music for a safari themed party

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The Playlist: Top 10 Songs to Play on an African Safari

• Ariana Ostrow
• No Comments

So now you’ve seen the Lion King in 3D and you want to go to Africa.

OK, maybe that’s just me but I’m sure pretty much everyone wants to go to the big-A for some reason or another, be it for a Safari through the Serengeti, a bit of lazy beach lounging in Cape Town or some white-man-guilt-volunteering in Malawi.

You might even have started planning your trip already by selecting the countries to visit, having all the flu-shots and studying the different types of Antelopes. But we all know that in order to really get into the rhythm for a big journey such as an African safari or a European roadtrip , there’s no better way to get into the rhythm of it than with a nice n’ juicy playlist . Lucky for you, It just so happens that we have bag full of genuinely African grooves and cheesy wannabe-African pop alike to sink your tune-teeth into. But fear not dear traveller, we promise you that our playlist is completely free of any cringeworthy 90’s new age world horror!

So whether you’ve already watching the stewardess demonstrating how to put on an oxygen mask on a flight to Kenya, or if you’re just dreaming of the African sun from a grey and rainy London (like me!), this is what GrooveTraveler suggests you listen to:

Jealousy – Tony Allen Now here we get down with some seriously groovy 70’s Afrobeats by the African drummer legend Tony Allen supported by Africa 70 and Fela Kuti. This tune has you wiggling in your seat (in a good way, not the I-need-to-pee-way) with it’s irresistible rhythm.

Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa – Vampire Weekend After Tony Allen this song by American Ivy league college kids might just sound wrong but think what you might of their adaptaion of Afrobeat, it’s a catchy little bugger and ever so cute and indie.

I Zimbra – Talking Heads  David Byrne of Talking heads and producer Brian Eno were really into African Music, you never would have guessed it! YouTube says that Gene Wilder was on the bongos. I’m perfectly willing to believe it.

Gentleman – Fela Kuti I got a fever, and the only prescription is more Afrobeat! This one’s a classic by the king of the genre, Fela Kuti and comes with some mean sax on top.

Heygana – Ali farka Touré A wailing desert blues to play in the Sahara when you’re parched, your head’s feeling hot, you’re seeing mirages and that lizard has started talking to you…

Sabali – Amadou & Mariam This song by the blind couple from Mali is perhaps not their most African in style, (probably due to the obvious influence of producer Damon Albarn) but it’s a favourite of mine and Pitchfork’s, so shut up!

Warm heart of Africa – The Very Best Not a far cry from our friends in Vampire Weekend but with a bit of Malawi and London in the mix. The song title is obviously perfect for our little playlist and the catchy tune will have you singing along in Chichewa (national language of Malawi) within seconds.

Synchro Feelings – King Sunny Adé and his african beats Wonderfully easy-going sun lounging music at it’s best. Just close your eyes and let the psychedelic guitar wash over you with the African breeze.

Africa – Toto You knew it was coming, the most 80’s, most cliché and the most epic of them all. Don’t fight it. Until you’ve touched the rains down in Africa you have sing along with vigour and punch the air with an overbite. Do it!

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27 Best Songs About The Jungle

No two songs about the jungle are the same; some incorporate animal sounds, while others are about metaphorical jungles rather than literal ones.

Some songs are playful, and others convey meaningful messages. All of them are fascinating in their own right. Here are some of the best songs about the jungle.

“Jungleland” by Bruce Springsteen

Song Year: 1975

Springsteen’s jungle is an atypical one. “Jungleland” is peopled not with animals, but with society’s misfits.

Even so, their names evoke the jungle. You half expect “Barefoot Girl” and “Magic Rat” to start swinging through the trees and slithering through tall grasses.

“Jungleland” has more nuance than that. It uses intricate orchestration and a compelling narrative to explore New Jersey’s Street life and the problems people living there face.

It’s a surprising song in more ways than one and incredibly moving.

“Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns ‘N Roses

Song Year: 1987

Guns ‘N Roses’ single “Welcome to the Jungle” is another song about the jungle that isn’t really about jungles.

When Axl Rose wrote it, he wanted to explore the darker side of Los Angeles. The city became a metaphorical jungle in the song and enabled Rose to explore how the search for fame and glamor goes amok for so many people.

 “Pools” by Glass Animals

Song Year: 2014

One of the most striking songs about the jungle is “Pools” by the Glass Animals. As the song starts, the band uses a variety of sounds and instruments to evoke animals waking up.

But it doesn’t stay somnambulant for long. “Pools” quickly picks up the pace, and the result is a piece with a vibrant and frenetic jungle sound.

“Jungle Love” by The Time

Song Year: 2001

This song about the jungle was one of the first songs produced by the short-lived band The Time.

It’s also one of their most popular pieces. “Jungle Love” was so successful that Prince, a former member of The Time, later used it as part of the soundtrack for the film Purple Rain .

Popular though “Jungle Love” was, it wasn’t subtle. It’s an unapologetic expression of carnal love. It’s a bit dangerous, a bit flirtatious, and full of jungle sounds that underscore the melody.

“The Lion Sleeps Tonight” by The Tokens

Song Year : 1961

‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight’ is one of the most successful and recognizable songs about the jungle ever recorded.

Regrettably, the song’s creator, Solomon Linda, did not enjoy any of the success. Linda recorded the song as “Mbube.” It was a traditional Zulu song and would have fallen into obscurity if folk collector Alan Lomax hadn’t discovered the song.

Lomax gave the song to Pete Seeger, who recorded it with The Weavers as “Wimoweh,” and that’s how most North Americans know it.

But Seeger wasn’t the only person to see the brilliance behind the music, and The Tokens version quickly outperformed others.

“Stranded in the Jungle” by The Cadets

Song Year: 1956

There are elements of the story told in “Stranded in the Jungle” that devotees of the hit TV show Lost will recognize. A plane crash strands a young man in a jungle. He then spends years trying to return to the woman he loves. She, meanwhile, has given him up for dead.

But the Cadets recorded “Stranded in the Jungle” back in 1956, long before Lost was on anyone’s horizon.

The song is deservedly well-remembered. It’s jazzy and catchy, and it only takes a minute for anyone to pick the melody up.

“Run Through the Jungle” by Creedence Clearwater

Song Year: 1970

Like other songs about the jungle on this list, Clearwater’s “Run Through the Jungle” opens with several sounds that immediately invoke a jungle atmosphere.

Because the song debuted in the 1970s alongside a plethora of anti-war songs, many people perceived the song as another of the musician’s protests against the Vietnam War.

But talking about “Run Through the Jungle” after the fact, songwriter John Fogerty clarified his song’s message. It wasn’t about Vietnam; It was about gun availability in America. 

“Jungle” by The Electric Light Orchestra

Song Year: 1977

The Electric Light Orchestra’s “Jungle” is another song about jungles that uses the jungle metaphorically.

In the song, the speaker becomes increasingly aware that animals have a better appreciation for the earth than man. Despite all our evolution, we still don’t grasp the joy or beauty at our fingertips. Worse still, the prospect of that beauty vanishing doesn't phase us.

“Concrete Jungle” by Bob Marley

Song Year: 1973

“Concrete Jungle” is another song about the jungle, but this one is famously open to interpretation.

Many listeners see the titular concrete jungle as a reference to Marley’s upbringing in a Jamaican ghetto. But others see it as even more metaphorical. They argue it represents the mental jungles we find ourselves in when we end up on a path that’s not right for us.

However, you interpret “Concrete Jungle” its an undeniably moving composition.

“Jungle” by The X Ambassadors and Jamie N Commons 

Song Year: 2015

“Jungle” is a cross-continental collaboration between the American rock band X Ambassadors and British rocker Jamie N Commons.

It combines a heavily percussive sound with softer humming and belting vocals. It’s an unlikely but effective mix. Discussing the song after the fact, one of the contributors admitted the “Jungle” of the title was more symbolic than literal.

They wanted to create an artistic sound that would resonate with listeners who hadn’t enjoyed privileged upbringings. 

The song also takes inspiration from the experiences of a partially-sighted band member’s struggles while living in New York.

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Roam Serengeti Safaris

20 Captivating Safari Songs for Your African Adventure

• June 20, 2023
• , Safari Resources

Safari songs

Embarking on an African safari is an exhilarating experience, where nature’s wonders and wildlife harmonize in perfect synergy. To enhance this incredible journey, we have curated a list of 20 sensational songs that capture the spirit of Africa. From timeless classics like Toto’s “Africa” to rhythmic Afrobeat melodies, these tunes will immerse you in the vibrant rhythm of the continent, transforming your safari into an unforgettable musical adventure .

“Africa” by Toto

Toto’s iconic track “Africa” is an anthem that perfectly encapsulates the mystique and allure of the African continent. It’s one of the most popular and familiar songs about Africa—and makes for an incredible experience should it start to rain during your adventure. For Americans, it stands atop our safari songs list.

“Soul Makossa” by Manu Dibango

Manu Dibango’s “Soul Makossa” is a legendary Afrobeat hit, known for its infectious rhythm and captivating energy.

“Yeke Yeke” by Mory Kanté

Mory Kanté’s “Yeke Yeke” is a captivating blend of traditional West African sounds and contemporary beats, guaranteed to get you moving.

“Sweet Mother” by Prince Nico Mbarga

Prince Nico Mbarga’s “Sweet Mother” is a timeless Nigerian highlife classic that celebrates the unconditional love of mothers.

“Pata Pata” by Miriam Makeba

Miriam Makeba’s “Pata Pata” is an uplifting Afro-pop song that will make you want to dance and sing along.

“Soweto Blues” by Miriam Makeba ft. Hugh Masekela

Miriam Makeba’s poignant collaboration with Hugh Masekela in “Soweto Blues” captures the struggles and resilience of the South African people.

“Zombie” by Fela Kuti

Fela Kuti ‘s “Zombie” is a powerful Afrobeat protest song that criticizes the military regime in Nigeria, showcasing Kuti’s musical activism.

“Sorcerer” by Fela Kuti

“Fela Kuti’s “Sorcerer” is a mesmerizing Afrobeat composition that showcases his unmatched talent as a musician and bandleader.

“Yègellé Tezeta” by Mulatu Astatke

Mulatu Astatke’s “Yègellé Tezeta” is a sublime Ethiopian jazz piece that effortlessly blends traditional melodies with modern influences.

“Love and Death” by Ebo Taylor

Ebo Taylor ‘s “Love and Death” is a soul-stirring Afrobeat gem that combines infectious grooves with poignant lyrics.

“Aye” by Davido

Davido’s “Aye” is a chart-topping Nigerian Afrobeats hit that exudes joy and celebration.

“Jerusalema” by Master KG ft. Nomcebo Zikode

“Jerusalema” by Master KG ft. Nomcebo Zikode is an infectious South African house song that became a global sensation.

“Waving Flag” by K’naan

K’naan’s “Waving Flag” is an inspiring anthem that celebrates unity and resilience, originally released for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

“Kuliko Jana” by Sauti Sol

Sauti Sol’s “Kuliko Jana” is a beautiful Swahili ballad that reflects on the importance of cherishing the present moment.

“Khona” by Mafikizolo ft. Uhuru

Mafikizolo’s “Khona” is an energetic South African Afro-house track that will make you want to dance to its infectious rhythm.

“Joromi” by Sir Victor Uwaifo

Sir Victor Uwaifo’s “Joromi” is a Nigerian highlife classic that showcases his unique blend of indigenous sounds and western influences.

“Nakupenda” by Ali Kiba ft. Christian Bella

Ali Kiba’s “Nakupenda” is a Swahili love song with a captivating melody that will serenade your soul.

“Sara” by Oumou Sangaré

Oumou Sangaré’s “Sara” is a powerful song that addresses social issues and showcases her mesmerizing vocals.

“Simi Yadech” by Amadou & Mariam

Amadou & Mariam’s “Simi Yadech” is a joyful Afro-pop tune that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Mali.

“Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” by Shakira

Shakira’s “Waka Waka” became an anthem for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, blending pop and African rhythms to create an uplifting song.

As you embark on your African safari adventure, these 20 captivating safari songs will serve as the perfect soundtrack, elevating your experience to new heights. From the iconic melodies of Toto’s “Africa” to the mesmerizing beats of Afrobeat legends like Fela Kuti and Mulatu Astatke, let the music of Africa transport you to a realm of wonder and excitement on your journey through the wild. Immerse yourself in the rhythmic tapestry of the continent and create unforgettable memories amidst nature’s symphony.

Ready to start planning your next safari adventure? Check out some of our most popular safaris that explore Tanzania’s incredible natural parks landscapes and the wildlife that inhabits them. 

