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Let’s discuss the different family safaris in East and Southern Africa to help you choose the right destination for you and your children.
Both East Africa and Southern Africa offer wide-ranging types of family safaris that cater to everyone from toddlers to teenagers. It is the ultimate way to focus on the wild, and less on screen time. Both spots are packed with wildlife, and since you can find the Big Five in both regions, the sightings are going to be great no matter which one you choose.
This means that choosing the ideal destination for your family’s adventure comes down to a few practical details. In the sections below, I’ll walk you through the essentials, from navigating age limits and safety concerns to finding the best malaria-free zones and cultural experiences for your kids.
The best family-friendly safaris are found in South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Botswana.
South Africa offers premier malaria-free reserves like Madikwe and Addo, which are ideal for toddlers. I would argue that it is one of the easiest places to combine a Big Five safari with the perks of a normal holiday. Imagine trekking a pack of lions in the morning, and spending the afternoon building sandcastles on the beach.
| Activities Kids Love in SA | |
| Baking & Birding | Tracking animals by their “droppings”. It sounds gross, but kids find it hilarious and educational |
| Beach & Bush | Shell collecting and swimming between safari legs |
| Pooh Safaris | Many lodges, such as those partnered with Rhino Africa, have dedicated kids’ clubs |
For a family that loves an adrenaline rush, Namibia is the perfect place to tour. It provides a vast, safe landscape for older children, and the promise of adventure when climbing the world’s highest sand dune and then sandboarding down.
The San Bushmen still live out their traditions, and you can be witness to them. With the protection of a trained guide, your family can learn how to stalk small animals and how to forage for water-storing tubers.
I must also mention the glitter box experience of laying underneath a blanket of constellations; stargazing here is among the best in the world. Some lodges offer star beds where the whole family can sleep safely on a protected deck, taking in the beauty of glittering stars above you.
I would suggest staying at one of these family lodges if Namibia is on your bucket list:
| Family Lodges in Namibia | Perks |
| Eningulu Lodge, Kalahari Desert | Perfect for a quiet introduction to the desert |
| Onguma Bush Lodge, Etosha | Includes a fenced area and a swimming pool—vital for the midday heat. |
| Doro Nawas Camp, Damaraland | Famous for its “star beds” where you can sleep under the night sky. |
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African Overland Tours
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R48,450
If the dream of watching endless herds of wildebeest and zebra sweep across the Serengeti or Maasai Mara is at the top of your bucket list, then East Africa is undoubtedly your destination. There is simply nothing that compares to the scale of the Great Migration, and for families who want to witness one of nature’s most legendary rhythms, this region offers a front-row seat to the action. The Great Migration is Africa’s second-largest and most famous mammal migration.
Your Month-by-Month Guide to the Great Migration in Tanzania
The real magic is in the people; the Maasai are a people who live in harmony with the land. I must mention the thrill of learning to make a bow and arrow from a Maasai warrior, learning to make fire with sticks, and weaving ropes from natural fibers is an experience you can’t get anywhere else.
I would recommend these lodges if Tanzania and Kenya are calling to your family:
| Lodges in Kenya & Tanzania | Perks |
| Selous Safari Company | Great for immersive water-based safaris. |
| Vuma Hills Tented Camp | Perfect for a classic “under canvas” feel. |
| South Luangwa Wildlife Camp | Renowned for incredible walking safaris (for older teens). |
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R41,395
Price From
R77,645
If your kids are above the age of 8, then the Okavango Delta is a hidden gem to consider. It is a massive, lush oasis in the middle of the Kalahari Desert, and is essentially nature’s greatest water park. Imagine the thrill for a child watching an elephant crossing the channel just a few meters away, or seeing a hippo “yawning” in the distance while you sit quietly on the water. I can confidently say that experience will stay with them forever.
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African Overland Tours
Price From
R139,460
A family safari is a chance for your children to explore nature, find new passions, and breathe in the crisp, untainted air of the bush. I would say it is the perfect setting for a family to bond and relax together, far away from the hustle and bustle of daily chores, screen time and school runs.
Safety is always the number concern for parents, and understandably so. I recommend looking at two main factors when booking: malaria and predators. While these are natural parts of the African landscape, the secret lies in the expertise of your guides. They are trained to ensure that your family enjoys the thrilling Big Five encounters from the safety of a vehicle and within the protected boundaries of your camp.
It is important to understand the age limits on a family safari. I say this because some game drives have strict age limits (often 6 years and above, or 12 years and above). This is for safety; the cries of a toddler can distress wild animals and disrupt the experience for others. There are specialized family lodges that offer game drives specifically for children in a closed vehicle.
If you are travelling with very young children, or prefer to avoid the anti-malaria medication, then I would recommend South Africa as the most ideal place for a family safari. The Madikwe Game Reserve is 100% malaria free, and is home to the Big Five. The Eastern Cape Reserves, like Addo and Shamwari, offer remarkable wildlife viewing, and there is no need for anti-malaria medication.
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African Overland Tours
Price From
R39,790
Just the thought of making sure you find age-appropriate lodges, double-checking dietary requirements, and booking bush flights is daunting. That is why we take over the logistics for you. Whether you are looking for the Ker & Downey Young Explorers programme in Botswana or a private villa in the Kruger National Park, we can tailor it for you.
I cannot skip over the perks of booking a chartered holiday; you get the flexibility of your own schedule! If the family is exhausted and wants to sleep in that morning, it works in your favor. You set the pace and still get to enjoy being on safari.
If you’re still feeling overwhelmed and unsure about booking a family safari… stop, deep breath in, and pause at this moment.
This is a win-win situation. If you’re set on East Africa, you will have an unforgettable experience. If you’re set on Southern Africa, you will have an equally magnificent journey. Either way, you and your family will bond deeply while sitting under a baobab tree, or taking in the sight of a lion roaring close by.
So, let the North star guide you, but get your dates locked in. Then, sit back and know you and your family are in for a journey of a lifetime!
Family Safaris in East and Southern Africa
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R49,040
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R82,490
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R91,399
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R51,540
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R78,399
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R388,860
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