"“It’s lion day!” my 3.5-year-old daughter Indah shouts from her car seat in the middle row of an open-sided Land Cruiser in South Africa. We’re barreling along atop brick-red Kalahari Desert sand toward shapely mountains in the distance where, theoretically, we may find a pride of lions. Every few minutes she checks in. “Daddy, are we gonna find the Lion King?” This is a major exercise in patience, I think to myself—for all of us.
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We’d come on a family African safari at this very same reserve, Tswalu Kalahari (the largest privately protected conservation area in South Africa), when Indah was nearly 11 months old, and obviously there were zero questions. This go-around, with her 9-month-old baby sister, Mira, on board (currently snoozing peacefully in her own car seat beside me), is very different. Soon, our lovely young guide, Michaela Goedhals, turns and says, “Indah, they found the lions.”
In the 10 minutes before we reach the pride, my toddler has gone through a range of emotions, from excitement to fear to wonder. When we reach the seven napping lions—sisters, teenage boys, a mom, and a grandma—Michaela explains their family dynamics, like that males typically leave the nest around age 3. Indah adorably comments, “But when I’m 3, I stay with my Mommy.”
“In the 10 minutes before we reach the pride [of lions], my toddler has gone through a range of emotions, from excitement to fear to wonder.”
While watching the gorgeous big cats, a lively discussion unfolds. My daughter rattles off questions: “Why do they have paws? Why can lions not wear sunglasses? Why do lions not drive a car? Can lions swim? How can lions travel on an airplane? Why can animals not talk?” For each of these, Michaela gives a thoughtful, informative response that I—after nearly 20 safari camp stays—learn from, too, opening a respectful dialogue with my curious daughter instead of treating her as a pesky child with silly queries. It’s the most engaging, thrilling, and beautiful start to a family trip I can fathom.
With Mufasa: The Lion King hitting movie theaters, and your little ones inevitably aching to see all the characters in real life, maybe now is a good time to start exploring options. There’s something so special about exposing children to wildlife and nature in the raw, and an incredible place to do that is on a family trip to Africa. Here is my guide to help your family dream and plan an African safari with kids—because fueling their sense of wonder is worth it.
Why Choose an African Safari for a Family Vacation?
On a family trip to Africa for a safari, you’ll see the stars at their brightest, breathe the air at its freshest, and immerse in landscapes so breathtaking you might feel you’ve taken your kid’s rocket ship to another planet. Adventure is baked into every safari, not only in exciting tent camping or glamping and open-air 4×4 vehicles but also possibly venturing out into the wild on foot, boat, or even horseback. It’s a time to create core memories and bond as a family unit.
Seeing Animals in Their Natural Habitat Builds Empathy
Zoos are amazing places to expose little ones to animals so they can learn to care about them, and the survival of many species and ecosystems depends on them caring! But it feels that much more real and powerful when you’re on the creatures’ home turf and can observe them in their domain. During this African safari with my kids, I watched my daughter develop a connection with elephants, meerkats, and lions that she couldn’t have gotten from staring at them through glass or a fence. She’s met them, and she doesn’t want them to become extinct.
Building a Stronger Connection With the World Around Them
They might start to feel compassion, empathy, and connection toward the animals (or people, if they see or meet local children, for example, while traveling), which are always good things. For example, at Singita Ebony Lodge in Sabi Sand near Kruger National Park, Indah was deeply touched by a story about a mama rhino who was killed by poachers while her baby was rescued by a K9 unit “hero doggie.” She asked for it to be repeated several times because she wanted to tell her classmates when we got home, so they also knew rhinos need to be protected. I also like to think that kids learn and soak up more information when it’s presented playfully and experientially versus in a traditional educational setting.
Beyond the actual wildlife, a safari is also about being in the great outdoors in some of the most unspoiled environments on Earth—and what kid doesn’t relish being outside? This ultimate wilderness experience typically comes with fun things like hot chocolate on morning drives, limitless snacks all day long, and bonfires and storytelling in the evenings, which are generally crowd-pleasing to every age.
Expanding Their Worldview and Learning From Other Cultures
Visiting Africa can help demystify the world a bit for a young person, opening their eyes to other realities that are equally important to their own. It’s exposure to new cultures and interactions with people who look different, speak differently, sound different, wear different clothes, and maybe even smell different. It’s fresh flavors and new-to-them dirt. Developmentally, it’s beneficial—even the germs help diversify their gut microbiome!—and I believe it engenders tolerance and decreases prejudice. And for us adults, it’s a positive for many of the same reasons, plus, additionally, it’s a chance to learn from other cultures’ parenting styles and values.