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Go On a Wild Adventure with These Safari Theme Party Ideas

For a little explorer, there’s simply no better way to celebrate than a safari theme party. Whether you’re hosting a 1st birthday party or a birthday slumber party for tweens, it’s a theme that you can really bring to life with impressive decor, styling, and treats. 

If you’re ready to host one of the best safari or jungle theme party events of the year, we’re here to help. Get inspiration for your safari theme party with these decor, food, activity, and invitation ideas. 

10 Adventurous Safari Theme Party Ideas

Design: Noonday Design

You can really go wild with a safari theme party and transform your space into something magical. Here are some of our favorite safari theme party ideas for decor, activities, food, favors, and more. 

1. Make It a Costume Party

If you’re inviting lots of wild ones along to your safari theme party, this is a must-have. Take your birthday party idea to the next level by turning it into a costume party.

Ask your party animals to join you dressed up as their favorite zoo animal or safari creature. Keep it open and let them choose their own costume, or ask people to take an everyday T-shirt and customize it with animal prints or designs to show off their creativity. 

2. Host a Safari-Themed Sleepover Party

We love a sleepover or slumber party , and it feels like this is one of those themes that’s perfect for it. Celebrate an animal birthday or safari get-together by asking your guests to stay overnight and stay up late.

Transform your living space or bedroom into a safari camp with beautifully styled mini tents, or ask people to bring along a sleeping bag for a more rustic feel. Add some themed party decor like balloon garlands, strings of faux leaves, or animal cutouts to really enhance the experience. 

3. Go Wild with Animal Print

What better excuse than a safari theme party to go a little over the top with animal print birthday party decorations? There’s something fun about layering plenty of prints together to create a zany, unique take on the jungle party theme. 

Look for tableware, table covers, party plates, and more safari theme party supplies that heavily feature animal print. Keep it all to one type — like leopard print — or mix in some zebra or giraffe print for a more eclectic look. 

4. Transform Your Space into a Jungle

This idea takes a little more planning and plenty of safari party supplies, but it’s well worth it for a special birthday or occasion. 

Layer hanging backdrops filled with palm leaves or tree-themed fabric, and hang earth-toned balloons, cutouts, or decorations from your ceiling. Invest in some color-changing bulbs to add a cozy glow or create a sunset effect, and add natural textiles and animal decorations to complete the look. 

5. Fill Your Party Venue with Jungle Safari Animals 

When it comes to planning the ultimate safari theme party, you can’t go wrong with plenty of jungle animals. Whether you fill the space with them, or hide them around as a fun mini game for the kids, it’s a super fun way to bring the theme to life. 

Use animal cutouts to create an adorable photo booth area, or feature tiny toy jungle animals as part of a themed centerpiece or table decoration. How and where you display the animals is up to you, but it wouldn’t be a safari theme party without them.

6. Host a Jungle Obstacle Course

Design: Claudia Owen

If you’re looking for something to tire out your wild ones, a jungle-themed obstacle course is a wonderfully interactive idea. It’s an ideal activity for kids of all ages, and you can tailor it to your theme, group, or event type. 

You can create your own obstacle course using everyday objects like couch cushions or hula hoops, or invest in an inflatable obstacle course for a big milestone birthday celebration. However you choose to do it, this is a great way to use up some of that energy ahead of cake time.

7. Set Up a DIY Crafting Area

Create a space where younger guests can relax (and still be creative) with a crafting area. Set up a party table somewhere away from the noise and offer your guests fun ways to engage in themed crafts. Download printable animal coloring pages, or find the instructions and materials for a DIY safari craft for kids . It’s a sweet way to offer a place to calm down while still having plenty of fun.

8. Splash Out on a Safari Theme Birthday Cake

If you’re putting on a safari theme party for a birthday celebration, you’ll need a cake that fits the occasion. Whether you opt for an expertly baked masterpiece or a homemade treasure with an adorable cake topper, it’s sure to be one of the guests’ highlights. 

You can take a jungle theme cake in a variety of directions. Choose a simple sponge cake and add a personalized cake topper, or go minimal and stylish with a giant palm leaf design. Think about what the guest of honor would love to see as you all sing “happy birthday.”

9. Give Your Birthday Buffet a Safari Theme Twist

Buffets are great for a kids’ birthday party because people can pick their favorite snacks and treats without too much going to waste. It’s perfect for those picky little eaters who just want to fill a plate with cheese, crackers, or cocktail sausages. 

To liven up your birthday buffet, give your foods a safari twist. These monkey sandwiches are adorable, and this giraffe cake dessert board is a gorgeous way to get your guests enjoying lots of fresh fruit. For snacks, a jungle safari trail mix is easy to make and works great as a sleepover midnight treat. 

10. Create Themed Party Favor Bags

Your safari theme party is turning out to be epic, so you’ll want party favors that live up to the same hype as your main event. Luckily, you can put together goodie bags that match this theme quickly, easily, and affordably. 

Choose a favor bag or box with a safari theme or animal print design, then add in a few classic items like stickers, candy, and bubbles. For an extra treat, send your guests home with a safari animal cupcake or a personalized animal pencil or coloring set. 

Exciting Safari Theme Party Invites

Design: frau brandt (photo courtesy of Angela & Evan Photography)

This is one of those birthday party themes that absolutely needs an exciting party invite to match. Here are some of our most-loved online invitations for your themed get-together — whether it’s a jungle birthday party or safari baby shower party .

First Safari Invitation

Design: frau brandt

For all those little babies celebrating their first birthday, this First Safari invitation is a lovely way to mark the moment. The gorgeous, soft illustrations are ideal for this momentous occasion. 

Swing On By Invitation

Looking for something more contemporary? This Swing On By invitation is the perfect mix of modern and adorable, with a fun monkey illustration and modern typefaces. 

Calling All Party Animals Invitation

Design: Jessie Steury

For a safari theme party that blends cute with mischievous, this Calling All Party Animals invitation is an ideal match. We love the bold yet sweet illustrations on this design, which is great for an all-out costume party or an understated sleepover. 

Classic Cheetah Print Invitation

For a more sophisticated safari theme party, this Classic Cheetah Print invite is one of our top picks. The black and gold palette is ideal for an adult birthday party, or a teen who wants something a little more dramatic and contemporary than a cutesy jungle invitation. 

X Marks the Spot Invitation

Design: Shiny Penny Studio

Whether you’re hosting a slumber party or outdoor safari theme party, this X Marks the Spot invitation works perfectly. The watercolor background complements the sweet illustrations, and it says “safari” without being too over-the-top about the theme — leaving some mystery for your guests. 

Host a Spectacular Safari-Themed Birthday Party in Style

A safari theme party is one of the best ways to celebrate a special moment for adventurers of all ages. Whether you recreate a safari experience in your backyard or keep it simple with a more contemporary take on the theme, it’s a lovely way to get together and wish someone a very happy birthday. 

Once you’ve decided on your safari theme direction, look for an invite that’s just as creative. Explore our birthday invitation designs to choose a template, personalize it, and send it on its way to your excited party guests.

Wild Adventures Await: The Ultimate Safari Birthday Party Guide

• February 17, 2024

This website contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product using these links, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents Hide

Invitations: call of the wild, dress up: explorers’ gear, decor: into the jungle, activities: safari quests and discoveries, food & drink: jungle refreshments, safari birthday cake and cupcakes: a sweet treat, party favors: expedition keepsakes, a roaring goodbye, up next: soccer birthday party ideas.

Embark on a journey into the wild with a Safari birthday party , perfect for the little explorer in your life. This party theme offers a unique blend of adventure and education, allowing kids to discover the wonders of wildlife and nature.

In this Safari birthday party guide, we’ll take a walk on the wild side and show you how to organize an unforgettable safari expedition right in your backyard or living room!

Begin with invitations that evoke the excitement of a safari adventure. Use earth tones and animal prints, and include imagery of exotic animals and jungle foliage. Phrases like “Join Us for a Wild Time at [Child’s Name]’s Safari Birthday Expedition” set the tone for an adventurous day.

Invite guests to come dressed as explorers, or provide safari vests, hats, and binoculars to get everyone in character for the adventure ahead.

Transform your space into a lush jungle or savannah:

• Safari Base Camp : Set up a tent or create a canopy with green streamers to serve as the party’s base camp.
• Animal Prints and Greenery : Use tablecloths and balloons in zebra, leopard, and giraffe prints. Accent with lots of green plants or paper leaves to mimic the dense foliage of the jungle.
• DIY Jeep Photo Booth : Create a cardboard jeep for a fun photo op, complete with safari hats and binoculars as props.

Keep your little explorers engaged with safari-themed activities:

• Animal Scavenger Hunt : Hide animal figurines around the party area for kids to find using clues or a map.
• Safari Obstacle Course : Set up an obstacle course that simulates a jungle adventure, complete with vine swings (rope swings), quicksand (a pool of balls), and a river crossing.
• Wildlife Education : Invite a wildlife educator or use educational videos to teach kids about different animals they might encounter on a safari.

Serve up treats that are both delicious and in theme:

• Animal Sandwiches : Use animal-shaped cookie cutters for sandwiches, cookies, or fruit slices.
• Jungle Juice : Green punch or smoothies served in safari-themed cups or with animal straw toppers.
• Safari Snack Mix : A mix of dried fruits, nuts, and animal crackers to fuel the little explorers.

Create a centerpiece dessert that’s as wild as the party theme :

• Safari Animal Cake : Decorate a cake with fondant animals, edible grass, and a waterhole for a stunning safari scene.
• Jungle Cupcakes : Top cupcakes with animal print icing or small toy animals. Use green frosting to mimic grass or leaves.

Thank your little guests for joining the safari with themed party favors:

• Explorer Kits : Small bags containing a magnifying glass, a mini flashlight, and an animal fact book.
• Safari Survival Packs : Goodie bags with animal stickers, safari-themed pencils, and a compass.

Conclude the party with a group “animal call” contest or a storytelling session about a great safari adventure, allowing kids to use their imaginations to recount their own wild tales from the day.

A Safari birthday party is an extraordinary way to celebrate, filled with exploration, learning, and fun. This guide ensures that your little adventurer and their friends will have a roaring good time, creating memories that are as lasting as the wild itself. Here’s to a birthday celebration that’s truly an adventure of a lifetime!

For more birthday party theme ideas, decorations, party favors, and more, be sure to follow Modern Mommsie on Pinterest .

Plan the perfect Soccer Themed Birthday Party by following our step-by-step guide.

Post written by: Modern Mommsie

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Kids , Birthday

Go wild with these 15 safari theme party ideas

July 29, 2023

Does your little explorer spend all their time slashing through the dense jungle in the backyard with their pretend machete? Or maybe their room looks like a wildlife refuge with all their ferocious stuffed safari animals. If either of those descriptions sounds like your child, then we’ve got the perfect birthday party theme for you.

With a safari theme birthday party , your mini adventurer is guaranteed to have a ferociously good time while also showing off their love for nature. Keep reading for more safari theme party ideas than there are zebras on the savannah.

“ Giraffe Birthday ” by Rifle Paper Co. for Paperless Post; image via Pexels .

Table of Contents

Plan a journey to the wilderness… or to the backyard

You know that a safari theme birthday party would be perfect for your little animal lover—but what exactly does the party planning look like? There are a ton of exciting options to make this next birthday a special one, both at home or out in the wild. Here are some ideas to add a bit of adventure to your safari birthday party.

1. Visit a local zoo or wildlife center

Zookeepers actually make great party hosts, especially when they bring some of their furry (or scaled) friends for each guest to take a look at. Plus, they often have party rooms you can rent out where the explorers can enjoy safari snacks on-site.

2. Create a backyard safari

In many places, it’s possible to hire an exotic animal handler who will visit your home with their menagerie. Your little adventurer will never forget the birthday they hung out with a boa constrictor!

3. Plan a wild dress code

For your safari theme party idea, encourage guests to show up in animal masks, animal prints, or full-on costumes of their favorite beasts. 

Due to the *nature* of a safari theme birthday party, there’s a good chance that it includes some kind of outdoor element. But what if the weather isn’t cooperative? Hardy adventurers won’t let a little rain or snow stop them… but it might stop your birthday plans. Luckily, there are plenty of fun safari activities you can plan for indoors.

4. Put on a movie

There are so many fun animal movies to choose from. Might we suggest “Madagascar,” “The Lion King,” or “The Jungle Book”?

5. Play some games

Whether you’re playing Monkey in the Middle or Sleeping Lions , plan some fun kids’ birthday party games to have everyone feeling like a true party animal, indoors or out.

