Family Safaris
Planning a family safari
The key to any family holiday is keeping the children happy. The best way to achieve that is to keep them interested and engaged. So whilst adults may be perfectly happy to go on a safari that focuses exclusively on wildlife, that won’t work with kids.
A good family safari needs balance, so the time spent game driving should be interspersed with plenty of other activities.
We have dedicated a lot of effort towards choosing the right partners in each destination, to ensure that not only can they deliver a fantastic wildlife viewing experience but that they can also deliver the variety of activities and experiences to keep children of all ages enthralled.
Tracking, bow making, hiking, cycling, horse riding, camel riding, canoeing, rafting, making fire, toasting marshmallows on a fire under the stars, sailing, snorkelling, school visits, visiting craft markets are just some of the activities we organise; not forgetting the ever popular afternoons by the swimming pool and days on the beach.
Which is the best destination in Africa for a family safari?
That’s a tough question. There are several destinations that have all the right ingredients for a great family holiday.
Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Zambia & Malawi are all countries that will deliver memorable experiences for all ages.
What do you need to consider?
Health issues, in particular malaria. Not such an issue for teenagers, but getting younger children to take tablets is not ideal, so choosing somewhere that is malaria free can be a good idea.
Where to go when?
Being limited to travelling during the school holidays does mean that there will be some destinations that simply don’t fit in, but the destinations we are recommending will all work well in one or more of the school breaks.
What will it cost?
Of course, for many people, this is the key question. Going on safari is not going to be the cheapest family holiday but it can most definitely be affordable.
A big factor in this will be the accommodation you choose. Needless to say, the more you pay, the better it gets, but we have found that there is something to suit just about every budget and that being more expensive does not necessarily mean that a lodge is better suited to families with children.
Accommodation inside a National Park or game reserve will almost always be more costly than accommodation outside, you pay extra for the location. Having said that, there is some terrific accommodation to be found just outside the National Parks which can bring down the costs of your safari quite significantly and the driving time to get into the park is often only 10 or 15 minutes.
Rest assured; we will not suggest any accommodation that we would not be happy to stay at ourselves.
The other factors that have a big impact on costs are Park fees and transport costs.
In Kenya and Tanzania, the fees to enter game reserves are pretty steep, whilst in South Africa, Zimbabwe & Zambia they are much less.
Top Tip
In most cases when you go on game drives, unless you pay an additional cost, you will be expected to share your game vehicle with other guests at the camp/lodge. The flexibility of having exclusive use of a game vehicle is a real bonus as it gives you much more control over how each game drive is conducted.
If you are a party of 6 people you will usually be allocated a vehicle to yourselves.
Why not invite the grandparents to join you, or a family of friends with children of similar ages?
Less is more
Although it can be tempting to try and include several parks and reserves in your safari it is better not to. Travelling between reserves not only puts up the cost, whether you are travelling by road or by air, but it is also time that you won’t be game viewing or doing anything else either. Your time will be far better spent staying longer in each place you visit.
That is quite apart from the hassle of having to pack and unpack your bags every time you change location.
Guest Gallery .. Andrew Paul .. Kenya, December 2017
Kenya is probably the very best bush & beach destination in Africa. You can enjoy the spectacular wildlife in world renowned game reserves and then relax on glorious Indian Ocean beaches.
In terms of wildlife Kenya just about has it all; lions, leopards, elephants, cheetahs, wild dogs, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, hippos and of course, the annual wildebeest migration. It also has a huge variety of habitats; ranging from wide open plains to mountains and forests.
Activities
Game drives are a given. Walking is generally not allowed within the National Parks, but there are private reserves where you can go on wildlife walks. In Laikipia, for example, as well as walking, there is the chance to go swimming, rafting, horse or camel riding, walking through tribal villages and learning about local cultures.
Once you get to the Indian Ocean there are opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, diving, sailing and all manner of beach activities.
Which holidays does it fit in with?
The big one! With the annual wildebeest migration arriving in Masai Mara at the end of July each year and staying until early October, its fits in perfectly with the school summer holidays.
The period from December through to March is also a great time to visit which means that Kenya is also ideal for both Christmas and the February half term.
October is also a great time to visit; the tail end of the great migration will be crossing back into Tanzania and the weather and wildlife is still good further north in Laikipia and Samburu.
Any health risks?
Malaria
wild animals
Itinerary suggestions
Bush & Beach – Masai Mara & Indian Ocean
9 nights / 10 days
starts Nairobi / ends Mombasa
The best of Kenya’s wildlife – including a visit to the animal orphanage in Nairobi run by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust – combined with time by the Indian Ocean.
