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Family Safari Adventure: Where to Go, What to Do & How to Plan

     

A kid-friendly safari in Africa is tailored to children of all ages. A family safari in Africa allows you to get up close to wildlife in their natural habitat. Go on learning-focused game drives, walking safaris, or boat tours led by expert guides for a perfect multi-generational experience. Find tips on choosing destinations, planning details, and budgeting for your tailor-made, from staying at family-friendly lodges with amenities like children’s pools to finding areas that can include childcare.


What is a Family Safari?


The best family safari in Africa will give you a chance to experience African wildlife and landscapes firsthand, with custom adventures perfect for family members of all ages and sizes. Led by knowledgeable guides, explore national parks and reserves on game drives, nature walks, and village visits. It's an interactive, immersive way to learn while making priceless memories together.


Why Choose a Family Safari? 


Family safaris provide unique opportunities for cultural exchange. Try traditional African cuisine or enjoy a village visit. Your experience can offer educational wildlife conservation programs catered to the kids resulting in quality family bonding time. The best African safari tours for families will have expert family-friendly guides that make it easy for children of all ages to discover Africa's incredible wildlife.


What to Expect on a Family Safari


Game drives can get you close-up sightings of the wildlife during unforgettable events like the Great Migration's wildebeest crossing. Walking safaris lead smaller groups into the African bush with guides teaching animal facts and pointing out tracks. You may also have memorable interactions with elephants, lions, and rhinos. Enjoy family lodges with play areas and pools made unforgettable by Africa's dramatic landscapes. 


Best Time for a Family Safari


The best time to visit Africa for a family safari is from May-June and September-October. These are considered the shoulder months for safari and can give your family a more intimate safari experience outside the peak season crowds and within better rates for flights, lodges, and seasonal pricing. Fall and spring in the southern hemisphere also give you better weather for a more comfortable experience with the family. Find more detailed information for planning your safari adventure with our information on the best time for an African safari by month. 


Top Destinations for a Family-Friendly African Safari


South Africa


South Africa is a prime spot for a family safari adventure. Many reserves are malaria-free, giving you more time to focus on the wildlife instead of the insects. With excellent infrastructure, South Africa offers a range of experiences that cater to families for unforgettable memories together.


  • Best places for Families in South Africa
    • Madikwe Game Reserve: Diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, strong focus on responsible tourism, excellent facilities and programs for families.
    • Sabi Sand Game Reserve: Exceptional leopard sightings, luxurious lodges, family-friendly options with dedicated children's pools and nature walks.
    • Addo Elephant National Park: Great choice for families with younger children, large elephant population, guided game drives suitable for all ages, manageable park size.
    • Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park: Excellent rhino sightings, beautiful scenery, family-friendly lodges offering a rustic experience, night drives not permitted.
    • Kwandwe Private Game Reserve: Diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, family-friendly lodges with amenities like children's pools and educational activities, largest cheetah population in South Africa.


Botswana


Botswana is a fantastic choice for a more luxurious family safari. The Okavango Delta offers a unique water-based safari experience, perfect for spotting wildlife from a safe and comfortable mokoro. Many lodges specialize in family vacations, with child-friendly activities and knowledgeable guides who can tailor your game drives to keep the whole family engaged. Botswana's focus on conservation ensures you're having an adventure while protecting wildlife for future generations.


  • Best places for Families in Botswana
    • Okavango Delta: UNESCO World Heritage Site, diverse wildlife, family-friendly lodges with mokoro excursions, nature walks, and educational programs.
    • Chobe National Park: Largest elephant population in Africa, excellent game viewing from boat cruises, family-friendly lodges with children's pools and babysitting services.
    • Moremi Game Reserve: Diverse landscapes, family-friendly lodges with children's guides and educational programs on wildlife and conservation.
    • Makgadikgadi Pans National Park: Explore world's largest salt pans, ideal for older children, activities like guided walks, quad biking, and stargazing offered by some lodges.
    • Central Kalahari Game Reserve: True wilderness experience, diverse wildlife, family-friendly lodges with educational programs about the Kalahari ecosystem and Indigenous community.

    Tanzania


    Tanzania is a dream destination for a family safari. The Serengeti National Park is world-famous for its annual wildebeest migration, offering a spectacular wildlife encounter. Many camps and lodges cater to families, with dedicated guides for children and exciting activities like bush walks and stargazing, making it an unforgettable adventure for everyone.


