The teenage years. A whirlwind of sports fixtures, social lives, exams, and the ever-present pull of screens. If you’re anything like us, you’re probably wondering how time has flown by so fast. One moment, you’re chasing them around the playground, and the next, you’re watching them plan their future beyond the family home. And that’s why these holidays together—these fleeting moments of uninterrupted family time—are so precious. But let’s be honest, finding a destination that keeps everyone engaged, off their phones, and genuinely engaged is no easy feat.
So where do you go? Somewhere that sparks curiosity, fuels adventure, and creates incredible shared family experiences to make them forget about TikTok and SnapChat for a while. That’s where Africa comes in.
Wildlife Encounters they’ll talk about for years
Think beyond the safari vehicle. Imagine tracking rhinos on foot in Zambia, or a mobile tented safari in Botswana where you move with the herds and sleep under star-studded skies. At Greystoke Mahale in Tanzania, for example, they can trek through the jungle to sit mere meters from wild chimpanzees—a wildlife encounter so intimate it will change the way they see the natural world. These experiences aren’t just about seeing animals; they’re about feeling connected to something wilder and greater than themselves.
Adventure that pushes their boundaries (in the best way)
Teenagers crave excitement. Whether it’s galloping alongside giraffes on a horseback safari in Kenya, sandboarding down the towering dunes of Namibia, or diving into the warm, turquoise waters of Mozambique to swim with whale sharks, Africa offers experiences that thrill and challenge them. Adventure strips away distractions and brings families together in the best way possible—through shared triumphs, laughter, and stories they’ll tell for years to come.
Immersive cultural encounters
Africa isn’t just about landscapes and wildlife; it’s about people, too. Your children can learn to bead jewelry with Maasai women in Kenya, help local fishermen haul in their catch in Madagascar, or learn bushcraft from the San bushman in Namibia. These encounters aren’t contrived tourist experiences—they’re real, meaningful exchanges that offer a window into different ways of life. And let’s be honest, watching your teenager put down their phone to listen, learn, and engage? That’s a holiday win.
Beach time with a difference
If your family loves the beach, but you want more than just resort lounging. Head to the outer islands of the Seychelles and stay in an untouched paradise, where you can snorke1 with sail fish and manta rays, or explore the Kenyan coast, where kite surfing, dhow sailing, and paddleboarding through mangroves add adventure to the traditional beach break.
Purpose driven activities
If you want your holiday to leave a lasting impact beyond just great memories, Africa is the place. At places like Ol Pejeta in Kenya, your family can learn about rhino conservation and meet the dedicated rangers protecting them. In Namibia, your teens can track desert elephants with local researchers, seeing firsthand the efforts to protect these incredible creatures. These experiences give your children a sense of responsibility, showing them the power of conservation and the difference they can make.
Why Africa? Why now?
Because one day, sooner than you think, they’ll be packing up for university or embarking on their own adventures. The time you have to explore the world together is finite, and Africa offers the kind of experiences that will stay with them—and with you—forever. It’s a place where family bonds deepen over fireside stories, where the thrill of the wild beats the lure of a screen, and where every day is filled with moments you’ll talk about for years to come. At Journey South, we are passionate about crafting these enriching family holidays. Journeys filled with adventure, fun, purpose and connection. Let’s make these holidays count—because time is flying, and the world is waiting.
Ready to plan your family’s greatest adventure? Get in touch! polly@journeysouth.travel