Nairobi – 1 night
Masai Mara – 4 nights
Indian Ocean Coast – 4 nights
Prices range from £2,080 to £2,845 depending on the season, per person for a family of 2 adults & 2 children. (excluding international flights)
Wilderness, Wildlife & Water – a family safari in Kenya
9 nights / 10 days
starts Nairobi / ends Mombasa
Laikipia is renowned not just for the amazing wildlife but also for its stunning landscapes. Hiking, rafting, tribal villages and a visit to animal orphanage in Nairobi run by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust will all be highlights. Finish up with days of swimming, snorkelling and sailing by the Indian Ocean.
Nairobi – 1 night
Laikipia Wilderness Camp – 4 nights
Indian Ocean Coast – 4 nights
Prices range from £3,040 to £3,370 depending on the season, per person for a family of 2 adults & 2 children. (excluding international flights)
Along with neighbouring Kenya, Tanzania is one of THE iconic safari destinations and it boasts 7 World Heritage sites: Kilimanjaro National Park, Kondoa Rock-Art, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani & Songo Mnara, Selous Game Reserve, Serengeti National Park and Stone Town on the island of Zanzibar.
As far as wildlife goes, Tanzania is as good as it gets; lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wild dogs, hippos and crocodiles as well a various antelopes and a huge variety of bird species.
The massive Serengeti National Park is one of the best places to witness the annual wildebeest migration. As well as being able to see the herds crossing into Kenya’s Masai Mara in the north of the park, you can also see the herds gather for calving in the southern part of the park at a different time of year.
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the world’s unique wildlife spectacles; home to a huge concentration of animals and nearby is Ol Duvai Gorge, where so much has been learned about the evolution of mankind.
The best of Tanzania’s beaches are on the island of Zanzibar, which can easily be added to your safari.
Activities
Tanzania is rich in culture and the chance to wander through villages or markets is always a highlight. Lake Momella in Arusha National Park offers the chance to see wildlife from canoes and in the Southern Highlands you can hike, cycle or even play croquet against a backdrop of rolling tea plantations.
A climb up Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, should satisfy even the most energetic.
Which holidays does it fit in with?
July, August & September are ideal months to visit Tanzania. The annual migration will be gathered by the Mara river for the mass crossing into Kenya’s Masai Mara.
The period from December through to March is also a great time to visit which means that Tanzania is also ideal for both Christmas and the February half term.
In January & February the place to be is Ndutu, in southern Serengeti. It is here that the wildebeest herds gather for calving and the concentration of animals is amazing, with predators lurking to take advantage of the abundant food.
October is another excellent month for the Serengeti as the herds will be crossing back from Masai Mara. It is also a terrific time to visit Tarangire National Park as this is when the concentration of elephants is at its greatest.
Any health risks?
Malaria
Wild animals
Itinerary suggestion
Tanzania & Zanzibar – a family adventure
12 nights / 13 days
starts Arusha / ends Dar es Salaam
Including 3 World Heritage sites, this safari combines the best of Tanzania’s wildlife with days to relax on the Zanzibar, legendary spice island.
Arusha – 2 nights
Lake Manyara – 1 night
Serengeti – 3 nights
Ngorongoro – 2 nights
Zanzibar – 4 nights
Prices from £2,735 per adult / £2,220 per child for a family of 2 adults & 2 children. (excluding international flights)
Perhaps not the most obvious choice for a family safari, Zimbabwe should not be under-rated.
In addition to outstanding game viewing, Zimbabwe is home to the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, one of the Natural Wonders of the World.
As far as wildlife is concerned, Zimbabwe pretty much has it all; lions, leopards, wild dogs, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras and a wide variety of antelope species including eland the magnificent Sable antelope. You’ll also get to see far larger herds of elephants and buffaloes here than you are likely to see in East Africa.
Activities
Zimbabwe is renowned as a great destination for walking safaris and Matobo National park is one of the few places where you can go tracking rhino on foot.
The mighty Zambezi river has opportunities for canoeing or rafting whilst Lake Kariba is also good for canoeing and game viewing by boat.
Which holidays does it fit in with?
Any time between June and November is a good time to visit Zimbabwe, so it is ideal for both the main summer holiday and the October half term.
Any health risks?
Malaria
Wild animals
Itinerary suggestion
Zimbabwe – a family adventure
9 nights / 10 days
starts Bulawayo / ends Victoria Falls
Tracking rhinos on foot, game viewing in Zimbabwe’s largest National Park and a visits to the spectacular Victoria Falls are just some of the highlights.
Matobo NP – 3 nights
Hwange NP – 3 nights
Zambezi NP – 3 nights
Prices from £2,100 per person for a family of 2 adults & 2 children. (excluding international flights)
The combination of Zambia’s incredible wildlife and time spent relaxing in the clear waters of Lake Malawi have made this two country combination a firm family favourite over the years.
