Final Up to date on Could 28, 2025
From recognizing towering giraffes to monitoring lion paw prints, safaris are an exhilarating journey for the entire household. Right here’s our choose of one of the best 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 folks. Since my child was born, we’ve introduced her to Africa a couple of occasions and each single journey has superb for all the household. Seeing her eyes gentle 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 recreation reserves and nationwide parks have age restrictions — 6 is often the minimal age. Additionally, many main nationwide parks in Africa are in malaria zones — and malaria drugs 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 international locations and gone on many wildlife safaris — not all of them are appropriate for households, so I’ve narrowed them right down to one of the best locations for household safari.
Finest Locations for Safari with Children
What’s the Finest Age to Deliver 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 objective. Children beneath 6 are typically onerous to manage (they must hold quiet on recreation drives in order to not disturb the animals). Safaris sometimes contain early begins and lengthy days in automobiles which might be problematic for terribly younger youngsters.
These aged 8-12 are barely extra unbiased and may often get pleasure from 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 a good operator in order that they’re conscious of your loved ones’s wants. They’ll deal with every thing relating to permits, lodges, airport transfers, amongst others. Tour operators like Sundowner Holidays have tailored safari excursions which can be designed for households with little ones.
Finest Nations for Safari with Children
Africa is the cradle of wildlife — international locations in East Africa and the southern a part of the continent are significantly well-known for his or her nationwide parks and recreation 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
Dwelling to the long-lasting Large 5 — lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard — South Africa is without doubt one of the finest safari locations for youths. Its recreation 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 Personal Recreation Reserve, the Jap Cape, and Waterberg.
Many lodges cater to households, that includes kid-focused packages, particular menus, in addition to instructional packages to interact 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 recreation 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.
When you’re on the lookout for an all-encompassing tour, take into account this South Africa household highlights that features family-friendly lodges, actions and tailored wildlife safari customized for these touring with youngsters.
High Safari Parks in South Africa
- Kruger Nationwide Park; Splendid for recognizing the Large 5
- Sabi Sands Recreation Reserve; Has Large 5 and luxurious lodging
- MalaMala Personal Recreation Reserve; Unique wildlife viewings and lodgings
- Addo Elephant Nationwide Park; Largest elephant populations in South Africa
- Madikwe Personal Recreation Reserve; Vital elephant populations
High Safari Resorts in South Africa
2. Botswana
As one in all Africa’s most secure international locations, 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 beautiful Okavango Delta, the place you possibly can benefit from the distinctive expertise of watching hippos and crocodiles on a mokoro (picket 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 onerous to identify). The safari lodges are additionally fairly kid-friendly with some even rolling out a welcome mat for youths.
A lot of them additionally supply spacious household tents in order for you 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 threat malaria areas, so carry bug spray to your journey.
High Safari Parks in Botswana
- Moremi Wildlife Reserve; Floodplains, numerous wildlife, and canoe safaris
- Chobe Nationwide Park; Large 5 and canoe safaris
- Linyanti Reserve; Gorgeous landscapes, recreation 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
High Safari Lodges in Botswana
3. Kenya
For Kaleya’s second safari, we selected to journey to Kenya. It’s among the best 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.
Nonetheless, most components of its savannah plains are high-medium threat malaria areas and yellow fever vaccination is a requirement to enter the nation. Verify for information on malaria and yellow fever threat on the CDC web site. Learn my information to touring Kenya with youngsters.
High Safari Parks in Kenya
- Maasai Mara Nationwide Reserve; Large 5 and tribal interactions
- Amboseli Nationwide Park; Elephant herds and beautiful 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
High Safari Lodges in Kenya
4. Tanzania
Tanzania is one other wonderful safari vacation spot for households. This lovely nation is without doubt one of the most secure and has full of life parks recognized for his or her plentiful wildlife. Tanzania can also be among the best 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, supply adventures like nowhere on the continent. When you time your go to proper, you may get to glimpse the Nice Migration. This annual pure phenomenon sees hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles thunder throughout the plains into neighboring Kenya. It sometimes 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 seashore vacation on Zanzibar, an island off the Jap coast of Tanzania. Like most international locations in East Africa, Tanzania is at a high-medium threat for malaria. Verify for information on malaria and yellow fever threat on the CDC web site.
High 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 timber
- 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
High Safari Lodges in Tanzania
5. Namibia
Identified for its distinctive landscapes, Namibia boasts stark terrain and out-of-this-world pure points of interest. 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 big clay pan of Lifeless Vlei, and assembly the Himba tribe. Learn my Namibia journey information.
Most tour operators additionally supply kid-friendly actions like quad biking within the desert, whale watching, and kayaking. Some safari lodges supply guided night time excursions and glamping choices, permitting your loved ones to get pleasure from 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. Nonetheless, 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 threat.
High 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; Climbing paths
- Caprivi Strip; Herds of elephants and endangered wild canines
- Skeleton Coast Nationwide Park; Shipwrecks and whale skeletons
High Safari Lodges in Namibia
6. Uganda
Dubbed the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is a patchwork of serenity, magnificence, and particular wildlife adventures. This lovely nation in East Africa is one in all solely three international locations on the planet that provide the unique gorilla trekking. Nonetheless, 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 unbelievable variety. Moreover 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 acquired 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 threat all through the nation, so guarantee to hold some bug repellent and antimalarial medicine to your journey.
