An African safari can be a safe and enriching experience for children when undertaken with proper precautions and guidance. Reputable safari operators (like us) prioritise safety, employing experienced guides who understand wildlife behaviour and maintain a safe distance. Vehicles a re sturdy and designed for game viewing, providing a secure environment. Our safari lodges and camps are secure, often fenced, and have trained staff to ensure guest safety. By following guidelines, respecting wildlife, and choosing a reputable operator, families can enjoy a memorable and perfectly safe holiday. This is our ultimate guide to taking children on their first safari adventure, so read on to find out more. Taking children on a safari is something that many people are unsure about. So, the owners of The Safari Edit, the Hunters, are here to tell you about their favourite family safari experiences to show you just how incredible of a holiday it can be.
Is it safe to take children on safari?
It is! We understand that taking children on a safari is something that many people are unsure about. So, the owners of The Safari Edit, the Hunters, are here to tell you about their favourite family safari experiences to show you just how incredible of a holiday it can be.
“For us, nothing beats a safari holiday and when I say us, I mean every member of our family! It is all of our favourite type of holiday and our children look forward to returning the second we arrive home.”
Finlay Hunter
“A safari is completely engaging from the youngest to the eldest members of a family and we have enjoyed multigeneration holidays with grandparents, aunts and uncles and children altogether sharing these special moments. Here are some of the experiences that our children have loved the most.”
Wendy Hunter
What age can I take my kids on safari?
At any age – even when they’re babies! Essentially, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the ideal age depends on your family’s preferences and the type of safari you’re planning. However, many safari operators, including our trusted partners, welcome children as young as 5 or 6 years old. For younger children and infants, specialised family-friendly lodges and private safari options ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Older kids, around 8–12 years, are at a great age to appreciate wildlife spotting and conservation lessons. Teenagers, meanwhile, can delve even deeper into bushcraft skills and cultural experiences.
Can we do night drives on a family Safari in Africa?
Yes! Going on a night drive is so exciting for children, as they have a responsibility to help shine their own torches and search into the dark for what might be out there. The anticipation of not knowing what is around the corner builds the excitement and discovering new nocturnal animals is always a highlight. The kid’s senses are completely switched on in the dark and the joy of listening for hyenas or a lion roar and then trying to locate them is fantastic for children of all ages.
Why should I hire a private guide for a family safari?
Hiring a private guide for a family safari ensures a personalised experience, tailored to your interests and pace. They possess in-depth knowledge of the wildlife, landscapes, and local culture, making your journey more informative and enriching.
During a trip to Tanzania we had a wonderful private guide, Peter, who collected us at the start of our itinerary and joined us for our full safari through Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and then to the Serengeti. Whilst it is far from essential to have a private guide, on this occasion it turned out to be a fantastic experience for our children, then aged 1 and 3. The kids thought that Peter was just the best thing since sliced bread! He became a friend to them and a fountain of knowledge for our three-year-old’s never-ending questions. As a local Tanzanian guide, his depth of knowledge was incredible and he was able to tell the children endless information and stories that they revelled in. He was also excellent at communicating to the lodges we were arriving at any child-specific needs or requests and ensuring the safari was completely hassle-free.
What are the best countries for a safari with kids?
Africa offers several family-friendly safari destinations, each with unique experiences for children. Here are some of our top choices:
- South Africa: Renowned for its malaria-free reserves like Madikwe, Tswalu Kalahari, and reserves of the Eastern Cape, South Africa is ideal for families. Combine your safari with a trip to Cape Town or the Winelands for a diverse adventure – and yes there’s plenty of fun to be had for little ones in the Winelands too!
- Kenya: The Masai Mara provides incredible wildlife encounters, while family-friendly lodges offer cultural interactions, such as meeting Masai warriors.
- Tanzania: Home to iconic locations like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania’s rich wildlife and private conservancies ensure flexibility for families.
- Botswana: Known for exclusive lodges and private reserves, Botswana is perfect for families looking for a quieter, more intimate safari experience.
- Namibia: With its surreal landscapes and unique wildlife, Namibia offers activities like dune-boarding, which children adore.
- Zimbabwe: Bursting with hospitality and exceptional wildlife – Zimbabwe has everything from well-known National Parks to private reserves with exclusive villas.
- Mauritius: Known for perfectly pairing luxury and all-inclusive, Mauritius is a great option for a beach holiday with a plan, think all-day activities for kids and all-day relaxation for parents.
- Zanzibar: a great addition to a classic East Africa safari, Zanzibar offers a selection of laid-back beach escapes and plenty of rich cultural experiences.
Are safari holidays good for multi-generational families?
Absolutely! We have enjoyed safari holidays with both sets of grandparents with our children and other family members and our kids have absolutely adored sharing their love of safari with all of them. On one side of the family, we have experienced safari-going grandparents and on the other, grandparents who had never done it before. Making a safari a family affair has created lifelong memories for our children, as well as for the other family members who have joined us. Seeing nature through a child’s eyes brings one back to a magical time, when everything was awe-inspiring, and the grandparents have loved being involved in this. On the other hand, the children have also adored having their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins there and loved “teaching” them everything about Africa.
What are the best accommodation options on a safari with kids?
