Are you thinking about a family safari holiday? Let us do the legwork when it comes to planning. You could soon be staying in an exclusive villa and watching elephants below your balcony, making memories together in nature and letting little ones learn about the wilderness under expert supervision while you have a moment to yourself. We’re ready to create a bespoke family safari holiday for you.
5 reasons to go on a safari family holiday in Africa
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Core family memories
Make core memories as you watch a family of elephants cooling off in a waterhole or giraffes stretching their long necks to nibble the treetops. These are moments to treasure for a lifetime.
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Learn together
It’s not all about the big animals! You could go stargazing together or watch colourful birds in the trees. Some lodges offer mini ranger courses, where they can learn about the bush.
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All under one roof
Spend time together in your own space by staying in a luxury villa. The whole family can unwind with private pools, personal chefs and kids’ amenities to make you feel right at home.
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Alone time for parents
Our favourite family lodges let you have some alone time while the little ones learn and play under expert supervision. Escape to the spa, have a private dinner or ride a helicopter.
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Safari & beach
After a thrilling time spotting elephants and lions on safari, swap the reserve for the white tropical sands of Zanzibar, Mauritius or the Kenyan coast for the perfect family safari holiday.
Luxury African family safaris 2026-2027
A safari family holiday in Africa offers the chance to run wild together. South Africa has malaria-free reserves, pristine family-friendly beaches and epic road trips along the Garden Route. In Kenya, meet orphaned baby elephants at the Sheldrick Trust, go on a private game drive in the Maasai Mara or muck about on the white sands of Diani Beach.
Follow adventure in Tanzania’s iconic Northern Circuit reserves, such as the Ngorongoro Crater or the Serengeti, then wind down with a blissful beach escape in Zanzibar. For families with teens, remote Ruaha beckons, with its large lion, elephant and hippo populations.
If you have older children in tow, Botswana’s Okavango Delta promises a one-of-a-kind adventure, where you can spot wildlife while canoeing its myriad waterways. Pair it with meeting meerkats in the Kalahari or watching the zebra migration in the vast Makgadikgadi Pan. We can help you plan the best family safari Africa has to offer in 2026 and 2027.
Let us design your Africa family holiday
Meet Alex
SENIOR AFRICA TRAVEL EXPERT
“A family safari isn’t just a holiday, it’s a chance to slow down, reconnect and share experiences that your children will remember forever. Whether it’s watching elephants together at a waterhole, learning bush skills with expert guides or simply sitting around a campfire under the stars, Africa has a way of bringing families closer in the most unforgettable settings."
Family safari lodges
Take a look at our recommended camps and safari lodges perfect for a family holiday in Africa.
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Madikwe Lelapa Lodge, South Africa
‘Lelapa’ means family in Tswana, and the lodge’s commitment to little guests shines through. Set in a malaria-free reserve, kids are welcome on game drives specially for them.
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Ol Malo Lodge, Kenya
In the heart of Samburuland, Ol Malo is a luxury ranch-style lodge where the schedule is tailored to you. Kids can go horse riding or learn to throw spears with a Samburu warrior.
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Shamwari Riverdene Lodge, South Africa
Family-focused Riverdene Lodge is immersed in the Eastern Cape bushveld, with views of a waterhole from the pool. Kids can learn about animal rescue at the wildlife rehabilitation centre.
African family safaris FAQs
Some lodges and camps allow children of any age, but there are restrictions on what they can do. Many only allow children over the age of six, while others allow those aged over eight or 12. For activities like trekking with gorillas in Rwanda, the age restriction is 16. From childcare to malaria-free reserves, it’s important to choose the right safari for your family trip, so speak to us to get our expert tips and recommendations.
We recommend South Africa, as it has a variety of top-quality malaria-free reserves where all the Big Five are present. There are some fantastic luxury lodges and villas, offering plenty of space and kids’ activities to keep little ones occupied. You also have the freedom to self-drive and spend time at the beach. Tanzania and Kenya are also high on our list. Botswana and Zambia are great for older children. You could pair your safari with a beach break in Mauritius or Zanzibar for the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation.
We specialise in bespoke luxury family safaris in Africa. To make an enquiry or start planning your trip, send us an email, give us a call or chat with us directly in LiveChat. Visit our Contact page to find out more.
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