Karl Parkinson, head of partnerships at African Bush Camps, was initially hesitant to take his family on their first safari last year, despite his extensive experience in the safari industry.
“My wife had concerns about the safety for our 8-year-old, and I wondered if there would be enough to keep my teenagers interested,” Parkinson said.
However, their visit to African Bush Camps’ Bumi Hills Safari Lodge in Zimbabwe exceeded their expectations. The family enjoyed wildlife sightings, fishing, spa relaxation, and made use of the lodge’s amenities, including fast WiFi.
“My boys even managed to post their Instagram stories and TikTok videos,” Parkinson said. “Being able to share this experience with my kids, who had never been on a safari, offered a very different and meaningful perspective.”
The success of their trip has led the Parkinson family to plan a second Zimbabwe safari later this year, staying at African Bush Camps’ family-friendly Somalisa Acacia camp in Hwange National Park.
Parkinson acknowledged that finding family-friendly safari accommodations can be challenging, but African Bush Camps offers family units with more space and access to their Ngawa Club programming, including nature walks and arts and crafts.
The company has seen a rise in multigenerational and family groups booking safaris, which has led to increased demand for their family units.
“For our coming season, a lot of our family units are fully booked, and we’re now booking families for 2025 and 2026,” Parkinson said. “The dial has shifted, and it’s really informed us on how we need to build our accommodations and equip our camps in the future.”
More Stories
Hilton Partners with Sleep Expert to Launch Sleep Retreats
ABTA Reacts to Budget: Calls for Support Amidst Tax Concerns
Luxury Destinations Under the Microscope: A Look at One-Star Reviews