African safaris for families: 11 of the best places to visit

Ah, those carefree overland trips from our 20s, when we threw a toothbrush, some sunblock and a swimming costume into a bag, and went travelling across Africa. Now we’re a little older, and a little more settled (but not enough to want to stop exploring!), and many of us have become parents which is where African safaris for families come in...

Travelling With Children in Africa

School children in Botswana on a day trip to Chobe National Park

Things change when the kids come along, especially travelling. A whole bunch of things need to be considered – safety, malaria (young children should not be taken into malaria areas), long distance-induced boredom, distance to medical care etc. All of these should be considered carefully, before travelling. Luckily, there are many African safaris for families that make things easier.

Kid-friendly African safaris for families

Walk with Bushmen by Camp Kalahari

Holidays in Africa are magical for adults and children alike – there’s nothing more thrilling than seeing animals in the wild, learning about how they survive in the bush, and being taught the value of conservation. And nothing better than a bush walk with a trained guide who specializes in educating children. No more staring at screens, let’s get outdoors.

Choosing Where to Travel with Kids

Picking the right place to go is vital. While some safari camps and lodges don’t allow children under a certain age, many welcome kids and offer an array of activities suitable for them. Game-viewing drives and walks often have limitations on ages due to safety considerations, and some places offer exclusive vehicles to families, allowing for shorter, child-friendly family safaris.

A game drive in the Serengeti - some game drives have age restrictions

East and Southern Africa are the best regions for family travel. The top countries for family holidays in Africa are South Africa, Botswana and Namibia in Southern Africa, and Tanzania and Kenya in East Africa. If your kids are slightly older (over eight years) check out our East African Family Safaris. If you have younger children travelling in Africa with you view our Southern Africa Family Safaris.

Our favourite family safari destinations

Here we list eleven of our favourite spots in Southern and East Africa that are ideal for family holidays with kids – some offer activity clubs, others have ‘Kid-Ranger Courses’ and many offer babysitting, so that the parents can get some downtime too!

1. Kwandwe Ecca Lodge, South Africa

Kwandwe Ecca family safaris by FB

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, in the malaria-free Eastern Cape, provides magical African safaris for families with children. On 54,000 acres of gorgeous bushveld, the reserve is home to The Big Five and more. Ecca Lodge has six stand-alone suites with an interactive kitchen and a play centre for kids.

Baby at Kwandwe by FB

Children visiting Kwande join the Blue Crane Conservation Club and receive a welcome gift pack. Activities include:

• A daily ‘Hooves & Stripes’ game drive – just one hour, to accommodate short concentration spans – is offered for kids over five. Non-dangerous animals like giraffes and zebras are viewed
• ‘Bugs & Bones’ Walk –looking for insects, bones, tracking animals
• Indoors, there’s face painting, sand art, beading, baking, pizza-making, cookie-baking and chocolate fun (moulded insects, chocolate spider webs!)
• Minnow’s fishing trips (with a ranger)
• Supporting conservation and giving back – planting spekboom, gardening projects, joining in at the local school

And best of all: experienced childminders are available (with prior arrangement) so that parents get to relax too!

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2. Umngazi River Bungalows, South Africa

Aerial pic of Umngazi

Umngazi River Bungalows and Spa is set at the mouth of the Mngazi River, near Port St Johns, on the pristine Transkei Wild Coast. With bungalows set amongst the bushes and a central lodge with dining rooms (including one specifically for kids!), play areas and more, it's an ideal place for a family holiday.

SandcastlesUmngazi, while not a wildlife safari spot as such, is the perfect, off-the-beaten-track family holiday destination in a wild coastal setting. They offer a plethora of activities – swimming, dune surfing, fishing, boating, bike riding, and more. There’s also a ‘Creative Corner’ for those days that indoor is preferable, and a trampoline and playground. A nanny service is offered (hourly or daily).

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3. Ant’s Nest, Waterberg, South Africa

Ants Nest, African safaris for families by Ant's Nest and Ant's Hill

Situated in the malaria-free Waterberg, Ant’s Nest and Ant’s Hill welcome children of all ages. They are located in a beautiful private game reserve which boasts over 40 animal species, including wildebeest, giraffe, zebra, rhino and a vast array of antelope.

Children at Ants by Ant's Nest Ant’s offer wonderful activities for kids of all ages – bush walks and drives, horse and pony rides (led for the little/inexperienced), snake and reptile talks, bug and spoor walks, archery and more. They’re also happy to move around meal times to suit little people's routines, and nobody will bat an eyelid if the kids come to supper in their pyjamas! A great choice for laid-back African safaris for families who want to let down their hair.

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4. Jock Safari Lodge, South Africa

Fitzpatricks, family safari destination by FB

Named after the beloved dog, Jock (of the Bushveld), Jock Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park offer families Fitzpatrick’s Lodge (after Jock’s owner, Sir Percy Fitzpatrick). This is a 3-bedroomed, fully-equipped house. On arrival, the host/ranger will discuss activity options to suit each family’s needs.

