If your children are in their mid-teens, chances are they won't want many more family holidays before they're choosing a week's clubbing in Ibiza with their friends

So, if you're planning a last hurrah and want somewhere memorable and adventurous, an African safari might fit the bill.

Malawi has long been overlooked, but thanks to Madonna's recent adoption quest, the 'Warm Heart of Africa' is in the limelight. Arriving at Lilongwe airport, we headed to the south of Malawi and checked out various parks and camps around the Liwonde National Park.

Mvuu Camp in Liwonde National Park
(£130-£150 per person per night, family discounts available - www.mvuucamp.com)

Mvuu is accessible only by boat. It's a 30km cruise from one side to the other of Liwonde's 250-mile long Shire River, so we sat back to take in the breathtaking views.

Guests can stay in luxurious brick chalets with en-suites, full-board or self-catering, or the cheaper walk-in tents with shared facilities. Children are welcome, but under-eights are not allowed on safari. Meals are served in a communal, thatched dining room and there's also a pool and bar area where you can while away an afternoon, waiting for your next game drive.

We all laughed at the sign which read 'Beware The Hippo And Other Wild Animals'. But it makes sense to be cautious, especially at night, as lights go out at 9pm, and guests have to use lanterns. Wild animals are free to roam around the camp, and we had to chase vervet monkeys and warthogs away from our door.

Sun-downer (6pm) and early morning safaris (5.30am) are included in the price and the two-hour drives take in only a tiny section of the 220-square-mile National Park. The park is home to more than 40 species of mammal including impala and monkeys, and 400 different types of bird. Mornings are best for seeing Boehm's bee-eaters, barbets and a host of others. Also included in the price is a river safari. The large boat holds 10 people and there's nothing quite like becoming the afternoon entertainment for a group of elephants, with cattle egrets on their backs. You can also expect to see crocodiles and hippos.

Danforth Yachting, Cape Maclear, Lake Malawi
(£75 per person per night - discount for 2 to 12-year-olds www.danforthyachting.com)

Owner Howard Massey-Hicks greeted us like we were old friends. No sooner had we put our luggage in one of the four en-suite family rooms, which overlook the crystal-clear Lake Malawi, he and wife Michelle decided it was the perfect time for waterskiing. And if it's this type of fast-paced break you are looking for, Danforth, which specialises in family holidays and bills itself as 'child-friendly', is perfect, as all activities are included in the price, along with food and drinks.

Try your hand at snorkelling to see some of the 600-plus species of tropical fish living in Africa's third biggest lake. There's also the 'flying trapeze', which is not as dangerous as it sounds, although water sports are unsuitable for under-12s. Harnessed onto the side of the boat, I was left to enjoy the ride while Howard sailed along. A great adrenaline rush! My favourite activity was the sunset cruise onboard a 38-foot luxury yacht, which the owners have named Mufasa after the character from the Lion King.

Stocked with plenty of drinks (Malawian gin and tonic for the adults, soft options for children), we set sail for more than an hour, taking in some of the 365-mile wide Lake Of Stars. Danforth also offers sailing safaris on the catamaran, which sleeps ten, from one to 12 nights. There's also scuba diving, tubing, nature walks, mountain biking and a pool table or, if you prefer, you can relax on a sun lounger by the lake.

Njobvu Cultural Lodge, Liwonde National Park
(£15 per person per night www.njobvuvillage.org)

Experience traditional Malawian life by sleeping in mud-brick huts, meeting the villagers and learning their customs. Although children are welcome, guests sleep on a mat on the floor, so it's unsuitable for under-12s.

Mumbo Island Camp
(£70 per person per night - discount for under-14s and for the family tent www.kayakafrica.net)

This (almost) deserted tropical island is a 40-minute boat ride away on Lake Malawi from Cape Maclear. The exclusive camp has just five safari tents, including a family unit. There's a communal dining area, bar, 'hot bucket' showers and 'eco loos' and plenty of hammocks to laze around in. The over-14s can choose from kayaking, snorkelling and scuba diving. There's no electricity on the island, perfect for escaping everyday life.

Club Makokola, Lake Malawi
(£60 per person per night - 50 per cent discount for two to 12 year-olds www.clubmak.com)

If you like your creature comforts, Club Mak, North of Mangochi, has plenty. The thatched bungalows are the most impressive in Malawi. Although the lodge is ideal for honeymooners, it does welcome families, and arranges watersports (over-12s included) and sailing trips. While mums and dads can lounge around drinking cocktails from the pool bars - paradise!

Getting there
Carol travelled with tour operator Audley Travel www.audleytravel.com - 01993 838500. Flights were with Kenya Airways, which fly six times a week from Heathrow to Lilongwe via Nairobi. Fares start from £446 return, including tax (www.kenya-airways.com - 01784 888222). Bespoke safari transport and guide Land And Lake Safaris www.landlake.net. For information and advice on travel to and around Malawi, contact the Malawi Tourism Information office in the UK - 0115 982 1903 (www.malawitourism.com).