Best Africa Family Safaris & Travel Destinations

Family Safari Holidays in Africa

You have a variety of unforgettable activities to engage in, at the different destinations during the safari such likes the ones below.

Game Viewing

Nothing is interesting like driving with your family to the wilderness to watch the residents there roaming as if they don’t have any plan. it might be just 3-4hours, yet very rewarding and gifting, with chances of sighting the Big five (elephants, buffalos, lions, leopard, and cheetahs), the antelopes, warthogs, Zebras, and different bird species such as the kingfisher, the flamingoes, crested cranes, and many others.

All these and more are present in the wilderness of kidepo national park (true African wilderness), Queen Elizabeth national park (medley of wanders) and Murchison falls National park in Uganda, Lake Nakuru national park, and Masai Mara game reserve in Kenya, Serengeti national park and Ngorongoro national park in Tanzania among others.

Primate Trekking

It is only in Africa that you find primates you can’t find elsewhere in the world such as the giant gorillas that have sought asylum in Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega n/parks in Democratic Republic of Congo, Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga national park in Uganda, Volcanoes national park in the Republic of Rwanda. We will lead you to the jungle in search for these gentle creatures that have dwelt here for all their life. Watch their unique attributes, and games. Trekking fee defers in each of these countries with the top (Rwanda) charging 1500 USD. Only eight people are permitted to trek per day, and the children should be above 15years of age.

Visit our cousins the Chimpanzee relaxing in Kibale forest national park (Uganda), Gombe stream national park in Tanzania, Nyungwe forest in Rwanda and many more, these Apes share approximately 98% DNA with humans and co-exist with other primates. Other places to visit include the source of the Nile, as we take you up to the point where we find the source of the Nile, visit the Batwa pygmies for a cultural experience, tour and enjoy the Zanzibar beaches, sight the victories fall, listen to the thundering sound of the most powerful waterfalls in the world (Murchison falls National park), have a horse ride among others.

No specific skills needed but rather, a few types of equipment such as raincoats to protect you during the rain, Binoculars to grab a clear view of distant objects, all the necessary documents, Professional cameras for photography, hiking boots for hiking among others. We can also fly with you to South Africa, as you visit Cape Town, Botswana and Zambia which are perfect destinations for teens and those who love adventure. Come and enjoy authentic cultural performances, beach life as you relax and sail on the waters, gaze at beautiful sceneries, visit the wilderness, and numerous historical places.

WHY VISIT AFRICA AS A FAMILY?

Visiting Africa as a family can be a unique and enriching experience for the entire family for several reasons with the most popular being the rich diverse wildlife, amazing natural landscapes with great outdoor adventure activities, historical sites and the best tropical paradise beaches.

5 REASONS TO VISIT AFRICA AS A FAMILY

To see the African big 5 up close: The lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino (white and black) are the most sort after animals by all those who choose to visit Africa.  Go on a wildlife safari in Africa’s best national parks for a chance to see the iconic animals in their natural habitat, not only your children will be thrilled, but you too will be, among other numerous animal species and lots of beautiful birds.  Safaris in countries like Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Botswana, Uganda (for mountain gorillas), Namibia will offer you the best opportunity to experience the true African wilderness.

Adventure and Outdoor Activities for all ages: Africa is a perfect destination for a family that loves the great outdoors and it is a great way to get your children away from their gadgets and connect with nature. The diverse landscapes of Africa provide enough ground for numerous outdoor and adventure activities for the entire family.  From climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, to exploring the deserts of Namibia or the Sahara Desert, the largest hottest desert in the world, to bungee jumping, ziplining, white water rafting on River Nile, the longest river in the world, wildlife walking safaris, hiking expeditions, camping in the national parks or enjoying the pristine beaches along the African Indian Ocean coastline exploring the clear waters on dhow trips, scuba diving, snorkeling and more. These experiences can promote teamwork, resilience, and a sense of adventure among family members.

