7 tips for travelling through Africa with a teenager

Whether it’s the toddler tantrums or the dreaded teenage years… we know all about it. They’re not always the easiest, but let’s be honest, they do make us laugh a lot. And that’s the most important thing during a family holiday. Unlike your teenager, we like to make things easier for you, so here are some top tips.

#1 One day, you’ll laugh about your moody teen during that balloon ride over the Masai Mara!

We’ve said it before – we know all about teenagers. Our very own ‘teen whisperer’ Charlie was, until recently, a teenager himself. He understands better than anyone that sometimes you just want to do absolutely nothing, and other times, you crave some adventure in a cool bar. Feel free to message him for advice or involve your grumpy darling in a Skype call with one of our travel experts. With so many epic experiences ahead, even your sulky teen won’t want to be left behind.

#2 Make sure you have internet in Africa

Like it or not, travelling in Africa looks amazing on your teenager’s Instagram and TikTok. So head to one of the many Safaricom shops and get a local SIM card for your spotty little influencer. At the very least, they’ll be able to post 30 times a day about how much they’re ‘chilling’ at that insanely cool waterfall. And no, it’s not too expensive – unless they start binge-watching Netflix, of course.

#3 Book a separate tent or room for your teenager

You don’t need a degree in teenage psychology to figure this one out. Give them their own tent or room! Your teen wants privacy, you do too, and let’s not forget – teenagers smell. Trust us, it’s worth every penny. You don’t want to know what your teen gets up to at night, and vice versa, they definitely don’t want to know about your nighttime antics either.

#4 Choose destinations with a bit of nightlife

Teenagers want to be around other teenagers on holiday. Africa isn’t exactly a teen club night in Amsterdam, and they know that. But choose destinations where there’s at least the occasional party. If they’re too young for that, take them to jam in a local bar – Africa is the place to be for live music. Or plan your trip around a festival – have a chat with Charlie, and he’ll point you in the right direction.

#5 Adventure, adventure, adventure!

For the best TikTok and Instagram posts, there needs to be plenty of action! Luckily, teenagers love adrenaline, and we’ve got more than enough thrilling experiences for your daredevil. Hop onto the back of a pikipiki (motorbike taxi) and speed through the most incredible safari parks, spotting zebras, giraffes, baboons, lions, and more. Strap on your hiking boots and conquer one of Africa’s stunning mountains. Your teenager might moan and groan now, but once you reach the summit and camp under the stars, surrounded by rangers with razor-sharp spears to keep wildlife at bay, they’ll be posting #GOALS non-stop.

#6 Beach holiday with your teenager

It’s not all about action – teens love to chill too. Picture this: lying on a sunbed, sipping a Sprite with a tiny umbrella, wearing a (too small) shiny blue bikini. Tanning to perfection, because looking stunning is a top priority these days. Book that trip to Diani Beach, even if you’re not much of a beach person. The idea of a tropical paradise might just put them in a better mood. And who knows? Once you’re there, they might even crawl off their sunbed to go snorkelling with their ‘ancient’ parents.

#7 Light at the end of the tunnel!

Remember: this too shall pass. We’ve all been there, and eventually, your darling child will want to be seen with you again. Just not on this holiday. Don’t take it personally. One day, you’ll laugh about their teenage tantrums during that balloon ride over the Masai Mara. Though, admittedly, that day isn’t today. For now, just keep your eyes on the horizon and ignore the sulking when needed. You deserve a break too – teenager or not.