    • Best places for Families in Tanzania 
      • Serengeti National Park: Witness the Great Migration, family-friendly lodges with game drives, hot air balloon safaris, and educational programs.
      • Ngorongoro Crater: Explore diverse ecosystems with stunning views, family-friendly lodges with children's areas and activities.
      • Lake Manyara National Park: Diverse landscapes, see tree-climbing lions, hippos, flamingos, family-friendly lodges with pools and nature walks.
      • Tarangire National Park: An Elephant paradise with excellent wildlife viewing, family-friendly lodges with children's guides and conservation programs.
      • Selous Game Reserve: Vast, less crowded reserve, excellent wildlife viewing, family-friendly lodges with diverse activities like boat safaris and walking safaris.

    Kenya


    Kenya is a fantastic choice for a family safari adventure. Home to the Big Five and diverse landscapes, from savannahs to beaches, Kenya offers something for everyone. Many family-friendly camps provide exciting activities like game drives, bush walks, and cultural experiences, ensuring an unforgettable adventure that ignites a love for wildlife and conservation in your children.


    • Best places for Families in Kenya
      • Maasai Mara National Reserve: Witness the Great Migration, family-friendly lodges with game drives, hot air balloon safaris, educational programs. 
      • Amboseli National Park: See elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes with Mt. Kilimanjaro backdrop, family-friendly lodges with activities like nature walks and cultural experiences.
      • Nairobi National Park: Convenient and affordable safari near Nairobi, see lions, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, educational centers and giraffe centers.
      • Lewa Wildlife Conservancy: Spot endangered wildlife, educational programs about conservation efforts.
      • Lake Nakuru National Park: See flamingos, lions, rhinos, giraffes, scenic landscapes, boat rides, nature walks, rhino sanctuary.

    Namibia


    Namibia is a unique choice for a family safari adventure. With wide-open spaces, diverse landscapes from deserts to mountains, and a focus on conservation, you can find lodges that cater to families and child-friendly activities attached to game drives, nature walks, and stargazing.


    • Best places for Families in Namibia
      • Etosha National Park: Diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, excellent infrastructure, family-friendly lodges with activities and children's areas.
      • Damaraland: Rugged scenery, unique wildlife, guided walks, nature drives, rock paintings, cultural heritage exploration.
      • Skeleton Coast: Unique and adventurous experience, explore dunes, boat trips, spot marine life, suitable for older children and teenagers.
      • Okonjima Nature Reserve: Dedicated to cheetah conservation, educational programs, cheetah tracking, spot other wildlife like lions and leopards.

    Rwanda 


    Rwanda offers a completely different type of family safari experience. Volcanoes National Park is home to mountain gorillas, offering the incredible chance to see silverbacks or secluded troops in their natural habitat for children ages 15 and above. Family-friendly lodges often have child-focused activities like nature walks and visits to cultural villages, fostering a love for wilderness conservation.


    • Best places for Families in Rwanda
      • Volcanoes National Park: Witness the magic of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, which is great for kids ages 15 and above.
      • Akagera National Park: Spot Africa's Big Five on exciting game drives and relax in family-friendly lodges with great amenities.
      • Lake Kivu: Enjoy stunning scenery and relax on a family vacation with boat cruises and kayaking adventures for older children.
      • Nyungwe National Park: Embark on a chimpanzee trek and explore the rainforest canopy on a thrilling walk ideal for older children and teenagers.


    Uganda


    Uganda is a fantastic choice for a family safari adventure because of its diverse wildlife, including chimpanzees and mountain gorillas. Uganda offers unique encounters in beautiful landscapes with plenty of family-friendly lodges that provide exciting activities like game drives, boat cruises on the Nile, and visits to cultural villages.


    • Best for Families in Uganda
      • Queen Elizabeth National Park: Diverse scenery, abundant wildlife, game drives, boat cruises, family-friendly lodges with activities.
      • Murchison Falls National Park: Witness Murchison Falls, game drives, boat trips, educational programs, family-friendly lodges.
      • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Explore rainforest, guided walks, learn about ecosystem, visit the education center, and older children can take part in the famous gorilla trekking expeditions best for older kids and teenagers.