To experience the diverse cultures of Africa: Africa has about 3,000 different tribes which contribute to the numerous unique cultures, customs, traditions and languages. With an open mind, take a day out to visit any of the local communities on a guided cultural tour to have a glimpse of the African diverse culture. Experiencing this diversity can broaden your family’s perspective and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the variety of human experiences. Enjoy the warm and friendly hospitality from the time you reach the community to the time you leave. Join in on the traditional dances, crafts and jewelry making for a hands-on experience.

Visit the Archaeological and Historical Sites: Visiting the historical and archaeological sites on your visit to Africa can be an educational opportunity for you and your children which will provide a deeper understanding of not only Africa’s past but the origin of the human race. Visit the pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the old Stone town in Zanzibar and the Olduvai Gorge archaeological site in Ngorongoro conservation area in Tanzania among others spread around Africa.

To see some of the biggest natural features in the world: Africa is the 2^nd biggest continent after Asia, and with a size this big, it is home to some of the world’s biggest features that make a great adventure to explore for you and your family on your African visit to whichever region you visit. This is a great practical learning opportunity for your children and the whole family. Some of these features / things include the African Elephant (the Largest land mammal), Sahara Desert (the largest hot desert in the world), Namib Desert (the oldest desert in the world), Rive Nile (the world’s longest river), Mount Kilimanjaro (the highest free standing mountain in the world), Ngorongoro Crater (the world’s biggest unbroken, unfilled caldera), the great wildebeest migration (the largest land animal migration in the world), Okavango Delta (the largest inland delta in the world). Take your pick and explore the any of “bigs” in Africa.

Traveling together as a family to Africa or any other destination creates shared experiences and memories that last a lifetime and can strengthen family bonds. Whether it’s overcoming challenges and fears, exploring new places, enjoying new activities or just spending quality time together, Africa can provide a backdrop for meaningful, enjoyable and unforgettable family moments.

TOP FAMILY FRIENDLY COUNTRIES TO VISIT IN AFRICA

Africa is a diverse continent with a wide range of cultures, landscapes, and attractions. Many African countries offer family-friendly safari adventures and experiences, with a variety of activities suitable for different age groups to help create life lasting family memories that all family members will treasure.

8 TOP FAMILY-FRIENDLY COUNTRIES TO VISIT IN AFRICA

Mauritius

Mauritius is an island tropical paradise with white sandy beaches, clear blue waters and the best family-friendly resorts on the African continent especially for families travelling with little kids. The island is easily accessible, affordable and a very safe destination for visitors of all ages.

There is a lot to do for everyone in the family including water activities like swimming, snorkeling, glass-bottom boat tours, arts and crafts for the kids, exploring botanical gardens, taking part in fun sports and games like tennis, beach soccer, mini-golf, island walks among others. Experienced children care givers are always ready to help out with the kids from any age bracket.

South Africa

South Africa is a country that first comes to anyone’s mind when an African holiday is mentioned, it is a destination that has something for everyone thus an excellent family-friendly destination known for its stunning landscapes, rich historic and cultural past, wildlife filled game parks and reserves and family-friendly cities like the famous Cape Town. The Cape Winelands are a place not to be missed out on while on a family holiday in South Africa.

Zambia and Zimbabwe

Zambia and Zimbabwe are homes to the glorious thunderous Victoria Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world. On your family trip to either Zambia or Zimbabwe, your children, especially the teenagers and pre-teens will be thrilled to visit these amazing falls.

Family activities to engage in include boat cruises, guided nature walks, cultural tours, bungee jumping for the most adventurous members of the family, water rafting and bridge swinging. For a family that loves to extreme adventure, this destination is your go to.

Morocco

Morocco offers a rich cultural experience with its historic cities, beautiful sounds, colorful markets and unique architecture. It is an amazing family-friendly country to visit with your family. Lots of amazing experiences like desert camel rides, exploring the ancient medinas, visiting the beautiful coastal towns and getting a chance to taste the different natural locally grown Moroccan spices and different dishes.

Kenya

Kenya is renowned for its wildlife and especially the Great Wildlife Migration that is a great attraction of visitors to the famous Masai Mara national reserve. You can extend your family safari in Kenya to its pristine beaches in Mombasa like the famous white sand Diani Beach for a perfect tropical beach holiday. Kenya is a good family destination for families with older children that can handle the long wildlife game drives, hiking expeditions, guided wildlife walking safaris, hot air balloon safaris, birding among many exciting activities.

