Looking for the perfect getaway? Look no further than Africa! The continent is full of fascinating wildlife, stunning landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage. You and your family are sure to have an adventure of a lifetime. With so much to see and do, planning a family safari can be overwhelming. How do you know which destination is best for your family’s interests and abilities? What kind of accommodations are available for families with young children? And how can you guarantee that it’s safe for everyone in your group?
Popular Family Friendly Safaris in Africa
About The Family Friendly Safaris in Africa
Why Choose a Family Safari in Africa?
There are many reasons why a family safari is great for all ages. Here are just a few:
Uninterrupted Wildlife Views
The biggest attraction of an African safari is getting up close and personal with its wildlife. Seeing animals like lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, buffalo cheetahs giraffes wildebeests in their natural habitat is truly breathtaking. It’s guaranteed to inspire anyone who gets the chance to see them.
On a family safari, you’ll get the opportunity to see these majestic creatures interact with each other as well as their environment.. From watching lions stalk their prey or bathing elephants at watering holes or even spotting rare species soaring through the sky.. These encounters will not only thrill but also educate everyone on what they need to protect this planet.
Quality Bonding Time
It’s hard finding quality time together as a family especially in today’s world. A safari in Africa provides the perfect opportunity to disconnect from technology and reconnect with your loved ones. Not only does this allow you to slow down and take in the scenery, but also bond over shared experiences.
There’s plenty of time on a family safari that you’ll be able to do all sorts of activities. Whether it’s playing a game of cards during a drive or telling stories around the campfire at night or just chilling next to each other when you get a quiet moment. Without distractions, it’s easy for everyone to focus on what really matters which is creating memories and strengthening bonds.
Learning Experiences
An African safari with the family is like no other vacation you’ll ever take. It’s as much an education for us adults as it is for the kids — and it’ll change you.
From the moment you set foot on the continent, your senses are bombarded with new sights, sounds and experiences that will forever broaden your understanding of both the natural world and different cultures. And when it comes to introducing children to those concepts, I don’t think there’s a better way.
On a safari, kids can learn about everything from unique ecosystems and wildlife to history, traditions and daily life — all while having fun. Many lodges offer interactive activities that let them get up close with nature or engage in cultural exchanges with local communities.
These programs foster their curiosity and empathy, but more importantly they teach them early on that we live on one big planet filled with people who all have stories worth knowing.
Pure Adventure
If thrill rides are your family’s thing, then a safari should be at the top of your list. The adrenaline-fueled moments start as soon as you hop in a bush plane to fly into camp, and they don’t stop until you’re back on home soil long after your trip has ended.
You’ll feel your heart race when you see that first lion casually sauntering by; you’ll scream (in delight) when your balloon lifts off over the savanna; and once that first night falls under canvas with an entire menagerie just outside … well, good luck trying to sleep!
And if heart-pounding excitement isn’t what gets this gang going, not to worry: There are plenty of less scary but equally thrilling activities that can be built into a safari itinerary — think hikes through beautiful landscapes or horseback rides alongside giraffes (yes,yes,yes!).
Memories for a lifetime
The biggest gift of any trip taken with loved ones is always going to be time spent together, but I believe that an African safari takes it next level. When you’re sharing a magical moment — like spotting a leopard or hearing lions roar in the dark — with your family, you’re bonding in a way that you just can’t recreate elsewhere.
Those memories will bring joy and nostalgia for years to come, and they’ll also shape your children’s values and priorities. By introducing them to wildlife and showing them how much fun it is to explore the world, you’re setting them on a path of adventure, curiosity and compassion for decades to come.
Best Places for a Family Safari in Africa
Now that you know what makes a family safari in Africa so special, let’s take a look at some of the best destinations for families on the continent:
South Africa
With its excellent infrastructure, diverse landscapes, and plethora of family-friendly lodges and activities, South Africa is hard to beat when it comes to a well-rounded and accessible safari experience.
One of the best places to start your South African adventure is Kruger National Park – one of the largest game reserves in Africa. Here you will have the opportunity to spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) on guided game drives or walking safaris, as well as engage in other family-friendly activities like birdwatching and stargazing.
The malaria-free reserves of Eastern Cape are also great options for families with young children. The Addo Elephant National Park and Shamwari Game Reserve offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities as well as various accommodations and activities suitable for kids. For those looking for an off-the-beaten path experience, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park – located on the border between South Africa and Botswana – is home to rare species such as black-maned lions and African wild cats.
