Final Up to date on Might 28, 2025
From recognizing towering giraffes to monitoring lion paw prints, safaris are an exhilarating journey for the entire household. Right here’s our decide of the most effective locations for safari with youngsters.
Africa has a particular place in my coronary heart — it’s my favourite continent, filled with pure wonders, superb wildlife and exquisite individuals. Since my child was born, we’ve introduced her to Africa a couple of occasions and each single journey has superb for the whole household. Seeing her eyes mild up when she noticed animals within the wild was priceless.
However planning an African safari with youngsters isn’t fairly as simple as you’d think about. For security causes, most sport reserves and nationwide parks have age restrictions — 6 is normally the minimal age. Additionally, many main nationwide parks in Africa are in malaria zones — and malaria tablets aren’t advisable for younger youngsters beneath 5-6 years previous, in order that leaves you with much less decisions.
I’ve been to over 25 African nations and gone on many wildlife safaris — not all of them are appropriate for households, so I’ve narrowed them all the way down to the most effective locations for household safari.
Greatest Locations for Safari with Children
What’s the Greatest Age to Carry Children on Safari?
There’s no distinct age however most parks and camps draw the road between 6 and eight years. A lot of them don’t settle for youngsters under 6 for security goal. Children beneath 6 are typically exhausting to manage (they need to maintain quiet on sport drives in order to not disturb the animals). Safaris usually contain early begins and lengthy days in autos which might be problematic for very younger youngsters.
These aged 8-12 are barely extra unbiased and may normally take pleasure in wildlife safaris extra. Some safari lodges are versatile on age restrict and can enable little youngsters so long as you’re on a personal safari (only for the household). Earlier than reserving a safari, discover out the actual minimal age to keep away from these inconveniences.
It’s finest to ebook your safari by way of a good operator in order that they’re conscious of your loved ones’s wants. They’ll deal with every little thing concerning permits, accommodations, airport transfers, amongst others. Tour operators like Sundowner Holidays have tailored safari excursions which are designed for households with little ones.
Greatest International locations for Safari with Children
Africa is the cradle of wildlife — nations in East Africa and the southern a part of the continent are significantly well-known for his or her nationwide parks and sport reserves. I’ve been on many safari throughout the continent and have some suggestions right here for households touring with little ones.
1. South Africa
House to the long-lasting Large 5 — lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard — South Africa is likely one of the finest safari locations for teenagers. Its sport reserves bustle with wildlife, making sightings a lot simpler in comparison with different well-known locations. Additionally, there are a number of malaria-free areas like Madikwe Non-public Recreation Reserve, the Japanese Cape, and Waterberg.
Many lodges cater to households, that includes kid-focused packages, particular menus, in addition to instructional packages to have interaction their minds. They run Junior Park Ranger packages which make them really feel concerned whereas imparting data about nature. We stayed at Ekuthuleni Lodge in Welgevonden sport reserve, which is a malaria-free space simply three hours from Johannesburg, making it a really handy cease on our 2-week South Africa itinerary.
Should you’re on the lookout for an all-encompassing tour, contemplate this South Africa household highlights that features family-friendly accommodations, actions and tailored wildlife safari customized for these touring with youngsters.
Prime Safari Parks in South Africa
- Kruger Nationwide Park; Excellent for recognizing the Large 5
- Sabi Sands Recreation Reserve; Has Large 5 and luxurious lodging
- MalaMala Non-public Recreation Reserve; Unique wildlife viewings and lodgings
- Addo Elephant Nationwide Park; Largest elephant populations in South Africa
- Madikwe Non-public Recreation Reserve; Important elephant populations
Prime Safari Resorts in South Africa
2. Botswana
As one in every of Africa’s most secure nations, Botswana is a superb safari vacation spot for households. The nation hasn’t skilled any civil battle or army coup since its independence in 1966.
Botswana has the gorgeous Okavango Delta, the place you’ll be able to benefit from the distinctive expertise of watching hippos and crocodiles on a mokoro (wood canoe). The elephant-filled plains of Chobe Nationwide Park are one other spotlight of any safari tour. Right here, you’ll discover the Large 5 (though Rhinos are exceptionally exhausting to identify). The safari lodges are additionally fairly kid-friendly with some even rolling out a welcome mat for teenagers.
A lot of them additionally provide spacious household tents if you’d like the complete wild expertise. There’s an enormous number of experiences right here: from guided bush walks to thrilling boat rides throughout the Okavango and star-gazing within the Kalahari. The central and north-west areas of Botswana (together with the Okavango) are low danger malaria areas, so carry bug spray on your journey.
