The best family safaris: Adventure awaits in Africa!
A family safari in Africa is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding travel experiences, combining thrilling wildlife encounters with unforgettable bonding moments. Track wild dogs on the hunt, giggle as you bounce along on off-road adventures, watch wide-eyed as lions stretch into action at sundown, or learn to spot the distinctive flight of a bateleur eagle. From pausing to let a tiny leopard tortoise cross your path, witnessing elephants splash into a river and stargazing under the Milky Way, these adventures create magical memories. Experience tells us that they very often foster a lifelong love for wildlife and conservation too.
What may surprise you, however, is that beyond the wilderness and wildlife, family safaris can far exceed expectations in terms of accommodation, food, and service. Africa’s high-end safari lodges and camps offer an extraordinary range of luxury and comfort. From private suites with plunge pools to charming tented camps nestled deep in the bush, these accommodation options provide a perfect blend of style, authenticity, and relaxation for everyone. Meals can range from gourmet fine-dining in beautifully set dining rooms to delicious campfire cookouts under the stars – and resident chefs are more than happy to tailor menus and meal times to perfectly suit your family.
For parents and grandparents, a family safari provides a rare opportunity to disconnect from daily life and reconnect with nature and each other. Away from the usual distractions, families can share exciting adventures on game drives, swap stories over campfires, and enjoy quiet moments under vast, starlit skies. Watching young children’s faces light up at their first giraffe sighting, seeing teenagers laugh with new friends in camp, or simply appreciating the scale and beauty of the African wilderness over sundowners, is a real privilege to share together.
Moreover, the staff at our carefully chosen lodges are known for their warmth, attentiveness, and ability to entertain and delight all of our guests. We know that you’ll feel welcome and engaged, and that everyone in the family – whatever their age – will have the trip of a lifetime!
For families looking for the perfect itinerary, our curated Family Adventures safari collection offers a superb selection of trips across Africa, carefully designed with children of different in mind. Whether you're seeking a gentle introduction to safari for young children or an action-packed adventure for teenagers, we have it covered. Or bring the whole tribe and check out our Friends and Family Gatherings collection for a multi-generational trip to bring everyone together!
The ultimate family adventures safari collection
Discover the best family safari holidays in Africa, specially created for adventurers of all ages. Get up close to a curious meerkat in Botswana, race down Namibia’s towering dunes on a sandboard, or chase rainbows beneath the mighty Victoria Falls. Whether it’s kayaking alongside playful seals, learning ancient tracking skills with San Bushmen, or laughing together on thrilling 4x4 game drives, every moment is an adventure. Snorkel over vibrant coral reefs, marvel at Africa’s iconic wildlife, and create memories that will last a lifetime—each of the safaris in our Family Adventures Collection can be tailored just for you!
Our most recent reviews of family holidays in Africa
Detailed, un-edited reviews from our Africa travellers whose trips we tailored towards family holidays. Click below to read the traveller's full review, and see all the reviews of our Africa holidays here.
Frequently asked questions
Family Safari FAQs
Planning a family safari brings plenty of excitement - and questions! Our Family Safari FAQs aim to answer all the key considerations, helping you feel confident about your adventure. From the best age for children to experience the wonders of a safari, to where to take teenagers on holiday in Africa, to understanding safety protocols in the bush, and discovering family-friendly activities like game drives and bush walks - we cover it all! We’ll also explain the benefits of private guides, which allow for flexibility and a pace that suits younger explorers. Dive into our FAQs for expert advice on creating a safe, fun, and unforgettable family safari, and get in touch with us to talk through anything else.
What is the best age for children on safari?
Expert Africa’s team have taken their own children on safari from as young as a few months old. While that isn’t for everyone, we’ve had wonderful feedback on trips with children as young as four or five. These trips have been huge successes, planting the seeds of a life-long fascination with nature for some of the children.
Generally, we recommend that children are aged about eight and above for safari: at this age, they can participate in most activities (excluding walking safaris), gain a deeper understanding of the environment, and leave with lasting memories. That said, if you’ve got younger, well-travelled children or budding wildlife enthusiasts, then don’t hesitate; take them to Africa as soon as you can! There’s simply nowhere in the world quite like Africa for instilling a love for wildlife and the natural environment.
