Why choose Zambia for your family safari?
Whether you’re keen for your budding young naturalist to see animals in the wild, in search of an adventure with your teenager, or have a big reunion to plan – our family trips are as varied as the families who travel with us.
While it probably isn’t the first choice for families with babies and very young children, Zambia is great for those with children over the age of eight and a sense of adventure. The country’s small, family-focused lodges and varied safari activities allow us to create original trips, with a focus on personal service and great shared experiences.
Whether thrill-seeking in Victoria Falls, spotting the ‘Big 5’ (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) in South Luangwa or fishing on the Zambezi River, Zambia’s friendliness and diversity makes it a first-class family destination!
Family-friendly safari lodges in Zambia
Zambia offers a fantastic range of family-friendly accommodations, from rustic bushcamps to boutique lodges and exclusive safari houses. Private safari houses are ideal for families, providing exclusive-use spaces complete with a kitchen, chef, housekeeping, and private guide. This setup ensures flexibility and privacy, allowing families to explore at their own pace.
For those seeking adventure, Zambia’s owner-run camps offer authentic, tented experiences, each with its own unique atmosphere. Many lodges provide child-friendly guiding, while teenagers can enjoy activities like tracking on foot and adrenaline-packed excursions. Explore our top family safari camps and read our guide to choosing the best accommodation style and regional highlights in Zambia.
Tongabezi
Set back from Tongabezi’s main areas, the ‘Garden House’ consists of a double, a twin and a lounge centering around a little garden with its own pool. Set back from Tongabezi’s main areas, the Garden House consists of a double, a twin and a lounge centred on a little garden with its own pool. Children, best 7+, often enjoy canoeing, fishing, trips to the Falls or simply the campfires on a Zambia family holiday here.
Sussi & Chuma
With no age limit for children, the private Chuma Houses are a great option for family holidays in Livingstone, whether as a stand-alone trip, or as an addition to your safari. With a team on standby to help with all aspects of your stay (including chef, waiter, housekeeper and private guide), and a private pool and deck area, Sussi & Chuma is ideal for families who’d prefer a bit of privacy.
Flatdogs Camp
Flatdogs is an affordable, mid-range camp with a large pool, flexible dining and a selection of family chalets perfect for a relaxed family holiday in Zambia. Room-only bookings are possible, and it has no age restrictions, although we recommend it to children 10+. All of the staff are have proven to be outstandingly friendly and approachable to children – both younger and older.
Waterberry Lodge
With family rooms, a swing, a pool, board games, pretty gardens and the option of a private villa, the small, tranquil Waterberry Lodge is great for family safari holidays in Zambia. Go walking on the adjacent nature trail or enjoy a variety of activities nearby! We recommend it for ages 6+.
Avani Victoria Falls
Avani is a bright, cheerful three-star hotel suitable for a good-value stay only 500m from the Victoria Falls during family holidays in Zambia. There’s a kids club here with special children’s activities, although this is at an extra cost. Children of all ages are welcome.
Toka Leya Camp
With several inter-leading rooms, Toka Leya is a great camp for family holidays to Zambia. Children might enjoy the camp's interactive drumming evenings with local bands, as well as river cruises, campfires at night, and trips to the Victoria Falls and the nearby village.
Chongwe River House
The spectacular Chongwe River House was made for family safaris. Very stylish and totally original, it centres around a vast lounge-dining area, and a large outdoor deck and swimming pool. With four large en-suite bedrooms, it's one of Africa's best family safari camps.
Tangala House
Tangala House near Tongabezi is a lovely family home that can be privately hired by up to eight guests – complete with toys, books, a 12m pool, kitchen equipment, etc. Its location is well-suited for Zambia family safari holidays including a visit to the Victoria Falls.
Robin's House
Robin's House has been purpose-built for family safaris – just like a family house. It has a central lounge and dining area, two en-suite bedrooms, a kitchen and plenty of space. It's one of Africa's best destinations for a family safari and offers a good-value safari.
Tafika
Tafika offers a family chalet, top guiding and excellent food and service during Zambia family safari holidays. Expect 4WD drives, walks, mountain-bike safaris and village visits! The owners raised their own children here, so under-12s are sometimes accepted.
Luangwa Safari House
Luangwa Safari House was purpose-built for families, with a vast central lounge and dining area, four large en-suite bedrooms (all with full, en-suite bathrooms), a kitchen and plenty of space. Outside is a swimming pool and a game-viewing platform.