Kenya
Kenya’s stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage and abundant wildlife make it an ideal destination for a family safari. From the vast plains of Masai Mara to the flamingo-filled lakes of Great Rift Valley – Kenya has plenty natural wonders that will keep both children and adults entertained throughout their holiday.
One of the best times to visit Kenya with your family is during the annual wildebeest migration which takes place from July until October in Masai Mara. During this time you can witness one of Earth’s greatest spectacles – millions of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles crossing savannas in search for fresh grassland.
Amboseli National Park – known for its large elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro – as well as Samburu National Reserve – where you can spot unique species such as Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe – are also great options for family-friendly safaris in Kenya. For a more immersive cultural experience, consider visiting a traditional Maasai village or taking a camel safari through the remote Laikipia region.
Tanzania
Tanzania’s iconic wildlife, breathtaking landscapes and friendly people make it another fantastic choice for an unforgettable family safari. From the endless plains of Serengeti to the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania is home to countless natural and cultural wonders that your children will remember for the rest of their lives.
One of the best places to start your Tanzanian adventure is Ngorongoro Crater – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most stunning wildlife reserves. Here you can spot all Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) as well as many other species in a setting that includes lush forests, grasslands and lakes. The crater also offers family-friendly accommodations and activities such as guided nature walks, cultural visits to Maasai villages or picnics on the crater floor.
Plenty of other family-friendly destinations are available in Tanzania. Tarangire National Park is known for its large elephant herds and baobab trees. Lake Manyara National Park has tree-climbing lions and colorful flamingos. For a more unexplored experience, the remote Selous Game Reserve is home to wild dogs, hippos and crocodiles.
Botswana
Botswana also offers lesser-known adventures for families. The nation has pristine wilderness, diverse wildlife and a commitment to sustainable tourism. From the wetlands of Okavango Delta to the plains of Kalahari Desert, Botswana provides a unique and unforgettable safari experience that families will love.
The Okavango Delta is one of the best places to start your adventure in Botswana. It’s a vast inland river delta that’s also home to diverse wildlife like elephants, lions, leopards and countless species of birds. Visitors can explore the waterways by mokoro canoe or go on guided walking safaris.
Chobe National Park is another great destination for families with its stunning riverfront setting and large elephant herds. Makgadikgadi Pans is also a good option as it’s home to brown hyenas and meerkats.
Namibia
Namibia may be small but it sure packs a punch when it comes to activities for families looking for something different from their safari experience. The country has stunning desert landscapes, ancient rock art and fascinating wildlife.
Etosha National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa where visitors can spot elephants, lions and rhinos among many others – including countless species of birdlife too! Other great options include Namib Desert which features towering sand dunes as well as beautiful animals like Oryx’s etc., & Damaraland region where you can track desert adapted elephants etc., you know the drill now!
Family Safari Itineraries and Experiences
This is for planning your family-friendly safari in Africa. Here are a few sample itineraries and experiences:
South African Family Adventure
Days 1-3: Start up in Johannesburg and move to a nature preserve with no malaria in the Eastern Cape, like Addo Elephant National Park or Shamwari Game Reserve. Try guided game drives, nature walks, and family-friendly activities like animal tracking and bush craft.
Days 4-6: Hop on a flight to Cape Town and see Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the V&A Waterfront. Do a day trip to the Cape Peninsula to see penguins at Boulders Beach.
Days 7-10: Fly to Kruger National Park for guided game drives, nature walks, etc., and special children’s activities like animal tracking and stargazing. Optional add-ons include visiting a local village or taking a hot air balloon ride over the savanna.
Kenya Family Safari and Beach Escape
Days 1-4: Arrive in Nairobi then transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve. Stay at an accessible lodge or camp with guided game drives, nature walks, etc.
Days 5-7: Fly by aircraft to Amboseli National Park which has stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Like before…enjoy!
Days 8-10: Fly to Mombasa or Diani Beach which are both beach resorts. Enjoy water activities along with cultural visits.
Tanzania Family Adventure and Cultural Exchange
Day 1-4: Start from Arusha then go towards Ngorongoro Crater…etc.
Day 5-7: Drive to Tarangire Natinoal Park…etc.
Day 8-10: Drive towards the rural village of Mto wa Mbu…etc.