Tanzania

Tanzania, one of the best wildlife destinations the world is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the famous Serengeti National Park and the beautiful tropical Zanzibar archipelago. Tanzania is an ideal African family-friendly destination of families with older children. While in Tanzania, families can experience the thrill of witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration, go on day or night game drives in Tanzania’s national parks, guided walking safaris, authentic cultural tours and enjoy a relaxing beach holiday on pristine beaches of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia islands where the family can go scuba diving, snorkeling and visit different coral reefs and islands on a boat cruise in the turquoise waters of the Indian ocean

Botswana

Botswana is known for its pristine wilderness and offers family-friendly safari experiences in places like the famous Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta where the family can take on a boat safari to explore the vast inland delta which teems with a rich birdlife and animal life including good sightings of African lions, water rafting and Kalahari Desert visits.

When planning a family trip to Africa, it’s essential to consider the interests and preferences of all family members and choose destinations and activities accordingly. Additionally, it’s advisable to check travel advisories and safety information before planning your trip.

BEST TOURIST ACTIVITIES TO CHOOSE FOR FAMILY TRAVEL

The best tourist activities for family travel depend on the interests and preferences of your family members, as well as the destination you’re visiting. For a fun and memorable family holiday, you have to choose activities that fit into the dynamics of your family considering the age and physical ability to take part in the activities.

POPULAR FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILY TRAVEL

City Tours: Can be done at different times of the day considering the dynamics of your family.

• Explore the main landmarks of the city
• Take on bus city tours
• City walking tours
• Bike city tours
• Private family city tours

Family-Friendly Shows: Look for age-appropriate live performances and shows that the whole family can enjoy.

• Musicals
• Plays
• Comedy shows

Theme Parks: So much family fun to have for there is so much to unpack at the theme parks. Theme parks offer a mix of entertainment for all ages with;

• Rides
• Shows
• Character meet-and-greets

Beach Activities: Suitable for all ages

• Building sandcastles with your toddlers,
• Play beach games
• Engage in water sports like kayaking, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving and paddleboarding.

Outdoor Adventures: Get the family off the screens, away from the gadgets and into the outdoors. The outdoors are great bonding opportunities for the family. Look out for family friendly parks and trails.

• Hiking
• Biking
• Nature walks
• Mountain climbing
• Rock climbing
• Bungee jumping
• Ziplining
• Camping

Visits to Zoos, Aquariums and Wildlife sanctuaries: Your toddlers and older children will love these 2 places. Animal encounters are always a thrill for children. They will explore and learn as they enjoy the sight of all the different animals and fish species. Parents can get involved by helping explain to their kids what they are seeing and answering any curious questions from the toddlers.

Attend Cultural Events and Festivals: During your family holiday, check if there are any local cultural festivals happening in your destination.

• Experience the local culture
• Traditional dances and music
• Tickel your taste buds with the local cuisines

Wildlife safaris: During your family travel to especially to Africa, a family wildlife safari to any of the national parks will leave a mark on all family members. While on the wildlife safari, go on;

• Guided game drives
• Walking safaris
• Nature walks and hikes
• Bird watching
• Wildlife boat cruises
• Family bush breakfast or dinner
• Primate trekking tours

Other activities to consider include cruises or boat tours, visit historical sites, visit world ancient and nature wonders, farm or ranch visits, vineyard visits among others.

Remember to consider the age and interests of your family members when planning the different activities. It’s also a good idea to mix in some downtime to relax and enjoy the destination at a leisurely pace like sitting around a camp fire and talking about your family trip.

AFRICAN FAMILY TRAVEL TIPS

Traveling with your family in Africa can be a rewarding and memorable enriching experience that will be with you forever.

Whether you’re exploring the stunning landscapes, vibrant traditional cultures or engaging in wildlife safari adventures, here are some tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable family vacation in Africa:

Contact a safari expert

Look out for a safari expert or tour operator to help you in the planning of your African family safari. They will provide their expert advice on the best time to visit Africa, places to go, where to stay, activities to engage in putting into consideration each family member and the entire family dynamic.