Taking Babies & Toddlers on Safari – A Gentle Introduction to Africa
While many families choose to wait until their children are older, safari can be a wonderful experience even with babies and toddlers. The key is choosing the right malaria-free destinations, child-friendly lodges, and gentle activities. Some safari lodges cater specifically for young families, with safe, enclosed environments, flexible meal times, and babysitting services. Instead of long game drives, boat safaris, nature walks, and relaxed wildlife viewing from camp make for a fun, stress-free experience. After all, even the simple joy of watching zebras from a lodge deck or hearing lions roar at night can be incredible moments for little ones.
See our tab on Safaris with Babies & Toddlers for the best destinations and tips.
Taking Children on Safari (Aged 8–12) – A Perfect First Safari Age
Many parents wait until their children are a little older before embarking on their first safari, and ages 8 to 12 can be an ideal time to go. At this age, kids are curious, adventurous, and able to engage fully with the experience. They can follow a guide’s explanations, take part in fun activities like tracking animals, and appreciate the magic of seeing wildlife up close. Many family-friendly lodges cater specifically to this age group with junior ranger programs, wildlife quizzes, and interactive nature walks, making the safari as much about learning and discovery as it is about adventure.
For parents, this is also an ideal age for a relaxed, enjoyable safari. Children are more independent, less prone to overtired meltdowns, and able to enjoy game drives for longer. Many family-friendly lodges offer private guides and vehicles, allowing families to set their own pace—whether that means heading back to camp for an afternoon swim or stopping frequently to watch a tower of giraffes.
See our tab on Safaris for Younger Children (5–12) for more tailored experiences.
Teenagers on Safari – The Ultimate Adventure
For families with teenagers, safari is an unbeatable mix of thrill, independence, and hands-on adventure. Unlike younger children, teens can take part in more active experiences, from walking safaris and canoe trips to quad biking and wildlife photography courses. Many lodges offer conservation-focused activities, allowing teenagers to track animals, help monitor wildlife, and engage with anti-poaching initiatives, giving them a deeper connection to Africa’s wild spaces.
For parents, safari with teenagers is a unique opportunity to bond through shared adventure. Whether it’s laughing together on a bumpy 4x4 drive, marvelling at a leopard’s stealth, or swapping stories over a campfire, these experiences create lifelong memories. Teenagers also appreciate the digital detox - after a few days without constant Wi-Fi, many immerse themselves fully in the wild, engaging with guides, learning new skills, and enjoying the thrill of exploring Africa’s vast landscapes.
See our tab on Safaris for Teenagers (age 13+) for the best destinations and activities.
Bring the whole family!
Increasingly, we’re helping grandparents bring their grandchildren (whether aged five or twenty-five), often along with the whole family, to create shared memories. Safari offers a wonderful setting for families to reconnect, with few distractions, plenty of shared experiences, and moments to bond over meals and breathtaking sightings.
Can you take a baby or toddler on safari?
- Malaria-free options: Safe, easy travel in worry-free regions.
- Short travel distances:No need for long, tiring game drives or flights.
- Family-friendly lodges: With family suites, babysitting services, children’s meals and flexible schedules.
- Relaxing for parents too!: Enjoy luxury lodges, great food and drink, stunning scenery, and gentle wildlife viewing without stress. In our expert opinion, these are some of the best safari destinations for families with babies and toddlers, where parents can relax and little explorers can start their African adventure early.
SOUTH AFRICA – The Ultimate Baby-Friendly Safari Destination
South Africa is the easiest and most stress-free safari option for families with little ones. It offers a combination of malaria-free reserves, world-class infrastructure, short flights, and easy self-drive routes.
Cape Town & The Western Cape : With gorgeous beaches, nature reserves, and gentle wildlife encounters, this is the perfect low-key introduction to Africa. Family-friendly attractions like the charming Boulders Beach penguins, entertainers on the V&A Waterfront, and the cable car up Table Mountain are always crowd-pleasers. Burn off some energy exploring Kirstenbosch gardens, enjoy fish and chips by the sea, check out the Aquarium and take a great open-top bus tour.