Shiwa Ng'andu
Shiwa Ng’andu offers a variety of activities for your family safari holidays in Zambia, e.g. game drives, horse-riding and archeology projects. Children often love the big gardens and farm animals. Expect a matching price tag though!
Kasaka River Lodge
The Hippo Pod at Kasaka River Lodge is a reasonably priced, simple private house,,and is excellent for a family holiday in Zambia. Children can go on boat safaris, game drives, canoeing (12+), fishing trips and village visits.
Expert Guide to Family Safaris in Zambia
Plan the ultimate family safari in Zambia
Our guide to family safaris in Zambia aims to answer key questions to help you plan an unforgettable family adventure, whether you’re exploring the breathtaking Victoria Falls, encountering wildlife up close in South Luangwa, paddling along the Lower Zambezi, or discovering the vast landscapes of Kafue. From choosing the best destinations and accommodation, to finding activities that suit all ages, this information will help you understand the options before we design the perfect Zambian safari for your family.
Family safari highlights in Zambia
- Victoria Falls & Livingstone: Victoria Falls is a top pick for families of all ages! Thrill-seeking teenagers and ‘big kids’ will love the range of adrenalin activities, from bungee jumping and abseiling to white-water rafting and jet-boating. Everyone will enjoy the tasty farm-fresh lunch and animal interaction at the Elephant Café or aboard the beautiful Royal Livingstone steam train. You can try tiger fishing, hit the craft market for souvenirs, enjoy sundowner cruises and snap fabulous family photos under the rainbows at the iconic waterfalls. And there’s a super selection of family-friendly accommodation along the Zambezi too.
- South Luangwa National Park: South Luangwa is perfect for families looking for a safari packed with adventure and wildlife. Known for its impressive biodiversity, this park offers incredible animal sightings - from leopards lounging in trees to herds of elephants crossing the winding Luangwa River. On game drives, young adventurers and parents alike can marvel at fishing parties of pelicans and study intricate weaver nests, between spotting safari classics like giraffes and lions. Magical bush dinners around campfires, storytelling under the stars and expertly guided bush walks (for sensible children over 12) make memories for a lifetime. With some wonderful family-run safari camps, and private safari houses for small groups, South Luangwa offers great family accommodation.
- Lower Zambezi National Park: Located between the mighty Zambezi River and a dramatic escarpment, Lower Zambezi National Park offers families an exceptional mix of land and water-based safari activities. Boating through tranquil channels, spotting hippos, crocodiles and kingfishers up close; paddling on shallow sandbars in the middle of the river; watching the huge elephant herds munching seed pods around camp, and tracking wild dogs as they hunt on a game drive. Guided walking safaris provide an educational adventure for older children and adults, teaching everyone about tracking wildlife and the local ecosystem. Catch-and-release fishing is fantastic here (for children 8+) - maybe try to land a famous tiger fish, while relaxing sunset cruises offer a peaceful end to adventurous days. With swish safari tents and luxury lodges along the river, it’s a super place to stay.
- Kafue National Park: One of the world’s largest national parks, Kafue National Park offers families a remarkable safari adventure across diverse landscapes, from lush riverine forests to the iconic Busanga Plains. Game drives here bring you up close to elephants, buffalo, lions, and even the occasional wild dog, while boat cruises on the Kafue River offer peaceful moments fishing or spotting pods of hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife. Older kids and teens will enjoy the thrill of night drives, where the chance to see leopards or elusive nocturnal species adds excitement, and guided walking safaris to learning about animal tracks and bush survival skills. Maybe try a ‘silent safari’ on an electric 4x4 game drive, sleep in a designer ‘bird’s nest’ camp or watch dawn break across the savannah from a hot-air balloon… Kafue’s a park to experience Zambia’s truly wild heart.
Zambia’s best family safari accommodation
- Private safari houses: Exclusive-use safari houses are a fantastic choice for families seeking privacy and flexibility. With a dedicated staff and private guides, activities, meals and special requests are easily arranged. These housesall over fully personalised safari experience. Take a look at Chongwe River House in Lower Zambezi for its striking architecture, stunning riverside views, and four fabulous en-suite bedrooms. Over in South Luangwa, Luangwa Safari House and Robin’s House are super private retreats, with large bedrooms and access to family-friendly game drives and bush walks with experienced guides. At beautiful Tangala House, once the owner’s own family home, a huge pool, toys and a fabulous family kitchen make for a relaxed hang-out on the Zambezi by Victoria Falls.
