Family Safaris in Africa | A Guide to Africa Family Travel

There must be few greater privileges growing up than to experience Africa from a young and impressionable age. For the parents, taking the kids to Africa on a family safari can be a daunting undertaking, however with the right choices of destinations, activities and accommodation, it shouldn’t be!

Africa is an family friendly safari and travel destination which will create lasting memories for life. So, if your kids need to get away from the PlayStation and breathe some clean African air, read below for some “off-the shelf” suggestions for family safaris Africa.

Please contact us for bespoke advice.

Game Lodges:be sure to choose family friendly lodges that have child activities available. Many lodges offer game drives that are specifically for children, although it is at the rangers discretion whether to allow young children on game drives (the general rule of thumb is that children over the age of six a… Read More

There must be few greater privileges growing up than to experience Africa from a young and impressionable age. For the parents, taking the kids to Africa on a family safari can be a daunting undertaking, however with the right choices of destinations, activities and accommodation, it shouldn’t be!

Africa is an family friendly safari and travel destination which will create lasting memories for life. So, if your kids need to get away from the PlayStation and breathe some clean African air, read below for some “off-the shelf” suggestions for family safaris Africa.

Please contact us for bespoke advice.

Game Lodges:be sure to choose family friendly lodges that have child activities available. Many lodges offer game drives that are specifically for children, although it is at the rangers discretion whether to allow young children on game drives (the general rule of thumb is that children over the age of six are permitted).

Some lodges offer game vehicles that can be hired on a private use basis only for the family where younger children can be taken. Chat to your consultant about booking inter-leading room or family chalets at your safari lodge, so as to avoid walking between rooms at night to check on the kids!

Game Reserves: In many game reserves in Southern Africa precaution must be taken for malaria, and you should consult your doctor on how suitable the medication is for young children. To avoid this risk entirely, choose game reserves that are malaria-free. We suggest the game parks of the Eastern Cape (try Shamwari Riverdene) or Madikwe Game Reserve (Jaci’s Camp) or the Waterberg (Ants Nest). 

Wildlife Reserves:Choosing a wildlife reserve that does not have the Big 5 (Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Elephant and Rhino) allows for safer activities within the reserves. Many Wildlife Reserves offer mountain biking, walks, botany and rock art appreciation. We suggest Bushmanskloof Wildlife Reserve Koro Lodge or Kariega Main Lodge)

Hermanus and the Overberg:Referred to as the Whale Coast and Shark Alley, the marine attractions for the kids in this destination are spellbinding. Try Grootbos Private Game Reserve for our family friendly accommodation of choice, and DeHoop is fantastic for a longer stay.

The Garden Route of South Africa:A firm favorite family safari destination. The Garden Route family destination has an excess of excellent activities for children and makes for a superb self drive destination, including ostrich rides in Oudtshoorn, exploring the Cango Caves, and child friendly activities is Plettenberg Bay and Knysna (this area can be combined very easily with the malaria-free safari parks of the Eastern Cape) For Chlid friendly hotels try Hunters Country House or Hog Hollow.

Sun City: Every kid has their place in the sun at Sun City. This is South Africa’s premier holiday resort, and kids will be kept entertained for days water slides, theme parks, wave pools and adventure parks. There nearby safari parks allow you to also combine a malaria free-wildlife experience.

The West Coast of South Africa:this area is easily accessible from Cape Town and has great open spaces, beaches and interesting attractions. Combine a West Coast Holiday with a visit to the Cedarberg.

Cape Town: A must on any family safari itinerary to Africa. Our top child friendly activities are in Cape Town:

• Take a cable car ride up Table Mountain
• Build sand castles on one of Cape Towns nearby beaches.
• Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium, Robben Island, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
• Visit the World of Birds, the largest bird park in Africa with more than 3000 different species
• Go cable waterskiing at the Blue Rock cable ski park
• See baboons at the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.
• Take an outing to Boulders Beach to visit the resident penguin colony
• Hunt for gem stones at the Scratch Patch
• Learn to surf at Muizenberg corner

We recommend the Mount Nelson Hotel as our most family friendly option in Cape Town as the large and safe grounds together with excellent family activities made this a superb choice. For family intending a longer stay, renting a self-catering apartment or villa can be an excellent family holiday experience.

Botswana: The Botswana Young Explorer's programmes are specially designed safaris offering families the opportunity to discover the wonders of the African wilderness together. One of the special attractions of the Young Explorer's safaris are their exclusivity as each family has the sole use of a private camp, allowing the daily schedule to be flexible and to be tailored around the ages and interests of all family members.

Namibia: Home to wide open spaces and the world’s largest sand play-pit, try sand boarding and quad biking to keep the kids entertained.

Mozambique: The warm waters and friendly locals make this a superb family travel destination. Try Indigo Bay Resort , Villa Ponta N'Duvene or Pambele for family friendly accommodation. Note: this is a malaria-risk destination.

Zambia: Luangwa Lion Cubs Family Safaris is a 7 night safari based at Kapani Lodge remote and wild bush camps in the South Luangwa National Park, one of the world's finest wildlife destinations specially designed for families with dedicated specialist private guide and vehicle.

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