Looking For a Family-Friendly Safari?
When I took my then 7-year-old son Max on our first safari, I was nervous.
The biggest worry? That Max would be bored. I imagined him pulling out his PlayStation Portable during long game drives or getting restless as we waited to spot wildlife.
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Our guide was incredible, engaging Max from the moment we arrived. He invited him to sit up front, chatted with him about football and pointed out fascinating things constantly.
He even turned checking out animal dung into a highlight!
Before I knew it, Max was hooked.
I’ll never forget the look on his face as we jumped off the truck to examine animal prints or the way he bonded with a baby monkey mimicking his every move from a tree branch above our plunge pool.
That trip changed everything for us as a family and now Max, who’s all grown up, still remembers it as one of the best adventures we ever had.
I’m here to share what I’ve learned, so your family’s safari can be just as magical.
Why Go on a Family Safari?
A safari is one of those rare holidays where nobody gets bored. It’s the perfect blend of thrilling wildlife encounters, off-road adventure and fun downtime by the pool.
There’s something for everyone—from the chance for kids to qualify as Junior Rangers to spotting lions, elephants, and giraffes up close.
The key is picking the right destination, and in this guide, I’ll walk you through the best family-friendly safari spots, lodges that cater to kids and activities that will keep everyone entertained.
By the end, you’ll be ready to plan a safari that’s full of adventure and family fun.
How Old Do Children Need to Be?
Most lodges and camps require children to be at least 6 years old to join a safari.
As I mentioned, Max was almost 7 on our first trip and we booked a private vehicle to make sure he’d have the space to explore at his own pace.
Our ranger was fantastic, stopping often to keep things interactive – whether it was studying spider webs, checking out tortoise tracks or identifying a pile of fresh elephant dung.
It kept Max engaged and excited every step of the way.
Best Family-Friendly Destinations in Africa
When planning a family safari, choosing a malaria-free destination is often a top priority, especially when travelling with young children.
Fortunately, South Africa is home to several malaria-free game reserves that offer exceptional wildlife experiences without the need for malaria precautions.
Malaria-Free Options in South Africa
- Madikwe Game Reserve: Located near the Botswana border, Madikwe is an excellent choice for families with young children.The reserve offers a malaria-free environment, and many lodges here, like Madikwe Safari Lodge, are designed specifically with families in mind.Activities like guided bush walks, educational talks, treasure hunts, and wildlife tracking keep kids engaged while adults can relax knowing everyone is entertained. The large pool is a highlight for children and parents alike.
- Pilanesberg National Park: Just a short drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria, Pilanesberg offers diverse wildlife in a malaria-free zone.It’s a great option for families looking to minimise travel time and still enjoy a high-quality safari experience.
The park is close to Sun City, a resort filled with family-friendly activities, making it an exciting extension to your safari holiday.
- Eastern Cape: Another top choice for malaria-free safaris, the Eastern Cape offers several family-friendly lodges with easy access from Port Elizabeth.One standout is Shamwari Game Reserve, where you can visit the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary — an unforgettable experience for animal-loving kids. Thanks to my connections with Born Free, I can often arrange special, one-off experiences such as meeting conservation experts or learning more about the rehabilitation efforts for rescued wildlife.Combine this with a holiday in Cape Town and the Garden Route for the perfect family getaway.
Consider Malaria Precautions for Certain Areas
While South Africa offers excellent malaria-free options, other countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and Zambia tend to have higher malaria risks in their game parks. For example:
Kruger National Park in South Africa, although one of the most famous reserves, is not malaria-free. Families travelling here should be prepared to take anti-malarial precautions.
In Kenya, parks like Masai Mara and Amboseli require malaria precautions, but there are lower-risk areas like Laikipia (due to the altitude),
Botswana’s Okavango Delta and Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park are magnificent but are located in high-risk areas for malaria, so malaria medication is strongly recommended.
If you’re happy to take precautions, these regions offer incredible safari experiences.
However, if you’d prefer to avoid malaria medication altogether, South Africa’s malaria-free reserves remain the safest choice for families with younger children.
Which School Holidays Are Best for a Family Safari?
Planning your safari around school holidays requires careful timing to ensure the best wildlife experiences and suitable weather.
Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your family safari:
Summer Holidays (July – August):
This period is the dry season and winter in South Africa, making it one of the prime times for wildlife viewing.
With less foliage and animals congregating around watering holes, you’ll enjoy better visibility for spotting the Big Five.
It’s also a cooler time of year, making game drives more comfortable, especially for younger children. This is an ideal time for families visiting South Africa’s malaria-free reserves like Madikwe, Pilanesberg or the Eastern Cape.
If you’re considering Kenya or Tanzania, July to October is also the time of the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River, offering one of the most spectacular wildlife events in Africa. Just keep in mind that malaria precautions may be necessary in these areas.
October Half-Term:
This time falls early in the wet season across much of Southern and Eastern Africa.
While you might experience occasional showers, the temperatures are warming up, and this is a fantastic time to see newborn animals, as many species give birth in anticipation of the rains.
The lush landscapes and playful young animals provide a different but equally magical safari experience, particularly for families looking to enjoy a greener, more vibrant environment.