6. Create some safari crafts

With a few simple party supplies, you can set up a safari craft station where your young guests can make their own artistic safari animals.

Safari-themed party supplies are available at Paperless Post Party Shop .

Decorations for a wild safari party.

Whether you’re hosting at home or elsewhere, you’ll want the venue to give off serious jungle vibes for your safari-themed party. Seek out garlands and streamers that look like vines, and balloons in varying shades of greens and browns. Some other decoration options to consider include the following.

7. A fun garland to set the mood

Set the mood by inspiring guests to Party like an animal with this decorative garland , featuring an elephant wearing a party hat.

8. An animal-shaped pinata

Fill this cheeta party pinata from Paperless Post Party Shop with treats for the kids to enjoy.

9. Creature-shaped plates

From animal print plates to plates shaped like animals , themed plates help bring your safari theme to life.

10. Animal-inspired costumes

Get into the safari spirit with safari animal print party hats and lion masks .

11. Delightful safari-themed party favors

Thank your guests for a roarin’ good time by sending them home with safari print party bags filled with trinkets like temporary animal tattoos .

Feeding hungry safari explorers (aka partygoers)

Of course, a day spent exploring will leave your guests licking their chops and circling the birthday cake like it’s a water buffalo. So, what kind of food does one serve at a safari-themed birthday bash? Animals eat all kinds of things, but these explorers will probably have a taste for cakes and treats, above all else.

12. The birthday cake

Maybe it’s shaped like your child’s favorite jungle animal or decorated with a scene from the safari of their dreams. Also, some animal candles make the perfect topper. 

13. Cupcake decorating kit

For desserts that can double as an activity, have your guests decorate cupcakes with animal-themed toppers . 

14. Animal tail treats

We love this idea of decorating chocolate-covered pretzel rods to look like tiger tails!

15. Veggies… but shaped like a lion

For a healthy snack, you can make a safari-themed veggie tray by using a dip (like hummus or ranch) as a lion’s face and surrounding it with peppers and carrots to form a lion’s mane. 

Wording for an adventurous invite

Once you’ve picked out your favorite safari-themed invites , it’s time to invite your child’s fellow adventurers with the perfect birthday invitations . If you’re more of a Tarzan than a Jane and have trouble choosing the right words, consider the below examples for your kids’ birthday invitations to get those creative juices flowing. 

Welcome to the jungle!

Axl is turning FIVE

Saturday, April 2nd

The adventure begins at:

4 o’clock in the afternoon

Please RSVP

Or, if your safari theme party is taking place at a location other than your home, you might use the following wording on your safari invitation :

Calling all critters!

Join us at the John Hammond Zoo

Animal print attire is highly encouraged!

“ Wild One” Flyer by Paperless Post.

Have a roaring good time with paperless post.

If party planning has you feeling like you’re lost in the jungle, Paperless Post is here to make it a walk in the park. Not only is Paperless Post your one-stop destination for exotic invitations and party decorations , but our app—available on both iOS and Android—makes organizing your birthday safari even easier. You can send invitations and track RSVPs right from your phone, plus communicate directly with other parents about things like dietary restrictions for all those safari snacks. 

With Paperless Post, your adventurous safari theme party will have your guests howling for more. 

Looking for other kids’ birthday party themes? Try our articles detailing how to throw parties for mermaids , race car fans , and unicorn lovers .

Browse safari invitations

Hero image via Kara’s Party Ideas .

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• Birthday Secret’s out: 20 ideas for throwing a surprise birthday party
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Smart Party Planning

The Best Safari Party Ideas Everyone Will Love

Unisex Kids Parties

This post contains affiliate links. We may earn money from the products mentioned in this post, but this is at no cost to you

Head deep into the jungle with this collection of simple Safari party ideas. The kids will have a wild time with fun and playful party decoration.

There are plenty of ideas that are easy to incorporate with a little DIY planning. This is a great party theme for any little adventurer.

Related articles:

• How To Make An Easy But Awesome Monkey Birthday Cake
• The Ultimate Guide To Easy Party Ideas For Boys

A Safari party is perfect on so many levels. For a start it is great for not only birthday’s, but also baby showers and christenings.

It also works as a great party theme for both boys and girls. You could say in a way that it is the perfect party theme, one which all party guests will have a great time.

Everyone will certainly have the time of their life at a Safari party. With it’s striking decor, it’s adorable characters and it’s capacity for wild adventures, this is a party that everyone is going to love.

How Do I Decorate For A Safari Party?

Decorating for a safari theme party is going to be a LOT of fun. There are a lot of safari party supplies that can be purchased, as well as using other items found in the dollar store.

Whilst there are some specific party ideas further down the post with decorating ideas, the simplest way to decorate the party space is to stick to the earthy colors. Think of brown, green, yellow, orange and white as a good starting point and it’s easy to build from there.

It is a good idea to create a party backdrop . This can easily be achieved using budget friendly plastic tablecloth’s in your chosen party colors.

Next create some tissue paper garlands to hang around the area and suddenly you already have the perfect jungle feel. Make some vines by twisting together brown craft paper. Add vine and palm leaves to them for extra effect.

If you have any stuffed safari animals, use them as decoration props. It is also a great idea to look out for them at second hand shops.

Add some animal cutouts, animal print balloons and even some inflatable animals for some extra wild touches to the jungle theme party.

Real Safari Party Ideas

Use these real Safari parties to give you an idea of how to put the party together. Each of these parties takes a slightly different spin on the Safari theme.

The great thing about a themed party is that no two parties are exactly the same!

Typical Jungle Safari Party

Source: A Pumpkin and A Princess

This jungle Safari party is simply amazing. The party decor, the earthy color scheme, the funky cake and the simple yet delicious table display. It all works together perfectly.

The hanging rosettes are totally gorgeous and look awesome set back against the striking green leaves.

Cheetah Party

Source: A Small Snippett .

Another great way to hold a Safari party is to focus on one aspect of Safari. In this instance it’s the cheetah.

The cheetah print everywhere looks awesome. It’s even included on the ties on the chairs. Having the cheetah print as the focal point ensures that everything blends together perfectly.

Madagascar Safari Party

Source: Love Every Detail

For some amazing Safari party ideas, you can’t go past Madagascar. This is certainly a party that is deep in Safari.

The cupcake toppers are sensational and even the ‘dirt’ cups look delicious. Everything is matched perfectly with printable’s and the colors are bold and striking.

Venturing up to this party table, you are literally walking into the jungle.

Baby Shower Safari Party

Source: Stix N Pops

A Safari party makes a gorgeous theme for a baby shower.

The cupcake tower with the cake on top is stunning and creates a fantastic table feature. The baby curled up on top of the cake is just adorable.

This is a fun and cheeky party, and would certainly be a lot of fun for a mum to be.

Pastel Safari Party

Source: Grey Grey Designs .

Pastel decoration might not instantly be the decor that comes to mind when you think of a Safari party, but this example goes to show that it can be done.

Everything looks like you would see it in a nursery, the baby spin on the party is simply delightful. The cupcake display has to be my favorite part of the table display.

Safari Party Food Ideas

There are so many fun themed treats that you can make for a Safari party.

Creating theme food adds to the fun and helps to create the jungle atmosphere. For simplicity, stick to finger foods.

Some easy Safari food ideas include:

• Delicious and also fun monkey pops . This is an easy recipe and the monkey heads are available as a free printable.
• Kids love jello and this is so easy to have available at the party. Stick to jello in safari colors where possible.
• Have a fruit station. Fruit will always be found on safari, so this is a great excuse to get some healthy food into the kids.
• It would also be fun to use some vegetables and turn them into animal faces. For example, use carrot sticks to create a lion’s face with drip bowls for eyes, cauliflower for the nose and slices of mushrooms for the mouth. Or perhaps slice a cucumber and lay it out as a snake.
• Obtain an animal cookie cutter of choice for some fun cookies

Fun Safari Games & Activites

To throw the most awesome Safari party, it’s important to have some games. Examples include:

• A spin on Simon Says. Instead of saying Simon says, you could say, “The jungle says to swing your arms like an elephant”.
• Safari animal scavenger hunt.
• Sleeping lions. Play some music and when the music stops, the kids fall to the ground and lay as still as they can.
• Jungle Animal Charades
• Pin the tail on a (Safari animal of choice)
• Have someone available for face painting an assortment of jungle animal face masks.
• Create a craft table where the kids can color in jungle animal masks.
• Make a pair of binoculars by taping two toilet rolls together and fixing some string to the ends so they can hang around the children’s necks.
• Create a photo booth with safari props and animal party hats.

Safari-Themed Birthday Party Favors

Kid love to explore their goodie bags end the end of a party. There are lots of party favors that you could include that match the theme of the party such as:

• Plastic little animals
• Animal stickers
• Tiger tails
• Animal tattoos
• Animal eye masks

A Safari party is a whole lot of fun for the entire family. The kids might like to dress up in their favorite Safari animal costume or as a Safari explorer to really feel like they are entering the jungle together.

With the striking party decor and some fun themed food and games, this party is going to be a roaring success.

Need some ideas for a different theme? Check out more  party ideas  for a ton of inspiration with different themes, games and more.

Let’s keep in touch. Did you love these safari party ideas? Sign up to the weekly newsletter to be kept up to date with other easy party ideas, decorations and recipes. You will also have access to the library of free printables. See you there!

About Catherine Holt

Catherine Holt is the founder of Smart Party Planning . She is a stay at home mum with a passion for celebrating life’s little moments, with creative yet budget friendly ideas. Catherine often has a camera in hand capturing everyday events and is a self obsessed chocoholic! She loves connecting with other mum's on the blog and sharing party planning tips and tricks. Get all the answers to every aspect of party planning with her eBook today! If you want to hold a party with that ‘wow’ factor and have it tailored to the person you’re holding it for then this eBook is for you. Let Catherine take the stress and headache out of organizing your next party or event.

Connect with her on Twitter , Facebook , and Pinterest .

August 9, 2014 at 4:17 pm

I may never go to a safari party, but I sure enjoyed all these options! Thanks for coming and linking up at The Weekend Social. All posts get pinned in our pinterest board! Please be sure to come back next week starting Thursdays at 9PM EST on culinaryflavors.gr ! I hope to see you there!

August 9, 2014 at 8:29 pm

Thanks Katerina. They look so much fun don’t they! You never know, there could always be an excuse for a safari party 🙂

August 10, 2014 at 7:53 am

So cute! Thanks for linking up with The Caffeinated Crafters this week!

August 10, 2014 at 8:56 pm

Thanks April, glad you could stop by 😉

August 12, 2014 at 10:26 am

Awesome round up of Safari Parties! Thanks for sharing them at the Teach Me Tuesday Linky Party:) Hope you can join us again starting tonight!

August 12, 2014 at 7:17 pm

Thanks Adrian. I love the round up posts and seeing what other bloggers are creating 🙂

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Safari Themed 1st Birthday Party

Wow, it is just incredible how fast a year goes by. One year ago I was home with a newborn, and now my “baby” is a one-year old toddler! We celebrated my little one’s big “1” with a safari-themed 1st birthday party since Grayson enjoys the Evenflo Triple Fun Jungle Exersaucer so much. The party turned out well, so I wanted to share some of the safari-themed party decorations and inspiration here for you in case you ever want to throw a safari 1st birthday party.

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. This does not cost you anything additional, and helps me to keep the rest of my content free, so thank you!

Safari-Themed 1st Birthday STationery

I am fortunate to have a very talented friend who creates and sells custom stationery. Just like with Grayson’s birth announcements , I wanted something unique and customized based on the party’s inspiration, so I contacted The Cheshire Kat Designs to create a cohesive stationery theme for the event. Here is what we came up with.

Safari-Themed Invitation:

Safari Banner:

Safari Door Signage:

Safari Food Signage:

Safari Favor Bag Labels:

safari-Themed 1st birthday Décor

For me, the easiest way to do a safari-themed party and save on décor was to do the party outside in a spot with trees and greenery. Luckily I live in Los Angeles, and was fortunate to have a nice, 80 degree, rain-free day in December to work with. The courtyard of our building was nicely surrounded with shrubbery and palm trees, which made for the perfect safari setting.

Safari Centerpieces:

For table centerpieces, I used a combination of mylar palm tree centerpieces found on eBay, as well as bunches of bananas.