The Winelands : Rolling vineyards, fresh country air, and space for little ones to roam make the Cape Winelands a relaxing, family-friendly escape. While parents enjoy world-class wine tastings and delicious dining, children can explore vineyards with farm animals, fruit orchards, and shaded picnic spots. Many estates offer child-friendly tastings (grape juice and chocolate pairings!), outdoor play areas, and delicious farm-to-table dining. Stay at a spacious farm stay where the whole family can enjoy nature walks, swim in the pool, feed friendly farm animals, and soak in the pretty countryside.
The Garden Route : One of South Africa’s most scenic drives, the Garden Route is packed with safe, exciting experiences for toddlers. Stop at monkey and bird sanctuaries, go whale watching in Hermanus, or take a gentle nature walk in Tsitsikamma National Park. Plettenberg Bay’s beaches offer perfect toddler-friendly paddling spots, while a leisurely lagoon boat trip in Knysna makes for a great family outing. With plenty of kid-friendly cafés, animal encounters, and beach fun, the Garden Route is a fantastic coastal adventure for young families.
Private Eastern Cape Reserves : – These malaria-free safari reserves, including Kwandwe, offer a gentle and relaxed safari experience for families with little ones. Instead of long game drives, toddlers can spot elephants, giraffes, and zebras from open plains and watering holes near the lodge. Many lodges provide babysitting services, children’s activities, and flexible mealtimes, so parents can enjoy quiet game drives or spa treatments while little ones nap or play. With comfortable family lodges, no risk of malaria, and easy access from Cape Town, the Eastern Cape is one of the best first safari experiences for young children.
SOUTHERN & CENTRAL NAMIBIA – Wild, Remote, and Family-Friendly
For families looking for space, adventure, and a slower pace, Namibia is a great choice. It’s malaria-free in key areas, has excellent roads for self-drives, and offers short, scenic flights between destinations.
Sossusvlei & The Namib Desert – A Giant Natural Playground:
For toddlers who love to run, climb, and explore, Sossusvlei’s towering red sand dunes are a dream come true. With soft sand underfoot, little ones can toddle up gentle slopes and roll down safely, making it an exciting yet low-risk adventure. Early morning visits avoid the heat, while spacious, family-friendly lodges offer shaded pools, open spaces, and peaceful settings for naps. Parents can soak up the stunning desert scenery, enjoy sunset dune drives, or relax with a drink as the sky turns a deep orange and pink over the vast Namib sands.
Swakopmund & The Skeleton Coast – Ocean Breezes & Easy Family Fun:
This laid-back coastal town is an ideal stop for families looking to mix beach time with gentle adventure. Toddlers can run free on the soft sandy beaches, splash in calm rock pools, and watch playful seals on a relaxing boat trip. Nature walks along the coast introduce little ones to desert-adapted wildlife like springbok and flamingos. Swakopmund is also great for parents—it offers good restaurants, charming German-style bakeries, and stunning sea views, making it a perfect place to slow down and enjoy family time.
Etosha’s Southern Reserves – A Relaxed & Easy First Safari:
While northern Etosha requires long drives, southern reserves near Okaukuejo are perfect for families with toddlers. Instead of spending hours in a safari vehicle, little ones can watch elephants, zebras, and giraffes gather at waterholes from safe, fenced viewing areas—an easy way to experience wildlife without needing to be on the move. The lodges here are comfortable and spacious, often with swimming pools, shaded verandas, and enclosed gardens, so parents can relax while toddlers explore in a safe and secure environment.
If you’re planning a first safari with a little one, explore our Family Adventures holiday collection, which we’ve specially designed to ensure easy, stress-free family trips!
What are the best hands-on safaris for Younger Children (5-12 years)?
So when creating safari holidays for families we have some golden rules to create the perfect trip. All of our Family Safaris are:
Fun & Interactive : Children don’t just watch; they feed, track, ride, and explore!
Safe & Comfortable : Family-friendly lodges with spacious rooms, pools and flexible meals.
