Taking your kids on a family safari in Africa can be a life-changing and unforgettable adventure. Embarking on an African trip as a family is a chance to connect with nature and create lifelong memories for you all. The key to seamless family safaris is considering your kids' ages, personalities, and energy levels.
While younger children might enjoy short game drives and interactive programs, older kids may love exploring the bush or engaging in adventure activities. Then there's mom and dad (and even the grandparents) who may be content to sip on sundowners and spot wildlife. So, how do you plan a family safari with kids that satisfies everyone?
The success of a family safari lies in tailoring the experience to suit your family's unique needs, from toddlers marvelling at the first sight of an elephant to teenagers tracking wildlife on foot.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to ensure your family safari is safe, fun, and age-appropriate (plus budget-friendly).
South Africa is ideal for a family safari with younger kids, as it is the only country in the whole of Africa that can officially offer a complete malaria-free experience. It is preferable for small children and babies to not have to take malaria medication. The rest of Africa carries a malaria risk, even if it’s small in some parts. For more about malaria-free South African safaris see Top Tips for the Best Malaria-Free Safaris in South Africa.
Another major bonus; South Africa is one of the cheapest African countries for safaris offering some of the best value-for-money family trips.
Malaria-free regions of South Africa, ideal for family safaris with kids
A safari in Namibia offers a unique blend of adventure, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes, making it a fantastic destination for a family safari. Explore iconic destinations like the towering red-orange desert dunes of Sossusvlei (May to October), the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park, and the rugged Atlantic Ocean coastline. Family-friendly lodges and camps provide comfortable accommodations, often with tailored activities such as nature walks, sandboarding, and cultural visits to Himba or San communities. The country’s dry climate means a low malaria risk in many areas.
Known for its unfenced camps, Botswana is better suited to African safaris for families with older children and teenagers. Thrilling activities like quad biking on the Makgadikgadi Pans, mokoro rides in the Okavango Delta, and walking with the San bushmen will keep teens entertained. Nearby, Victoria Falls, offers a full menu of adventure activities, from bungee jumping and ziplining to white-water rafting, kayaking or helicopter flips. The raw, untamed beauty of Botswana’s wilderness areas creates a sense of awe and adventure that resonates with older kids.
See our Southern African Safaris for Families
Kenya and Tanzania are attractive to families with kids of all ages, as lodges offer no age restrictions for game drives. Highlights include the iconic Masai Mara and Serengeti, where camps include interactions with rangers to teach children tracking and bushcraft skills. Add a relaxing finale to your family safari with a hop over to tropical Zanzibar’s pristine beaches, perfect for unwinding by the seaside and reflecting on your adventure.
See our Family Safaris in East Africa
When selecting family safari accommodation, prioritise lodges that cater to families. Look for family suites with interleading rooms, or options for kids to sleep in the same room as parents. Also, check whether the lodges or reserves offer babysitting services.
Make sure the lodges you pick offer child-friendly meal options. For an extra-special safari feel, many lodges feature unique dining experiences like bush picnics or dining al-fresco by the campfire in an open-air boma that is sure to be memorable. For example, Aquila Private Game Reserve near Cape Town provides marshmallows on sticks for families to 'braai' (barbeque) outside on the campfire while they have the chance to do a bit of stargazing on the lodge telescope.
Activities designed for kids are a game-changer for keeping them amused in the quiet times at camp between game viewing. Most lodges have swimming pools, which are essential for cooling off and for keeping youngsters of all ages entertained and active. For more entertainment, Aquila has a dedicated Kids Adventure Zone for indoor and outdoor fun. Here, your little ones can enjoy the mini golf course, challenge you to a game of giant chess, build sandcastles, clamber on the jungle gym, or unwind with electronic games.
At Addo Elephant Park in the Eastern Cape, the main camp has a floodlit waterhole where wildlife can be viewed, even after dark. There is also an underground wildlife hide at the waterhole and a bird hide. Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge near Johannesburg boasts a dedicated playground with a trampoline while budding naturalists can embark on guided bush walks or learn about animal tracking alongside experienced rangers. There is an underground hide for a unique perspective on animals visiting the lodge's waterhole, two swimming pools, one perfect for tiny tots, mini-golf, tennis courts for friendly family matches, and a selection of board games for cosy evenings.
See our suggestions for 11 of the Best Places in Africa for a Family Safari (with kids)
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Where younger kids are not permitted to join game drives, family-friendly lodges often lay on Safari Clubs or Junior Ranger programmes to keep them occupied while their parents are out game viewing. These programmes are not only fun but also provide valuable learning opportunities, allowing children to connect with nature, wildlife, and African culture interactively. This might include educational games, animal tracking workshops, or scavenger hunts in which children look for animal prints, tracks, or droppings around the camp. It may incorporate arts and crafts activities like painting animal masks, crafting beaded jewellery, or making animal tracks with clay.
For example, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve near Cape Town offers a "Kids on Safari" package where your kids receive an explorer kit and undertake a range of fun activities, from treasure hunts, day and evening mini bush walks, fascinating rock art tours, insect catching and nighttime "frogging" expeditions.
Kwa Maritane near Johannesburg has an exciting Junior Ranger program for kids aged 6-12. It is a week-long programme teaching kids about the wild, with different activities each day. At the end of the week, the children are awarded a certificate at a graduation ceremony. If you are not there for a week, each day of the programme can also be taken on its own.