Safari Balloons:

Safari themed birthday party balloons from Amazon

Safari 1st birthday party Tablecloths, Plates, Cups, Napkins, and Utensils

I was able to purchase a lot of my basic safari-themed party décor from the eBay store Sweet Creations Parties. The seller had a huge stock of party basics in a wide variety of themes and colors. They also shipped quickly, were mindful of our party dates, and gave me a nice combined shipping discount. Unfortunately, the store is no longer available, but I will provide the most comparable items I can find on Amazon. I went with lime green table covers , chocolate brown napkins and cups , and lime green plastic cutlery .

The plates I actually got from a different retailer, because I was set on finding a classier (non-cheesy) animal-print plate. This is what I found:

Unfortunately, I can no longer find these exact plates either, but here are some round leopard print plates from Amazon . If you find safari-themed party plates that are more similar to the ones in the picture, let me know in the comments!

Safari Leaf Serving Dishes:

Inflatable Safari Animals:

Safari-Themed 1st birthday Party Favors

Since this was the first children’s party I have ever planned, I had fun choosing the favors. There are SO many choices on things to get for jungle-themed party favors and supplies, and at very competitive prices. Here is what made up each bag:

Animal Print Gift Bags:

Safari Animal Lollipops:

Safari-Themed Stationery Set:

Safari Animal Plush:

Safari-Themed party Food and Beverage ideas

Animal crackers:.

For little snacks and an additional favor, I had a tower of animal cracker boxes on display.

Swamp Juice:

I used lemon-lime Hawaiian Punch, but you can also use Green Gatorade, which I put in a drink dispenser like this one from Amazon .

Sandwiches (or “safari subs”):

I got four 3-foot sandwiches from Subway, as they are budget friendly, can feed a lot of people, and hey, people like Subway. I named them “Safari Subs” to keep with the theme.

Safari-Themed Starters and Sides:

I hit up good ol’ Costco for these. For an appetizer, I went with taquitos, and named them “Bamboo Shoots.” The side dishes were a pasta salad and a Mexican Caesar Salad that I nicknamed “Amazon Salad.” I served them in the palm leaf serving platters pictured above.

Safari Animal Cupcakes:

I decided to take on the task of actually making and decorating my own safari-themed animal cupcakes to save money on getting custom-designed cupcakes. While this did save money, it was pretty time-consuming making and decorating these in bulk. I got the design instructions from Betty Crocker , where they even have a helpful video tutorial for them. Then, I trayed them up with some fake grass purchased from a craft store (you can get trays like these and fake grass from Amazon).

other safari 1st birthday ideas

Safari animal tracks:.

I thought it would be a fun touch to have different jungle animal tracks leading from the elevator to the party entrance. I cut these out of construction paper.

Zebra Piñata:

The party activity (besides food, eating cupcakes and opening gifts) was a piñata. I was fortunate to be able to find a GIANT piñata in downtown LA at the Alameda/8th area for only $15.00. That’s right, this massive zebra only cost $15.00! They had other large piñatas too, but we decided on a zebra for our safari-themed 1st birthday.

Animal Print Wrapping Paper:

As an added details, we decided to wrap our gifts to Grayson in animal print paper. I was able to purchase some in a few different patterns from eBay store Sweet Creations Parties, which is unfortunately no longer active. They looked great as a starter to our gift table (which also had a lime green cover). I did find some animal-print wrapping paper on Amazon, as well as a lime green table cover if you still want to recreate these looks.

Safari birthday Playlist:

A safari-themed 1st birthday party needs a safari-themed playlist! Here is the one I put together, downloading all the mp3’s from Amazon (that sure takes me back). However, these days, there are plenty of places that you can stream these songs from.

• Tarzan Boy (Baltimora)
• Trashin’ The Camp (Phil Collins, from the album Tarzan)
• Run Through The Jungle (Creedence Clearwater Revival)
• Jungle Party (Funky Monkeys)
• Deep in the Jungle (Joe Scruggs)
• Rockin’ In The Jungle (The Eternals)
• Jungle King (Hot Lips Page)
• Jungle Boogie (Kool & The Gang)
• The Lion Sleeps Tonight (Wimoweh) (The Tokens)
• Bungle In The Jungle (Jethro Tull)
• Monkey Man (The Rolling Stones)
• Jungle Love (Steve Miller)
• Concrete Jungle (Bob Marley)
• Wild Thing (The Troggs)
• Born To Be Wild (Steppenwolf)
• Theme From The Monkees (The Monkees)
• The Bare Necessities (Bruce Reitherman, from the album The Jungle Book)
• I Wan’na Be Like You (The Monkey Song) (Phil Harris, from the album The Jungle Book)
• Circle Of Life (Lebo M., from the album The Lion King)
• I Just Can’t Wait To Be King (Jason Weaver, from the album The Lion King)
• Hakuna Matata (Ernie Sabella, from the album The Lion King)
• Can You Feel The Love Tonight (Elton John, from the album The Lion King)
• George of the Jungle (The TV Theme Players)
• Welcome To The Jungle (Guns N’ Roses)
• Colonel Hathi’s March (The Elephant Song) (Disney Studio Chorus, from the album The Jungle Book)

More kid’s birthday party themes:

• Anime-Themed Birthday Party
• Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania At-Home Watch Party
• Bendy and the Ink Machine-Themed Birthday Party
• Classic Nintendo Birthday Party (Mario Bros., Zelda, Kirby and More)
• Clifford the Big Red Dog Birthday Party
• Construction-Themed Birthday Party
• Despicable Me / Minion Birthday Party
• Dinosaur-Themed Birthday Party
• Disney Cars Birthday Party
• DIY Escape Room Kid’s Birthday Party (with lots of escape room puzzle ideas)
• Dungeons and Dragons Birthday Party
• Emoji-Themed Birthday Party
• Kid’s Ice Cream Social Birthday Party
• Safari Themed 1st Birthday Party
• LEGO Movie-Themed Birthday Party
• Minecraft-Themed Birthday Party
• PAW Patrol Party Ideas
• Pokémon-Themed Birthday Party
• Power Rangers-Themed Birthday Party
• Rock and Roll Birthday Party
• Silent Disco Party (Fun 13th Birthday Party Theme)
• The Legend of Korra and Avatar: The Last Airbender Party
• Thomas the Train Birthday Party (with Free Thomas and Friends Birthday Printables)
• Tiger-Themed Birthday Party Planning Ideas

Anonymous says

August 18, 2012 at 2:38 am

Great ideas!! Loved your post!!

Alva Phillips says

April 13, 2013 at 4:57 am

Those decors looks so cute,,, I’m just wondering where’d you get those ideas…

Love ALva@ Sign Maker

ramonaruby says

April 16, 2013 at 1:21 am

@Alva – lots of online research!

[…] were ice water and “swamp juice” (Green Gatorade… I coped something I did for Grayson’s jungle-themed first birthday party). For the favor bags, to continue with our color scheme, we used these paper lunch bags from […]

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Safari Party , Birthdays

Get wild safari theme party.

We had a wild time at my kid’s combined birthday party. With a Safari theme party and an amazing animal show, the kids had a blast. And you can share in the fun because all the resources for this safari party are listed at the bottom.

Scroll down for tons of DIY safari decor and party ideas!

Easy Safari themed party decorations

Some stacked hula skirts from the dollar store worked fantastic for this safari backdrop.You could also stack these raffia table fringe skirts

I also got some animal print fabrics and draped it in front, some animal print lanterns and bandanas .

A big piece of zebra pattern burlap found at my local fabric store was perfect as a tablecloth.

I used all the printables from my Animal Safari printable set to make several banners.

These easy printable animal print lanterns with raffia fringes make for a quick and fun safari decoration.

I loved these animal print balloons so much I placed them all around. The kids had so much fun bringing them home too.

Here I tried to unsuccessfully hide the air conditioning unit with those balloons… hum … that’s when I wish I had invested in a screen.

I used a bunch of stuffed animals all over the tables. It’s amazing how many stuffed animals a kid can accumulate over the years!

I found these cool dessert plates, napkins and cups that so perfectly matched the theme HERE .

Safari themed party treats

Coming up with safari themed foods was a bit tough but then I stumbled on these fantastic hippos from Kinder ! A slam dunk!

We also had twigs (pretzels), wild tails (grape and strawberry skewers), cheetah puffs (cheese puffs) and of course animal crackers served with popcorn in individual treat boxes, as well as wrapped chocolate minis.

I renamed the lemonade Sahara Spring, wrapped the water bottles, and offered some more mature refreshments for the parents staying over in a cooler tagged “survival gear” 🙂

This year I saved a little money by making my own cake. I pouring over the internet for ways to make animal prints on frosting and was very pleased with the results. I explained how I made it in How to make and animal print safari cake .

I also crafted the festive cake topper by cutting small triangles out of the full sheets of the animal print pattern. I used the 2″ cupcake toppers to add the ages of the girls.

The entertainment

This year I bought the craft instead of making it. These How to make and animal print cake from Oriental Trading fit the bill nicely.

The main event was the animal show from Reptacular Animals . If you live in the Los Angeles area I would highly recommend them. They were wonderful! We had 15 mixed animals from snakes to chinchillas to scorpions. We moved some outdoor furniture in the shade of a tree and draped a canvas on the ground for the kids to sit on.

After sitting for the animal show, it was time for the kids to get some wiggles out and hit this giant giraffe piñata!

If you are lucky enough to live near a Mexican party store, most will make whatever shape piñata you’d like. They’re always over sized and cheaper than any small piñatas found at chain party stores.

Well-fed (sugared up), educated, and exhausted, the kids left the party with one of these adorable stuffed animals . What fantastic memories!

Pin for later:

Safari Printables from Press Print Party!

Homemade zebra and Leopard cake

Animal Show from Reptacular Animals

Balloons and Kinder Hippos from Amazon

Plates and cups from Discount Party Supplies

Crafts and party favors from Oriental Trading

Piñata from your local Mexican party store.

2 thoughts on “ Get Wild Safari Theme Party ”

Pingback: How to Make an Animal Print Safari Cake - Zebra Cake

Nat.. Your creative juices are going ” wild”. Every detail is amazing. So much fun to watch your business grow and your adorable ladies are so blessed to benefit from your talent. Love, Aunt CAB

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Ultimate Safari Playlist & Travel Reads Chosen by Safari Veterans

An African Safari is an adventure of a lifetime, something that will leave a lasting imprint on your memory for years to come. It’s full of big moments and big game. However your time in the bush is subtly speckled with little things, the things that put the ‘ah’ in Safari. These seemingly trivial things, like the fluffy white bathrobe, the warm face towel after a long game drive, the perfectly mixed cocktail and the ultimate safari playlist, all add immense value to your overall experience.One of these little things which seem to go unnoticed and undervalued is the many quiet, reflective moments and the much-needed downtime the bush offers you to rejuvenate and get in touch with yourself and your surroundings. This time is as much as a gift as seeing a sleeping lion or a herd of wildebeest; it's a significant part of what makes a safari so magical. These moments are enhanced, with just a ‘little’ effort to add more value and appreciation to your experience, with something as simple as a good book or a great playlist, all which help encapsulate the real tranquillity of the wild. To ensure that all things both big and small come together glitch free and with ease, we have put together a list from travel experts around the world on their favorite book and song that have added that extra little bit of love on their last Safari adventure. So when you are planning your next African safari , you can add your own little ‘ah’ moments to your journey.Here is the ultimate safari playlist and must-read books curated by travelers, tour operators and safari experts from around the world. These little things will embed themselves in your journey adding insight, value and all the necessary feels. Let the experts guide you and let us know what put the ‘ah’ in your safari adventure.

Ultimate Safari Playlist: Paul Johnson, England

“For reading on safari, I'd recommend "Born Free" - it's a real story and, despite being first published over 50 years ago, still a great read for anyone with a love of wildlife. Music-wise, what could be better than The Lion King’s 'The Circle of Life'”

Ultimate Safari Playlist: Damon M Banks , Award Winning Freelance Travel Writer, Washington D.C

“I will keep it simple. For a safari, I always go back to listening to the “Out of Africa” soundtrack – the book and soundtrack are great to have along to fill those peaceful evenings of a safari.

Ultimate Safari Playlist: Sean and Sabine, Cape Town

“When going on an African safari, I would recommend taking any book from Tony Park . He is an Australian author but, all of his books are set in Africa, and while on safari you will come across many places he has written about. His stories will take you from the Skeleton Coast in Namibia, Kruger National Park in South Africa, Masai Mara in Kenya to the white beaches of Zanzibar and all written with beautiful details. If I have to choose one of the many books he has written it will be “The Hunter”. This book takes me back to the Kruger National Park , Zimbabwe and the Victoria Falls which are some of my favorite places where I have traveled while on safari in Africa.

