Why a safari is the smartest holiday choice for your family

In a world filled with endless holiday options, finding one that truly caters to every family member can be a challenge. What if you could combine adventure, learning and quality family time? A safari offers all of this and more goes far beyond your typical holiday. This is why I believe a safari is the best choice for your next family escape.

Unbeatable value

One of the greatest benefits of a safari is the peace of mind that comes with knowing everything is paid for upfront. When you book a safari with us, the price includes your accommodation, all internal transport, delicious meals, most drinks, park fees, and activities. This all-inclusive model means no nasty surprises and no constant reaching for your wallet or signing bills. If you choose to add a beach extension, many wonderful small lodges operate on the same all-inclusive basis. You might be surprised to learn that for the price of a European ski trip or a villa holiday, you could be on safari.

A playful cheetah, Samara Karoo Reserve, South Africa

A variety of activities for curious minds

We believe the best family safaris are those where children (and adults!) can be children, free to explore and not confined to the back of a vehicle. Our 26 years of experience have allowed us to build an exclusive network of lodges that offer a fantastic array of activities beyond the standard wildlife drive. We especially love regions like Sarara in Kenya and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, where lodges actively encourage children to get out and engage with their surroundings. Or discover the hidden gem of São Tomé and Príncipe. Its culture is a vibrant blend of its African and Portuguese heritage, with lush rainforests that meet the sea. The combination of sandy beaches and safe freshwater on Likoma Island, Malawi, makes for many hours of carefree fun.

Príncipe Island Carnival

Something for every age and stage

Multigenerational travel is more popular than ever, and a safari is one of the few holidays that truly ticks every box, from the youngest first-time safari goers to the most well-travelled grandparents. We have a deep knowledge of camps and lodges that are perfectly suited to each family’s needs.

For little ones, lodges like Madikwe Safari Lodge in South Africa offer engaging activities like making plaster of Paris models and looking at animal tracks. For older children and teenagers, the experiences become more hands-on and impactful, from participating in rhino notching programs at Kwandwe to joining anti-poaching units at Borana. We take great care to recommend lodges that will captivate every member of your family.

Rhino notching at Kwandwe

A classroom without walls

As the saying goes, “travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” The educational value of a safari holiday is incomparable, and much of this is thanks to your expert guides and trackers. They are not just drivers; they are passionate storytellers and naturalists who bring the bush to life. Your children will gain a profound understanding of the environment, local culture, the circle of life, and Africa’s incredible wildlife, all from the deep knowledge and personal insight of these experts. El Karama in Kenya, for example, runs a dedicated bush school for children, while Ker & Downey Botswana offers a “young explorers” program with flexible, age-appropriate activities.

Ker & Downey’s Dinaka Camp, Botswana

Disconnect to reconnect

In today’s busy world, a safari is a rare opportunity to truly disconnect from the digital noise and reconnect with one another. With minimal distractions, you and your family can immerse yourselves in the present moment, creating lifelong memories that will be cherished for years to come.

Madikwe Safari Lodge

The perfect pairing: safari and beach

For the ultimate family holiday, nothing beats combining the thrill of safari with the relaxation of a beach escape. We are experts at pairing the perfect safari destination with the best beach locations, ensuring ideal weather for your travel dates. We often recommend starting at the beach to allow everyone to relax and catch up on sleep after the school term, preparing you for the excitement and early mornings of the safari ahead.

Kids playing on the beach Kinondo Kwetu

Some of our favourite combinations are:

Kenya: El Karama, Kicheche, Offbeat Mara, Borana – Kinondo Kwetu, Manda Bay, Sands at Chale Island

South Africa: Madikwe Safari Lodge, Morukuru, Kwandwe, Samara Karoo – Trou aux Biches & Paradis

For older children and teens: Lamai Serengeti, Sand Rivers, Chongwe River House, Luangwa Safari House – Zanzibar White Sands, Azura Benguerra in Mozambique and Kaya Mawa in Malawi.

Many of us at Aardvark Safaris are parents, and we’ve experienced the magic of a family safari first hand. Our children are of all ages, so we understand the unique needs of travelling with children. Alice first took her daughters on safari when they were just 18 months old, and they are now teenagers. Francis has enjoyed father-daughter safaris with his teenage daughter, and Katy and I have created unforgettable memories with our younger children. I am currently planning my two girls’ first safari for next October half term, at ages 6 and 8.

Alice’s children on safari in Kenya

What next?

We don’t just book holidays; we help craft life-changing family adventures, and we can’t wait to help you plan yours. Sign up to our free Insiders Guide to Africa. We would be delighted to help with planning your perfect family safari, whenever you want to travel.  Our team of experts has travelled widely throughout Africa and the Indian Ocean and can offer expert advice.  Do get in touch – chatting to people by phone or email is what we do best. We listen, we explain, we answer all sorts of questions even those you didn’t know to ask, and finally we make suggestions. If this is your first time to Africa or your twenty first, we have a team standing by to help make the planning easy and the journey the best ever. Please get in touch whatever stage you’re at.

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