Cubs at Jock Safari Lodge by FBClosed vehicle game drives, junior game ranger training and night walks within the camp are offered for the kids. The house is equipped with games, puzzles, and books and children can learn to cook with a ‘Mini Chef’s’ lesson! Childminding is provided, to allow parents to have some downtime and to go on game drives. A top choice for African safaris for families with kids!

• See our Kruger Safaris for more budget-friendly options.

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5. Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Namibia

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge by andBeyond

Set amongst the hills and sand dunes of the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei Desert Lodge offers malaria-free African safaris for families in the desert. It’s an area of vast open spaces, huge skies, spectacular desert colours and breathtaking night skies.

Kids (and ranger) drinking tea by andBeyondKids join the WILDChild programme and receive a backpack containing bush-orientated goodies and a scrapbook. Activities include star-gazing, tracking, finding water and food in the desert and learning about local customs and traditions. Childminders can be arranged during activities and meal times.

• Namibia is a great family safari destination as a whole. Take a look at our affordable Namibia Tours for more ideas.

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6. Camp Kalahari, Makgadikgadi, Botswana

Camp Kalahari by Uncharted Africa

The pans at Makgadikgadi hold a special magic for adults and children alike. At Camp Kalahari, accommodation is in traditional Meru tents with covered en-suite bathrooms. A family tent is available, which is two adjoining tents with an inter-leading bathroom.

The central area is thatched and cool and holds a library, comfortable lounge and dining area, where the chef is happy to adapt meals to suit kids. A thatched pool area provides a place to cool down in the African heat.

Camp Kalahari Kid by Uncharted AfricaKid’s activities include Bushman-guided walks, to learn about their ancient customs, how to make bows and arrows, traditions and survival methods, quad bike riding (over 12), camping under the stars, visiting Chapman’s Baobab and watching the hundreds of meerkat that call the area home.

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7. Chinzombo, South Luangwa, Zambia 

Chinzombo

Kids are well catered for at Chinzombo Camp in the beautiful Luangwa Valley in Zambia. It’s located on the river, with six villas – including a family one – each with its own pool to cool down in. This is the ultimate in luxurious African safaris for families.

Chinzombo ChildChildren’s activities include learning to be a game ranger, tracking spoor and droppings, learning the local languages and visiting the village school. 

They can learn the Zambian way to eat and make traditional clay pots and animals in the village.

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8. Singita Pamushana Lodge, Zimbabwe 

Singita Pamushana Lodge

Located near the Gonarezhou Transfrontier Park in south-eastern Zimbabwe, Pamushana is an untamed wilderness and has several villas suited to families of four or more.

Kids on family safari by SingitaThe lodge will tailor an activity programme to fit your children’s age and interests and can include bush walks in the camp, fishing, visiting the local communities, baking with the chefs, swimming, and star-gazing. Babysitting is offered, to give parents a break on African safaris for families.

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9. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Tanzania

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge by andBeyond

Teach your kids not only about the African wild but let them live some geology too. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is, as its name suggests, on the edge of the crater, with spectacular views across the game-rich crater floor.

Kids in the bush on family safari by andBeyondThe lodge recommends travel to Tanzania only for kids older than eight, and they are part of the WILDChild programme. Children receive a backpack on arrival, which contains various bush-orientated goodies and a scrapbook. Shorter game drives can be scheduled for trips with the kids, and childminders are available.

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10. Mara Intrepids Camp, Kenya 

Family tent, Mara Intrepids by FB

Located overlooking the Talek River in the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve, Mara Intrepids Camp is slap-bang in the middle of the four Mara game-viewing areas. It’s Big 5 country with accommodation in luxury family tents with views over the river.

Adventuring in Mara by FBKids are kept enthralled by the Adventurer’s Club, where Maasai naturalists teach them the wonders of the African bush – its plants, animals and how to survive. There’s even a fabulous obstacle course that shows kids the challenges animals experience living in the wild. It's a favourite on African safaris for families with children.

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11. Giraffe Manor, Kenya

Giraffe Manor

While not located in the bush, Nairobi’s Giraffe Manor is a treat for adults and kids alike. Who’s never wanted to eat breakfast with a giraffe?  Set in the leafy suburb of Langata in Nairobi, this old colonial building is on 140 acres of land with an indigenous forest that is home to a large herd of Rothschild Giraffe. They regularly poke their heads into the windows of the manor, especially in the mornings and evenings, when they know a snack may be being served!

David Sheldrick ellies by Ninara

Just up the road from Giraffe Manor is the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage. This organisation does amazing work in conservation, rehabilitation and education and the Elephant Nursery is open for an hour a day – the kids will love it! 

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These are just a few of the ideal places to visit on African safaris for families. Contact one of our ABS consultants, who will be happy to help you find the perfect African safari for you and your family.

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