Top African Safari Destinations for Families
With its spectacular landscapes, astounding array of wildlife and exceptional camps and lodges, Africa is the ultimate destination for a family safari adventure. Not only can parents experience a once-in-a-lifetime vacation but teach their children about the importance of conservation, the delicate balance of ecosystems and the rich cultural heritage of the African people.
But with so many incredible African safari destinations for families to choose from, where do you start?
In this safari destination guide, we’ll share some of the best family safari locations on the continent, including sprawling national parks and private wildlife conservancies. Discover what sets each destination apart and find inspiration for planning your family’s safari adventure.
This vast protected wilderness in Tanzania is among Africa’s most popular destinations for first-time safari goers and families are no exception. Its sweeping savannahs and acacia-dotted landscapes create a breathtaking backdrop for thrilling game drives, with opportunities to spot lions, elephants, giraffes and zebras roaming free in their natural habitat.
The Serengeti’s highly skilled guides help spot hard-to-find species and share fascinating insights about animal behaviour in a way that is engaging for kids. Additionally, families can enjoy comfortable accommodations in eco-friendly lodges or tented camps, many of which offer kid-friendly activities, educational programs and amenities tailored for all ages.
Visiting between December and July allows you to experience the Great Migration, where massive herds of wildebeest and zebra journey across the plains. Beyond wildlife viewing, options like hot air balloon rides at sunrise, guided nature walks and cultural visits to Maasai villages make a Serengeti safari a memorable way for families to bond while discovering the wonders of Africa.
Masai Mara National Reserve is an iconic Kenyan safari destination that almost needs no introduction. It is world-renowned as a setting for the annual Great Migration, where huge herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle thunder across the plains in search of fresh grazing pastures - a breathtaking natural spectacle that will leave both children and adults in wonder.
Even outside migration season, the Mara's majestic savanna is teeming with wildlife, including the “Big Five”, cheetahs, hippos and giraffes. If your family is into birdwatching, this celebrated national reserve also provides habitat for over 450 different species! The guides in the Maasai Mara are among Kenya’s best, adept at engaging children and bringing the wonders of the wilderness to life.
Many lodges and tented camps in the Mara cater well to families, with roomy accommodations, child-friendly menus and fun educational programs designed for kids. Activities include everything from animal tracking and nature walks to bushcraft challenges and cultural village visits enabling young explorers to connect with Maasai youth.
As one of Africa's largest game reserves, Kruger is renowned for its vast wilderness areas and diverse wildlife, including the "Big Five" (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo). Family-friendly lodges and camps are scattered throughout the park, making this an ideal destination for anyone visiting South Africa with kids in tow.
Children of all ages are welcomed with tailored activities and programs designed specifically to educate and entertain. Knowledgeable guides lead exhilarating game drives, pointing out iconic animals and teaching tracking skills to young explorers. In between drives, kids can splash in swimming pools, browse the books and games available and gather around the campfire for storytelling sessions under the stars.
Kruger also stands out as one of the best family safari locations due to its well-appointed accommodations, which range from luxurious tents to spacious family suites. Many of the lodges and camps offer kid-friendly menus, as well as dedicated kids’ clubs that are centred around discovering the great outdoors.
Located in South Africa's North West Province (near the Botswana border), Madikwe is a malaria-free reserve that is deservedly popular with families. The absence of malaria provides peace of mind for parents travelling with young children - it’s just one less thing to worry about when you’re on the vacation of a lifetime.
Not only is Madikwe home to the "Big Five" but also a wealth of other wildlife that includes cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffes, zebras and over 350 bird species. Visitors can explore the reserve's grasslands, woodlands and rocky outcrops on guided game drives and walking safaris, with each experience providing a different perspective.
Madikwe is home to a range of family-friendly lodges, offering spacious accommodations and childcare services that allow parents to enjoy some alone time. Some have special activities for children such as junior ranger training, animal tracking lessons and treasure hunts, as well as arts and crafts when they need some time indoors.