Prime Safari Parks in Botswana
- Moremi Wildlife Reserve; Floodplains, numerous wildlife, and canoe safaris
- Chobe Nationwide Park; Large 5 and canoe safaris
- Linyanti Reserve; Beautiful landscapes, sport drives, and boat safaris
- Makgadikgadi Pans Nationwide Park; Huge salt pans, flamingos, and distinctive wildlife
- Central Kalahari Recreation Reserve; Open landscapes and loads of wildlife
Prime Safari Lodges in Botswana
3. Kenya
For Kaleya’s second safari, we selected to journey to Kenya. It’s the most effective locations on the planet to see the Large 5 and it’s well-known for the wealthy tradition and tribal traditions. For me, Kenya’s Maasai Mara is palms down the one of many finest safari parks in Africa. On this nationwide park, you’ll even have the chance to go to a Maasai village and learn the way they stay.
Nevertheless, most elements of its savannah plains are high-medium danger malaria areas and yellow fever vaccination is a requirement to enter the nation. Test for information on malaria and yellow fever danger on the CDC web site. Learn my information to touring Kenya with youngsters.
Prime Safari Parks in Kenya
- Maasai Mara Nationwide Reserve; Large 5 and tribal interactions
- Amboseli Nationwide Park; Elephant herds and gorgeous views of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Samburu Nationwide Reserve; Uncommon species like Grevy’s Zebra and Somali Ostrich
- Nairobi Nationwide Park; Loads of wildlife viewing alternatives
- Lake Nakuru Nationwide Park; Well-known for flamingos and different birds
Prime Safari Lodges in Kenya
4. Tanzania
Tanzania is one other glorious safari vacation spot for households. This stunning nation is likely one of the most secure and has energetic parks identified for his or her plentiful wildlife. Tanzania can be the most effective locations to glimpse the well-known Large 5 (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard) roaming within the wild.
Iconic spots just like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater teeming with wildlife, provide adventures like nowhere on the continent. Should you time your go to proper, you may get to glimpse the Nice Migration. This annual pure phenomenon sees thousands and thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles thunder throughout the plains into neighboring Kenya. It usually begins in December, with the calving season happening in January and February within the Serengeti.
To finish your journey with a bang, I like to recommend planning your journey to incorporate a seaside vacation on Zanzibar, an island off the Japanese coast of Tanzania. Like most nations in East Africa, Tanzania is at a high-medium danger for malaria. Test for information on malaria and yellow fever danger on the CDC web site.
Prime Safari Parks in Tanzania
- Serengeti Nationwide Park; Iconic Large 5 and Nice Migration
- Ngorongoro Crater; Densest focus of wildlife in Africa
- Tarangire Nationwide Park; Elephant herds and baobab bushes
- Ruaha Nationwide Park; Giant concentrations of lions and different huge cats like leopards
- Nyerere Nationwide Park; Africa’s largest nationwide park with loads of wildlife viewing alternatives
Prime Safari Lodges in Tanzania
5. Namibia
Recognized for its distinctive landscapes, Namibia boasts stark terrain and out-of-this-world pure sights. From the well-known Namib Desert to the explosive Etosha Nationwide Park, there’s a lot to see within the nation. Enjoyable actions embrace sandboarding on the Sossusvlei dunes, exploring the massive clay pan of Useless Vlei, and assembly the Himba tribe. Learn my Namibia journey information.
Most tour operators additionally provide kid-friendly actions like quad biking within the desert, whale watching, and kayaking. Some safari lodges provide guided night time excursions and glamping choices, permitting your loved ones to take pleasure in a starry journey within the desert.
A lot of the southern and central areas of Namibia, together with the coast, Namib Desert, Windhoek are malaria-free. Nevertheless, south of Mariental is taken into account a low-risk space whereas the northern a part of the nation, particularly in Etosha Nationwide Park and Zambezi Area is medium danger.
Prime Safari Parks in Namibia
- Etosha Nationwide Park; Giant focus of rhinos and floodlit waterhole for nighttime wildlife viewing
- Namib-Naukluft Nationwide Park; Pale clay pans of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei
- Fish River Canyon; Mountain climbing paths
- Caprivi Strip; Herds of elephants and endangered wild canines
- Skeleton Coast Nationwide Park; Shipwrecks and whale skeletons
Prime Safari Lodges in Namibia
6. Uganda
Dubbed the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is a patchwork of serenity, magnificence, and particular wildlife adventures. This stunning nation in East Africa is one in every of solely three nations on the planet that provide the unique gorilla trekking. Nevertheless, the beginning age for gorilla trekking in East Africa is 15 years previous.