South Luangwa is one of the best parks in Africa for wildlife viewing; it is particularly good for leopards and for elephants. You’ll also get the chance to see lions, buffaloes, wild dogs, zebras, hippos, crocodiles and a stunning variety of bird life.
Combine that with the natural wonder of Victoria Falls at Livingstone and an assortment of water based activities on Lake Malawi and you’ve got all the ingredients for a great family holiday.
Activities
Game walks, cultural visits, swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, sailing, water skiing, wake boarding. You can also enjoy an evening cruise by dhow on Lake Malawi.
Which holidays does it fit in with?
Zambia & Malawi can be visited any time between April and January, which means that it is perfect for the long summer break or for the October half term holiday.
Any health risks?
Malaria
Wild animals
Itinerary suggestion
Family Adventure in Zambia and Malawi
10 nights / 11 days
starts Livingstone, Zambia, ends Liliongwe, Malawi
An activity packed safari that will keep the whole family happy.
Livingstone (Victoria Falls) – 3 nights
South Luangwa National Park – 3 nights
Lake Malawi – 4 nights
From £2,855 per person for a family of 2 adults & 2 children. (excluding international flights)
South Africa is a little different to other safari destinations; the roads are excellent and the infrastructure is good. It is also a destination that gets plenty of visitors who are not interested in going on safari at all.
The main safari areas are in the north of the country; Kruger National Park and Madikwe Reserve. There are also a number of parks in Kwa Zulu Natal and although these do not have the extensive wildlife to be found in Kruger they still offer some fine game viewing opportunities and can be easily woven into an itinerary.
Addo National Park, near Port Elizabeth in Eastern Cape, is well worth including in an itinerary if you are not visiting Kruger NP but most of the smaller wildlife parks along the Garden Route are, in our opinion, worth only a very fleeting visit.
Western Cape is very popular for those wishing to explore the Garden Route and the wineries, as well as Cape Town itself.
The big appeal of South Africa is the variety it offers for family holidays; the ability to combine some days on safari with beaches, mountains and culture.
Even though it can be considered ‘very tame’ when compared to other African destinations, South Africa does have one huge advantage; apart from Kruger NP, the country is pretty much malaria free.
This makes it a big draw for families with young children. For younger children, just a few hours spent close up with wildlife will be a memorable experience, and is easy to manage in an itinerary that has plenty of other attractions to keep them happy.
Families with teenage children can easily combine a few days on safari in Kruger NP with a few days based in Cape Town; from where it is easy to make excursions to visit wineries, whales at Hermanus or penguins at Boulders Beach.
Activities
As many or as few as you wish. Hiking, cycling, swimming, bungy jumping, kayaking, sailing, the list is almost endless.
Which holidays does it fit in with?
Western Cape is warm and sunny from about mid October through to early May.
That means it is ideal for October half term, Christmas, February half term and Easter. The one down side is that during December and January South African schools are on holiday so it is high season and space needs to be booked well in advance. Easter is also very busy.
The season for whale watching is June-November, which is low season as far as Western Cape is concerned and can easily be arranged as a day trip from Cape Town.
Kruger Park and Northern South Africa is good to visit from about Easter onwards, and is great during June, July & August. During these months a visit to Kruger Park can be combined with the beaches of Kwa Zulu Natal or with Swaziland which has many attractions.
Any health risks?
Malaria – in Kruger Park, but not in Madikwe and not in Eastern or Western Cape
Wild animals
Itinerary suggestion
A Family Adventure in South Africa
13 nights / 14 days
starts Cape Town / ends Port Elizabeth
Although most children are entranced by wildlife, for children, especially young ones, the amount of time spent game viewing on a full on safari can be a bit too much. Which is precisely why South Africa works so well.
Our suggested itinerary – and it is just one amongst many possibilities – will take you from everyone’s favourite city, Cape Town, along the famed Garden Route to Port Elizabeth. Along the way you’ll visit a penguin colony, go whale watching (in season), spend 3 days on a private wildlife reserve from where you can traverse the spectacular Swartberg Pass and ride an ostrich. Visit the Addo National Park, known for its prolific elephant population.
Cape Town – 4 nights
Klein Karoo – 4 nights
Tsitsikamma/Natures Valley – 3 nights
Addo – 2 nights
Prices from £1,080 per person for a family of 2 adults & 2 children. (excluding international flights)
These are just a few of the safari ideas that have proved popular for families. We’ve got loads more.
Why not get in touch to discuss your ideas with us, there’s nothing we enjoy more than talking about Africa.
Then we can get to work on designing a a safari that’s perfect for your family.
