Getting 'time with your teens' can be a negotiation. Between school and friends, carving out time to spend together as a family can sometimes fall to the bottom of the to-do list. Which is why the annual family holiday matters so much. Time away, without the distractions of the day-to-day.
But it can feel like there are a lot of boxes to tick for the holiday to be a triumph for everyone. You want a holiday where your teenager is engaged, where they're given the space to make their own decisions, while being quietly supervised. They want the trip to be so exciting they forget to pick up their phone. They want to be inspired. They want to feel like they're actually doing something, rather than just seeing it. And sometimes, they want bragging rights.
Within all that excitement, you also want some downtime, space to catch your breath and remember who you are.It's also about bringing you all closer together. Creating experiences that stay with you long after the trip has ended.
A trip planned thoughtfully and creatively around your individual family, meeting everyone's needs can do all of the above.
This is where we come in. Africa is a playground if you know where to look (and we do).
We’ve put together a list of the activities and experiences we think are best suited to teenagers wether on safari or on a beach.
Brace yourself!
Rhino Conservation - South Africa
Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at a wildlife reserve?
Spend a morning with the rhino team and vet, tracking and monitoring rhino. Depending on what’s happening, you could help collect DNA, identify young rhino or see adults fitted with solar-powered tracking collars.
A rare, hands-on-glimpse into the world of conservation.
Kitesurfing - Zanzibar, Tanzania
After the dust of the safari, hit the water.
Head to Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches and get your teens out on the Indian Ocean learning to kitesurf.
Wind, waves and plenty of action – a brilliant way to end a safari.
Tiger Fishing - Zambia
Is your teen mad keen on fishing? Or even if they’re not…
Change the pace and head out onto the Zambezi River by boat in the late afternoon, with elephants coming down to drink on the banks.
Then set your teen a challenge – who can land the first tiger fish?
Quad Biking Fun - Botswana
Ready to swap the safari vehicle for something a little faster?
Head across the vast Makgadikgadi Pans on quad bikes, with kikoy headscarves, Lawrence of Arabia style, adding to the fun as the whole family takes the wheel.
Fast, dusty and wonderfully free – a fun change of pace from the game drives.
Sleeping Under the Stars - Kenya
Fancy leaving the lodge behind for a night?
Fly camp on the reserve, with your guide and camp team setting up a simple camp just for your family.
Bedrolls, mosquito nets, a campfire and supper under the stars – no phones, just the sounds of the bush and lions calling in the distance.
One night of proper adventure.
Sandboarding - Skeleton Coast, Namibia
Think your teen has what it takes?
Head into the dunes of Namibia’s Skeleton Coast and swap the snowboard for a sandboard. Climb to the top, take a deep breath and hurtle down the dunes – a brilliant bit of high-speed fun in one of Africa’s most extraordinary landscapes.
White-water Rafting - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
For the adrenaline junkies – and the brave parents out there!
Take on the rapids of the Zambezi beneath Victoria Falls. Wet, wild and wonderfully exhilarating – this is proper adventure, and one you’ll be talking about long after you’ve dried off.
Bungee Jumping - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Who’s brave enough to go first?
Take the leap from Victoria Falls Bridge, with the Zambezi River rushing through the gorge below.
One of our recent teenage travellers declared it the highlight of his entire trip – which probably says it all.
Gorillas, The Ultimate Treck - Rwanda.
Inspired by David Attenborough’s recent gorilla documentary?
Imagine stepping into the misty Rwandan forest with your teens, trekking through the mountains in search of a wild gorilla family.
For teens aged 15+, it’s an extraordinary encounter - and one the whole family will be talking about long after you’ve left the forest.
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.
The ultimate family bonding challenge.
Climb all 5,895 metres of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.
A shared adventure, an incredible achievement, and memories you’ll be talking about for years to come..
So, which one of these would your teenager get excited about?
From big thrills to quality family time together in the wild, we would love to help you plan a trip that works for the whole family.
Love The SJT Team x