Malaria-Free Options : Several of these experiences take place in malaria-free regions, ideal for younger children.
Adventurous & Educational: From feeding giraffes to spotting elephants from a boat or searching in rockpools, every experience should inspire curiosity and wonder.
For a taste of what’s on offer, these are some of our young adventurers’ favourite, family-friendly safari experiences…and there are dozens more!
Breakfast with Giraffes in Kenya
At Giraffe Manor, children can hand-feed Rothschild giraffes right from the breakfast table! These gentle giants poke their heads through the windows, hoping for a morning treat. This enchanting stay, just outside Nairobi, is the perfect start or end to a family safari in Kenya.
Become a Junior Ranger on a Malaria-Free Safari
At beautiful Kwandwe Ecca Lodge, in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, children track wildlife, identify animal prints, and learn bush survival skills. The Bugs & Bones Walk, scavenger hunts, and storytelling bring the wild to life - plus, it’s in a malaria-free reserve, making it an easy choice for families.
Track Rhinos & Lions in Kenya
At Ol Pejeta Conservancy,, young explorers track lions with rangers, visit the last two northern white rhinos on Earth, and learn about chimpanzee rescue efforts at the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee refuge. It’s hands-on conservation at its best, wrapped in thrilling Big Five game drives.
Meet Meerkats & Sleep Under the Stars in Botswana
Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans offer some of Africa’s most unforgettable experiences for children (and adults!). Walk with playful, habituated meerkats – sit still and they might even use your shoulders or head as a look-out post; zoom across the salt flats on quad bikes, and camp under a sky bursting with stars - a truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Horse Riding by the sea in South Africa
At Grootbos Private Nature Reserve in South Africa, children can ride horses through ancient milkwood forests and wildflower-covered hills. With marine safaris, beach picnics, and whale watching, it’s an adventure-packed mix of safari and ocean discovery.
Learn to Swim & Snorkel in Kenya’s Warm Waters
The warm, crystal-clear waters of Kenya’s coast, are perfect for young children learning to swim or snorkel. Gentle, shallow coral reefs along Diani Beach are filled with tropical fish, starfish, and sea turtles, making for a safe and magical first underwater adventure.
Boat Safaris & Elephant Spotting on the Chobe River
Unlike traditional game drives, a Chobe River boat safari, gets kids up close to elephants wading in the water, crocodiles basking on the riverbanks, and colourful kingfishers diving for fish. It’s a calm, exciting, and unique way to experience wildlife.
Ready to start planning your own family safari?
We’re adept at matching experiences like these to the particular wishes of the families who travel with us, and many of the team have travelled extensively on safari with their own children from babies to teenagers.
There’s a great selection of safari holiday ideas in our Family Adventures Collection - a great place to start planning our own trip – and we’re available to help create your own perfect trip when you’re ready.
Where are the best safari experiences for teenagers (13-18 years)?
With thrilling activities, epic landscapes, and unique wildlife encounters, an African safari ensures that family adventures remain cool, exciting and great fun. These are some of our favourite (teen-verified) Teen-Friendly Safari Experiences:
Victoria Falls: The Adrenaline Capital
Known as the "Adventure Capital of Africa", Victoria Falls, delivers high-octane thrills for teens seeking a challenge. From bungee jumping off the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge and white-water rafting the Zambezi's Grade 5 rapids, to gorge swinging over Batoka Gorge, there’s no shortage of heart-racing excitement here. Plus, there’s endless opportunities for Insta-worthy selfies with the Falls.
Swakopmund: Desert Adventures
Namibia’s adventure hub, Swakopmund, is a paradise for thrill-seekers too. You can sandboard down towering dunes, kayak with seals, and even skydive for a breathtaking aerial view of the Atlantic coastline meeting the Namib Desert.
Cape Town: Cool City Adventures
A blend of urban energy and outdoor adventure, Cape Town, offers something for every teen. Hike or take the cable car up Table Mountain, hang out with the penguins at Boulders Beach, or explore the city’s history with a visit to Robben Island. The vibrant V&A Waterfront is perfect for those who love markets, culture, and cool cafés.