    Zambia 


    Zambia is a hidden gem for a family safari adventure. South Luangwa National Park boasts incredible walking safaris, perfect for curious explorers to get up close to Zambia's diverse wildlife with an expert guide. Many family-friendly lodges offer exciting activities like canoe safaris on the Zambezi River and educational programs about Zambia's conservation efforts.


    • Best for Families in Zambia
      • South Luangwa National Park: Get up close on unforgettable walking safaris with Zambia's incredible wildlife in South Luangwa.
      • Lower Zambezi National Park: Embark on exciting canoe adventures and game drives alongside the mighty Zambezi River in Lower Zambezi.
      • Liuwa Plain National Park: The park is dedicated to lion conservation, offering unique experiences for families.
      • Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park: Witness the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls and combine it with thrilling safaris in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.


    Zimbabwe


    Zimbabwe is a fantastic choice for a family safari adventure. Home to iconic wildlife like elephants, lions, and rhinos, Hwange National Park offers exciting encounters in stunning landscapes. Many family-friendly lodges have activities like anti-poaching patrols with specialist rangers for older children and visits to local villages the entire family can enjoy.


    • Best for Families in Zimbabwe
      • Hwange National Park: Encounter Zimbabwe's iconic wildlife like elephants and lions on exciting adventures in Hwange National Park.
      • Mana Pools National Park: Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site with family-friendly options in Mana Pools, where wildlife thrives by the mighty Zambezi River.
      • Victoria Falls: While not a safari destination, families can combine the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls with thrilling safari adventures in nearby parks for an unforgettable kid-friendly experience.


    Activities for Families on Safari


    Game Drives


    Game drives allow families to spot the Big Five like lions, leopards, and elephants while seeing spectacular sights like the Great Migration in Masai Mara or Serengeti National Parks. Early morning and late evening outings in open-aired safari vehicles provide the best chance for wildlife sightings. Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience.


    Walking Safaris 


    Walking safaris let families observe wildlife up close while wandering the African bush. Small groups ensure personalized attention as expert local guides share insights about animal tracks, regional wildlife, and nature. It’s an immersive learning experience on foot.


    Cultural Experiences


    By visiting rural villages, families can learn about regional cultures and traditions firsthand. Interacting with villagers and sampling authentic cuisine offers a valuable perspective into local lifestyles.  


    Water-Based Activities 


    Water-based excursions like boat rides and Zambezi River fishing trips give families a fresh vantage point to observe hippos, crocodiles, and other wildlife thriving in aquatic habitats. It nicely complements traditional land-based safari activities.


    Horseback Safari


    For older children and teenagers, horseback safaris provide an adventurous way to explore Africa's wildlife and scenery. Riding through game parks and reserves with guides, riders can spot animals like zebra, giraffe, elephants and more from their elevated vantage point on horseback. It allows covering more ground than on foot to see diverse ecosystems and landscapes from a unique perspective. 


    Tips for Planning a Family Safari


    Consider the Age of Your Children 


    Factor in the developmental abilities and interests of younger children versus teenagers when tailoring the itinerary with age-appropriate activities. Focus on learning opportunities for younger kids while allowing independence for mature teenagers.  


    Choose the Right Destination


    Consider factors like minimum age restrictions along with the location’s safety measures when selecting destinations for a family safari. Instead of looking for the best African safari resorts for families, pick lodges with amenities suitable for your children’s ages, like swimming pools and play areas. Choose locations matching your family’s interests that also fit within your budget rather than fitting your family into the lodge’s constructs. 


    Plan for Safety


    Pack essential documents, a basic first aid kit, and take any additional health precautions recommended for the region. Consult your family doctor about advisable vaccinations and antimalarials based on travel destinations and conditions. Provide kids with written contact cards and review behavioral guidelines to minimize risks.


    Pack Appropriately 


    Bring versatile outdoor clothing for hot and cold weather, along with hats and insect repellent. Pack plenty of sunscreen and snacks to fuel busy days. Binoculars and a camera are also useful.


    To learn more about what you need to consider, we have more tips focused on planning your family trip to Africa. 


    Book Your Family Africa Wildlife Safari


    With stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, cultural immersion, and endless adventures tailored for families, an African safari is truly the perfect family getaway. Making memories to last a lifetime, travelers of all ages can discover new places and exotic species first-hand while strengthening bonds across generations. 


    With this overview of must-do activities, ultimate destinations, and planning tips, start dreaming up your own epic African family adventure.