10 good reasons to go on a family safari
If you’re looking for a family holiday with a difference, we’d urge you to try a safari. Yes, you might be met with the odd raised eyebrow accompanied by ‘are you sure it’s safe, won’t the children get bored’ (it is and, no, they won’t), but weather that and you’ll come home all the better for the experience and with incredible memories to boot. Here’s why:
It’s an adventure
It’s great to try something different together as a family. If you’ve not been inside a safari tent before, you’re all likely to get a great surprise. Proper beds, baths, outdoor showers – even a plunge pool in some places – will delight old and young alike. And that’s just a forerunner to the actual safari proper.
Luxurious accommodation at Zarafa Dhow Suite, Botswana
It’s easy to go malaria-free
If you’d prefer not to worry about anti-malarials, then South Africa offers a number of malaria-free reserves where superb wildlife viewing and excellent lodges cater brilliantly for family groups.
Fabulous family safari accommodation
Twenty years ago you’d struggle to find dedicated family safari accommodation. Today there are elegant private safari houses in the Masai Mara, the Serengeti and some of Zambia’s best wildlife reserves. These aside, there are beautifully appointed interconnected family tents and family cottages, many with two separate bedrooms, found throughout the safari areas of Africa.
Robin’s House – South Luangwa, Zambia
It won’t break the bank
In many cases children benefit from reduced rates until late teens, and in some instances, early 20s. If you’re travelling with another family or as a larger multi-generational group, you’ll find per person prices drop as the numbers go up – particularly if you are taking over a camp entirely or booking a private safari house.
An educational experience
It’s a softly softly one this, but you’ll be amazed what children absorb simply chatting to their guides about conservation, culture, animal behaviour and more. For curious children, the African bush provides a learning environment light years away from the classroom.
Learning from the safari guides at Kambaku Safari Lodge
There’s something for all ages
Where else can you go where anyone from five to 80 is going to have a wonderful time? We’re not sure there are many options. Choose wisely in Africa and the multi-generational nut is an easy one to crack.
Try something new
If you thought safari was just about sitting in a 4×4 you’ll be amazed at what else is on offer. You can ride camels, horses and bikes, you can learn to scuba dive, there’s some great fishing, there’s even sand boarding, kite surfing and quad-biking in some areas.
Step out of the vehicle and explore by bike
It’s a great chance for a digital detox
Disconnect from ever present WiFi and you’ll find yourselves getting back to basics, playing cards, board games and spending quality time together. If survival without internet is deemed intolerable, it’s usually possible to find a connection every few days.
Enjoying a quite moment at Kulala Desert Lodge, Namibia
They’ll love their guides
Whether it is younger children enjoying a shared fascination with poo or teens taking their first walk in the bush, your safari guide will take on BFF (best friend forever) status in no time.
Making new friends. Angama Mara, Kenya
There is somewhere that works for every school holiday
Africa is big enough to have a variety of climates across the countries we recommend, which means whenever you want to travel there will be somewhere with clear skies, sunny days and superb wildlife experiences. Read our blog where to visit and when.
Always somewhere sunny, no matter when you want to travel. Kinondo Kwetu, Kenya
Any questions on family safari holidays?
If you’ve got this far and not found an answer to a question you have that we should have included, please ask in the comments section below, or pop us an email. We’ll be sure to reply and may amend the article to include our answer.
What next?
We would be delighted to help you plan a family safari holiday. Our team of experts have travelled widely throughout Africa, often with their own children, and can offer expert advice on safari and beach holidays throughout Southern and East Africa. If you would like to talk to someone who has been there and done it, please just send us an email or give us a call.
Camel safari, Kenya, Laikipia, 
Luxury safari accommodation Waterberg, South Africa, 
Hippos on a walking safari, South Luangwa, Zambia, 
Details for family safari please.
Dear Mrs Conway, Your enquiry has been passed onto a safari sales person who will be in touch shortly. Best regards
Renate
I would like more information please.
Dear Zaynab, thanks for reaching out. One of our travel experts will be in touch with some initial ideas. Best wishes, Katy
More information please. I have 2 children – 13 & 9 both love nature & animals.
Dear Tara, Thank you for reaching out. Your enquiry has been passed on to a safari sales expert who will be in touch shortly. Best regards, Olivia
Could i have some more information and pricing guide please
Thanks
Dear Elaine, Thank you very much for reaching out. Your enquiry has been passed on to one of our travel experts who will be in touch shortly. Best regards, Olivia
Hi there im looking for a bucket list holiday Ovkovanga delta and Namib desert stops. For a family of 3-4, 1-2 adults children would be 15 and 12 this autumn. Looking October half-term or early mid December. At very preliminary part of researching but I think this year might be a good one before exams…thanks
Dear Alexandra, Thank you very much for reaching out to us. We would be delighted to help you plan a family holiday before exam season begins. One of our travel experts will be in touch shortly. Kind regards, Olivia
I’m interested in a safari for 2 adults, 2 children (currently 9 and 12). Can I have some details please?
Dear Nicola, Thank you for getting in touch. Your enquiry has been passed on to one of our travel experts who will be in contact shortly. Kind regards, Olivia
Can I have more info please
Dear Billy, one of our travel experts will be in touch with more information for you. Best wishes, Katy
Could I have some information emailed please?
Thanks
Dear Laura, thank you for reaching out. One of our family travel experts will contact you soon. Best wishes, Katy
I would like some prices please
Dear Megan, I hope you enjoyed the blog. One of our family travel experts will contact you via email soon. All the best, Katy
Could I have some more info with indicative pricing? Thanks
Dear Lucy, thank you for reaching out. I have passed your details on to our team of travel experts who will contact you soon. Best wishes, Katy
Can I have details please
Dear Nicole, one of our travel experts will be in touch very soon. Best wishes, Katy
Can I have more info and pricing please?
Also does it involve a lot of travelling around once you get there or does this depend on the trip you choose? Do you spend a lot of time in jeeps etc? I get mildly travel sick in cars so this has always put me off even though I know our daughter would absolutely love it
Dear Elizabeth, thank you for your questions. Wildlife drives tend to be quite a slow-paced, stop-start, and in open-air vehicles, so most people prone to carsickness find them far easier than normal car journeys. I, too, get a little car sick at home on windy roads, but I have no problem on safari, and neither did my 8-year-old daughter when I took her to South Africa last year. You can fly between camps instead of long road transfers, stay longer in one or two places, and mix in walking or boat safaris and camps where the wildlife comes to you. Every trip we plan starts with a proper conversation; we listen to what you’re hoping for, then use our own firsthand experience to shape something that’s truly yours. Getting to know our clients is at the heart of what we do, and it’s why we’re confident you won’t find better service anywhere. One of our travel experts will be in touch shortly to chat things through. Best wishes, Katy