There’s much more to Uganda than gorillas although. Nationwide parks like Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Bwindi Impenetrable impress with their unimaginable variety. Apart from wildlife, there are enjoyable adventurous actions like white water rafting and bungee leaping. Cultural encounters are additionally one other spotlight that makes this nation a formidable household safari vacation spot.
On my final go to, I bought to spend a while with the Karamojong, a minority tribe close to Kidepo Valley Nationwide Park. I visited their homesteads and noticed their lives, studying about their distinctive customs and traditions. Malaria is a excessive danger all through the nation, so guarantee to hold some bug repellent and antimalarial medication on your journey.
Prime Safari Parks in Uganda
- Queen Elizabeth Nationwide Park; Tree-climbing lions, chimpanzees, and quite a few birds
- Murchison Falls Nationwide Park; Large 5 and spectacular Murchison Falls
- Bwindi Impenetrable Nationwide Park; Gorilla trekking
- Lake Mburo Nationwide Park; Distinctive wildlife like elands, impalas, and others
- Kidepo Valley Nationwide Park; Loads of wildlife viewing alternatives and Karamojong encounters
Prime Safari Lodges in Uganda
7. Zambia
In comparison with all different locations on our record, Zambia is probably the most underrated safari vacation spot for teenagers. From the thunderous roar of the Victoria Falls to glamping beneath the celebs, Zambia dazzles youngsters with unforgettable experiences. Nevertheless, the actual magic is in Zambia’s Nationwide parks like South Luangwa, Decrease Zambezi, and Kafue.
Right here, households can go on traditional sport drives, strolling excursions, and canoe safaris. Most safari tour operators provide a wide range of actions from fishing to microlighting and white-water rafting, guaranteeing there’s one thing for each member of the household. Malaria is a excessive danger all through the nation, so guarantee to hold some antimalarial medication and bug spray on your journey.
Prime Safari Parks in Zambia
- South Luangwa Nationwide Park; Number of sport viewing alternatives and strolling safaris
- Decrease Zambezi Nationwide Park; See hippos and crocodiles on canoe safaris
- Kafue Nationwide Park; Much less crowded with loads of wildlife viewing alternatives
- Liuwa Plains Nationwide Park; Numerous wildlife and wildebeest migration
- Mosi-oa-Tunya Nationwide Park; House to white rhinos and Victoria Falls
Prime Safari Lodges in Zambia
8. Zimbabwe
Whereas it’s one of many quieter safari locations, Zimbabwe is extremely rewarding for households seeking to enjoy nature. The nation’s nationwide parks like Hwange and Mana Swimming pools bustle with wildlife, together with the well-known Large 5. Zimbabwe can be house to Africa’s second-largest elephant inhabitants, that means your probabilities of seeing a trunk or two are delightfully excessive.
Most resorts inside nationwide parks provide interactive experiences for teenagers resembling “Poo Walks,” the place they’ll observe animals by their droppings. Past wildlife, the thunderous Victoria Falls provide a splashy and unforgettable encounter with the biggest curtain of falling water.
The nation additionally delivers enriching cultural outings resembling the traditional ruins of Nice Zimbabwe. Malaria is a excessive danger all through Zimbabwe, so guarantee to pack some antimalarial medication and bug repellents.
Prime Safari Parks in Zimbabwe
- Hwange Nationwide Park; Giant elephant inhabitants and numerous wildlife
- Mana Swimming pools Nationwide Park; Numerous wildlife viewing alternatives and canoe safaris
- Matobo Nationwide Park; Balancing rocks, historic work, and huge populations of eagles
- Gonarezhou Nationwide Park; Giant elephant inhabitants
Prime Safari Lodges in Zimbabwe
9. Rwanda
A small however gifted nation, Rwanda punches above its weight class on the subject of African safaris. From the verdant and misty Virunga Mountains to the glassy Lake Kivu, Rwanda packs loads of journey for the entire household. In case your youngsters are 15 and above, don’t miss the fascinating thrill of gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. However be ready to pay a premium for this unique journey (about $1500 per individual).
Regardless, there’s nonetheless loads of actions that price a lot much less however are fairly endearing like boat rides on Lake Kivu. It’s also possible to glimpse gentler primates just like the colobus monkeys in Nyungwe Nationwide Park.
Should you’re desirous to see the Large 5, head to the quiet Akagera Nationwide Park. Like a lot of the nations in East Africa, malaria is a excessive danger all through Rwanda. So, guarantee to pack some bug spray and antimalarial medication on your journey.
