WILD AT HEART: YOUR GUIDE TO A FAMILY SAFARI IN AFRICA

There’s something deeply powerful about sharing the African wilderness with your family. Whether you’re watching your child’s eyes light up as a giraffe lopes past, enjoying the stillness of a sundowner with your partner, or hearing your elderly parents whisper in awe at a herd of elephants crossing the river, a family safari is one of the most rewarding holidays you can take together.

We believe everyone deserves the chance to experience the magic of Africa, from young children to retirees. With the right planning, the right properties and our expert guidance, you’ll find that a family safari is not only possible—it’s surprisingly easy. With options that suit young children, teens, and multi-generational groups alike, Africa welcomes you with open arms.

FAMILY SAFARIS MADE EASY

You might be wondering if your children are too young for a safari. Or perhaps you’re concerned about the logistics of travelling with grandparents or teenagers. The truth is, Africa’s camps and lodges have evolved to cater to a wide and diverse range of travellers, accommodating kids as attentively and expertly as they do the elderly or infirm, and everyone in between.

For families with little ones, there are malaria-free regions, flexible daily schedules, and camps with childminders and family suites. If your children are teens, you’ll find experiences filled with adventure, independence and immersion—such as walking safaris, canoeing and wildlife tracking. And for those planning a big, multigenerational adventure, there are exclusive-use villas and private guides to ensure everyone can go at their own pace.

WHERE TO GO FOR A FAMILY SAFARI

Each corner of Africa offers something unique. South Africa is ideal for families with young children, offering excellent infrastructure and malaria-free reserves. It also offers superb diversity, from the Kalahari Desert and the wilds of the Kruger region to the buzzing metropolis of Cape Town, with its wealth of entertainment, intimate wildlife experiences and majestic Cape winelands. Kenya and Tanzania are wonderful for those seeking iconic wildlife and dramatic landscapes, creating iconic safaris that tick all the boxes. While in Botswana and Zambia, you will discover immersive, off-grid adventures for families with older children. 

With Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique also adding to this tantalising smorgasbord of safari opportunities, the range of destinations is not constrictive, and multi-destination itineraries can be achieved without compromising on the infrastructure, accessibility or suitability for a family safari.

FOR YOUNG EXPLORERS: A FAMILY SAFARI WITH LITTLE ONES

Travelling with young children doesn’t mean you need to compromise. You just need the right lodge—somewhere that balances comfort with child-friendly service, space to explore and activities designed to capture little imaginations.

Nyamatusi Mahogany, Zimbabwe

On the banks of the Zambezi River in Mana Pools National Park, Nyamatusi Mahogany is tailor-made for families. With just four tents—two of which are connected for families—it offers a serene yet adventurous introduction to the bush. Kids can join the Ngwana Club, which includes storytelling, cooking, and wildlife lessons by expertly-trained, highly experienced local staff, while you relax by the pool or head out on a quiet canoe safari. It’s safe, stylish and designed to engage the youngest safari-goers in meaningful ways, as well as offer adults a spectacular safari experience.

Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, South Africa

Located in the world-renowned Sabi Sand Reserve, Bush Lodge offers an exceptional family safari with a level of luxury and warmth that’s hard to beat. Its EleFun Centre is a standout, offering a fully supervised children’s programme led by qualified rangers. Your children can learn bush skills, play games, and make crafts for a magical and captivating introduction to Africa’s wildlife and culture, all while you enjoy uninterrupted game drives or spa treatments. With family suites and dedicated guides, this is a seamless and inspiring experience for parents and kids alike.

A FAMILY SAFARI FOR TEENAGE TRAVELLERS

Teenagers often crave something more active, immersive and independent. A family safari is a rare opportunity to ignite their curiosity, challenge their perspective and give them a sense of real adventure.

Loisaba Tented Camp & Star Beds, Kenya

In Northern Kenya’s Loisaba Conservancy, Loisaba Camp’s combination of comfort and excitement is perfect for families with older children. The tented camp offers sweeping views and classic safari elegance, while the iconic Star Beds provide the unforgettable chance to sleep under a blanket of stars. Teens can join camel treks, mountain bike safaris or track wildlife with traditional Samburu guides, adding richness and thrill to every moment and providing a certain amount of independence both in their private rooms and on excursions with attentive guides.

Khwai Leadwood, Botswana

Khwai Leadwood lies in the game-rich Khwai Concession, adjacent to the Okavango Delta. With walking safaris, mokoro excursions and night drives, it’s perfect for older children who want to see the wild in all its diversity. Khwai Leadwood also runs an exceptional children’s programme, offering lessons in tracking, conservation and culture. Teens will appreciate the genuine freedom and excitement of exploring the delta on foot or by canoe.