Christmas Holidays (December – January):
Safari holidays during Christmas are incredibly popular, but also come with higher prices and limited availability, especially for flights and lodges.
It’s a festive and magical time to visit, particularly in South Africa where the summer weather makes for excellent game viewing and holiday beach stays.
If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime family safari, consider combining your game drives with a stay on the beaches of Cape Town or even Mauritius for a truly unforgettable family Christmas.
Activities for Children
A family safari offers so much more than just game drives—it’s an opportunity for kids to learn, explore and have fun in the heart of nature.
Here are some of the most exciting activities designed especially for children:
Junior Ranger Programs:
Many family-friendly lodges run Junior Ranger programs, where children get to don their ranger hats and learn about wildlife conservation.
These hands-on experiences include activities like tracking animals, identifying different species and learning how to be stewards of the environment.
At the end of the program, kids often receive badges, certificates, and plenty of stories to tell their friends back home.
Bush Walks:
Imagine your child stepping out of the jeep and walking alongside an experienced guide, learning how to spot and interpret animal tracks, discovering different types of plants and watching insects in action.
These guided bush walks are tailored to the curiosity and energy of children, giving them a chance to explore the wilderness up close, in a safe and controlled environment.
Cultural Experiences:
Many lodges offer opportunities for children to visit nearby local communities. Here, they can meet local children, learn about their customs and see how people live in harmony with nature.
Whether it’s watching traditional dances or trying out local crafts, these interactions give children a deeper appreciation of the culture and people of Africa.
Nature Games and Crafts:
When kids aren’t out spotting wildlife, there’s plenty to keep them busy back at camp.
Lodges often organise nature-themed games like scavenger hunts, where children search for animal tracks or specific plants.
Craft activities like making animal masks, painting rocks or creating safari-themed art also help them learn more about the environment while having fun.
These activities ensure that children stay engaged, even during downtime.
Combine a Safari with a Beach Stay
After the thrilling early mornings and exhilarating game drives of your safari, adding a beach stay to your itinerary is the perfect way to unwind as a family.
Here are some top beach destinations to complement your African adventure:
Mauritius:
This island paradise, just a short flight from South Africa, offers white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and a variety of family-friendly resorts.
Mauritius is malaria-free, making it a safe and relaxing destination to recharge after your safari. Kids will love snorkelling, boat trips and the opportunity to spot dolphins in the wild.
Cape Town:
If you’ve chosen South Africa’s malaria-free game reserves, then combining your safari with a beach break in Cape Town is ideal.
Cape Town’s beaches, such as Camps Bay and Clifton, are perfect for family fun, with the added bonus of the city’s vibrant attractions, including Table Mountain, penguin encounters at Boulders Beach, and the historic V&A Waterfront.
Just be prepared—the Atlantic Ocean here can be quite chilly, even in the summer!
Zanzibar:
If you’re heading to Tanzania for your safari, Zanzibar is a beautiful beach extension.
While Zanzibar itself is not entirely malaria-free, it’s still a popular choice for families looking for a combination of culture, history and stunning beaches.
Here, you can relax on white sands, explore historic Stone Town or take a boat out to spot sea turtles. It’s a great balance of adventure and relaxation.
Kenyan Coast:
For those exploring Kenya’s safari parks, the coastal destinations of Diani Beach and Watamu offer a beautiful contrast to the savannah.
These are not malaria-free areas, so antimalarial precautions are recommended. However, the clear blue waters and long stretches of sandy beaches make it worth the trip, with plenty of family-friendly resorts offering activities like snorkelling and boat safaris.
Whether you opt for a malaria-free beach destination like Mauritius or Cape Town or decide to explore the tropical beauty of Zanzibar or Kenya’s coast, combining a safari with a beach stay is the perfect way to balance adventure and relaxation as a family.
How to Plan Your Family Safari
Planning a family safari can feel daunting, especially when you’re juggling work, school runs, and the endless stream of emails from school (how many do they send each week?)
Add in the daily household chores and keeping the kids entertained and, by the end of the day, you’re exhausted. The last thing you want to do is spend hours researching the perfect safari destination.
That’s where I come in.
I still remember how overwhelming it was planning my own family safari with my husband and 7-year-old son, Max. I’ve taken that firsthand experience and helped countless families craft their own unforgettable safaris.
I can make your safari planning as stress-free as possible, handling all the logistics, from flights to transfers, lodges to activities that keep kids entertained.
And, I don’t pass you off to a junior team member — I’ll personally handle everything to make sure your family safari is just right for you.
Thanks to my connections with the Born Free Foundation, I can often organise once-in-a-lifetime experiences in certain locations (like Shamwari)
And for your peace of mind, Berry Travel is ABTA-bonded and a proud member of the prestigious Association of Independent Tour Operators.
So give me a call on 01372 677999 or send a quick email to [email protected] to let me know when you’re free for a chat.
In one short conversation, I’ll get a sense of what you’re looking for and handle all the legwork from there.
And remember, there’s no obligation to book but, at the very least, you’ll walk away with invaluable advice.
Haven’t read my guide, How to Find Your Perfect Safari?
In just 10 minutes, you’ll learn about the Big 5 destinations, the best times to visit, and insider tips—including how to pair your safari with the perfect beach escape.
It’s free — download now for your perfect safari!