Prime Safari Parks in Rwanda
- Akagera Nationwide Park; Large 5, sport fishing, and birdwatching
- Volcanoes Nationwide Park; Gorilla trekking, Golden Monkey monitoring, and climbing
- Nyungwe Forest Nationwide Park; Chimpanzee monitoring and cover walks
- Gishwati-Mukura Nationwide Park; Chimpanzees and hen watching
Prime Safari Lodges in Rwanda
10. Senegal
West Africa isn’t usually good for sport drives, aside from Senegal. Bandia Wildlife Reserve, near Dakar, is the most effective reserve within the nation and it’s house to some huge sport. Senegal journey is simple and attention-grabbing as there are many colonial cities and cultural spots to go to within the nation.
Senegal can be a birdwatcher’s paradise with parks like Djoudj serving as a colourful classroom within the wild. The nationwide park is house to flamingos, pelicans, and numerous different species that ought to seize your child’s creativeness. Should you’re after intimate experiences, Niokolo-Koba Nationwide Park is the place to go.
Right here, you’ll see wildlife of their pure habitat with out worrying about crowds. Past wildlife, Senegal has some explosive seashores and distinctive delicacies. Kaleya couldn’t get sufficient of Yassa (Grilled rooster marinated in a lemon and onion sauce). Malaria is a excessive danger all through the nation, so carry bug repellent and antimalarial medication on your journey.
Prime Safari Parks in Senegal
- Réserve de Bandia; Numerous wildlife viewing alternatives
- Niokolo-Koba Nationwide Park; Distinctive avian variety
- Djoudj Fowl Nationwide Park; Fowl species like pelicans and flamingos
- Fathala Wildlife Reserve; Distinctive wildlife like manatees, bush buck, roan antelope, and so forth
Prime Safari Lodges in Senegal
What to Pack on your Safari with Children
Wildlife watching includes a lot of driving so pack a couple of books on African wildlife and youngsters’ binoculars to maintain them engaged. One other youngsters’ journey gear that may are available very helpful on safari is a child’s digital digital camera. My daughter was tremendous excited to make use of hers on safari!
Recreation drives at all times happen within the early morning and evenings, which may get chilly whatever the time of the 12 months. As an illustration, morning temperatures in Maasai Mara can dip as little as 12°C/54°F and day time temperatures attain round 25°C/77°F. Remember to pack layers, and a heat jacket for the morning drives. Select khaki t-shirts and beige cargo pants to mix in with the environment.
One other important merchandise to pack on a household safari is a primary support equipment with fundamental drugs like paracetamol, antihistamine for reactions to insect bites, treatment for meals poisoning, and rehydration tablets. Listed below are extra particulars on what to pack for safari.
Price of a Safari with Children
The price of safari usually begins from a couple of hundred {dollars} to a number of 1000’s. It’s additionally price noting costs for excursions and permits differ nation to nation. As an illustration, gorilla trekking permits in Uganda begin from round $800 per individual whereas Rwanda expenses almost double that ($1500).
A household safari might be costly — costs for a 4-day tenting journey begins from $450 per individual. The typical fee for a price range safari lodge is $100/night time and midrange safari lodge prices $300. These charges cowl all of your meals and sport drives.
Nationwide park entrance charges are one other hefty price. They’re charged per day and per individual (which makes it very costly!). Most safari excursions don’t embrace these charges and also you’ll additionally have to pay for teenagers above 3.
Sensible Ideas for Happening Safari with Children
- If it’s your first time on the African continent, handle your expectations and put together your youngsters for that too. Infrastructure in a lot of the African nations won’t be what they’re used to. As an illustration, hole-in-the-ground bathrooms and bugs within the tents may very well be damning experiences for teenagers.
- Many curio retailers alongside the highways have glowing clear bathrooms (that’s how they struggle to attract within the vacationers), and drivers are inclined to carry you right here. You’re not obliged to purchase something in the event you don’t wish to.
- You’ll encounter many vacationer touts when touring in lots of of those nations and a few might be pushy. Simply be well mannered and say no with a smile. Additionally, bargaining is a part of their day by day life, they anticipate you to cut price.
- Lastly, roads in Africa are usually not the most effective. Put together your youngsters for bumpy rides and lengthy, dusty drives. Additionally carry dramamine for movement illness.
- Don’t pack an excessive amount of into your itinerary as youngsters at all times require extra down time. Decelerate your tempo and spend extra time at every location.
Get pleasure from Your Safari with Children!
Safari with youngsters guarantees journey, wildlife, and a lot extra. I hope this information on household safari locations helps you put together for an journey of a lifetime. I’ve tried to incorporate all of the important and sensible suggestions for when going for a safari with youngsters. Remember to ask me any questions you might have.
Listed below are different articles I’ve written about safaris and Africa:
Disclaimer: This publish accommodates affiliate hyperlinks to corporations I exploit and belief. I get a small fee whenever you click on on my hyperlinks, at NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. I solely suggest corporations I’ve personally used and loved.
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