Junior Rangers receive training in tracking animals, learning how to read animal prints, and identifying signs of wildlife, such as broken branches or fresh scat. A key part of the Junior Ranger program is educating children about the importance of wildlife conservation.
African safaris for families are not just about seeing wildlife, they also provide opportunities to immerse children in Africa’s diverse cultures. Youngsters often respond very well to meeting people of different backgrounds, often better than adults! Visit Maasai villages in Kenya or join Bushmen walks in the Kalahari Desert. In Namibia, the Himba tribe offers a glimpse into traditional life, while mokoro rides in Botswana introduce families on safaris to ancient waterway traditions.
Consider visiting conservation centres on your family safari to get hands-on experiences of the natural world. Some lodges are connected to wildlife rehabilitation projects where kids can meet rescued animals up close, learn more about them and gain a deeper appreciation for wildlife.
Planning your family safari in Africa can be an exciting adventure, but budgeting is key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience, especially with children. Begin by considering major expenses like flights, safari packages, and accommodation. Here are some budgeting tips:
Factor in the smaller yet significant expenses that enhance your experience. This should include optional activities like hot air balloon rides, cultural tours, adventure activities, or visits to local markets as they can enrich your trip. Engage children in meaningful activities, like visiting local schools or communities, to create educational and heartwarming experiences. You may consider supporting local schools or community projects. You should also consider a budget for buying souvenirs - for memories and special gifts.
For a list of often-overlooked safari expenses see 14 Extra Safari Costs & How to Budget for Them.
Tipping is an integral part of the African Safari experience, as it significantly contributes to the income of many service providers. On safari, tips are typically given to guides, trackers, drivers, hotel staff, and other personnel who ensure your trip runs smoothly. The amount varies by service and region. However, a general guideline includes $10–15 per day for professional guides, $3–5 per day for trackers or drivers, and smaller amounts for hotel staff or transfer drivers. In East and Southern Africa, US Dollars are widely accepted, while South Africa often uses Rands.
Always provide tips in smaller denominations for convenience and give them directly to the individual for whom they are intended. For activities like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or mokoro trips in the Okavango Delta, tips are also expected for support teams like porters and polers. Remember, tipping is not mandatory, but it is a meaningful way to show appreciation for excellent service. For a guide to tipping in Africa see African Safari Tipping - Who & How To Tip.
For families visiting South Africa with young kids, malaria-free destinations like the Pilansberg near Johannesburg and game reserves near Cape Town or the Eastern Cape are preferable. Avoiding anti-malarial medication simplifies travel, especially for babies and toddlers. The larger the child, the better they can tolerate the malaria medication.
If visiting malaria-risk areas, consult a travel clinic to determine the safest malaria prophylaxis to take based on your child’s age and weight, and the destination you are headed to. Other vaccinations, such as yellow fever, may be required depending on the destination.
For more tips, see our Complete Medical Guide for African Safaris
For kids used to the bustle and convenience of city life, an African trip is a good opportunity to disconnect from screens and enjoy a slower pace. But this will also be a shock to their little systems. Be sure to let your children know what to expect on their family safari holiday … and be sure to include both positives and negatives.
Get your children to compile an “Africa bucket list” of things they wish to see or do on their family safari adventure. This could be spotting a lion or an elephant (be realistic – know your African animals!), perhaps they'd like to picnic at a waterhole or participate in a cultural or adventure activity. This gives them something to look forward to and encourages their active participation in your family safari.
Pack your children's comfort items like favourite blankets or stuffed animals to help them feel at home in Africa. You could even let them pack their own bags. Let them bring their own safari-themed items like binoculars, a journal, or a camera to keep them engaged and occupied.
Know what to expect for the time of year you are travelling. Don't forget to include insect repellents, sun hats & sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing. For more packing tips, read our guide on What to Pack for African Safaris.
Africa is vast, and travel days can be long. To keep kids comfortable during the long journeys, plan frequent stops, pack plenty of snacks, and bring entertainment like tablets or travel journals. Encourage older children to document their experiences through drawings, written reflections or keeping a scrapbook to keep them engaged.
Game drives are always a family safari highlight, as you roam around the bush in open-sided 4x4 vehicles in search of all the wildlife that crosses your path. Knowledgeable guides know how to read tracks and other signs and will teach you all about the animals you encounter.
Lodges in Southern Africa usually restrict game drives to children over the age of 6, though you may book a private vehicle to allow younger kids to join without disturbing fellow guests. In East Africa, the operators do not enforce the same age restrictions - one of the perks of East African safaris for families.
Taking young children on game drives requires some preparation since the drives require you to stay in the vehicle for many hours at a time. This is sure to test the patience of younger children. It is best to keep them engaged with safari-themed activities like checklists for spotting animals and guidebooks for looking things up. Pack them their own kid-friendly binoculars and cameras to let them feel more involved.
Safari experiences can be tailored to any age, but certain activities are better suited to specific age groups:
A family safari is more than a holiday in Africa —it’s a transformative journey. Whether your family’s focus is on spotting the Big Five animals, learning about conservation, or experiencing Africa’s rich cultures, there’s something magical for every age and disposition.
With thoughtful planning, you can ensure that your family safari is both truly family-friendly and unforgettable, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
At African Budget Safaris our travel consultants are passionate about African travel and are keen to share their extensive knowledge with you. Talk to one of our travel experts to discuss your options for family safaris that your whole family will enjoy. Pack your binoculars, prep those sun hats, and get ready to introduce your kids to the wonders of Africa!
For more information, contact African Budget Safaris.
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