Makgadikgadi Pans: Quad Biking & Sleeping Under the Stars
Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans, offer one of the most surreal landscapes on Earth. You can quad bike across the endless salt flats, experiencing true isolation in this lunar-like wilderness. A highlight? Camping out under a sky so clear, the Milky Way feels within reach—a moment of magic and reflection.
Zambia: Walking Safaris & Tiger Fishing on the Zambezi
In South Luangwa National Park, walking safaris put teens on foot with Africa’s wildlife, guided by some of the best in the bush. Or for a water-based challenge, the Zambezi River, offers the ultimate fishing experience: the battle to reel in a tiger fish, a fierce, hard-fighting predator that guarantees an exhilarating experience.
Tracking Rhinos in Namibia & South Africa
For conservation-minded teens, tracking rhinos on foot is an unforgettable experience. In Namibia’s Damaraland, guided tracking experiences teach patience, resilience, and the importance of protecting these endangered giants.
Chobe River: Floating Photography Safari
Aspiring photographers will love Chobe’s unique floating safaris Chobe’s unique floating safaris, where professional wildlife photographers teach you how to capture stunning images of elephants, hippos, and crocodiles from specialist camera boats. This hands-on experience allows young adventurers to refine their skills while surrounded by Africa’s extraordinary wildlife.
Mozambique & Kenya: Learn to Scuba Dive
For those drawn to the ocean, learning to scuba dive in Mozambique or Kenya is a fantastic experience. Pristine reefs, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine biodiversity make these destinations perfect for getting PADI-certified, opening the door to a lifetime of underwater exploration. And the white-sand beaches, paddleboarding, kite-surfing and beach bonfires are pretty special too!
How do safari guides help families?
Expertly trained, the best guides possess a deep understanding of the local ecosystems, from animal behaviour and plant life to local customs and conservation efforts, helping you to experience more than just sightings. Their ability to interpret wildlife and landscapes turns the smallest moment in the bush into fascinating insights into the natural world.
A skilled guide also knows how to engage guests through storytelling, weaving in entertaining and enlightening anecdotes to captivate adults and children alike. For families, guides experienced with young safari-goers can tailor the experience to make it as educational as it is enjoyable. They know how to adapt activities to suit children's interests, from jumping out of 4x4s to identify animal tracks, letting children touch and feel the plants they pass, sparking enthusiasm in racing to identify birds in the field guides, helping them catch their first fish, or simply sharing a joke.
Of course, guides are equally essential for ensuring safety in the wilderness. Their understanding of animal behaviour enables them to make smart, informed choices about safe distances and appropriate interactions. In regions where safari activities, like walking safaris, have age restrictions, guides can recommend alternatives suitable for all family members.
Ultimately, a knowledgeable, engaging, and safety-focused guide is the key to an enriching, enlightening, and secure safari adventure for guests of all ages. Talk to us about your family’s needs and wishes so we can help match you to the perfect guide.
Do families need a private guide and vehicle?
Some camps and lodges will insist that a private vehicle and guide needs to be booked by any family with children under a certain age. Twelve years old would be a common for this, though some lodges may have lower age limit. The exclusive-use safari houses automatically include a private guide and vehicle for your stay.
Is safari safe for children?
Most safari camps are unfenced, and several are on elevated decks, meaning wildlife can roam freely within the grounds, so younger children must be supervised at all times. Camp staff will always provide a briefing on arrival about any particular safety rules – for example, some will insist that families are escorted by camp staff between their tent and the main areas – and it’s important that parents and children take these instructions seriously.
Many camps may recommend private guides and vehicles for families with young children, allowing the guide to focus on their needs and also to ensure their safety. Most safari vehicles are open-sided 4x4 Land Rovers or Toyata Cruisers. Guides are trained to position vehicles safely around wildlife, but on occasion children need to stay seated and will need to follow the guide’s instructions at all times, especially during close encounters with animals. Whilst the guides will always be friendly in explaining how to behave, it is important that everyone can remain calm and quiet when needed. This is for their safety and to avoid startling wildlife – children are sometimes better at following these instructions than adults.
