Africa is a wonderful holiday destination for families and a great way for children to see animals of all kinds in beautiful natural environments. On a safari you and your family will be taken to the very heart of Africa, staying at the most luxurious camps and lodges. On your activities you will be accompanied by highly experienced guides who will take you on the most amazing adventures entertaining your kids whilst teaching them all about the animals, birds and plants that inhabit the area.
African safaris are best suited for children age 5 and up. Each one is specially designed to suit each familys interests and preferences and the camps will happily accommodate special dietary requirements. Your safari experience will be very private and you will be kept well away from the crowds and minibuses that you see in the busier reserves that cater for cheaper package tours. Africa is a year round safari destination and there are always good game viewing opportunities whether you are visiting over Christmas, Easter, the summer holiday or one of the half term breaks.
South Africa and Kenya are the obvious family safari destinations but Botswana, Tanzania and Zambia also offer some excellent family accommodation. South Africa is popular because it offers malaria free safaris and Kenya is popular for its easy access from the UK and Europe as well as its wonderful variety of activities and cultural interaction. A Botswana safari and a Zambia safari are well suited for active families with teenagers who enjoy traditional game viewing activities like walking safaris and game drives.
A luxury family safari in Africa combines well with a Robinson Crusoe style beach holiday in Mozambique, Mauritius or Zanzibar where the whole family can enjoy a variety of water sports. If you are planning a malaria free South Africa safari, then you should definitely spend a few days in Cape Town exploring the city and the Cape Winelands.
A few family safari camps and lodges:
Lagoon Camp
Lagoon Camp lies on the banks of a permanent lagoon formed by the Kwando River. The camp consists of 6 tents and is the perfect place for families who are very into wildlife. The activities are focussed on the game viewing experience and include canoeing safaris, boating safaris, walking safaris and traditional game drives as well as tiger fishing a popular activity for boys of all ages.
Chitabe Lediba
Chitabe Lediba is situated in the Chitabe Concession, neighbouring the Moremi Game Reserve. It is just south f the Okavango Delta and features a seasonal landscape that changes from brown scrub in the dry season to a lush green oasis in the wet season. Chitabe is a small camp that consists of five tented suites that have been built on raised teak platforms. Some of the tents are inter leading making it a great choice for family groups. The wildlife is prolific and activities include walking safaris, game drives and sleep outs in the hides.
Sabuk Lodge
Sabuk Lodge is situated in the northern frontier district and is perched on a cliff that overlooks the Ewaso River. The camp has far reaching views over the Laikipia plains and offers the very best in family accommodation. Activities are adventurous and include camel safaris, walking safaris, game drives, bush craft, fire lighting, animal tracking and cultural interaction with the Samburu guides who will teach your kids about their traditional way of life.
Vamizi Island Lodge
Vamizi Island Lodge is a Robinson Crusoe style beach lodge on the northern coast of Mozambique. It offers private accommodation that is surrounded by miles and miles of white powdery sand and crystal clear and warm Indian Ocean waters. Activities include scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing, kayaking, game walks and picnic to the neighbouring islands.
Impodimo
Impodimo is situated in the malaria free Madikwe reserve. At Impodimo, staff go out of their way to welcome children of all ages. All children are given a good y bag on arrival and activities are designed to be fun and informative. They include bush baking, bush crafts, animal tracking, paper mask making, swimming and guided nature walks around the camp. Impodimo also offers a baby sitting service so parents can enjoy a much needed rest.
Kiba Point
Kiba Point is a beautiful Tanzania safari lodge situated in the Northern Selous. It offers one of the best family safari experiences in Tanzania and is suited for children of all ages. The camp has been built in a lovely quiet spot on the banks of the Rufiji River and consists of four spacious and well appointed cottages with private plunge pools. You will also have a private vehicle and guide who will accompany you on all your bush activities. Activities include game drives, walking safaris, boating safaris and fishing.
Cape Grace
Although the Cape Grace is not a safari camp ithas greatfamily accommodation choices and is worth a stay if you are visiting Cape Town. The Cape Grace is situated on the bustling Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in the shadow of Table Mountain. The accommodation is spacious and very luxurious and it is the ideal base from which to explore the city. The hotel is very welcoming to families and even offers a baby sitting service. Children are given a welcome pack on arrival and are invited to enjoy bedtime stories in the library every evening. The hotel also has a luxury yacht that is available for exclusive use.