We partner with a variety of family-friendly lodges and camps, offering tailored accommodation for all age groups. Options include:
- Family Suites: Spacious rooms with interconnected spaces allow families to stay together comfortably.
- Child-Friendly Camps: These cater specifically to families, providing activities like bushcraft lessons and storytelling around the campfire.
- Exclusive Use: For those seeking privacy and flexibility, private-use villas or small, intimate camps are ideal. With these, your family has dedicated staff, including guides and chefs, ensuring an experience tailored to your needs.
Exclusive use for families on safari
Our partners offer a range of exclusive-use properties, allowing you and your family to enjoy your safari in complete privacy. These private villas and camps are perfect for families, offering peace of mind and a space to create unforgettable memories. Without other guests, you can customise your itinerary, ensuring activities are at your family’s preferred pace. Dedicated staff will look after you, from private chefs preparing meals to guides leading tailored game drives.
Should I choose a safari lodge with a swimming pool?
Choosing a safari lodge with a swimming pool offers a refreshing break from game drives, especially during the warmer months, and is particularly enjoyable for families with children.
It was a great decision for taking the kids on safari. Africa can get very hot and so the practical aspect of cooling down is catered to. However, it also gives the children some play time and an activity to do, instead of an extra game drive in the afternoon, for example. Many lodges have pools and at some, you might even be lucky enough to have game coming right up to the pool when you are in it – a huge hit with our kids.
Why are safari and beach combination trips ideal for a first family safari?
Combining a safari and beach destination makes for the perfect holiday when travelling with children and ours have loved the opportunity to be on safari one day, and then making sandcastles the next. South Africa has provided both of these combinations with plenty of options and caters extremely well to babies and children. We have also combined the Kenyan coast with a Kenyan safari and then again with a Tanzanian safari – due to their close proximity – which allowed for a tropical beach-style holiday. Our safari experts can tailor these experiences to your wishes, so be sure to tell them what kind of beach experience you are looking for. Take a look at our Top 10 safari packing tips for parents travelling with children for more information on what to take if you are planning a trip like this.
Why cultural experiences are great for families on safari
Seeing how people live in different parts of the world has been a privilege for our kids and provided then with many incredible memories. Whether it was making bows and arrows by the campfire, dancing with Maasai warriors or visiting local schools in remote villages, our kids remember and talk about these experiences in a way that tells you how much of an impact they have made on them. Taking your handmade bow and arrow in for show and tell is apparently also “very cool”!
Can we take children to the Winelands in Africa?
Yes, you definitely can! Not only is it possible to take children to the incredible Cape Winelands in South Africa, it can actually be a highlight for everyone. Many of the vineyards are completely set up to cater for family visits and some even have kids clubs available. We have visited ones with bike pump tracks, adventure playgrounds, farms, kids’ restaurants, tractor rides, horse riding… the list goes on. These beautiful properties allow you to relax, enjoy your wine tasting and soak up the views, whilst completely appreciating that the little ones need to be entertained too.
The benefits of teaching kids about conservation on a safari holiday
Safaris offer an invaluable opportunity to educate children about the importance of conservation. Many lodges and camps have initiatives to engage young minds, such as:
- Junior Ranger Programs: Kids can learn tracking, animal behaviour, and bush survival skills.
- Wildlife Education: Guides share insights into protecting endangered species and the balance of ecosystems.
- Hands-On Activities: Children may have opportunities to visit rehabilitation centres or learn about anti-poaching efforts. These also extend to community conservation efforts, so kids can meet little ones from the destination that they are visiting and learn about how other people live around the world.
These experiences often spark a lifelong passion for wildlife and environmental stewardship.
What to pack for kids on a safari holiday
Packing the right essentials ensures that children are comfortable and prepared. Key items to include are:
- Lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing suitable for warm days and cool evenings.
- Comfortable shoes for walking safaris or exploring around the lodge.
- A wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen for sun protection.
- Binoculars to make wildlife spotting more exciting.
- A journal or sketchbook to capture their experiences.
- Books or small toys for downtime between activities.
- Child-friendly bug spray and any required medications.
We’ll provide a detailed packing list tailored to your chosen destination when booking.
You can read more about our packing tips for parents here.
First Family Safari in Africa: Quick Guide
- Safaris are safe. Reputable safari operators prioritise safety, employing experienced guides who understand wildlife behaviour and maintain a safe distance. Vehicles are sturdy and designed for game viewing, providing a secure environment. Most safari lodges and camps are secure, often fenced, and have trained staff to ensure guest safety. By following guidelines, respecting wildlife, and choosing a reputable operator, families can enjoy a memorable and safe safari adventure.
- Safaris are a great way to experience the natural world. Africa is home to some of the most incredible wildlife on the planet, and a safari is a great way to see these animals up close. Children will be amazed by the elephants, lions, giraffes, and other animals they encounter.
- Safaris are a great way to learn about different cultures. Africa is a continent with a rich and diverse culture, and a safari is a great way to learn about the different people and places that make up this amazing continent.
- Safaris are a great way to create lasting memories. A safari is an adventure that your family will never forget. It is a chance to experience something new and exciting together and to create memories that will last a lifetime.