How Far in Advance to Plan an African Safari Family Trip
An African safari with kids is a bucket list dream to be sure and not something thrown together last-minute or on a whim. Typically, you should book an African safari with kids—or without—a year or more in advance. I highly recommend contacting an operator when you first decide to start saving up, and I have had fantastic experiences with Extraordinary Journeys and Stanley Safaris—companies owned and hands-on managed by parents with encyclopedic knowledge and experience throughout Africa who can guide you through the whole process, making planning as easy as possible (because what parent needs more stress in their life?!).
Best African Safari Destinations for Families with Kids
In my experience, the best African safaris for families combine extraordinary access to wildlife in a conservation-focused reserve, a private vehicle, guide, and tracker so you can set your own schedule, a childcare option, and some diversity in types of experiences. Ideally, look for malaria-free areas, which are worry-free, or at the very least, low-risk regions. These are a handful of the best destinations to take your kids on an African safari.
Best South African Safaris With Kids
When it comes to traveling with young kids, the very best safari in South Africa is at Tswalu Kalahari, so epic I’ve been twice. Within the reserve, staying at Loapi Tented Camp—a collection of standalone mini camps, each with its own private chef, guide and tracker, butler, and, if you wish, child-minder, plus a plunge pool, kitchen, full bar, living room, outdoor shower, and fire pit—is an absolute dream. (If you’re doing this as a big multi-generational trip with grandparents, check out the private five-suite camp Tarkuni, for up to 10 guests.)
In our own little slice of beautifully designed heaven (with fences around to keep lions out!), there were zero concerns about bothering other guests. This meant no worries about staying quiet or being trapped while they napped. We could easily have dinner alone by the fireplace after the kids went to sleep and then take glasses of South African red wine to the fire pit to stargaze. There were boxes of toys, coloring books and pencils, kid cutlery and silicone dishes, and even a high chair and bib ready for us when we arrived.
Over the course of our stay at Tswalu, we had an up-close-and-personal encounter with two big, beautiful Southern white rhinos, which coincided with Mira waking from a nap. She saw them, and she smiled, then waved. It was the best.
After we spent part of a morning watching a cheetah mom with her three children stalk around a beautiful expanse, Indah got to help our guide make an impression of one of their tracks to take home. She was gentler with that plaster of Paris paw print than she is with her infant sister. They both bonded—Indah for the second time—with Tswalu’s jovial South African nanny, Sanna, who accompanied us on drives (there is no additional fee for her tender care) and cuddled up with Indah under fleece blankets on early-morning drives, held and fed Mira snacks when she got fussy, and ran around with Indah when we stopped for sundowners.
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve pairs well with Tswalu and is also in a malaria-free zone. Near the low-malaria zone of Kruger (note that the risk is a bit higher from November to April), Sabi Sand and Sabi Sabi both have fantastic family-friendly camps. At the latter, we loved Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge when Indah was a baby, fascinated by the large animals we saw in abundance. On this recent trip, we stayed at Singita Ebony Lodge, a stunning property just rebuilt in celebration of its 30th anniversary, with a new conservation room and kids room, too. Like the super gourmet menus for adults that changed every day, the kids selections were ever-changing and absolutely delicious, and there are lots of activities available for little ones, such as sand art Indah enjoyed and painting.
Consider Childcare When Kids Are Too Young for Longer Safari Drives
The girls were too young to go on the twice-daily drives, so they stayed back with a babysitter, Yvonne, whom they adored, with Indah asking to go live with her multiple times. Still, we could spot elephants crossing the river below while eating lunch, and one morning we looked out and saw a rhinoceros just below us! On our last morning, because she so wanted to see a hippo (there’s not enough water in the Kalahari for hippos or elephants), my guide, Johan, offered to take her on a special game drive in search.
Along with seeing a bloat of hippos in a water hole, we successfully spotted kudu, baboons, giraffe, impalas, a bush buck, Mufasa himself (along with some female lions), and, best of all, a parade of elephants like Indah’s beloved Jellycat named Paradise, who has circumnavigated the world with her.
Best Kenyan Safaris With Kids
Another overwhelmingly popular family safari destination is Kenya. With quite a few camps where kids are very welcome—and treated like mini royalty—you can all see the Big 5 (lion, elephant, leopard, rhinoceros, and African buffalo). There’s Lewa House, which is so child-centric that the owners’ two children have grown up onsite, with homey cottages, bush picnics, a canopy walk in the forest, and prime viewing of all those major animals. Saruni Samburu is another favorite, where the staff wear traditional bright red Samburu warrior garb, and for kids there’s Warrior Academy that engages littles hands-on in the fascinating local culture.
