If you have forgotten what it is like to hear the squeals of absolute sheer delight from your child, then it’s time for a safari. There is nothing that can compare to an elephant in the wild strolling past your vehicle ever so quietly, yet the largest land animal on the planet.

To introduce your child to the joy, wonder and magnificence of Africa, its wild animals and wilderness, is a unique experience. It’s similar to teaching them to read, paint or enjoy the outdoors because it’s a gift they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Having your children experience their first safari is truly special. Their enthusiasm and curiosity for the trip injects a similar joy in all those around them. We’ve seen it so many times before, and the memories from a once-in-a-lifetime safari holiday stay with you, and them, forever. It’s a treasured family vacation.

But where to go in Africa with children? And how to do it? Surely some places are better for kids than others?

Indeed, some lodges cater specifically for families and have junior ranger classes, bush walks, cooking classes and au pairs on-site so parents can have a break now and then. Similarly, some regions and countries are better than others for families. Here are some key things to consider when travelling to Africa with kids.

Select age-appropriate destinations

Certain destinations in Africa cater for families of different ages. If you have younger children, you should select destinations with family-friendly safari options that offer shorter game drives and child-specific activities. The Eastern Cape in South Africa, as well as Madikwe Game Reserve, in the North West, are popular with families because they’re a malaria-free areas with Big 5 game reserves. They can also be paired with a few days at the beach, and the travel times are short.

Children from ages 6 to 13, consider more adventurous destinations with activities like safaris, hiking and water sports. Look for educational experiences related to history, culture, and wildlife. South Africa’s combination of Cape Town, Garden Route and Kruger National Park is ideal for this age group as they (and you) get to visit beautiful beaches, and stunning national parks and Kruger National Park has some of the best lodges in the world, many of them with amazing experiences designed just for kids.

For teenagers, Africa is your oyster. Consider Namibia and destinations like Etosha for its excellent wildlife viewing and Swakopmund which has activities like sandboarding and quad biking. Botswana’s Okavango Delta has family-friendly lodges and water-based safari activities, while Chobe National Park is known for large elephant herds and boat safaris.

Plan child-friendly activities

Many safari lodges in Africa offer child-friendly activities to engage young minds, ensure safety, and create memorable experiences. These activities include shorter game drives with child-friendly safari vehicles and specialised guides who make the experience educational.

Educational activities such as Junior Ranger Programs and guided nature walks teach kids about wildlife and conservation. Creative and recreational activities like arts and crafts, cooking classes, and swimming pools provide fun and learning opportunities. Additionally, interactive wildlife talks and storytelling sessions offer insights into local culture and animal behaviour. All of these have been tried and tested to keep your children enthralled and happy.

Choose the right accommodation

This is where a travel expert who specialises in Africa comes in handy like us. For example, we know that at Kwandwe Ecca Lodge, children become honorary members of the Blue Crane Conservation Club, named after South Africa’s endangered national bird. As ‘Blue Craners’, they get animal checklists, take a pledge to ‘live green’ and learn about conservation on the excellent ‘Bugs & Bones Walk’ to identify animal droppings, tracks and skills, and the rich insect life of the wilderness.

Then there’s Motse Lodge in the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, which offers a Junior Ranger programme that’s designed to cater for children of all ages and includes exciting supervised activities like archery (the kids make their own bows and arrows), tracking animals on foot, and identifying and casting different spoor. Every Junior Ranger gets their own backpack full of fun guides and tools, and they are taken on interesting, educational bush walks.

More Family Hotels also excel in the way they cater for children. Their Mack & Madi experience is about enjoying the precious moments of connecting with your loved ones, which helps guests to realise the things that really matter in life. Their Safari Club believes that each child is unique, shy or outgoing, creative, sporty or adventurous, and they promise them the time of their lives!

Somalisa Acacia​ is a family-friendly Safari Camp in Hwange National Park. It’s the perfect ​Hwange safari lodge​ experience for families with younger children or, for smaller private groups of safari-goers. The safari​ activities include walking safaris, game drives, birding and cultural visits. All are included in your stay and led by our qualified and passionate guides. Natural storytellers, they are eager to share their love of the bush with you and your family. Best of all, The Ngwana Club specialises in children on safari, such as nature walks around camp, arts and crafts, cooking lessons and other specialist child activities for younger guests.

The Joys of Multi-Generational Travel

One of the ways to really make a family trip extra special is to involve the grandparents too. These multi-generational trips are becoming more and more popular and it’s easy to understand why the bucket-list thrills of a safari are perfect for this. The exclusive-use villas grant large families space and time to themselves, in between the game drives, walks and child-friendly activities. Our time with those closest to us is precious and fleeting and that’s all the more reason to gather the family, from the very close ones to the extended, best friends and fun uncles and aunts and enjoy a vacation in a new place.

Packing essentials

• There are some key items you need to pack for your children. Remember to focus on lightweight clothes, sun protection, and any necessary medical supplies. Here are some tips;
• Pack lightweight, breathable clothing. Long sleeves and pants can protect against mosquitoes.
• Include hats and sunglasses for sun protection.
• Bring comfortable walking shoes.
• If travelling with a baby, bring enough diapers, formula, baby food, and wipes, as these may not be readily available.
• Bring a first-aid kit with essentials like antiseptics, bandages, and any prescription medications.
• Bring binoculars, a camera, or a sketchbook for children to document their sightings.
• Pack snacks, water, and comfort items like favourite toys or blankets.

Travelling to Africa with children is an incredibly special experience but it does need special planning. Contact one of our specialist travel planners today to help you make it easier.