“My all-time favorite song to listen to when on a safari in Africa is ‘Hotel California’ from The Eagles. This song brings back great memories from my travels through Africa. This song, in particular, is great to listen to when driving on the beautiful desert roads of Namibia when the sun is slowly going down behind the far horizon.

Another great song is an all-time classic ‘Africa’ from Toto . The lyrics of the song describes what one feels when on a safari in Africa. An unforgettable experience which will want to make everyone come back to Africa for more.”

Ultimate Safari Playlist: Dave and Debs, Toronto

“Here's a travel book many people wouldn't think of, but we loved it."Neil Peart's Masked Rider" - Neil Peart is one of the greatest drummers of all time. He's been on every list as the best in the business and is a part of the mega rock band, Rush. But did you know Neil Peart is also an avid cyclist? He rode his bicycle through West Africa and this an excellent account of his experience.“Travel Song: Toto's "Africa". I've loved this song since it came out in the 80's and once I started traveling I loved it more because I actually understood the lyrics! That song came out when I was ten years old, but I loved it then. But I never knew what the Serengeti was, and Kilimanjaro was a mystical place I had only heard about from my mom. Once I traveled, I could relate to the dogs howling in the night and the rains of Africa. Toto's Africa makes me dream of going back.”

Ultimate Safari Playlist: Craig Glatthaar, Wilderness Safari, Cape Town

“For me, my must have read on safari for leisure is: “Whatever You Do, Don’t Run – True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide ” by Peter Allison. It’s a wonderfully written original account of a great guides misadventures in the wilds of Botswana .

“For an insider's understanding of animals in Africa, you can’t go wrong with “Beat About the Bush by Trevor Carnaby”. This book is a wonderful field guide (often used as the material for guide training programs) that makes the rather complex academic study of mammals and birds something easy for the layman to understand.“My favorite song while on safari would have to be Johnny Clegg’s – “Spirit of the Great Heart” . It’s difficult to describe what is fantastic about Africa and invariably these efforts resort to clichés about blue skies, open plains, and bushveld. This song captures the spirit and greatness of this amazing continent and the joy of being in nature.”

Ultimate Safari Playlist: Sara Essop, Safari Addict, Johannesburg

“I don't usually listen to music while on safari because I prefer listening to the sounds and sometimes the silence, of the bush, but if I had to choose a song to listen to, I would go with Shakira's Waka Waka (This Time For Africa) . The energy and rhythm of the song make me feel alive and happy to be in Africa and especially the African bush.

“As far as books go, my number one choice would be 101 Kruger Tales, a compilation of exhilarating real-life safari accounts of sightings, and encounters that took place in the world-renowned Kruger National Park . Reading these short, easy to read tales reminds me how wonderfully unpredictable the bush is. It gives me serious bush cravings when I’m not in the bush and enhances my experiences when I am there.”

Ultimate Safari Playlist: Cory Lee, Curb Free With Cory Lee, USA

“When I went on safari in South Africa, I listened to "Circle of Life" from The Lion King. I know it's very cliche, but as a 90s kid that grew up watching The Lion King, it was surreal to be on safari while listening to that song.

"A book that I'd recommend reading, especially if you're going to South Africa, is "Born a Crime" by Trevor Noah. It's one of my favorite books ever and is about Trevor's experience growing up in South Africa . It's funny, sad, and gave me a new perspective on the people of South Africa. “

Ultimate Safari Playlist: Megan Peta, Cape Town

Whenever I go on safari, I make a playlist with all animal names like The Beatles , The Turtles, The Monkeys or songs like PHFat's Animals, because, "we love animals"!

“My favorite book to take along is something with short stories. Whether it's Fairlady magazine or Reader's Digest collection, Roald Dahl's 'Going Solo', I like being able to stop and start without being too interrupted. Short stories allow you to read a full story and not have to worry about losing track of where you are; makes holiday reading much easier.”

Ultimate Safari Playlist: Dawn Jorgensen, The Incidental Tourist, Cape Town

“Safaris are all about engaging the senses as we absorb the beauty of nature and all that time in the bush offers. Searching for the game, listening out for the call of the fish eagle and breathing in the dizzy smells of Africa as your 4x4 vehicle takes to the open road in search of elephants and lion.“To further enhance my safari experience, depending on where they are, I’m in the habit of reading a book that is related to the area that I am visiting. Gorillas in the Mist before my Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Out of Africa when in Kenya , and the Elephant Whisper in KwaZulu Natal , as they offer even more understanding of the area that I’m lucky enough to be visiting. As for music, Toto’s Africa always evokes raw pride and emotion.”

Ultimate Safari Playlist: Jerome Shaw, Travel Boldly, Colorado

“Graham Greene's "Journey Without Maps" would be an excellent book companion on my safari. As would Joy Adamson's book "Born Free”.“The theme music to "Out of Africa" by John Barry is almost mandatory for any trip to Africa. Another obvious choice is "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" by Tokens. It is better known as "Wimoweh". A bit more obscure is "The Click Song" or Qongqothwane performed here by Miriam Makeba.”

Ultimate Safari Playlist: Carrie Hampton, Safari Tart, Cape Town

"Africa House" – by Christina Lamb. A fascinating true story of how an English Gentleman built a huge mansion and a whole village with a school in the middle of Zambia in the 1920’s. I have visited and was astounded by this Tuscan-style estate with formal rose gardens by a lake infested with crocodiles. It has the finest natural hot springs as well."The Seed Thief by Jacqui L’Ange" – a novel by a South African journalist; a story crossing continents from Cape Town to Brazil of rare seeds that could cure cancer.“Road Tripping South Africa by Map Studio – with a chapter by me called ‘Ultimate Safari’: starting in KZN, traveling through Swaziland and onto Kruger having safari experiences all along the route.”Songs:

• Out of Africa theme song – John Barry (I love that movie!)
• Scatterlings of Africa – Johnny Clegg
• Pata Pata - Miriam Makeba
• Jabulani – PJ Powers
• Knocking on Heaven’s Door – Bob Dylan
• Ride like the Wind – Christopher Cross (this just makes me feel free)
• I Wanna be like You – Jungle Book (especially good for watching baboons)
• Morning Has Broken – Cat Stevens

Ultimate Safari Playlist: Tami and Anton, TAZZDiscovers, Cape Town

“After our 11-week road trip around South Africa , we have found a way to create the perfect playlist for your soundtrack to a family adventure. Traveling with kids can make you feel like you are losing your mind so, finding audiobooks and CDs takes a lot of thought and planning. Since we were short on space and relatively old-fashioned when it came to the CD vs. MP3 set up, we grabbed an 80 sleeve CD file and filled it with everything we could think of. Half our selection never saw the light of day, but others became favorites very quickly.“Books: The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, The Lion King, The Chronicles of Narnia, Peter Pan and other Disney favorites.“CDs:Mango Groove, Johnny Clegg, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Pentatonix, The Cats Musical soundtrack, Pitch Perfect soundtrack mixed in with sing-along radio hits to keep everyone's spirits ups.

“Your selection will depend on the stage of your life, and you need to take the time to find what works for you.”There are so many options so many beautiful variations, for your 'ah' moments the possibilities are endless. Pick what's going to best suit the stage of your life, the space that you're in and how you best wish to encapsulate and translate all that you're feeling and experiencing. There is no right or wrong. Those little ‘ah’ moments are yours for the making. Let us know how you decided to fashioned yours.

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40 Wild Ideas for a Safari-Themed Party

Hey you party animal! Whether you’re planning baby’s first birthday party or an elegant safari-themed wedding, nothing is more fun than animals in party hats and a healthy dose of leopard print . From tiger-striped cupcakes to fancy three-tiered cakes topped with golden lions, we can’t get enough. If you’re feeling the call of the wild, check out these gorgeous and whimsical safari parties to get inspired. Then, go bananas.

1. Wild Animal Party : Line the party table with an animal parade! Just because it’s a safari party doesn’t mean the color palette has to be brown! (via 6th Street Design )

2. Zebra Notes : Technically these are Valentines, but we love the idea of giving out these little cards as invitations. Just tie a little animal onto each card for a fun pre-party favor. (via Sarah M Style )

3. Animal Print Photo Booth : Our very own Creative Director Anj has a particular obsession with animal print, and created a totally wild photo booth for her 30th. (via Anjelika Temple on Flickr )

4. Leopard Print Cake : For a more refined safari theme, paint a white cake with yellow leopard spots and decorate the table with lots of greenery and natural fibers. (via Wedding Chicks )

5. Animal Party : Not only are we loving the animals on the table, the colorful stools are adorable! With a red and white color palette, the safari animals take on an almost circus theme. (via Ikea )

6. Tiger Cupcakes : Meow! These tiger striped cupcakes are actually super easy to make but the effect is amazing! Top them with white frosting and a mini toy tiger for extra wow. (via Amy Atlas )

7. Palm Tree Table Settings : For an adult safari, stick with golds, rich browns and amber. Just the simple touch of a mini palm leaf on each plate adds just the right amount of color. (via The Wedding Chicks )

8. Red and Blue Safari : Even though this is a kids’ party, the simple color palette feels very grown up. (via Ikea )

9. Wild Cake Pop : How cute are these animal print cake pops ?! Get the affect by dripping chocolate horizontally for the zebra stripes or by painting little half circles for the leopard print. (via Popsugar )

10. Zebra Stationery ($18): Send out invitations to your chic safari party using these very glam zebra stripe stationery. Never ones to settle for black and white, we love the pink and blue options.

11. Interactive Wall Decal : Even without the zebra, taping balloons to the wall with zebra washi tape is really cool party decor. (via Catch My Party )

12. Wild Animal Drink Stirrers ($17): If you’re going to be cocktailing , you absolutely must have these golden zoo animal stirrers.

13. Leopard Balloons : This is what your party needs — gold and orange animal print balloons . (via Project Nursery )

14. Wrapped Drinks : Wrap mason jars in burlap and zebra-print ribbon for a classy touch of safari fun. Bonus points for putting them all in a bamboo tray. (via Kara’s Party Ideas )

15. Put a Mask on It : What a cute idea to put an animal mask on each guest’s chair! Not only does it make awesome decor, they can take them home as party favors. (via Celebration At Home )

16. Printed Sunglass Favors ($7): Kids and adults alike will have fun with these neon print sunglasses! Give them out as party favors or use them as a prop in a photo booth !

17. Safari Dessert Table : Cover the dessert bar with a burlap tablecloth and then put all the desserts on trays with cute little handwritten labels. We especially love those animal print cupcakes. (via Kara’s Party Ideas )

18. Girly Safari Party : Holy girly overload! Take a whole new direction and make a pink party with pretty frosted animal sugar cookies and pastel decorations. (via Hostess With the Mostess )

19. Animal Print Mask ($1): Get your party animal on with these adorable masks! We’re pretty sure not just the kids would have fun wearing these.

20. Pink Safari : How cute is this layered cake with the animal and banner topper ! We appreciate the more subtle take on a safari themed party. (via Kara’s Party Ideas )

21. Birthday Animal Gift Wrap ($7): Wrap your presents in this whimsical paper to make your gift table the wildest one ever.

