Last Updated on May 28, 2025
From recognizing towering giraffes to monitoring lion paw prints, safaris are an exciting journey for the entire household. Here’s our choose of the most effective locations for safari with youngsters.
Africa has a particular place in my coronary heart — it’s my favourite continent, stuffed with pure wonders, superb wildlife and delightful folks. Since my child was born, we’ve introduced her to Africa a couple of instances and each single journey has superb for all the household. Seeing her eyes mild up when she noticed animals within the wild was priceless.
But planning an African safari with youngsters isn’t fairly as straightforward as you’d think about. For security causes, most recreation reserves and nationwide parks have age restrictions — 6 is normally the minimal age. Also, many main nationwide parks in Africa are in malaria zones — and malaria capsules aren’t advisable for younger youngsters below 5-6 years outdated, in order that leaves you with much less selections.
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 right down to the most effective locations for household safari.
Best Destinations for Safari with Kids
What’s the Best Age to Bring Kids on Safari?
There’s no distinct age however most parks and camps draw the road between 6 and eight years. Many of them don’t settle for youngsters beneath 6 for security goal. Kids below 6 are usually arduous to manage (they must maintain quiet on recreation drives in order to not disturb the animals). Safaris sometimes contain early begins and lengthy days in autos which could be problematic for very younger kids.
Those 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). Before reserving a safari, discover out the actual minimal age to keep away from these inconveniences.
It’s finest to e book your safari by means of a good operator in order that they’re conscious of your loved ones’s wants. They’ll deal with every part concerning permits, motels, airport transfers, amongst others. Tour operators like Sundowner Holidays have tailored safari excursions which are designed for households with little ones.
Best Countries for Safari with Kids
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 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
Home to the enduring Big Five — 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. Also, there are a number of malaria-free areas like Madikwe Private Game Reserve, the Eastern Cape, and Waterberg.
Many lodges cater to households, that includes kid-focused applications, particular menus, in addition to instructional applications to have interaction their minds. They run Junior Park Ranger applications which make them really feel concerned whereas imparting information 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.
If you’re in search of an all-encompassing tour, take into account this South Africa household highlights that features family-friendly motels, actions and tailored wildlife safari customized for these touring with youngsters.
Top Safari Parks in South Africa
- Kruger National Park; Ideal for recognizing the Big Five
- Sabi Sands Game Reserve; Has Big Five and luxurious lodging
- MalaMala Private Game Reserve; Exclusive wildlife viewings and lodgings
- Addo Elephant National Park; Largest elephant populations in South Africa
- Madikwe Private Game Reserve; Significant elephant populations
Top 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 may benefit from the distinctive expertise of watching hippos and crocodiles on a mokoro (picket canoe). The elephant-filled plains of Chobe National Park are one other spotlight of any safari tour. Here, you’ll discover the Big 5 (though Rhinos are exceptionally arduous to identify). The safari lodges are additionally fairly kid-friendly with some even rolling out a welcome mat for youths.
Many of them additionally supply spacious household tents if you would like the total 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 to your journey.
Top Safari Parks in Botswana
- Moremi Wildlife Reserve; Floodplains, various wildlife, and canoe safaris
- Chobe National Park; Big Five and canoe safaris
- Linyanti Reserve; Stunning landscapes, recreation drives, and boat safaris
- Makgadikgadi Pans National Park; Vast salt pans, flamingos, and distinctive wildlife
- Central Kalahari Game Reserve; Open landscapes and loads of wildlife
Top 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 earth to see the Big Five and it’s well-known for the wealthy tradition and tribal traditions. For me, Kenya’s Maasai Mara is fingers down the one of many finest safari parks in Africa. In this nationwide park, you’ll even have the chance to go to a Maasai village and find out how they dwell.
However, most components of its savannah plains are high-medium danger malaria areas and yellow fever vaccination is a requirement to enter the nation. Check for information on malaria and yellow fever danger on the CDC web site. Read my information to touring Kenya with youngsters.
Top Safari Parks in Kenya
- Maasai Mara National Reserve; Big Five and tribal interactions
- Amboseli National Park; Elephant herds and gorgeous views of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Samburu National Reserve; Rare species like Grevy’s Zebra and Somali Ostrich
- Nairobi National Park; Plenty of wildlife viewing alternatives
- Lake Nakuru National Park; Famous for flamingos and different birds
Top Safari Lodges in Kenya
4. Tanzania
Tanzania is one other glorious safari vacation spot for households. This lovely nation is without doubt one of the most secure and has vigorous parks recognized for his or her plentiful wildlife. Tanzania can be among the best locations to glimpse the well-known Big Five (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. If you time your go to proper, you may get to glimpse the Great Migration. This annual pure phenomenon sees thousands and thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles thunder throughout the plains into neighboring Kenya. It sometimes begins in December, with the calving season going down 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 Eastern coast of Tanzania. Like most nations in East Africa, Tanzania is at a high-medium danger for malaria. Check for information on malaria and yellow fever danger on the CDC web site.