A MULTI-GENERATIONAL FAMILY SAFARI

Bringing the whole family together in Africa—across generations—is one of the most special trips you can take. And it’s made possible by lodges that offer privacy, flexibility and just the right balance of independence and togetherness.

Thorntree River Lodge, Zambia

Thorntree River Lodge is set along the mighty Zambezi, just upstream from Victoria Falls. With spacious suites and a flexible daily rhythm, it’s a sanctuary for multi-generational families. Private plunge pools, communal dinners, cultural visits and river cruises can be blended with relaxed game drives and activities tailored to every age. It’s as peaceful or as adventurous as you’d like it to be.

Linyanti Ebony, Botswana

Tucked away in northern Botswana’s Linyanti wilderness, Linyanti Ebony offers an exclusive, intimate camp experience designed with families in mind. With just four tents—including a two-bedroom family tent—you’ll feel like the bush is yours alone. Guided walks, boat safaris and wildlife tracking can be enjoyed together, or at your own pace. The camp’s Ngwana Club ensures younger children are entertained, while older ones (and grandparents) can relish the quiet, authentic rhythm of the bush.

FAMILY SAFARI ACTIVITIES: DISCOVER THE BUSH TOGETHER

One of the greatest joys of a family safari is the chance to experience Africa together—without distractions, deadlines or devices. Game drives often become storytelling adventures, guided by rangers who understand how to keep children engaged. Bush walks can be adapted to your children’s ages and interests, introducing them to the smaller wonders—ant lions, medicinal plants, tiny frogs—that light up a child’s imagination.

If you’re travelling in areas with rivers or deltas, like the Zambezi or Okavango, you’ll find boat cruises, canoe trips and mokoro safaris that add an entirely new perspective to the landscape, though these might come with an age restriction and often better suited to older children. At sunset, you might return to camp for a swim, some stargazing or a shared fireside dinner under the African sky. Cultural visits to local communities or schools offer a humbling and meaningful insight that older children and teens especially will remember for life, while younger kids may well find their new best friend, connecting with the local children in heartwarming interactions.

The right lodge will help your family choose how to spend each day—relaxing, active or a blend of both—so that everyone returns home fulfilled, inspired and connected.

KIDS’ CLUBS & CHILDCARE: FREEDOM FOR YOU, FUN FOR THEM

A true family safari should provide time for everyone. That’s why some of Africa’s best camps and lodges offer dedicated programmes for children. These aren’t just childcare—they’re immersive, educational and wildly fun.

At Nyamatusi Mahogany, the Ngwana Club offers everything from bush survival skills to storytelling and drumming. Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge’s EleFun Centre is one of the most sophisticated kids’ safari programmes on the continent, giving children hands-on bush experiences under the watchful eye of trained educators.

Linyanti Ebony and Khwai Leadwood also feature Ngwana Clubs, which foster a deeper appreciation for nature and conservation. While your children are off tracking footprints, making crafts or learning to use binoculars, you can relax into your own safari rhythm—whether that’s a longer game drive, a glass of wine by the fire or a massage overlooking the plains.

AN AFFORDABLE FAMILY SAFARI

A family safari is undoubtedly an investment—but it doesn’t have to be out of reach. With careful planning, the right timing, and our guidance, you can experience the magic of the bush on almost any budget.

One of our favourite affordable family options is Flatdogs Camp, located in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. 

With family chalets, a great restaurant and exceptional guiding, Flatdogs proves that you don’t have to compromise on experience to keep things affordable. The camp offers excellent value, without sacrificing comfort or wildlife viewing, and it’s a brilliant option for first-time family safari travellers.

Travelling in shoulder seasons—just before or after the peak months—can yield lower rates and more availability. Many lodges offer free stays for young children or discounted rates for families. Booking private family units or houses means you’ll benefit from exclusive amenities, private guides and all-inclusive meals. And by reducing internal flights or choosing drive-in options, you can keep logistics—and costs—under control. Whatever your family dynamic, our wealth of experience travelling with our own families has enabled us to create many successful family itineraries that fit your budget and your dreams.

YOUR FAMILY’S GREATEST ADVENTURE AWAITS

A family safari is about more than just spotting the Big Five. It’s about finding awe together, discovering new rhythms, and making lifelong memories in one of the most extraordinary places on Earth.

Whether your children are wide-eyed toddlers or adventurous teens, whether you’re travelling with grandparents or planning a special milestone trip, Africa has the space and the soul to bring you closer together.

Let The Classic Safari Company design your perfect family safari—tailored to your pace, your people, and your passions.

See you out there.

Thomas

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