22. DIY Wild Cat Stand : Wish you had these incredibly gorgeous cake stands? Well you’re in luck, because these are actually really easy to make. If gold isn’t your jam (say what?!), reach for a paint bottle of neon green or pink. (via Make )

23. Animal Print Candles ($8): Make a wish on these party candles and your wildest dream just might true.

24. Gum Ball Jars : Another easy DIY alert! Depending on your color preference, you could fill the jars with all kinds of colored candy although we think the gum balls add a fun circus element. (via Pink Pistachio )

25. Baby’s First Safari : This safari party is all glam with a gold and white color scheme. The animal silhouetted banner would be super easy to DIY with a stencil and some spray paint. (via Hostess With the Mostess )

26. Animal Hearted Invites : Inside each of these loving invites is a little toy animal with a heart painted on it! We are most definitely RSVPing yes! (via Design Love Fest )

27. Party Hats : How adorable are those tiny party hats! Sometimes it’s the smallest detail that just takes a party to a whole ‘nother level of charming. (via Pink Pistachio )

28. Giraffe Stencil Glasses : Whether you’re serving milk or cocktails, stenciled zoo animals on the glasses are always a good idea. Mix up the colors or animals so guests remember which drank is there drank. (via Hostess With the Mostess )

29. Zoo Candles ($11): Pick up a pack of these animal candles for a cake topper that does it all.

30. Ruffle Animal Cake : Who would’ve though a ruffled cake would look so good with zoo animals on it! The simplicity of the all white cake makes it the perfect backdrop for all the animal patterns. (via Lil Sugar )

31. Painted Animals : Zoo animals in pajamas? Have you ever seen anything so cute! Just paint cheap toy animals in bright colors and decorate them with mini pom poms. (via Pretty Providence )

32. Face Masks : For the very mature safari party, try a black and gold color palette. These paper mache masks would be incredible in a photo booth! (via The Sweetest Occasion )

33. Neon Jungle: Naturally, we love anything neon, and these animals are pretty much our favorite. Paint them your favorite colors and then use them to top the cake, tie them to gifts or just set them around for extra colorful decor. (via Fellow Fellow)

34. Golden Safari Centerpieces : This is definitely the most glitzy safari we’ve ever seen and we love it. Running a strip of burlap down the middle of the table is the perfect way to show off the delicate gold animals and white flowers. (via Hostess with the Mostess )

35. Glitter Boxes : Why settle for paint when you can add glitter! Just coat toy animals in glue and dip them in colored glitter for some adorable decor. (via Hostess with the Mostess )

36. DIY Party Animal Pendants : Give these necklaces out as party favors, but don’t be surprised if you see your friends wearing them long after the party is over. (via Flamingo Toes )

37. DIY Golden Animal Placeholders : These would be the perfect way to number the tables or to tell guests where to sit. (via Brit + Co )

38. Party Animal Pumpkins : We’re not used to seeing pumpkins outside of Halloween, but it turns out they make really cool zoo animals. Especially that flamingo . (via Studio DIY )

39. Tiny Party Hats : Roll tiny hats out of colored paper and tape them to plastic animals. We can see putting one of these on each cupcake. (via Oh Happy Day )

40. Minimalist Safari Cake : Sometimes the simple look is the most effective and this white cake is charming with just a couple animals on top. Although we feel like they secretly want a party hat. (via Bleubird )

Are you ready to go on the prowl for some cool safari party decor? Would you go with bright colors or paint all your lions gold? Talk to us in the comments below!

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PreKinders Preschool Activities

Ideas for Pre-K & Preschool Teachers

Wild Animal Songs for Kids | Zoo | Safari | Jungle

By Karen Cox | Affiliate Disclosure | Filed Under: Wild Animals Theme

Here’s a collection of Wild Animal Songs for Kids. These songs can be used during a Wild Animal Theme , or zoo, safari, or jungle theme!

These songs are great for music and movement times. These songs are You Tube videos. If you have a projector, play these for your class to watch. You can also just play the audio of the songs and have your class sing and move along.

Going on a Treasure Hunt, by Jack Hartmann

Walking in the Jungle, by Super Simple Songs

Down in the Jungle, by Jack Hartmann

Party in the Jungle, by Jack Hartmann

Animal Alphabet Song (Letter Sounds), by Jack Hartmann

Alphabet Zoo, by Jack Hartmann

Welcome to the Zoo (Count to 100), by Jack Hartmann

Miguel the Magic Monkey, by Jack Hartmann

We’re Going on a Lion Hunt, by The Kiboomers

Jungle Animals Song, by The Kiboomers

Animals in Action, by Jack Hartmann

Animal Freeze Dance, by The Kiboomers

Let’s Go to the Zoo, by Super Simple Songs

The Bananas Song, by Super Simple Songs

Get Funky Monkey Dance, by The Learning Station

One Elephant Went Out to Play, by The Kiboomers

Who’s in the Zoo, by The Kiboomers

Tarzan, by The Learning Station

Tarzan (a different version), by The Learning Station

There Was a Crocodile, by The Learning Station

Monkey in the Middle, by The Learning Station

Five Little Monkeys Swinging in a Tree, by Jack Hartmann

Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed, by Super Simple Songs

Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed, by The Learning Station

Let’s Go to the Zoo, by Maple Leaf Learning

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Planning the perfect party doesn’t have to be exhausting! Choosing a theme is half the battle but once you find inspiration for your theme you’ll find your idea will quickly come together. Safari themed birthdays are a great way to get your child’s and their guest imagination moving.

You can make a big impact in a space with decorations that make your guest feel like they just stepped into a jungle. Many kids love animals which makes this such a fun party theme, not to mention it is extremely gender neutral. We have composed 20 ideas and recipes so that you can plan the perfect safari themed party. So grab your binoculars, put on your safari vest and let’s go on this adventure together.

1. DIY Balloon Centerpiece

These balloon centerpieces were initially designed for a pineapple themed party but their tropical themed arrangement would work perfectly for a safari theme too. This step by step tutorial is super easy you’ll have a big impact arrangement in no time at all.

Balloon centerpieces are a great way to fill up space while keeping it interesting and entertaining for the kids. If you don’t have a table big enough to host the arrangement you could consider attaching it to your wall for decor.

https://www.blog.birdsparty.com/2016/07/diy-balloon-fronds-tropical-party-table-centerpiece-garland.html PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: BIRDS PARTY

2. Sand Slime

It seems like slime is the latest craze with the kids these days. Glitter slime, neon slime, you name it and there is probably a slime variation of it. The texture alone is probably the most fun part of slime, you can stretch it, pull it, twist it and form it into anything you want.

Why not impress all the kids at your party with sand slime. You could consider making this sand slime to use as an activity in a sensory box depending on the age group or you could make this slime to send home as part of thank you gift to your guests.

https://frugalfun4boys.com/2015/04/07/how-to-make-sand-slime/ PHOTOS AND TUTORIAL HERE: FRUGAL FUN FOR BOYS AND GIRLS

3. DIY Binocular Favors

These do it yourself binocular favors will definitely get all the kids excited at your safari themed party. They’re easy to make and require minimal tools and resources. They’re super simple that you can have the whole family jump in on the craft making.

Fill these binoculars with treats and trinkets to send home with your guests. If you already have party favor plans you could consider making these binoculars for the kids to wear while at the party or make a fun eye spy game out them too.

https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/diy-jumanji-movie-night/ PHOTOS AND TUTORIAL HERE: HAND MADE CHARLOTTE

4. DIY Treasure Stones

These treasure stones are a fun and easy do it yourself project that you can do for your safari themed party. They’re super adaptable for many different themed parties because you could call them dinosaur eggs, stones or cannon balls. These treasure stones are made out of coffee grinds, flour, sand, and water. It has a playdough-like texture that can harden.

Place a secret treasure in the middle and let the kids go on a safari hunt to find the treasure stones in your yard. You could even have them use the binoculars you made in the previous tutorial to scout for their treasures. The rocks are hard enough to keep the trinket inside but are easy enough for younger kids to break open.

http://www.makelifelovely.com/2014/01/how-to-make-diy-treasure-stones.html PHOTOS AND TUTORIAL HERE: MAKE LIFE LOVELY

5. Animal Figure Decor

This blog shows you how you can take an animal themed party and modernize it. You can find animal figurines at many places like Hobby Lobby, Walmart, and even many dollar stores. Consider using them as decor for an inexpensive way to decorate your space.

You could use the animal figurines as cake toppers to fill up space as well as dress up a simple cake. You can even use them as centerpieces on your table. If you place them on candle holders you can create dimension within your centerpiece.

http://www.hellotinylove.com/emerys-2nd-birthday-party/ PHOTOS AND IDEAS HERE: HELLO TINY LOVE

6. Rainforest In A Jar

This rainforest in a jar is a very fun project that you could use for decorations at your safari themed party. However, if you have older kids you could consider making this a fun craft for everyone to do at the party.

It will keep the kids busy and they’ll have something fun they can take home with them. You can get a lot of the materials at your local dollar store or craft store at an inexpensive price. Make sure to purchase a variety of safari animals and let their imaginations run wild.

http://thecraftingchicks.com/rainforest-in-a-jar-kid-craft/ PHOTOS AND TUTORIAL HERE: THE CRAFTING CHICKS

7. Foil Balloon Backdrop

Foil balloons seem to be all the rage as of late. For good reason because, hello, they’re super fun! Foil balloons come in all sizes, colors, letters, and numbers. A phrase like “wild one” is very fitting for a safari themed party.

You could consider complimenting the foil balloon arrangement with a statement wall piece like this backdrop. It is made from brown paper twisted to look like vines. Add some leaf cutouts and you’ll have a jungle wall in no time.

http://www.carefreeblondeblog.com/2016/08/diy-wild-one-birthday-party.html#.Wumw79PwZTZ PHOTOS AND IDEAS HERE: CAREFREE BLONDE

8. DIY Animal Cupcake Toppers

Following animal figurine decorations, try using them for cupcake toppers too. This tutorial walks you through how to spray paint the figurines right up to how to make their adorable little party hats.

Spray painting animals is an awesome way to modernize a juvenile theme while still making it fun for the kids. This is always an easy way to make party favors for your guests too. Let them eat their delicious cupcake and then take their cupcake topper home too.

https://projectnursery.com/2015/08/diy-animal-cupcake-toppers/#_a5y_p=4216698 PHOTOS AND TUTORIAL HERE: PROJECT NURSERY

9. Safari Themed Snacks

Party food doesn’t have to be difficult and tiresome and let’s face it the decorations alone can take all our time and energy. Instead of making fancy foods to serve at your party you could consider using accessible packaged foods you can buy at the grocery store and labelling it with animal themes.

Cheezies can be used cheetah food, spinach dip for hippos, and if you don’t need to keep your party nut-free you could serve peanuts for elephants. Use labels to print your phrases onto and then you’ll have this animal food ready in a hurry!

http://www.roxyskitchen.com/safari-jungle-themed-first-birthday-party-part-ii-appetizers-finger-foods-snack-ideas.html PHOTOS AND IDEAS HERE: ROXYS KITCHEN

10. Chocolate Bear Paws

Bear paws are easy snacks that can be suitable for kids of all ages, and the adults will love these too. They are soft and chocolatey and will be snatched up quickly.

The claws are made out of almond slivers which makes the whole dessert edible and fun. Your animal lovers will love these tasty treats.

https://family.disney.com/recipe/chocolate-bear-paws/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: DISNEY FAMILY

11. Paper Plate Hippopotamus

Involving your guests in interactive crafts that can keep the kids busy at your party is always a good idea. These fun hippo themed paper plates are very cute and will keep them entertained.

Depending on the duration of your party you can have them make this craft from painting all the way to gluing. If you’re crunched for time with you could consider doing all the painting work pre-party and just have the kids assemble their hippo instead.

https://iheartcraftythings.com/paper-plate-hippopotamus.html PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: I HEART CRAFTY THINGS

12. Oreo Dirt Cups

Dirt cups may have been around for a while but they definitely make a great animal themed food. It is an easy way to make a delicious dessert that stays in line with your theme all the while pleasing all your little guests too.

It has chocolatey layers of creamy pudding and oreo crumbs and then buried gummies worms within. Their imaginations will be booming with this dessert.

http://shariblogs.com/oreo-dirt-cups/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: SHARI BLOGS

13. Paper Plate Snake

Instead of tossing your bubble wrap in the trash the next time you get an online order make sure to save it for this fun craft. This is another easy craft that all your little party guests can partake.

Using a rolling pin and bubble wrap you can achieve a textured painted snake very quickly. If you don’t have a rolling pin you could even use a slender cup so each child can paint their own. Once the plates are dry simply cut the snake in a swirl shape, glue on eyes and tongue and voila, it’s done!

https://www.craftymorning.com/paper-plate-snake-craft-using-rolling-pin/ PHOTOS AND TUTORIAL HERE: CRAFTY MORNING

14. Safari Tour

Interactive activities are a great way to keep your guests busy as well as keep them moving around. Afterall, a lot of kids love to run around a play. How else are they going to burn off all that sugar? This print out was originally designed for a preschool classroom but it can make a great party activity too.

If you’re having an outdoor party you could place stuffed animals around the yard, if you don’t have enough or all the animals called for on the sheet you could simply print off a picture of the animals instead. Have the kids go on a scavenger hunt and check off once they find all the animals. You could even make it a contest and have there be a prize for the guest who finds all the animals first! If you’re having the party indoors you can do the same just hide the animals throughout your house instead.

https://playtolearnpreschool.us/classroom-safari/ PHOTOS AND PRINTOUT HERE: PLAY TO LEARN PRESCHOOL

15. Safari Passport Invitations

Once you have decided on your theme the next step is to usually get the invitations ready to send out. Having the invitations themed to match the party is a great way to let your guest know what to expect as well keeps things creative and fun.