Top Safari Parks in Tanzania
- Serengeti National Park; Iconic Big Five and Great Migration
- Ngorongoro Crater; Densest focus of wildlife in Africa
- Tarangire National Park; Elephant herds and baobab timber
- Ruaha National Park; Large concentrations of lions and different massive cats like leopards
- Nyerere National Park; Africa’s largest nationwide park with loads of wildlife viewing alternatives
Top Safari Lodges in Tanzania
5. Namibia
Known 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 National Park, there’s lots to see within the nation. Fun actions embrace sandboarding on the Sossusvlei dunes, exploring the big clay pan of Dead Vlei, and assembly the Himba tribe. Read 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 take pleasure in a starry journey within the desert.
Much of the southern and central areas of Namibia, together with the coast, Namib Desert, Windhoek are malaria-free. However, south of Mariental is taken into account a low-risk space whereas the northern a part of the nation, particularly in Etosha National Park and Zambezi Region is medium danger.
Top Safari Parks in Namibia
- Etosha National Park; Large focus of rhinos and floodlit waterhole for nighttime wildlife viewing
- Namib-Naukluft National Park; Pale clay pans of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei
- Fish River Canyon; Hiking paths
- Caprivi Strip; Herds of elephants and endangered wild canine
- Skeleton Coast National Park; Shipwrecks and whale skeletons
Top 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 every of solely three nations on the earth that provide the unique gorilla trekking. However, the beginning age for gorilla trekking in East Africa is 15 years outdated.
There’s much more to Uganda than gorillas although. National parks like Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Bwindi Impenetrable impress with their unimaginable variety. Besides 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 received to spend a while with the Karamojong, a minority tribe close to Kidepo Valley National 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 medicine to your journey.
Top Safari Parks in Uganda
- Queen Elizabeth National Park; Tree-climbing lions, chimpanzees, and quite a few birds
- Murchison Falls National Park; Big Five and spectacular Murchison Falls
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; Gorilla trekking
- Lake Mburo National Park; Unique wildlife like elands, impalas, and others
- Kidepo Valley National Park; Plenty of wildlife viewing alternatives and Karamojong encounters
Top Safari Lodges in Uganda
7. Zambia
Compared to all different locations on our checklist, Zambia is probably the most underrated safari vacation spot for youths. From the thunderous roar of the Victoria Falls to glamping below the celebrities, Zambia dazzles youngsters with unforgettable experiences. However, the true magic is in Zambia’s National parks like South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, and Kafue.
Here, households can go on traditional recreation drives, strolling excursions, and canoe safaris. Most safari tour operators supply 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 medicine and bug spray to your journey.
Top Safari Parks in Zambia
- South Luangwa National Park; Variety of recreation viewing alternatives and strolling safaris
- Lower Zambezi National Park; See hippos and crocodiles on canoe safaris
- Kafue National Park; Less crowded with loads of wildlife viewing alternatives
- Liuwa Plains National Park; Diverse wildlife and wildebeest migration
- Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park; Home to white rhinos and Victoria Falls
Top Safari Lodges in Zambia
8. Zimbabwe
While it’s one of many quieter safari locations, Zimbabwe is extremely rewarding for households trying to experience nature. The nation’s nationwide parks like Hwange and Mana Pools bustle with wildlife, together with the well-known Big Five. Zimbabwe can 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 equivalent to “Poo Walks,” the place they will observe animals by their droppings. Beyond 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 equivalent to the traditional ruins of Great Zimbabwe. Malaria is a excessive danger all through Zimbabwe, so guarantee to pack some antimalarial medicine and bug repellents.
Top Safari Parks in Zimbabwe
- Hwange National Park; Large elephant inhabitants and various wildlife
- Mana Pools National Park; Diverse wildlife viewing alternatives and canoe safaris
- Matobo National Park; Balancing rocks, historical work, and enormous populations of eagles
- Gonarezhou National Park; Large elephant inhabitants
Top Safari Lodges in Zimbabwe
9. Rwanda
A small however gifted nation, Rwanda punches above its weight class with regards to African safaris. From the verdant and misty Virunga Mountains to the glassy Lake Kivu, Rwanda packs loads of journey for the entire household. If your youngsters are 15 and above, don’t miss the fascinating thrill of gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. But be ready to pay a premium for this unique journey (about $1500 per particular person).
