With more families travelling together, there is an increase in exclusive-use villas and family suites with a flexible schedule. Child-friendly lodges that welcome little ones offer age-appropriate programmes and activities in nature. These are aimed at keeping the kids entertained and enthralled. Additionally, experienced lodge staff take care of children while parents are out on game drive. There are also baby sitting services while parents are enjoying sundowners and dinner under the Africa stars!
Even though more destinations are catering to families, most safari lodges and camps are not suitable for very small children. For example, little children are not allowed on game drives in Big Five reserves for safety reasons. Their attention span is also shorter. Furthermore, many lodges and camps have no fences or are constructed up on wooden decks. Many have unfenced plunge pools as well.
Safari lodges that welcome kids
There’s nothing more rewarding than experiencing a safari through the eyes of a child. An African safari exposes kids to nature, wildlife and traditional African cultures as well as lots of educational and entertaining FAMILY FUN!
Botswana
Botswana is one of Africa’s best family safari destinations, with several camps offering genuinely well-thought-out programmes for younger travellers. Chobe Game Lodge welcomes children of all ages and offers a dedicated Kids on Safari programme. This programme keeps little explorers engaged with nature walks, boat cruises and hands-on learning about the Chobe River’s wildlife. Machaba Camp is similarly family-friendly, with spacious family tents and flexible, kid-paced game drives. This makes it easy to safari at your own family’s rhythm.
Greater Kruger South Africa
The Greater Kruger is home to some of the most rewarding family safari lodges in the country. Londolozi Founders Camp is one of the region’s standout choices for families. It offers a private family suite alongside a dedicated Cub’s Den kids’ programme packed with bush-craft, tracking games and creative activities. Camp George offers a similarly relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere. There is spacious accommodation and staff well-versed in keeping younger guests entertained between game drives.
The Madikwe Game Reserve
Madikwe is a malaria-free reserve, making it a popular choice for families travelling with very young children. Tuningi Safari Lodge caters specifically to families, with a private family suite and flexible game drive scheduling built around children’s needs and attention spans. Jaci’s Lodges take it a step further with a dedicated kids’ club. This club teaches young guests about African wildlife and conservation through games, crafts and guided bush walks.
Eastern Cape Game Reserves
The malaria-free Eastern Cape is another excellent choice for safaris with young children, combining Big Five game viewing with easy accessibility from Cape Town. Shamwari offers a well-established kids’ programme, with age-appropriate activities and babysitting services. Parents can then enjoy a sundowner or dinner in peace. Lalibela’s Mark’s Camp is designed with families in mind, offering private family accommodation and a flexible approach to game drives. This flexibility suits younger children’s shorter attention spans.
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls makes an excellent addition to a family safari itinerary, pairing iconic sightseeing with easy, low-key activities suited to children. Illala Lodge is centrally located and family-friendly, offering easy access to the falls themselves. There are also activities like guided nature walks tailored for younger guests. Matetsi Safari Lodge takes a slightly more immersive approach, with private family villas and flexible, kid-paced game drives. These are set within its private concession along the Zambezi River.
Kenya
Kenya’s Masai Mara and northern reserves both offer excellent family-friendly safari options. Kichwa Tembo, set on the edge of the Masai Mara, welcomes families with spacious tented accommodation. Their staff are experienced in tailoring game drives to children’s energy levels and curiosity. Saruni Samburu, in Kenya’s wilder north, offers a more intimate family experience, with flexible activities and a strong focus on cultural engagement with the local Samburu community. This is a memorable, educational addition for older children.
Some lodges insist on a private safari vehicle if you have small children. It’s a good idea to book one even if they don’t! Like this you’ll have more flexility. You’ll be on YOUR kid’s schedule, other guests won’t be disturbed and everyone will be happy!
Taking very young children on safari needs to be carefully planned.
Get in touch and let’s start planning your fun family safari!
info@africansafaris.com