Some camps offer guided nature walks for older children, usually over the age of 12. These walks are led by experienced guides who will ensure everyone knows how to behave safely around wildlife. These would not be safe or sensible for younger children and as such camps will not allow them to participate.
Many lodges have swimming and plunge pools, parental supervision is essential to ensure children’s safety around water. The same precautions apply during boat trips, where calm behaviour and close supervision are fundamental for a safe and enjoyable experience.
From a medical perspective, families should take malaria precautions as advised by a travel doctor, including using child-safe mosquito repellents and mosquito nets, which are typically standard in camps. Safari camps and lodges are equipped with basic first-aid supplies, have first-aid trained staff for minor injuries, and have procedures in place for emergencies. While camps are remote, most have links to emergency evacuation services. Families with young children may also want to bring some basic paediatric painkillers, as minor issues like grazed knees or colds are the most common concerns.
Is malaria a risk on family safaris?
Elsewhere, malaria is present in many safari areas across East and Southern Africa, and although it’s exceedingly rare amongst travellers, families should take precautions, guided by your doctor or physician, or a doctor at a good travel, based on your specific travel itinerary: the destination and time of year are key.
The malaria risk varies significantly by season, with higher risks often during the rainy season. Most of our family safaris take place in the dry season when fewer mosquitoes are present.
We’d expect most doctors to prescribe anti-malarial prophylactics for both adults and children – chosen carefully for you and your family based on your ages and medical background. Small, paediatric anti-malarial tablets (prescribed based on the weight of the child) are available for children, and are taken daily; a syrup version is not currently available on prescription.
In addition to medication, preventive measures are important. In the evenings, when mosquitoes are most active, wearing long sleeves, trousers, and closed shoes can help protect against bites. Camps provide insect repellent, spray their rooms in the evening, and most also have mosquito nets for sleeping.
So although many of Africa’s prime safari areas are malarial, provided your children can take tablets, and sensible precautions, it’s not a reason not to visit.
Are walking safaris suitable for children?
Anybody, regardless of age, who plans to go on the walking safari needs to be mindful of the safety implications and able to follow their guides’ instructions without question or delay.
If you are keen on a family walking safari, we can talk to you about the best options; there are some excellent options for day walks and multi-day trips between lovely bushcamps. Equally, there are some lovely scenic hiking routes in areas with no dangerous game!
Best camps and lodges for family safaris in Africa
Africa offers an exceptional range of family-friendly safari camps, lodges, and beach retreats, catering to all ages. For younger children, South Africa’s Garden Route provides malaria-free safaris, with wildlife-rich reserves and great coastal adventures: check out Grootbos and De Hoop for days whale watching, climbing sand dunes and searching in rockpools. Adventurous families with older children and teenagers will love Tafika Camp in Zambia, with mountain biking and walking safaris on offer in a superb wildlife area, and Machaba Camp in Botswana, with its luxurious tents and excellent game viewing. For some cultural insight, Tau Pan Camp and Camp Kalahari immerses you in a desert landscape where fascinating San Bushman can demonstrate their phenomenal knowledge and tracking skills. Or embark on a guided private mobile safari, with exclusive access to remote areas, camping under vast, star-filled skies. And for post-safari relaxation, indulge in some barefoot luxury at Kinondo Kwetu on Kenya’s coast – snorkel, kite-surf, swim and relax. The expertly crafted itineraries in our Family Adventures Holiday Collection combine these and many other great camps into seamless, adventure-filled journeys.
Our family safari collections by country
Discover Africa’s top family safari destinations! From malaria-free trips along South Africa’s gorgeous Garden Route, to truly awesome gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s lush forests with teenagers, there’s an adventure for every family. Self-drive Namibia’s classic safari circuit with ease or take a guided private mobile safari across Botswana’s Chobe National Park – so many options! Check out our curated Family Adventures holiday collection, and let our family safari specialists help you create unforgettable memories across Africa!










Africa - Curated safari and holiday collections
Explore our safari and holiday collections, featuring curated itineraries for all interests and travel styles. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a diver or a photographer, find inspiration in our super selection of safaris, then let us craft your

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