High 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
High 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 youths. From the thunderous roar of the Victoria Falls to glamping beneath the celebs, Zambia dazzles youngsters with unforgettable experiences. Nonetheless, the actual magic is in Zambia’s Nationwide parks like South Luangwa, Decrease Zambezi, and Kafue.
Right here, households can go on traditional recreation drives, strolling excursions, and canoe safaris. Most safari tour operators supply quite a lot 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 threat all through the nation, so guarantee to hold some antimalarial medicine and bug spray to your journey.
High Safari Parks in Zambia
- South Luangwa Nationwide Park; Number of recreation 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; Dwelling to white rhinos and Victoria Falls
High Safari Lodges in Zambia
8. Zimbabwe
Whereas it’s one of many quieter safari locations, Zimbabwe is extremely rewarding for households trying 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 also be residence to Africa’s second-largest elephant inhabitants, which means your possibilities of seeing a trunk or two are delightfully excessive.
Most resorts inside nationwide parks supply interactive experiences for youths reminiscent of “Poo Walks,” the place they’ll monitor animals by their droppings. Past wildlife, the thunderous Victoria Falls supply a splashy and unforgettable encounter with the most important curtain of falling water.
The nation additionally delivers enriching cultural outings reminiscent of the traditional ruins of Nice Zimbabwe. Malaria is a excessive threat all through Zimbabwe, so guarantee to pack some antimalarial medicine and bug repellents.
High 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
High Safari Lodges in Zimbabwe
9. Rwanda
A small however gifted nation, Rwanda punches above its weight class relating to 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 charming 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. You may as well glimpse gentler primates just like the colobus monkeys in Nyungwe Nationwide Park.
When you’re desperate to see the Large 5, head to the quiet Akagera Nationwide Park. Like many of the international locations in East Africa, malaria is a excessive threat all through Rwanda. So, guarantee to pack some bug spray and antimalarial medicine to your journey.
High Safari Parks in Rwanda
- Akagera Nationwide Park; Large 5, sport fishing, and birdwatching
- Volcanoes Nationwide Park; Gorilla trekking, Golden Monkey monitoring, and mountaineering
- Nyungwe Forest Nationwide Park; Chimpanzee monitoring and cover walks
- Gishwati-Mukura Nationwide Park; Chimpanzees and chicken watching
High Safari Lodges in Rwanda
10. Senegal
West Africa isn’t sometimes good for recreation drives, aside from Senegal. Bandia Wildlife Reserve, near Dakar, is one of the best reserve within the nation and it’s residence to some huge recreation. Senegal journey is simple and fascinating as there are many colonial cities and cultural spots to go to within the nation.
Senegal can also be a birdwatcher’s paradise with parks like Djoudj serving as a colourful classroom within the wild. The nationwide park is residence to flamingos, pelicans, and numerous different species that ought to seize your child’s creativeness. When 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 threat all through the nation, so carry bug repellent and antimalarial medicine to your journey.
High Safari Parks in Senegal
- Réserve de Bandia; Numerous wildlife viewing alternatives
- Niokolo-Koba Nationwide Park; Distinctive avian variety
- Djoudj Chicken Nationwide Park; Chicken species like pelicans and flamingos
- Fathala Wildlife Reserve; Distinctive wildlife like manatees, bush buck, roan antelope, and so on
High Safari Lodges in Senegal
What to Pack to your Safari with Children
Wildlife watching entails plenty 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 in very helpful on safari is a child’s digital digicam. My daughter was tremendous excited to make use of hers on safari!
Recreation drives all the time happen within the early morning and evenings, which might 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. You should definitely 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 package with primary drugs like paracetamol, antihistamine for reactions to insect bites, remedy for meals poisoning, and rehydration drugs. Listed here are extra particulars on what to pack for safari.
Price of a Safari with Children
The price of safari sometimes begins from a couple of hundred {dollars} to a number of 1000’s. It’s additionally value noting costs for excursions and permits range nation to nation. As an illustration, gorilla trekking permits in Uganda begin from round $800 per individual whereas Rwanda fees practically 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 funds safari lodge is $100/night time and midrange safari lodge prices $300. These charges cowl all of your meals and recreation 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 must pay for youths above 3.
Sensible Suggestions for Occurring 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 many of the African international locations may not be what they’re used to. As an illustration, hole-in-the-ground bogs and bugs within the tents may very well be damning experiences for youths.
- Many curio retailers alongside the highways have glowing clear bogs (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 international locations and a few might be pushy. Simply be well mannered and say no with a smile. Additionally, bargaining is a part of their every day life, they count on you to discount.
- Lastly, roads in Africa usually are not one of the best. 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 all the time require extra down time. Decelerate your tempo and spend extra time at every location.
Take pleasure in 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 ideas for when going for a safari with youngsters. You should definitely ask me any questions you’ll have.
Listed here are different articles I’ve written about safaris and Africa:
Disclaimer: This publish accommodates affiliate hyperlinks to firms I exploit and belief. I get a small fee whenever you click on on my hyperlinks, at NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. I solely advocate firms I’ve personally used and loved.
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