The Rankin Family’s African Safari: A Journey That Changed Everything
For Marc and Deanna Rankin from Austin, Texas, Africa wasn’t just a destination—it was a transformation. With their two kids (ages 11 and 13 at the time), they embarked on a soul-stirring journey through Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, and the wilds of Kruger National Park.
Marc described it as, “a... life-changing experience as a family with our kids. It was like education and adventure all into one.”
For Deanna, the word that best captured it all was simpler but just as powerful: “Magical.”
Together, their reflections tell a story of awe, discovery, and connection.
“Pinch Me” Wildlife Moments
The Rankins’ safari was filled with moments straight out of National Geographic.
Marc vividly recalled: “The big king lion… was walking parallel to the jeep, and then it just turns and makes dead-on eye contact with you and then starts as it starts towards you.You feel safe because you are elevated and in the safari vehicle, but it is still an unreal feeling having a wild animal make eye contact with you and be so close to you and start towards you like that”
Deanna’s most nerve-wracking moment came later, during a sundowner stop: “That was the part where I was the most nervous,” she admitted, when a hyena began circling near their car. “I just had a feeling it was going to go straight for all of the food we had laid out to enjoy as the sunset, but it just kept circling and eventually until we were done and ready to leave”
Not all encounters were tense—some were pure fun. As they watched a leopard feast above while hyenas waited below, Deanna couldn’t help but laugh: “Enjoying the laugh,” she said, recognizing the scene as straight out of The Lion King.
What They Wish They Knew Before Packing
Like many first-time safari-goers, the Rankins underestimated Africa’s cold mornings and evenings.
Marc admitted: “I think I would have liked to have had... a better hiking shoe… We didn’t take any beanies. We had to buy some scarfs and beanies while we were there.”
Deanna agreed, laughing at their mistake: “You need a good beanie… Where did I think I was going? I guess I thought I was going to the an African desert with sun and heat not the Bush, as they call it.”
Their lesson? Layers, fleece, and windbreakers are essentials.
Unexpected Joys & Early Mornings
Both Marc and Deanna were surprised by how much they enjoyed safari’s rhythm.
Marc reflected: “I didn’t realize it was going to be a sunset and then an early morning… I really enjoyed it more than I thought I was going to.”
For Deanna, the highlight was watching their kids adapt: “Even for the kids to get up so early in the morning and then go... twice a day... most of the time somebody might not like that schedule, but I don’t think I was expecting them to enjoy it as much as they did.”
And when it came to sunsets, Marc described the Victoria Falls boat cruise as unforgettable: “I don’t think that I’ve ever seen so many different like shades of orange in a sunset.” Deanna simply called it “magical.”
Immersed in Culture
The Rankins also explored South Africa’s cultural heartbeat.
Deanna recalled visiting a chisyama—a barbecue where food is shared and eaten by hand: “I remember being down there going, ‘We are absolutely not stopping and eating here.’”
The experience left a strong impression: “That just kind of blew me away,” she said, realizing how different daily life could be beyond her Western expectations.
The family also bonded with their driver. “We stayed in contact with him afterwards and traded WhatsApp,” Marc noted, a reminder that safaris aren’t only about wildlife—they’re about people, too.
A Journey with Lasting Impact
For Marc, the trip revealed the importance of broadening horizons: “My family... we didn’t get to travel outside of the United States very much... sometimes not even outside of Texas.”
Deanna echoed the sentiment, reflecting on how the experience changed the way they saw the world: “If you don’t have the ability to travel and see different cultures... how can you have perspective on what’s going on just in your immediate community?”
Together, they agreed—travel isn’t just about new places. It’s about raising children with empathy, resilience, and a global mindset.
Why Africa with Kids is Life-Changing
The Rankin children were just 11 and 13 during their safari, and while some parents might worry about long flights, early mornings, or long days in the bush, both Marc and Deanna found it deeply rewarding.
Deanna put it best: “Most of the time somebody might not like that schedule, but I don’t think I was expecting them to enjoy it as much as they did.”
Marc agreed, adding: “That was just like a little taste. I think we are all looking forward to going back and seeing the Great Migration next time.”
Family safaris go far beyond wildlife. They offer kids an immersive classroom without walls:
- History made real: Visiting Soweto and Mandela’s prison offered lessons that no textbook could match.
- Wildlife as teachers: Lions, leopards, and hyenas revealed raw truths about survival and balance in nature.
- Resilience & wonder: Early mornings and late nights were met not with complaints, but with awe.
For the Rankins, the trip was about raising kids with perspective, empathy, and a sense of adventure.
Safari Travel Tips from the Rankins
Marc & Deanna’s Must-Haves for Family Safari Travel:
- ✅ A good windbreaker (and fleece)
- ✅ Warm beanie (don’t underestimate the cold)
- ✅ Gimbal or attachment for iPhone videos
- ✅ Break up long flights (they stopped in Switzerland)
- ✅ Travel with an open mind and heart
Looking Ahead
Would they return? Marc and Deanna summed it up: “Yeah, there’s so much more to explore… that was just like a little taste. We are already planning our next trip.”
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