Blog | Charlie's Travels

Traveling to South Africa with your toddler?

A child in a sleeping bag lies on a camp cot outdoors, looking at the camera, with mountains and a clear sky in the background. Two other people are sleeping on nearby cots during their travelling adventure in South Africa.

Parents with toddlers also want to travel to Africa! But which country is the most suitable? And what does such a vacation look like? What are the do’s and don’ts? We are receiving these questions more and more often. In early 2019, Lotte and Ties traveled through South Africa with their baby Hidde. Our Charlie’s Team member Emke met up with them in a tent in downtown Cape Town to interview them about their holiday.

Traveling with kids in Kenya: FAQ

Three children stand on a sandy beach, each holding a coconut with a straw. They wear colorful, tropical-patterned clothes. The ocean and blue sky are visible in the background.

Attacks, malaria, long distances, strange diseases, and dirt. These are just some of the misconceptions that make Africa not always the first choice for a family vacation. We’re happy to answer the most frequently asked questions, not only to change your view of the continent but also to show you that Africa is a fantastic destination for an unforgettable family trip!

The origin of Afrikaans

A person stands on a rocky outcrop surrounded by green bushes, with a large mountain range and clear blue sky in the background.

As a Dutch person, you’re likely to recognize many words in Afrikaans. This language, primarily spoken in South Africa and Namibia, contains unique variations of Dutch! But what exactly is Afrikaans and how did it come about? Let’s dive into the history of this fascinating language with a quick lesson from Teacher Charlie!

The pilot of good and evil

A man in patterned clothing sits at a desk covered with papers and a large map in a blue-walled office, with filing cabinets and maps on the walls behind him.

Anyone who follows Charlie’s Travels on Facebook or Instagram knows that we love taking you off the beaten track. But what’s the difference between ‘off the beaten track’ and *extremely* off the beaten track? The latter quite literally means building your own aeroplane and flying it to Kenya! Artist Joost Conijn did just that and wrote a book about it: *The Pilot of Good and Evil*.

Everything wrong with orphanage tourism

A group of children smile and laugh together, standing close to each other outdoors. Their joyful expressions and bright eyes reflect happiness and a sense of community.

Our travelers frequently ask, “We would like to visit an orphanage, can that be arranged?” A month ago, we published a blog about the “White Savior Syndrome”: white people from the West who are under the illusion that they can save Africa and often do more harm than good in the process. This “White Savior Syndrome” often results in “voluntourism. In other words, tourists who, as part of self-development (disguised in noble intentions), combine their trip with a few weeks of volunteer work. Because there are many “pitiful children” in Africa, and so many volunteers and donations go into orphanages, a whole new branch of travel is emerging: orphanage tourism.

Zanzibar beaches: what are the differences?

Two men walk past an old wooden boat with a canopy on a sandy beach near the ocean; another boat floats in the water in the background under a clear, sunny sky.

Close your eyes and imagine… You feel the warm, white sand between your toes, and a salty sea breeze plays with your hair. You hear the gentle rustling of palm leaves and taste fresh pineapple juice while wooden fishing boats bob on the crystal-clear water. This is Zanzibar! With its mix of cultures and paradise-like beaches, which one suits you best?

Did you know that plastic is not allowed in Kenya?

A pile of trash, including plastic bottles, flip-flops, and other debris, scattered on a sandy beach with some green plants in the background.

Since the introduction of the plastic ban in Kenya, the import of plastic has been severely repressed. Are you breaking the law? Then you can get up to €33,000 fine and four years in jail. So no small punishments.

Masai Life Outside The Kraal

Two people in traditional Maasai attire stand with staffs among a large herd of cattle on a grassy plain in rural Kenya, under a cloudy sky. Rocks and grazing cows surround them, capturing the spirit of travelling across Africa’s scenic landscapes.

In the bush, far from civilization, lies a Masai village without electricity. However, for the Masai, “off-the-beaten-track” means something quite different: moving to the city and navigating through modern influences. No cattle to herd, but instead, carving a path through the hustle and bustle, along with the constant buzz of phones. Yet, for some, the city has become their home. In this blog, we explore their unique experiences!

The Tropical Beaches of Uganda

A group of ten smiling friends poses together on a grassy hill in Uganda, with scenic lakes and green hills in the background—capturing the joy of travelling through Africa under a cloudy sky.

You hear the soft murmur of the waves, feel a breeze brush against your slightly sunburned face, and watch the wind play with the green palm leaves above you. You’re sitting in the warm sand, a coconut with a straw in your hand. Maybe it surprises you that you’ve laid out your towel on an exotic, pearl-white beach in Uganda instead of Jamaica or Zanzibar.

The differences between Kenya and Tanzania

As a traveler doubting between Kenya and Tanzania, you probably want to know: which country fits your wishes and budget better? We’ll compare Kenya and Tanzania based on three key aspects: culture, nature, and travel options.

Category: Blog