Involve your family

During the planning process of the African safari trip, involve your family and prepare them on what to expect especially the children. Get to hear from them and know of their interests and what they would expect from an African safari. Once everyone is on board, then plan accordingly and get the children excited about the trip by sharing with them interesting information about African safaris and its wild animals.

Packing Essentials

Pack lightweight, comfortable clothing suitable for the local climate of the African country or region you are going to visit. Include hand sanitizer, sunscreen, hats, insect repellent, cameras, comfortable walking shoes for every family member, journals for the kids, animal or bird checklist for your little bird lovers and a family first aid kit including any necessary medication family members might need.

Don’t forget any specific items your family members might need like baby supplies if you are travelling with a baby, special dietary items, the kid’s fluffy friend, some favorite snacks among others.

Health Precautions

Consult your doctor or a travel healthcare expert for necessary vaccinations and health advice specific to the African regions you plan to visit to make sure you have all the updated vaccinations needed. You might need to start taking your anti-malarial tablets in advance for protection from getting ill while on safari in some malaria prevalent countries. Endeavor to sleep under a mosquito net once you are in Africa, these are provided at your chosen accommodation facility.

Travel documents

Make sure all the passports of the family members are valid at least 6 months beyond your travel dates and check with your embassy to find out about the visa requirements of the African countries you plan to visit.

Travel Insurance for the family

Purchase a comprehensive travel insurance for all the family members that covers medical emergencies including injuries, possessions in case of loss of property, trip cancellations and any unexpected turn of events.

Prepare your family foo a cultural experience

Learn about the local customs and traditions of the places you’ll be visiting and encourage each family member to have an open mind, respect local cultures and involve themselves in the different cultural practices like folk songs, traditional dances, hunting and gathering of fruits to enhance their African cultural experience.

Safety Precautions on your African safari

Stay informed about the safety situation in the African regions you plan to visit and do follow any travel advisories or warnings. While in Africa, take good care of your treasured possessions like travel documents, jewelry, phones and cameras and do not move around with a lot of cash on you. Keep your treasured possessions in the safes that are in your rooms when going out to explore the wilderness.

Accommodations

Choose family-friendly safari lodges or camps that provide the necessary amenities that cater for families like family suites / rooms, kids’ games and activities, baby cribs among others. Do your research and check for reviews and ratings from other visitors to ensure the comfort and the safety of your stay during your African safari.

Food and Water Safety

If any family member has any dietary restrictions, do communicate them clearly at restaurants to avoid any misunderstandings. Always drink bottled water while in Africa.

Plan Family-Friendly Activities

While planning for family activities, consider guided wildlife safaris or tours that are designed specifically for families. Take into account the family members interests in order to keep everyone engaged.

Remember to be flexible and open-minded, as unexpected situations may arise. With proper planning and consideration, your family can create lasting memories while exploring the diverse and beautiful continent of Africa.

All in all, consider your family member’s interests in order to have an African family experience that will last in every family member’s memory.

HOW TO TRAVEL WITH YOUR FAMILY

Let us look at how you can have more fun and less stress while on a family holiday to any part of the world. Traveling with your family can be an exciting and rewarding experience, providing an opportunity for deeper bonding among parents and their children and other family members, creating lasting memories and exploring old and new places together. To make family travel smooth, you really have to be prepared.

TIPS TO HELP YOU PLAN A SUCCESSFUL FAMILY TRIP

Plan together as a family: Every member of the family should be involved in the planning process so that each one’s preferences and interests are considered.

Choose your destination wisely: Think about your family’s dynamics, the different ages and capabilities and choose a destination that will at least carter for everyone allowing room for family activities and individual explorations. Places with family-friendly accommodations should be first on the list.

Choose family-friendly accommodations: Go for accommodations that cater to families especially the ones that fit in your family dynamics. Resorts / hotels with family suites, vacation rentals with kid-friendly amenities.

Pack light and wisely: It is not easy travelling light when traveling with kids but it is possible. Start with making a checklist of essential items each family member will need including special medical prescriptions, your toddler’s favorite toy or blankie, a game or favorite book to read during the downtime or long travels / flights. Do not forget a camera to capture those memories and a basic family first aid kit.