- Family suites and interconnecting rooms: Many lodges and camps offer family suites and interconnecting rooms to accommodate families with younger children or those who are more relaxed being closer together. Tafika Camp in South Luangwa is particularly family-friendly, with spacious chalets and options for private activities. Known for its down-to-earth atmosphere, Tafika also offers adventurous activities like mountain biking and walking safaris, making it a great choice for families with older kids or teens. Near Victoria Falls, families at Toka Leya might be lured from the luxurious inter-leading rooms by the myriad Livingstone activities and evening drumming sessions. For a different feel in the same location, Waterberry Lodge on the Zambezi River offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with cottages, a pool, and activities both in Livingstone and on the river: boat trips, fishing, and nature walks.
- Adventure Camps: For families with older children or teenagers, Zambia has some fantastic adventure-focused camps that actively encourage exploration. Chisa Busanga Camp in Kafue, with its elevated ‘bird’s nest’ pods, adds a unique twist, allowing families to enjoy panoramic views of the plains from their woven accommodation.
- Owner-run camps: More than many areas in Africa, Zambia also a great selection of independent, owner-run camps, which offer a warm, personal touch and go out of their way to accommodate guest requirements. Tafika Camp, is one such camp that provides a welcoming, family-friendly environment with skilled guides who excel at engaging young safari-goers. The owners brought their own children up here – one is now the manager – and are adept at tailoring activities to suit the whole family, making it a comfortable and interactive safari experience for everyone.
- Resort hotels: In both Lusaka and Livingstone, there are modern hotel options, with all of the facilities and activities expected in high-quality modern resorts. In Livingstone, Avani Victoria Falls Resort is perfect for families wanting to combine their safari with the awe of Victoria Falls. Located within walking distance of the Falls, this resort has comfortable family rooms, a large pool, and easy access to activities like helicopter flights and river cruises. Waterberry Lodge on the Zambezi River near Livingstone also offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with cottages, a pool, and activities both in Livingstone and on the river. It’s an ideal base for exploring Victoria Falls and enjoying boat trips, fishing, and nature walks.
Zambian safaris for young children
We can tailor a trip for families traveling with children of any age, using family-focused camps and lodges and special experiences tailored to the youngest guests. An afternoon baking cookies with the camp chef, learning a local board game, or trying to catch tiny ant-lions can sometimes bring as much joy to small travellers as a perfectly-posed lounging leopard can to their older companions.
Traveling with babies & toddlers in Zambia does require additional thought and planning. On a basic level, you need to consider that Zambia is in a malaria zone and medication is advised. It’s also important to know that not all lodges are equipped to accommodate very young children, and some simply do not allow them to stay. With toddlers who are mobile, you’ll certainly need to use lodges which have ‘sealed’ accommodation – that is rooms which close up. (Avoiding those lodges and bush-camps which are more open.) By far the best options would be private houses specifically designed for families: separate suites like the Croc Nest at Flatdogs Camp, or entire houses like Tangala House in Livingstone. Here, families can enjoy a comfortable, secure, private environment with dedicated staff to assist with young children’s needs, and a flexibility that invariably makes for a smoother, more enjoyable experience for the whole family.
For safety reasons, many lodges also have age restrictions on activities like bush walks and canoe safaris (usually 12+ years) – but even very young children can safely enjoy game drives. We’d always recommend a private guide and vehicle for families with younger children though as this allows you to set the pace of the activities to suit your family, enables the guide to focus on talking to the children, and avoids any concern about noise, movement or extra breaks.
In addition to time on safari, Livingstone makes an excellent base for a few days in Zambia. Here, family-friendly hotels provide easy access to Victoria Falls and the nearby Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Young families can enjoy spotting wildlife without the need for long drives – and can often get very close to the park’s white rhino – or simply play by the pool for the day. Activities such as Zambezi riverboat trips offer gentle scenic excursions, an interactive elephant experience is always a crowd-pleaser, and the town’s craft and food markets can be fascinating.
Zambian safaris for older children and teenagers
Zambia is the birthplace of the walking safari, where families can learn to track animals, identify plants, and experience the bush up close with skilled guides who make the environment come alive. Game drives add to the excitement, offering the chance to see elephants, lions, and giraffes up close, while night drives in parks like South Luangwa introduce the thrill of spotting nocturnal wildlife and the awesome Milky Way. Canoeing on the Zambezi River enables you to paddle past hippos, crocodiles, and colourful birdlife, while fishing for the famous tiger fish makes for a fun family competition.