One of several wildlife reserves in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, Addo Elephant National Park spans over 1,600 square kilometres and should be high on the list of elephant-loving families. It’s home to one of the densest African elephant populations on Earth. In fact, more than 600 elephants roam free here! But elephants are just the beginning - Addo is also home to lions, leopards, Cape buffalo and zebras, as well as spotted hyenas, warthogs, and numerous species of antelope.
Well-maintained roads and lookout points make it easy to explore the park on self-guided game drives, while guided tours led by knowledgeable rangers offer deeper insights into the local fauna, flora and ecology. Accommodation options in Addo Elephant National Park range from luxury lodges to basic campsites, ensuring there are offerings to suit a diverse range of preferences and budgets.
A big appeal for planning a family safari in the Eastern Cape is the fact that the area is malaria-free, giving those travelling with young children peace of mind. Aside from coming face-to-face with elephants in Addo, you can wildlife spot in the private game reserves of Lalibela, Kariega and Amakhala before marvelling at the “Valley of Desolation” in Camdeboo National Park.
Spanning over 35,000 acres of wilderness on the Laikipia Plateau, Borana is a spectacular safari destination in northern Kenya. Together with neighbouring Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, it forms part of one of the country’s most important rhino sanctuaries (both black and white rhinos can be spotted here) and is a fantastic place for seeing African wild dogs.
In addition to traditional safari activities, Borana offers a range of engaging and educational experiences tailored for families, such as guided nature walks, mountain biking and bush picnics. There are also opportunities to visit local Maasai villages to learn about their culture and traditions.
Boasting incredible views across the sanctuary is Borana Lodge, a family-friendly accommodation with well-appointed cottages, a swimming pool and a restaurant with a farm-to-fork concept. The conservancy's commitment to sustainable tourism and community empowerment ensures that your family vacation is not only creating unforgettable memories for you but also helping to preserve this incredible ecosystem for generations to come.
One of Africa’s largest national parks, Etosha lies in the north of Namibia, centred around an immense salt pan fringed by savannah. It’s notable for its diverse and abundant wildlife, including several desert-adapted species that thrive in the arid conditions. Aside from lions, elephants and giraffes, there’s the opportunity to spot zebras and numerous species of antelope.
The park's well-maintained network of roads allows for easy self-drive safaris, something that sets Etosha apart from many other African wildlife-viewing destinations. This gives families the freedom and flexibility to explore at their own pace, while the fenced campsites and lodges provide safe accommodations (complete with swimming pools and restaurants if you don’t want to cook).
Knowledgeable guides are also available for guided game drives, imparting fascinating insights into the behaviours of the park’s species and engaging even the youngest safari-goers with their expertise and storytelling. In terms of scenery, Etosha’s shimmering salt pans and dramatic skies provide an incredible backdrop for unforgettable family travel to Africa.
This massive inland river delta, fed by the waters of the Okavango River, transforms the arid Kalahari Desert into a watery wonderland following seasonal rains. It’s a spellbinding setting and one that is deservedly popular amongst luxury travellers due to its abundance of high-end lodges and camps.
Unlike a traditional safari on the open savannah, a safari in the Okavango Delta provides a more intimate and adventurous experience. Families who journey here will explore the labyrinth of waterways, floodplains and islands by boat and mokoro (traditional dugout canoe), as well as on foot during guided walking safaris. This allows you to get up close to the delta’s diverse flora and fauna, including elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species.
Many camps and lodges in the Okavango cater to families, with luxurious accommodations and special activities for kids like nature walks and animal tracking lessons. No family safari in the Okavango Delta would be complete without a scenic flight to witness this mesmerising landscape from above and get a bird’s eye view of the roaming herds of wildlife.
Looking for more information or need help planning your family safari in Africa? Connect with one of our safari experts today.
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