Be Flexible: Understand that things may not always go as planned particularly if you are travelling with a big family. Therefore, craft a flexible itinerary that will give you room to adapt to any changes.

Consider traveling during off-peak times: This will help you avoid crowds, take advantage of lower prices and minimize stress during transportation.

Make advance bookings: This will save you a lot of time during your family trip / holiday and save you from the hustle and bustle of acquiring anything at the last moment. If you can, book for your flights, family activities permits or tickets, accommodations and transportation in advance. This will also save you some money as advance bookings could call for some good discounts.

Emergency contacts: Give each family member an emergency contact incase the group gets split up. It’s a good idea to get a local SIM card for the destination you are visiting and give contact tags to each family member.

Keep your travel documents close and safe: This always come in handy when you are moving around in a foreign country. Ensure to keep them save and close by. Keep your kids documents with you and the adults can keep theirs with themselves.

Respect each other’s personal space: Plan some downtime for relaxation and individual activities during your family trip.

Take time to create family traditions on family trips / holidays: Be it trying new foods together, taking a family photo in each location or a special activity you do together as a family on every vacation or holiday.

Family travels expose your family to new cultures, experiences, places and you get to create everlasting memories.

CHOICE OF ACCOMMODATION FOR FAMILY SAFARIS

Choosing the right accommodation for a family safari is crucial to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for every member of the family. There are a number of accommodation options / styles you can choose from and what you opt for depends on your budget, preferences, family dynamics and the level of comfort and experience you are seeking for.

Accommodation options and styles to choose from for family safaris

Lodges and Tented Camps

Lodges and tented camps offer different experiences, therefore choose either style according to the experience your family is looking to experience, most importantly one that is family-friendly designed specifically for families, with amenities that carter for both adults and children offering interconnected rooms, family suites, large spacious tents, kids activities and games.

Treehouses and Elevated Accommodations

This style of accommodation is best for older children. Some safari lodges and camps offer unique treehouse accommodations that provide an elevated view of the surroundings and the stunning landscapes. This can be an exciting and memorable experience for both adults and children spending their safari being part of nature up in the tree.

Private Villas / Houses

This is an excellent option for larger families. This provides a more private personalized experience for the family. A dedicated staff / personal butler is sometimes assigned to a particular house or villa to cater for the family’s needs.

Safari lodges and tented camps in National Parks:

Some safari destinations have family-friendly safari lodges and tented camps located near national parks or wildlife reserves. These resorts may offer a range of activities for both adults and children, ensuring a well-rounded safari experience. Chose the one that best suits your family’s dynamic.

Mobile Tented Safari Camps

Consider a mobile safari tented camp where you travel with a guide and camp in different locations for a rewarding wilderness experience. This can be an adventurous option for families with older children and teenagers who enjoy a more rustic and wilder experience. You will have a different view of the wilderness and scenic landscapes each time you move.

Some of the top family-friendly safari accommodations in Africa

To mention but a few;

• Sarova Mara game camp, Angama Mara, Ol Donyo lodge, Mara Plains camp, Serian the Original, Lewa wilderness (Kenya)
• Jaci’s lodges, Makanyi private game lodge, Motse at Tswalu, Kwandwe Ecca lodge, Singinta Lebombo lodge, Royal Malewane, Sabi Sabi bush lodge (Sout Africa)
• Singita Ssakwa lodge, Little Chem Chem, Ngorongoro crater lodge (Tanzania)
• Serra Cafema camp (Namibia)
• Kitabe camp, &Beyond Sandibe Okavango lodge, Chief’s camp, Mombo camp (Botswana)

When choosing accommodation, it’s essential to consider the ages and preferences of your family members and what you would like to experience from your time at the lodge, what amenities are available for you and your children to enjoy. Additionally, check if the chosen accommodation is in a malaria-prone area and take appropriate precautions if necessary. You can also opt to do a mix of different accommodation styles to enhance your experience on your family safari. Work with a reputable tour operator or travel agent who will help you make the right choice putting into consideration all your family’s needs and character.