There are some fabulous creative workshops, from jewellery making to batik, on offer in South Luangwa, which not only produce wonderful souvenirs but offer up the chance to hang out and chat with some of the local Mfuwe residents. In Livingstone, whilst Victoria Falls is the obvious highlight, your most adventurous teens can try white-water rafting or abseiling, or join a helicopter flights over the falls for breathtaking views.
So whether it’s trying a new activity, witnessing wildlife spectacles, meeting wonderful new people, or embarking on a digital detox in gorgeous camps, travel in Zambia is a huge hit with older children and teenagers.
How long is best for a Zambian family safari?
We’d usually advise families with younger children to move around a bit less than might be normal for most travellers – and so probably suggest that the optimum would be to spend about four nights in each safari location, with perhaps a little less in Livingstone.
Trips like this fit well into the two weeks allowed by some half-term breaks in October – though many will travel in the long vacation around August. Easter usually falls towards the end of Zambia’s rainy season so can be a more challenging time to travel; and we wouldn’t recommend December/January travel unless your family has lots of African travel experience and really wants a different take on the country.
Children's favourite wildlife sightings in Zambia
For younger children, the magic is often in the small, unexpected moments. Watching elephants shower themselves with water at a riverbank is endlessly entertaining, while vibrant bee-eaters darting through the air to catch insects provide thrilling displays of precision. Troops of monkeys playing around camp are always a hit, their antics amusing both kids and adults alike, and a giant millipede slowly crossing a footpath can hold their attention longer than you’d expect. Up close, geckos clinging to chalet walls and dung beetles tirelessly rolling their prizes spark curiosity and giggles alike.
Night drives add a special touch, opening a window into the world of Zambia’s nocturnal creatures. As the sun sets, new characters emerge—from the rustling porcupines and agile genets to the mysterious glow of a leopard’s eyes in the torchlight. If lucky, families might witness a lion on the hunt, an unforgettable sight set under a breathtaking canopy of stars. Zambia’s safari experience is a delightful blend of big sights and small wonders, perfectly suited to inspiring curious minds.
Family safaris and holidays elsewhere in Africa
Explore Africa’s best family safari destinations beyond Zambia! From snorkelling Mozambique’s coral reefs to witnessing the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, or kayaking with seals on Namibia’s Skeleton Coast, find your family's next adventure!
Where to see wildlife species in Zambia
Zambia’s national parks boast a rich array of wildlife, offering incredible opportunities to see iconic African animals in their natural habitats. Expect to spot elephants, giraffes, leopards, lions, hippos, crocodiles, various antelope, and an amazi
Lion
Panthera leo
Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.
81% SUCCESS
3,438 sightings from 4,247 observations
Leopard
Panthera pardus
The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.
47% SUCCESS
2,220 sightings from 4,721 observations
Wild dog
Lycaon pictus
African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.
32% SUCCESS
997 sightings from 3,116 observations
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.
33% SUCCESS
1,176 sightings from 3,580 observations
Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.
83% SUCCESS
2,909 sightings from 3,496 observations
Eland
Taurotragus oryx
Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.
49% SUCCESS
1,646 sightings from 3,358 observations
Elephant
Loxodonta africana
By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.
91% SUCCESS
4,153 sightings from 4,563 observations
Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.
86% SUCCESS
3,998 sightings from 4,657 observations
Hippo
Hippopotamus amphibius
The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.
90% SUCCESS
3,028 sightings from 3,383 observations
Roan antelope
Hippotragus equinus
Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.
25% SUCCESS
570 sightings from 2,321 observations
Sable antelope
Hippotragus niger
Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.
23% SUCCESS
545 sightings from 2,337 observations
Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.
55% SUCCESS
2,457 sightings from 4,496 observations
Wildebeest
Connochaetes sp.
Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.
67% SUCCESS
2,798 sightings from 4,168 observations
Zebra
Equus sp.
The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.
84% SUCCESS
4,367 sightings from 5,189 observations
Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.
2% SUCCESS
81 sightings from 3,741 observations
Pangolin
Smutsia sp.
Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.
2% SUCCESS
64 sightings from 3,780 observations
Black Rhino
Diceros bicornis
The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.
30% SUCCESS
702 sightings from 2,314 observations
White Rhino
Ceratotherium simum
The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. They are larger, easier to see and generally more approachable than the black rhino.
43% SUCCESS
565 sightings from 1,312 observations
Sitatunga
Tragelaphus spekii
The sitatunga is the most aquatic of Africa’s antelopes and specially adapted to its swampy habitats. Though widespread across Africa, only a handful of places offer reliable sightings.
19% SUCCESS
70 sightings from 376 observations
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