Regardless, there’s nonetheless loads of actions that value a lot much less however are fairly endearing like boat rides on Lake Kivu. You may also glimpse gentler primates just like the colobus monkeys in Nyungwe National Park.
If you’re desperate to see the Big Five, head to the quiet Akagera National 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 medicine to your journey.
Top Safari Parks in Rwanda
- Akagera National Park; Big Five, sport fishing, and birdwatching
- Volcanoes National Park; Gorilla trekking, Golden Monkey monitoring, and mountaineering
- Nyungwe Forest National Park; Chimpanzee monitoring and cover walks
- Gishwati-Mukura National Park; Chimpanzees and chicken watching
Top Safari Lodges in Rwanda
10. Senegal
West Africa isn’t sometimes good for recreation drives, except for Senegal. Bandia Wildlife Reserve, near Dakar, is the most effective reserve within the nation and it’s residence to some massive recreation. Senegal journey is straightforward and fascinating 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 residence to flamingos, pelicans, and numerous different species that ought to seize your child’s creativeness. If you’re after intimate experiences, Niokolo-Koba National Park is the place to go.
Here, you’ll see wildlife of their pure habitat with out worrying about crowds. Beyond wildlife, Senegal has some explosive seashores and distinctive delicacies. Kaleya couldn’t get sufficient of Yassa (Grilled hen marinated in a lemon and onion sauce). Malaria is a excessive danger all through the nation, so carry bug repellent and antimalarial medicine to your journey.
Top Safari Parks in Senegal
- Réserve de Bandia; Diverse wildlife viewing alternatives
- Niokolo-Koba National Park; Exceptional avian variety
- Djoudj Bird National Park; Bird species like pelicans and flamingos
- Fathala Wildlife Reserve; Unique wildlife like manatees, bush buck, roan antelope, and so forth
Top Safari Lodges in Senegal
What to Pack to your Safari with Kids
Wildlife watching entails a number of driving so pack a couple of books on African wildlife and youngsters’ binoculars to maintain them engaged. Another 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!
Game drives all the time happen within the early morning and evenings, which may get chilly whatever the time of the yr. For occasion, morning temperatures in Maasai Mara can dip as little as 12°C/54°F and day time temperatures attain round 25°C/77°F. Be positive to pack layers, and a heat jacket for the morning drives. Choose khaki t-shirts and beige cargo pants to mix in with the environment.
Another important merchandise to pack on a household safari is a primary assist equipment with primary medicines like paracetamol, antihistamine for reactions to insect bites, remedy for meals poisoning, and rehydration capsules. Here are extra particulars on what to pack for safari.
Cost of a Safari with Kids
The value of safari sometimes 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. For occasion, gorilla trekking permits in Uganda begin from round $800 per particular person whereas Rwanda costs practically double that ($1500).
A household safari could be costly — costs for a 4-day tenting journey begins from $450 per particular person. The common price 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.
National park entrance charges are one other hefty value. They are charged per day and per particular person (which makes it very costly!). Most safari excursions don’t embrace these charges and also you’ll additionally have to pay for youths above 3.
Practical Tips for Going on Safari with Kids
- 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. For occasion, hole-in-the-ground bogs and bugs within the tents could possibly be damning experiences for youths.
- Many curio outlets alongside the highways have glowing clear bogs (that’s how they fight to attract within the vacationers), and drivers are likely to carry you right here. You’re not obliged to purchase something in case you don’t need to.
- You will encounter many vacationer touts when touring in lots of of those nations and a few could be pushy. Just be well mannered and say no with a smile. Also, bargaining is a part of their day by day life, they count on you to discount.
- Lastly, roads in Africa will not be the most effective. Prepare your youngsters for bumpy rides and lengthy, dusty drives. Also carry dramamine for movement illness.
- Don’t pack an excessive amount of into your itinerary as youngsters all the time require extra down time. Slow down your tempo and spend extra time at every location.
Enjoy Your Safari with Kids!
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. Be positive to ask me any questions you might have.
Here are different articles I’ve written about safaris and Africa:
Disclaimer: This publish incorporates affiliate hyperlinks to firms I take advantage of and belief. I get a small fee if 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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