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An African safari is the ultimate holiday for families, offering extraordinary wildlife experiences in diverse wilderness regions. More parents are recognizing the value of quality family time away from today’s technology-filled lives. A family-oriented safari in Africa provides a perfect platform for bonding, creating “once in a lifetime” experiences that will be cherished and remembered by children for years to come.
Several African countries offer family holiday packages with a range of accommodation options, from basic camping to luxurious 6-star lodges. While Africa may not be abundant in neon-lit malls, it is rich in authentic culture, cuisine, wildlife, stunning scenery, and safe adventurous spots. Visiting Africa with your family promises a unique experience that captivates all ages. Unlike computer games, a safari game drive will fascinate both granddad and a 12-year-old alike!
There is nothing as captivating as watching proud lions hunt their prey or baby elephants splashing water at a waterhole. Imagine tracking a cheetah, riding an ostrich, or going on a gorilla trek through the jungle. You can also ride a horse alongside a herd of giraffes and later sample various African cuisines before spending your evening around the campfire.
Different destinations cater to your family’s interests, happiness, travel style, and age range, ensuring a memorable safari experience for everyone.
South Africa
Cape Town and the Garden Route
Start your family safari in Cape Town, one of South Africa’s most spectacular cities, offering a variety of options for families. Near Cape Town is the Garden Route, renowned for its beautiful beaches and proximity to malaria-free game parks in the Eastern Cape. The Eastern Cape is an ideal location for a “Big Five safari,” offering the chance to see lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo in their natural habitat.
In Cape Town, families can enjoy activities such as visiting Boulders Beach to watch African penguins or taking a boat ride to Seal Island. Explore the Cape Winelands, where you can learn about and get close to wild cheetahs. The Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town, named for the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, is another must-visit, offering a fascinating look at marine life.
Kruger National Park
A safari in South Africa would be incomplete without visiting Kruger National Park. The park offers a range of family-friendly accommodations, from bush camps to luxurious lodges. Family private lodges provide exclusivity, featuring a safari guide, chef, butler, and various activities that educate children about nature. Fun-filled learning opportunities include bush walks, game drives tailored for children, and bushveld games.
Namibia
Over the years, families have come to appreciate the malaria-free areas in Namibia, such as the glorious Sossusvlei sand dunes and the extensive Skeleton Coast. Travel is convenient, as most roads are in good condition, making it easy to explore the country.
Activities in Namibia
Families will be fascinated by quad biking along the Skeleton Coast and visiting private reserves in Etosha, where night game drives offer the chance to spot nocturnal wildlife species. Cultural interactions with the Himba people in the north provide a unique and enriching experience. Children will enjoy the Cheetah Research Center, where they can have close encounters with cheetahs, learning about these incredible animals and the conservation efforts to protect them.
Kenya and Tanzania
Kenya and Tanzania can be easily combined for an epic family safari. The Great Plains of the Maasai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania continually draw visitors from around the world. Witnessing thousands of wildebeests and zebras crossing the Mara River is a breathtaking experience to share with your family.
Maasai Mara and Serengeti
The Maasai Mara and Serengeti offer incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, especially during the Great Migration. Families can witness the dramatic river crossings and the interactions between predators and prey. Both parks offer family-friendly accommodations, including tented camps and lodges that cater to children with special activities and educational programs.
Ngorongoro Crater and Karatu
Near the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania is the town of Karatu, a great destination for families. Here, you can visit a children’s school and an orphanage, providing your children with the opportunity to meet and interact with local kids. These cultural exchanges can be incredibly rewarding, offering a deeper understanding of the local way of life.
Botswana
Families visiting Botswana can immerse themselves in the magical Okavango Delta, marvel at the striking Kalahari Desert landscape, and witness the large elephant herds in Chobe National Park. Botswana offers a range of accommodations, from basic tented camps and traditional lodges to luxurious and exclusive options, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay for all.
Zimbabwe and Zambia
These two countries serve as gateways to the world-renowned Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Near Victoria Falls, in Livingstone, various sports and adventure activities cater to family members of all ages.
Zambia
In Zambia, your family can enjoy walking safaris in the hidden gem of South Luangwa National Park. A canoe ride along the Zambezi River in Lower Zambezi National Park offers the thrill of catching tiger fish amidst stunning scenery.
Zimbabwe
In Zimbabwe, families can encounter diverse wildlife, including Southern Africa’s largest elephants in Hwange National Park. Mana Pools National Park is another prime destination for family safaris, known for its large populations of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and elephants.
Uganda and Rwanda
Uganda and Rwanda are renowned for being home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Families with children aged 15 and above can embark on unforgettable gorilla trekking adventures. A combined gorilla trekking safari between Uganda and Rwanda is a popular choice.
Uganda
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s best park for family safaris, offering diverse wildlife and spectacular scenery. Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where family-friendly camps are available.
Rwanda
In Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is the primary destination for gorilla trekking. The park features accommodations that cater to families, providing comfort and adventure in a beautiful setting.
Mozambique
After a safari in Southern Africa, Mozambique is an ideal destination for relaxation. Known for its magical offshore islands, Mozambique offers excellent snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities, as well as pristine, unspoiled white beaches. It’s the perfect spot for washing away the dust and dirt of the bush and enjoying some sun and sea.
Health and Safety Guidelines for an African Family Safari
Different countries in Africa have specific health guidelines, so it’s important to contact your tour operator for detailed information on what to expect and do in terms of health and safety. Before traveling, browse through the travel advisories for the countries you plan to visit to get the most updated information regarding health, political, crime, safety, and weather conditions.
Several vaccines and immunizations are highly recommended, so visit your physician and your children’s pediatrician to discuss your travel plans. They can provide the necessary medical assistance to ensure you are fit for your travels.
Where to Stay on an African Family Safari
Many travel agents recommend smaller tented safari camps for a more private and luxurious experience. Larger traditional safari lodges tend to have bigger crowds, which may not offer the intimacy you desire as a family. Families often look back on their safari experiences with guides, lodge staff, other guests, and the meals as the most memorable parts of their trip. Therefore, a smaller tented safari camp will likely be the best option for your family, regardless of the country you visit.
When to Go for an African Family Safari
When planning a safari in Africa, the goal is often to see a variety of wild animals. The best time to visit is during the dry, warm season when water is scarce in the parks, causing many animals to gather around water holes. Additionally, the vegetation is thin, short, and dry during this time, offering good visibility.
For most of Africa, the favorable times to visit are between late December and March, as well as July to mid-October. However, it is advisable to check the state travel advisories for the most updated information on the best times to visit each country or consult your travel agent for specific recommendations.
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