camouflage plays a vital part in nature,
as well as have fun hunting for hidden objects in the bush. Another
favorite excursion involves tracking animals. Youngsters are taught
to identify the various spoors around the campsite, learning what
the tracks indicate. They can make a plaster cast of the markings to
take home as a souvenir. A cast of a lion's print is a wonderful
reminder of their great adventure, but it's the memories and
experiences they take with them of their African safari that will
prove more precious.
For more information please visit Maniago Safaris website at
www.maniagosafaris.com
or call their USA office at 1-800-9africa.
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