These safari passport invitations are a great idea and very customizable. This tutorial walks you through how you can make your own. The original design includes a photo of the birthday child but you could always leave the photo blank so your guests can draw a picture of themselves and bring their passport to the party.

http://prettypaperprettyribbons.blogspot.ca/2011/04/28-candles-blog-hop.html PHOTOS AND IDEAS HERE: PRETTY PAPER PRETTY RIBBONS

16. Adopt A Pet Party Favor

Party favors are a great way to give a thank you to your guests for coming to your party. After the kids have enjoyed their safari themed party you could set up a pet adoption center. Fill the pet station with safari stuffed animals and let each kid pick their own.

If you’re worried about disagreements of who get’s what animal you could always assign the adoptions yourself. Your guests will remember this fun safari themed party for a long time.

http://blog.wantsandwishesdesign.com/2016/12/pet-adoption-birthday-party.html PHOTOS AND IDEAS HERE: WANTS AND WISHES

17. Animal Cracker Funfetti Cake Batter Dip

Animal crackers are one of the easiest ways to get animal themed food at your party. This delicious snack resembles a kid-favorite snack, Dunkaroos.

This recipe only requires 4 ingredients and only takes 10 minutes to make. Serve this dip with delicious animal crackers and your guest will be dipping into this savory snack the whole time.

http://www.farmwifecooks.com/animal-cracker-dip/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes# PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FARM WIFE COOKS

18. Lion Hummus

If you have a hard time getting your kids to eat healthy foods then you’ll definitely want to serve this platter at your safari party. Make healthy food fun by creating animal shapes.

Kids have big imaginations and if you can make healthy food look well, not healthy and more fun then they’re bound to eat it. This recipe is super easy because it uses store-bought hummus. The hardest job you’ll have with this recipe is cutting all the vegetables.

https://eatingrichly.com/lion-vegetable-tray/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: EATING RICHLY

19. Quick And Easy Fringe Garland

Another great way to decorate your safari themed party would be to make your own leaf garland. You can transform your space into a jungle with this easy do it yourself project.

Making fringe garland is an easy alternative to cutting out individual leaves. You get the same colors and effect but it is a whole lot easier and stays within your theme. As an added bonus this garland is super inexpensive and creates a big impact in a room.

https://jennybatt.com/blog/quick-and-easy-tunnel-fringe-garland PHOTOS AND TUTORIAL HERE: JENNY BATT

20. Safari Party Decor

If you’re looking for a safari themed party that can cover ideas from head to toe then this is it. This post has inspirations from the food table to a lush photo backdrop and everything in between.

This post also offers free printables like the adorable animal footprints that you can place all over your floors. You can even turn an ordinary fruit drink into an “explorer energy drink” that your guests will love.

https://www.americangreetings.com/inspiration/celebration/jungle-birthday-party-theme?utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=seer-birthday-2018&utm_term=keyword&utm_content=device&pp=0 PHOTOS AND IDEAS HERE: AMERICAN GREETINGS

Clarissa loves experimenting with food of all cultures to make unique healthy dishes. When she’s not browsing Pinterest for new recipe inspiration she likes to pick up a DIY project and use her creative hands to make art or crafts. In her down time you can find her watching the latest documentaries on Netflix or going for nature walks.

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Actor Desmond Tan celebrates daughter’s first 100 days with safari-themed party

SINGAPORE – Desmond Tan is one doting father, throwing not one but two 100th-day celebrations for his bundle of joy.

The Singaporean actor shared on Instagram Stories on May 26 videos of a buffet meal with several animal plush toys.

On June 10, the 37-year-old star posted a series of snapshots of a safari-themed party on Instagram with the caption: “Amazing 100 days safari... Blessed with love and crazy fun.”

Many of Tan’s show-business pals – including actors Carrie Wong, Chantalle Ng, Pan Lingling and Zoe Tay, celebrity hairstylist David Gan, and couples Jesseca Liu and Jeremy Chan, and Felicia Chin and Jeffrey Xu – also posted photos of the event.

However, everyone dutifully blocked the faces of Tan’s wife and their first child with cute emojis. Tan has always kept the identity of his wife, his university sweetheart, under wraps.

While most guests sported beige or khaki-coloured clothes, Chan took the safari theme seriously and showed up in a giraffe costume.

Chan, who co-starred with Tan in the 2023 drama All That Glitters, hammed it up for the baby girl. One of the photos Tan posted was of Chan entertaining the baby, who was carried by Chan’s actress wife, Liu.

Tan called the fun day a “big milestone” for the family, adding in his post: “Keep exploring, little Ms Tan.”

View this post on Instagram A post shared by DESMOND TAN 陈泂江 (@thedesmondtan)

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Nick Lowe on Why He Made a New Rock Album: ‘People Want to Hear Short, Punchy Tunes’

By David Browne

David Browne

In his rollicking new single “Went to a Party,” Nick Lowe puts on a “bad suit,” starts “jigging” to the music, is mistaken for Robyn Hitchcock, and winds up staying until nearly 4 a.m., leaving only when the DJ starts playing something not to his taste. “I haven’t been to a party like that for quite a long time,” he chuckles. “But I used to go to them all the time.”

The subject may be old hat, but “Went to a Party” does plunge Lowe back into the kicky, witty pop that first set him apart from the new-wave crowd in the late Seventies, on albums like Jesus of Cool (or Pure Pop for Now People ) and Labour of Lust . As heard on the contemplative albums he’s made since, Lowe hasn’t written too many songs in his former vein for a while. But he began revisiting the approach a decade ago, when he hooked up with Los Straitjackets , the longtime Nashville band known for both its indelibly retro sonics and the Mexican wrestling masks they wear onstage.

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The inclusion of pithy pop like “Went to a Party” isn’t the only old-school aspect of the album. As its credits announce, “This record must be played at 33 1/3 r.p.m. on equipment especially designed for stereophonic records incorporating a stereophonic pick-up and twin-channel amplifier feeding into two loudspeakers.” Lowe isn’t even sure he could create a modern, Jack Antonoff-style pop disc. “I really don’t know how you make records like that,” he says. “It might be that all I would have to do is turn up with my pre-Beatles pop songs and, presto, somebody will stick it in a computer and it will come sounding something like that. But I doubt it. That train has left the station.”

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Even though Indoor Safari finds Lowe returning to the early rock & roll he loves, no one should expect him to go full pop god again. “The thought of going onstage squeezing yourself into some sort of leather trousers, jumping around like you did when you were in your 20s — few things would be more unpleasant,” he says, but adds, jokingly, “I have the right to change my mind.”    

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37 Fun and Fresh Adult Birthday Party Ideas

Brittany Barber

Contributor

I know, I know, your first instinct when you try to think of adult birthday party ideas and themes might induce a state of dread. Another year around the sun? Yep, we all go through it.

But come on, folks! Another year older is NOT something to dread. It's something to celebrate! Besides, even if you don’t love your birthday, do you know who does? The people who love and adore you (I'm sure there are crowds of them). 

So, gather your friends and family, and get ready to gorge on some delicious birthday cake (and maybe a few birthday bevies, too) — because celebrating your birthday is what! We! Are! Here! To! Do! Okay?

Photo: oneinchpunch/Shutterstock.com 

Whether you're hoping for an intimate dinner party with a few loved ones, a sunny picnic filled with party games and ice cream, or a birthday slumber party with the gals — pick one of your favorite adult birthday party themes (we're talking trendy disco , western , Taylor Swift party themes, just to name a few) and get to it.

And don't be afraid to go all out. Hire a caterer ! Get an '80s decade band to play live in your backyard! Get wild and get an acrobat to perform at a warehouse venue and throw a freaking rave, in your honor. There truly are no wrong ways to go about celebrating your wonderful existence on this planet, as long as you go for it.

So, without further ado, hold onto your birthday hats and scroll on for a bunch of fun and fresh birthday party ideas that'll make sure you have a very happy birthday.

• The Top Birthday Party Trends for 2024
• Outdoor Birthday Party Ideas for Adults
• A Simple Birthday Party Checklist for Adults

Here are 37 adult birthday party ideas that’ll get the party started: 

Cocktail party .

Photo: Mooi Design/Shutterstock.com

Get dressed up in your finest party clothes and have yourselves a birthday happy hour. Hire a bartender to shake up your favorite cocktails, or even set up a mixology workshop so you and your birthday party guests can learn how to make your own!

Pro tip: Want to book a party venue to host your guests? We've rounded up the best party venues in major cities across the country.

Find a Party Venue

Murder Mystery Party

Who says murder mystery parties have to be reserved for Halloween? If you love a good whodunnit game, turn your birthday into a crime-solving bash.

If you've never thrown your own murder mystery party, check out our awesome guide for tips and advice . 

Dinner Party

Photo: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock.com

Keep your birthday classy by hosting a dinner party this year. If your guest list is on the larger side, consider hiring a caterer or ordering from your favorite restaurant to make things easier on yourself. It's your birthday after all — so you'll want to keep any party planning stress at a minimum. 

Haven't hired a caterer before? Check out these 14 helpful questions to ask your prospective caterer . 

Find a Caterer

Watch Your Favorite Movie

If you're looking for more casual adult birthday party ideas, then you might want to gather your friends and family for a screening of your favorite film.

Consider getting a projector for the event, or, if the weather permits it, even setting up in the backyard for an outdoor screening. Don't forget the popcorn and candies (because what even are movie nights without a ton of junk food?!). 

Wine Tasting

Photo: Bogdan Sonjachnyj/Shutterstock.com 

If you and your friends are wine enthusiasts, why not host a wine tasting birthday party? Grab a few bottles from the same region and compare tasting notes together while y'all chat and catch up. 

Or a Wine and Cheese Party

And if all the aromatic, earthy, tasting talk isn't really your thing? No problem. Just open up whatever bottle (or bottles) you decide to drink and pair it with a few of your favorite cheeses instead. 

Looking for ways to create an absolutely epic charcuterie and cheese board? Check out this recipe from Snixy Kitchen for inspiration. 

Games Night

Classic party games like charades or Pictionary can always help to break the ice and get the party started. Feel free to spice it up by adding a drinking element to the game, or even setting up some college drinking games like beer pong or kings cup, too. 

90s Theme Birthday

Photo: Navistock/Shutterstock.com 

Do you know what every adult birthday party should probably have? A fun theme. If you and your pals grew up in the '90s (or simply love everything to do with that era), then bust out your baggy jeans and hire a '90s decade band to get jiggy with it, '90s style.

Bonus: Here are 90s Theme Party Ideas for an Epic Event .

Personalized Trivia Night 

Create your own trivia game with questions and facts about the friends and family in attendance (and about the birthday celebrant, too, of course). You can find and create trivia templates  to help you concoct an online setup, or you can get crafty and make question and answer cards out of paper cutouts instead! 

Get ready to laugh, cry, and cringe by hosting a birthday slideshow. Gather your favorite photos (with a special focus on embarrassing pictures of the birthday person) and reminisce on old memories together.

Pro tip: Make sure to create new memories at the birthday party, too! If you think you'll be too busy having fun to take any yourself, consider hiring a photographer or renting a photo booth instead. 

Find a Photographer

Video Game Tournament 

Photo:   Estrada Anton/Shutterstock.com 

A personal favorite when it comes to adult birthday party ideas is to do something that makes you feel like a kid again.

So pick your favorite console, load up on fun multi-player games, and celebrate your birthday with a video game tournament. I mean, how fun would it be to get into a game of Super Smash Bros. on your old Nintendo 64 again? 

Painting Party

Bring out the watercolors, acrylics, and canvases, and have a painting party birthday celebration. Follow along with a Bob Ross video, or just freestyle it and let the creativity ~flow~. 

Jewelry Making Party

Photo: Tasha Cherkasova/Shutterstock.com 

If you and your friends are into making jewelry at all, then team up together for a day of creating! Whether that means making bracelets out of teeny-tiny beads or trying your hand at making colorful, polymer clay earrings — do it together at your birthday party. Your guests' creations will make for great party favors, too! 

Reality TV and Drinking Games

Do you and your friends have similar tastes in bad TV shows? Well, I know my friends and I do. One of our fave pastimes is sitting around and drinking every time someone on Love Island does something ridiculous — it's hilarious, and a great excuse to drink a little more than usual. 

Birthday Brunch

Photo: DavideAngelini/Shutterstock.com 

The most important meal of the day? That would have to be brunch, in my opinion. So why not celebrate with a big spread featuring all of your tasty faves, like salmon lox, poached eggs, and fresh fruit? Whatever you do, don't forget the mimosas. 

Dance Party

Celebrate another year around the sun with a birthday dance party! Head over to your favorite club or bar, or get your party guests over to your place and ~get down~ there instead. Depending on your venue , you could even hire a DJ or a live band to make your birthday party a truly unforgettable experience. 

