Carla's Question:

We love to hike! Our 5 =- year-old can hike about five to six miles a day, and we carry our 2-year-old. We want to do some trekking in Africa or China. Are there opportunities to do this with small children? Many companies restrict participants to older children.

Carla Hillman
Bloomington, Minnesota

Alice's Answer:

	Alice Cary Alice introduced her oldest child, Will, to the outdoors at a very early age by climbing New Hampshire's Mt. Washington—in winter—while pregnant. And she and her family haven't stopped experiencing the joys of outdoor adventure, even with newborn twins. Meet Alice Answer Archive Family Forums

Indeed, such exciting family adventure trips do exist, and you can book them through GORPtravel.

We spoke with two of our tour operators about trekking in Africa and Asia, and it looks as though Africa may be your best bet.

Trekking in Asia
Our operator in Nepal said that although he doesn't know of any hiking trips in China that allow young children, his company offers trekking trips in Nepal and Bhutan with a minimum age of two. Sherpas are available to carry young children, but parents can also opt to carry their own kids.

Trekking and Wildlife Viewing in Africa
We also spoke to Alana Hayden of Born Free Safaris in Africa, who advised:"Born Free has done many family safaris. Going to Africa with children of any age can be a great family experience. We take into consideration children's ages, the parents' needs, and safety precautions, and then we combine them into a trip in which everyone can have a good time." Hayden notes that hiking families should realize that hiking and wildlife viewing are ideally two separate activities.

"Africa is a big continent with many opportunities to hike," she explains. "In South Africa, hiking can be done just the same as in the U.S. with many wonderful parks, mountains, and trails from which to choose

"However, if one wants to hike and see wildlife, it is important to consider some limitations. When you walk or hike in game areas, you cannot get very close to wildlife. Viewing is done at a distance. The reason game viewing in vehicles is so great is that you can approach the game at close range. The animals have been harmed by humans, not vehicles, thus they will get quite close to safari vehicles."

"So what is one to do if one wants to hike and see game? Our suggestion is do a specialized safari that combines traditional game viewing in vehicles with days of hiking to Masai villages, through parks with smaller game, and in areas with great scenery."

Good luck, Carla, whatever you choose — have a great trip!

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