Family safari holidays

• African safaris can be a wonderful option for families with young children, but careful planning is essential.

• Best destinations include South Africa's malaria-free reserves for under-5s, Kenya and Botswana for ages 6–12, and Rwanda/Uganda for teenagers (gorilla trekking from age 15).

• Dry seasons (May–October in Southern Africa, June–October in East Africa) offer the easiest logistics, while wet seasons offer lower prices and baby-animal sightings.

• Family-friendly lodges offer dedicated suites, shortened game drives, and junior ranger programmes.

• Some lodges have age restrictions or do not permit children.

• Some safari activities are not offered to young children, such as gorilla trekking (minimum age 15).

• We highly recommend choosing family units or safari villas that can accommodate the whole family, allowing parents to keep a close eye on their little ones.

• Lodges with perimeter fences often offer greater freedom for children to roam, while unfenced camps require stricter supervision within living areas and bedrooms due to the presence of wildlife.

Kenya, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Zambia and South Africa all have great infrastructure and are popular tourist destinations. These countries include bucket-list gems such as the Serengeti, Okavango Delta, and Victoria Falls. Experiences like a Big 5 safari are also great for children of almost all ages.

See our First Timer’s Guide for more information on where to go and when to book.

An African safari is a safe experience for families when planned and executed with expert guidance. We adhere to stringent safety protocols to ensure peace of mind for all guests.

• Children on safari: It's vital never to leave young children unattended. They should always be in your care or under the supervision of trained and experienced caregivers at the lodges.

• Accommodation safety: We recommend lodges and villas that best suit family needs.

  • Fenced vs. unfenced: Lodges with perimeter fences offer greater freedom for children to roam, while unfenced lodges require children's movements to be restricted to living areas and bedrooms for safety. Many lodges also have uncovered pools, necessitating constant supervision of young children.

  • Safari Villas: For ultimate privacy and control, private safari villas are ideal for families, offering dedicated staff, private use of vehicles and driver-guides, a chef, butler, and typically include safe children's areas

• Wildlife interactions: Many wild animals can be dangerous and must be treated with utmost respect and caution. Our experienced guides are trained to read animal behaviour and ensure safe viewing distances.

The "best" time for a family safari in Africa is generally the dry seasons in Southern Africa (May to October) and East Africa (January to March, and June to October). These months offer prime wildlife viewing, as sparse vegetation and animals congregating at water sources make for ideal conditions.

That said, for families with younger children, the wet seasons (e.g., green season in Botswana from January to April, or short rains in East Africa from November to December) can be ideal, offering lower prices, fewer crowds, and the delightful spectacle of newborn animals.

Yes, certain activities have age restrictions to ensure safety and preserve the wildlife experience.

Most lodges welcome children from age 6 onwards, though many family-friendly lodges accept all ages with appropriate accommodations.

Key age thresholds:

• Infants to 5-year-olds need shorter game drives (1–2 hours) and malaria-free destinations, such as South Africa's Madikwe Game Reserve and the Eastern Cape.

• Children aged 6–12 can enjoy standard drives, junior ranger programmes, and cultural activities across Kenya, Botswana, and Tanzania, although some lodges have an age restriction of 12 years for game drives, unless a private vehicle is hired.

• Teenagers aged 13+ qualify for adventure activities, although the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15, and for walking safaris it is 16.

Rather than a single "best age," success depends on matching your child's attention span and interests to the right destination and activity level – and our safari experts can recommend age-appropriate itineraries for your family.

Yes, malaria is a risk for children and adults in most African safari destinations. The risk is reduced by:

• Travelling during the dry months, when there are fewer or no mosquitoes around.

• Wearing long sleeves and pants, and using insect repellent, during the early morning and evenings.

• Taking an antimalarial prophylaxis.

• Some parents of young children prefer to travel to non-malaria destinations.

Our safari experts will advise you about malaria and other important health considerations for your children.

1. Family safaris typically cost from US$700 per adult, per night, depending on the accommodation comfort level and activities. The cost per child will be lower, depending on the number and ages of the children. This price usually includes accommodation, all meals, game drives, experienced guides, airport transfers, and 24/7 support from our team.

2. You only make your first payment when you book your holiday. Your second (last) payment is about 90 days before you travel.

3. Peak season bookings require 12–18 months of advance planning. Trips outside of peak season can be arranged 6–9 months ahead, with better rates and availability.

Yes, all-inclusive safaris typically offer better value for families. While nightly rates appear higher, they usually include meals, drinks, activities, park fees, and laundry – eliminating surprise costs that quickly accumulate with à la carte bookings.

The predictable total cost and hassle-free experience make all-inclusive the preferred choice for most families, especially first-timers managing multiple children.