Pro tip: Are you hosting a virtual birthday party? Check out our guide on how to throw a virtual dance party , so you and your friends and family can still jive over Zoom!

Photo: Roman Samborskyi/Shutterstock.com 

If you or one of your pals has a pool, take advantage of the beautiful weather and have yourself a birthday pool party. Gather all of the pool toys, snacks, SPF, as well as a bumpin' playlist, and get the party started! 

No pool? No problem. Head over to your local lake (or the ocean, if you're located on the coast) and celebrate your birthday in the sunshine on the beach. 

Park Picnic

Enjoy a simple outdoor birthday get-together at your local park. Just make sure to bring an extra blanket, in case anyone forgets theirs at home. 

Costume Party 

Everyone loves a themed party! So why not turn your birthday party into a wild costume party this year? Decide your fave birthday themes for adults, like a movie genre (like sci-fi) or a time period (hello, Bridgerton vibes!) — or just keep it general, so your guests have the freedom to reuse a previous Halloween costume. 

Photo: fboudrias/Shutterstock.com 

If you have access to a space that allows campfires, then grab your marshmallows and enjoy a serene birthday gathering around the warm glow of a bonfire. 

Decade Party

Choose your favorite decade and give your birthday party a theme! Whether you're most into the groovy '60s, disco '70s, electronic '80s, the wild '90s — or even an early 2000's throwback — you've certainly got some great options to work with.

Go all out and get your party guests to dress up, decorate with your chosen era's paraphernalia, and, of course, don't forget to make a bangin' playlist. You could even hire a band that specializes in a particular decade, like: 

• '60s Band   
• '70s Band
• '80s Band
• '90s Band  

Or, if you had a specific band in mind that you wish could perform on your birthday, check out an awesome cover band in your area. 

Pro tip: Never hired musical entertainment before? No worries. Take a gander through our tips on how to book a band .

Find Musical Entertainment

Make it Mystical

Photo: vimolsiri.s/Shutterstock.com 

Tap into the occults at your next birthday party with candles, tea-leaf reading, and ouija boards. If you really want to amp it up, consider hiring a psychic or a tarot card reader for some professional insight into the unknown. 

If eating is your favorite thing to do (like mine is), then make sure there's a full-fledged feast on your birthday by inviting your pals to bring over something they've cooked. You could even include recipe cards in your invitations if you think your birthday guests would appreciate the inspiration, or even turn it into a cooking contest.

Photo: fizkes/Shutterstock.com 

If you were hoping for some relaxing adult birthday party ideas, then you should probably hit the spa.

Spend your birthday chilling out with your closest friends over clay face masks and manicures. Choose a spa in your area, or set up at home and do it all yourselves (which is a great option if you're on a budget). 

Slumber Party

When was the last time you had a slumber party? Pick a few movies, load up on candy and snacks, and make a fort in your living room to celebrate your birthday this year. I mean, why should the kids have all the slumber party fun? 

Bonus: Speaking of kids — if you've got a child's birthday party coming up, check out these awesome birthday party ideas to make sure it's a blast. 

Outdoor Games

Photo: pavla/Shutterstock.com 

Gather the squad for a fun day of outdoor games! We're talking bocce ball, spikeball, volley ball on the beach — or even getting a baseball game going, if your guest list is big enough. 

Bonus: Check out these 19 Outdoor Party Games and Entertainment Ideas  for inspiration.

Keep it classic with a birthday BBQ this year. Fire up the grill, serve up some sangria, and hang in the sun while you anticipate that big piece of birthday cake you've been dreaming about since, well, your last birthday. 

Photo: Master1305/Shutterstock.com 

Hit up all of your favorite breweries and experience a variety of beers that your city or town has to offer.

If you'd prefer to have your birthday party at home, you can create a similar experience by picking up a few cases of delicious craft beers and hosting a beer tasting with your guests instead. 

Pickling Party

Photo: ArtemSh/Shutterstock.com 

Have you always been a fan of the fermentation process? Gather your friends for a birthday pickling party this year! There are tons of tutorials you can follow together if you've never done it before. Plus, it'll make for tasty party favors for your guests to take home afterward, too. 

Gardening Party

Photo: Shyntartanya/Shutterstock.com 

Do you have a particularly green thumb? Then why not celebrate your birthday doing something you love? Gather all of your fellow gardening enthusiasts and do some repotting, seed planting, or even some pot painting, too. 

Set up a few stations with scrapbook materials, paints, beads, and clay, and prepare your guests for some good ol' fashioned craft making. 

Birthday Rave

Photo: Dragon Images/Shutterstock.com 

Glowsticks? Check. Speakers? Check. EDM playlist? Check! Dance the night away with a rave-themed birthday party this year.  

Color-Themed

Decide on a color and tell your guests that the dress code requires them to wear only that color at your birthday party. Use it for your decorations, and even for your food and drink, too!

If you need help with the culinary side of things, don't hesitate to hire a caterer or a bartender to help you out. 

Clothing Swap

Photo: Vika Aleksandrova/Shutterstock.com 

Turn your birthday party into an excuse to swap clothes and dress up. It's a good way to declutter, and a fun way to give each other mini fashion shows, too.  

Poker Night

Did someone say poker night? Bust out some tasty snacks and enjoy a poker party, in your honor. You could even make it casino themed, if you wanted to amp it up a notch. 

Virtual Birthday Party 

Photo: Mariia Korneeva/Shutterstock.com 

If you can't enjoy a birthday party with all of your friends physically, don't worry. You can still celebrate. Have a virtual birthday party on Zoom or Google Hangouts instead!

Download a birthday Zoom background , play an online game together (like Skribbl or Jackbox ), and even hire some virtual entertainment to get the ball rolling. Did you know that w e've got more than 6,000 vendors   nationwide providing online services for  virtual events ? Check out some of our favorites, like: 

• Virtual cover band  
• Virtual caricaturist  
• Virtual stand-up comedian

Have a look through these 43 virtual party ideas if you want even more virtual party inspiration. 

Find Virtual Event Services

Milestone Birthday Party Ideas

Are you celebrating a milestone birthday? Check out these age-specific party ideas and themes:

• The 21 Best 21st Birthday Party Ideas and Themes
• 30+ Creative 30th Birthday Party Ideas and Themes
• 26 Best 40th Birthday Party Ideas that’ll Guarantee a Good Time
• 50 Amazing 50th Birthday Party Ideas & Themes
• The Best 60th Birthday Ideas & Party Themes
• 26 Best 70th Birthday Ideas to Celebrate a Wonderful Milestone

Check out our adult birthday party ideas Pinterest board for more inspiration.

Read more  birthday celebration ideas  on The Bash. 

About Brittany Barber

Brittany Barber, lover of books, dogs, and romance, graduated from Bishop’s University with a Communications and Theatre degree. After spending some time working abroad in the theatre world, she is now a freelance writer covering a range of lifestyle topics including event planning for The Bash, WeddingWire, 2life and Fluttr, and shopping for BuzzFeed.

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5 Favorite Places

Diplo’s Port Antonio, Jamaica

The Grammy-winning D.J. and music producer recommends spots in a city he loves on Jamaica’s northeast coast. A dance party makes the cut.

Supported by

By Celeste Moure

• June 12, 2024 Updated 8:24 p.m. ET

Diplo, born Thomas Wesley Pentz, fell in love with Jamaica, particularly its Portland parish on the northeast coast, nearly 20 years ago. “I was D.J.ing on a cruise ship, got off in Ocho Rios, and drove through Port Antonio to get to Kingston,” said the multiple-Grammy nominee and winner who has collaborated with Dua Lipa, Sturgil Simpson, Snoop Dogg, Shakira, Bad Bunny and countless other musicians. “Portland is sort of like Costa Rica, all jungly and waterfalls. And Port Antonio is this quaint little town where I’d go on a sort of retreat, “Mr. Pentz added. About eight years ago he bought some farmland and built a house there.

Mr. Pentz thinks Port Antonio is a calmer option than Ocho Rios or other popular tourist spots on Jamaica for people who enjoy nature, hiking, waterfalls and, of course, beaches. It’s also for those who seek a more authentic experience. “It’s the sort of city where you’re mixing with the locals, and I think that’s what special about it,” he said.

Born in Mississippi and raised in Florida, Mr. Pentz has traveled extensively and D.J.ed on every continent, including Antarctica. A livestream of his D.J. set there, which took place on the helipad of Atlas Ocean Voyages’ World Voyager, was posted on YouTube in January.

Recently, Mr. Pentz has become a runner. He ran the Los Angeles marathon and competed in the Malibu Triathlon, but found that something was missing from the experience: a post-run celebration. So, he launched Diplo’s Run Club , a series of 5K runs — the inaugural events take place this fall in Seattle and San Francisco — culminating in afterparties, with D.J. sets from Diplo and friends, at the finish line. When he’s not running or traveling for work, he spends time at his home in Jamaica.

Here are five of his favorite places in and around Port Antonio.

1. Geejam Hotel

When Mr. Pentz first started coming to Port Antonio, he would often hang out and work on music at Geejam , a boutique hotel set on six acres of tropical rainforest at the edge of the Caribbean. “It was built as a sort of studio for Kingston artists and singers,” he said, and it continues to attract artists and Hollywood types, as well as Jamaicans from other parishes who check in for staycations. “You’ll sometimes see someone like Shawn Mendes or other artists who might be recording in the studio,” he said. The hotel, which has access to Frenchman’s Cove, a white sand beach, has large villas, cozy cabins tucked into the jungle and a main building with a dozen rooms. “It feels world class but has a backpacker vibe at the same time. There’s even a mushroom dispensary in the lobby,” he added, pointing out that psychedelics are not illegal on the island.

2. Rafting on the Rio Grande

On Jamaica’s longest river, the Rio Grande, bamboo rafts were once used to transport bananas from the interior of Portland to the coast for export. These days, locals and tourists alike book a rafting adventure for a leisurely way to soak in the beauty of the island’s flora and fauna. “The water’s not very deep, maybe waist high, and you can get out anywhere you want and swim a little,” said Mr. Pentz. “What I love about it is that halfway through the ride you stop at this beach and there’s an amazing restaurant, Belinda’s, where you can get all these local dishes and a Red Stripe for lunch, and just hang out. Then you get back on the raft and keep going.”

3. Vinyl Sundays at Natural Mystic Bar & Lounge

Natural Mystic Bar & Lounge is in a neighborhood of Port Antonio called Drapers. “One night a week this Italian guy and his wife and friends play records,” said Mr. Pentz, referring to the organizer Enrico Vicari. “They bring out their old 45s and their big speakers and it’s like a dance off, a big party in the street.” Mr. Pentz often stops by to D.J. when he’s in town. “A lot of expats live in Portland and on Sundays there’s a nice mix of local families, Rastas and European tourists who go there to dance and listen to old school reggae music. It goes from sunset until around two in the morning.”

4. Piggy’s Jerk Centre

“You can’t eat anything more quintessentially Jamaican than jerk chicken — and Piggy’s has the best in Port Antonio,” said Mr. Pentz. Even the most recent 007 himself, the actor Daniel Craig, would probably agree. During the filming of “No Time to Die,” the cast and crew would often hang out at this tiny eatery in Market Square in the center of Port Antonio. When the original restaurant burned in a fire, Mr. Craig and his pals raised funds to help rebuild it. “It’s a great place to eat some delicious food and hang out with the locals,” said Mr. Pentz. “I make sure to stop by at least once every time I’m in town.”

5. Boston Bay

Considered the birthplace of spicy jerk seasoning, Boston Bay is a town with a skate park and pretty bay that is home to one of the only surf spots in Jamaica. It’s also home to Boston Jerk Center, a collection of open-air food stalls that specialize in jerk cooking. “There’s maybe eight different restaurants and some serve the best jerk pork or jerk chicken, some have jerk vegetables,” said Mr. Pentz, who recommends getting your food to go and finding a spot at Boston Beach to watch the surfers. “You can rent a board and take a lesson. When I’m in town, this is where I surf.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of this article misstated Diplo’s Grammy Award history. He has won several Grammy Awards, he is not only a nominee.

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52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

The Alaska Highway:  On an epic road trip, a family plots a course from Alaska to the Lower 48, passing through some of Canada’s most spectacular scenery .

Minorca:  Spend 36 hours on this slow-paced Spanish island , which offers a quieter and wilder retreat than its more touristy neighbors.

Japan:  A new high-speed train stop unlocks Kaga, a destination for hot springs, nourishing food and traditional crafts , as an easy-to-reach getaway from Tokyo.

London:  The Victoria and Albert Museum is a treasure trove of art and design. Here’s one besotted visitor’s plan for taking it all in .

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