The Maasai Mara, too, is an impeccable destination for all ages, with properties including Saruni Basecamp giving them a taste of Maasai ensembles and traditions (in particular dancing and jumping contests!); and Angama Mara, where babysitting is complimentary from 6-10 p.m., and there are sessions in beading, spear throwing, and ice cream making for in-between drives. Hot air balloon rides over the Rift Valley, helicopter trips, and front-row seats to the Great Migration in a Land Cruiser are all part of what makes Kenya a beyond memorable family safari destination.
Botswana African Safaris With Kids
When I visited Abu Camp in the Okavango Delta solo, years ago, I was blown away by the intimacy I had with elephants. The property’s habituated resident herd is comprised of rescues and orphans. And when I saw a preteen having tea with the gentle giants and feeding them, I thought he must be pinching himself, too. However, children under 6 are not allowed. And while there are strict age limits for different levels of engagement with the elephants, this camp is one I hope to return to with my girls when they’re old enough.
Besides the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park in luxurious, prolific Botswana is an ideal destination with younger kids, with Wilderness Jao Camp, Linyanti Ebony Camp, and Chobe Game Lodge all offering lots of accommodation for small guests.
Namibia African Safari With Kids
With low to no risk of malaria in Namibia, the little-known and little-visited southwestern African country is not typically my recommendation to first-time safari-goers, since there’s not as prolific wildlife. But its landscapes and precious animals (which include a lot of rhinos) are a beautiful complement to a more traditional destination since it’s otherworldly and surreal, with lots for kids to do and see, too.
We loved spotting giraffes and elephants on drives from Onduli Ridge—though it was probably better with our baby than it would be for a more mobile toddler, and best yet for slightly older kids—and seeing oryx and zebra against brilliant backdrops and climbing the formidable Big Daddy sand dune from Kwessi Dunes at Sossusvlei. Etosha National Park is Namibia’s most traditional park as far as game, and it’s probably one of the most affordable safari destinations in Africa, too. It’s a popular self-drive destination, too, but if you choose that route, please, please, don’t be foolhardy: always stay in the car.
Safari Activities for Kids at Every Age
Under 2
For babies below the age of 2, in my experience, safaris are pretty breezy. They ride along, sleep frequently (in a car seat or baby carrier; bring both), and have plenty to see and wave at. Talk about indelible memories (for parents): both our girls, before the age of 1, got to “meet” meerkats since Tswalu has several habituated mobs. The bigger animals, especially, seem to fascinate them. I bet their inner dialogue must be wild.
A babysitter is handy at this age if you want to stick closer to sleep times. When they’ve stayed back, both of our babies have ended up tied to the sitter’s back, African style, with a towel. Pro tip: Take tons of snacks. Cerebelly pouches are our go-to; Mira would suck them down in a minute flat as we bumped over rugged terrain.
Ages 3-6
Between the ages of 3 and 6, toddlers and kids are super amped up about all a safari entails. Indah was ecstatic to meet Luna, one of the “hero doggies” who help protect rhinos from poachers in Sabi Sand, but she was equally excited to do sand art in our room. To break up long game drives, your guide will likely make multiple stops in safe, open places so children can do mini bush walks and inspect tiny plants, insects, and tracks, and generally just let off steam. Games, scavenger hunts, and crafts back at the lodge are also great at this age.
Ages 7-12
Once your child has hit 7 until about 12 years old, they’ll likely be more into helping track animals, and with a longer attention span, can make it through longer drives without as many stops. They might also enjoy trying wildlife photography, and some lodges offer instruction in it or painting.
Horseback safaris are a cool option since it enables you to get closer to wildlife without spooking it, and aerial safaris via helicopter or hot air balloon also give them something to remember. They can get super hands on, too, for example, with Tswalu’s Junior Ranger programming that includes making bows and arrows for archery, wildlife tracking with technology, spoor identification, and picnics.
Teens
Teenagers can either be teenagers about it and enthusiastic about nothing, or they can be exhilarated about doing almost everything adults can. Teens can participate in canoe safaris, walking safaris, and working close to animals on conservation projects. They might also get into the food and culture and peripheral perks like stargazing in dark sky reserves.
African Safari Planning Tips for Parents
The best time for an African safari varies from place to place, as you’ll have to decide if you want to go during dry season, when wildlife spotting can be easier, or during wet season, when it may get messier, but there are lots of baby animals popping out.
Consider Malaria Risk and Vaccinations Needed
Generally speaking, malaria risk is higher during the wet or green season, as it’s known. Check with a travel clinic at home to see if they advise any vaccinations, such as yellow fever or antimalarials. Prices can also be lower during the green season.
Research the Weather
As much as you’d expect it’s always swelteringly hot in Africa, that’s not the case. Depending on the destination, it can get quite cold. We bundled up in layers of fleece in the early mornings at Tswalu in October but shed them all by 9:30 a.m. I’ve also experienced some of the sweatiest days of my life on safari in Zambia in October. Do your research about weather norms so you can decide what your family and little ones are able to withstand.
