Below, Natasha Wissanji speaks passionately about her childhood experiences on safari and how they have influenced the changes she has made in her new role
Tell us a little about your new role and what it involves
My role is centred around shaping the family experience across the Elewana properties in a way that feels thoughtful, relaxed and true to safari. A lot of it is looking at the small details that make a big difference to families, from activities and spaces through to the more practical side of travelling with children.
One thing I feel quite strongly about is that parents should also feel like they’ve had the chance to properly enjoy where they are and get an opportunity to exhale and take it all in. Family travel can still feel quite hectic, even in beautiful places, so part of what we’re trying to do is create moments where children are engaged and happy, while parents also get the chance to slow down and enjoy the experience themselves.
We’re also starting to think much more about the journey before families even arrive. So helping parents understand what activities are available at different properties, what they should pack, and importantly what they really don’t need to worry about bringing with them.
What changes will we see to the family offering at Elewana Camps going forward
The focus has really been on making things feel more intentional without losing the freedom and simplicity that safari naturally gives you.
Over the past few months we’ve made sure each property has a stronger base of games, books, arts and crafts and family activities. Some of the games include things like giant Jenga for the whole family, Migration, Iron Snake, children’s playing cards and other more relaxed activities families can do together in downtime.
The books have also been chosen quite intentionally, so they speak to where we are, whether that’s wildlife, local stories, conservation or nature. We really want children to feel connected to the environment around them in a fun and engaging way, while naturally building a sense of care and responsibility towards it too.
Alongside that, we’re also leaning much more into activities that are very specific to each property and landscape. So things like scorpion searches at Loisaba Tented Camp, learning about Elsa the lioness and watching Born Free at Elsa’s Kopje and other activities such as Wildlife Bush Training, Spear Making and other experiences that feel rooted in the places children are actually visiting.
We’ve also looked at practical things that genuinely make travelling easier for families, from activities right through to room set ups, including things like bed rails, potty seats and other small but important details.
Each child under four receives a little safari companion, while children over four receive a Wildlife Warrior backpack with a bottle, activity pack and a few other thoughtful things to use during their stay.
Towards the end of the year, we’re hoping to launch our Wildlife Warrior Passport, which I’m particularly excited about. The idea is to create something children can carry with them through their safari journey, collecting moments, memories, activities and little keepsakes along the way. We want it to feel meaningful and immersive, but still relaxed and playful at the same time.
Alongside all of this, we’re also building out more dedicated content for families and children. Part of that is practical information for parents, but part of it is also about creating excitement before children even arrive, introducing them to wildlife, stories, safari and conservation in a way that feels accessible and fun and can continue long after they leave us
What would you consider to be the best ages to take children on safari
Honestly, I think every age can work, it just depends on the pace and expectations of the trip. Personally, I’d probably say from around five onwards children really start engaging deeply with what they’re seeing and asking lots of questions, but younger children can absolutely still have a wonderful experience too. I started taking my son to the Nairobi National Park from a very young age and by two and a half years old we were exploring the Serengeti together and he absolutely loved it.
Why do you think a safari is such an important holiday for a child
I think safari gives children something that’s becoming increasingly rare, which is a real connection to nature and the environment around them. You’re not reading about wildlife or watching it on a screen, you’re sitting in the right in the middle of it. That's pretty spectacular.
It also naturally teaches patience, curiosity and respect for the environment in a way that doesn’t feel forced. Children tend to remember these experiences for a very long time.
What are your first memories of safari as a child
So many honestly. From being on lodge sites with my father and learning how to make concrete blocks, to piling into the car with all my cousins and driving through Tarangire, watching the most incredible sunsets and being completely blown away by the giant elephants and even bigger baobab trees.
I also remember feeling very small in the best possible way and realising just how vast nature really is. There’s something about safari that gives you perspective very early on.
Do you have any top tips for parents travelling with their children
Probably not to over-plan too much. Safari has its own rhythm and children tend to respond really well to that when there’s space to slow down a bit.
And then practically, just knowing what you actually need to bring and what can already be provided makes a huge difference. We’re trying to make that part much easier for families so they can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time properly enjoying the experience together.