Choose Kid-Friendly Accommodations
Choose a lodge that is stoked you’re bringing your kids, not one that will begrudgingly accommodate them. It will make a huge difference if they have toys around and activities planned, foods they’ll want to eat, and an eager babysitter to watch them during opportune moments. The best people to guide you to these properties are expert operators—a safari is one of the few times when professional help is truly invaluable, especially with coordinating flight transfers and navigating accommodation types.
What to Pack for an African Safari With Kids
Another reason to go with an operator is that they’ll provide you with a packing list, tell you about the weather, alert you to any visas or vaccines you need, arrange your flights, and give you everything in a neat little package. Beyond earthy neutrals such as khaki, army green, and brown (it’s best to avoid bright colors or white for a variety of reasons, including biting tsetse flies in some regions). Layers are your friend, and closed-toe shoes are a must, as are SPF clothes and wide-brimmed hats for all. Though there’s always food available, Cerebelly pouches and other little snacks from home have come in very handy, too.
Managing Kids’ Expectations on an African Safari
I’d also recommend managing expectations in advance by explaining to your kids that there will be long drives in an open vehicle—while spotting wildlife!—and that they will need to practice patience and listen closely to the guides and do as they say. Even though my 3.5-year-old is super active, we had zero issues on safari; she never attempted anything even remotely unsafe. You can also watch nature documentaries leading up to the trip to get them excited, and it might just give them ideas for more questions to ask the guides. And manage your own expectations, too—it’s not going to go perfectly, there will be hard moments, you may not get to see every single animal on your list, and that’s all OK.
What to Do in Africa Before and After a Family Safari
I feel strongly that if you’re spending the time and money to get to Africa, you should experience it beyond your actual safari. Additionally, having a few days before you hit the bush to adjust to the time difference, get over jet lag, and adapt to your new surroundings is critical, particularly when kids are involved. If you’re doing safari in Kenya, experience Nairobi first; if Tanzania, schedule a few days on the beach in Zanzibar afterward. And for Botswana, Namibia, or South Africa, you’ll probably be flying into Johannesburg or Cape Town. Build time in to explore! In the former, base yourselves at the gorgeous Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, where your offspring can run off their pent-up energy from the plane through 10 acres of indigenous gardens, and you can enjoy a gratis minibar stocked with several types of South African gin.
Cape Town is another captivating option for before or after—or both. The city itself is my favorite in the world, and between its breathtaking beaches, magical mountains, vibrant streets, delicious food, scenic drives, wine country, and adorable penguins, it’s enchanting for everyone in the family. Cape Grace, A Fairmont Managed Hotel, on the buzzy V&A Waterfront, caters to families perhaps better than any property I’ve experienced, down to providing a special Do Not Disturb sign that lets staff know to be quiet because a little one is sleeping, plus every baby and little one accessory imaginable.
In the Cape Winelands, about an hour east, are several spots that are especially spectacular for kids. Babylonstoren is a bucolic working Cape Dutch farm, winery, and hotel that’s a veritable garden of Eden for both adults and youth, with so much to explore. And in Franschhoek, La Residence provided us with a fantasy-like setting surrounded by jagged mountains and ethereal light. Peacocks paraded around outside our door each morning and could sprawl out in a vibrant art-filled villa with our own private pool and grassy lawn.
Final Thoughts on Taking an African Safari Trip With Kids
Yes, it’s far. Yes, it’s expensive. And yes, an African safari with kids is likely outside your comfort zone. (Even after a couple of these, my husband is still incredibly nervous each time our babies get anywhere close to lions.)
But also yes, your kids will have their eyes opened to what nature truly is. They’ll have the adventures of a lifetime. They’ll be enthralled, treated generously, and pampered. Yes, you’ll likely all be changed forever, for the better. And yes, it’s overwhelmingly worth it. So plan ahead for whatever age you feel they’ll be ready to journey to Africa. My 3.5-year-old has been to 18 countries and almost 150 hotels (the life of a travel journalist’s kid!), but our time in the African bush has been my most favorite of our family exploits thus far. Because as daunting (and expensive) as it may sound, a family African safari will reap rewards you can’t imagine and leave you all with unforgettable moments to treasure. And you may say they won’t remember it. But I absolutely will. And we’ll dine out on those pictures and stories forever.
Kathryn Romeyn, Contributing Writer
Kathryn is a freelance travel, design, and wellness journalist whose work has been featured in Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, The Hollywood Reporter, Brides, Parents, and AFAR, among others. She is additionally a co-host of the Conscious Traveler Podcast and a mom of two.