Are you dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure? Planning a family vacation to Africa can be an exciting experience filled with amazing wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and incredible memories – but the process may seem a little daunting!
To help you make the right choice, we have compiled a list of the best African safari destinations for families with younger children – although all these destinations are ideal for teenagers, multi-generational families and couples too!
Whether you’re looking to spot the Big Five, indulge in cultural experiences, relax on sandy beaches, or witness one of the seven natural wonders of the world, our list has got you covered. In this blog post, we will focus on Kruger, the Eastern Cape, the Masai Mara, Serengeti and Victoria Falls, highlighting the kinds of activities you can do with children, the best time to go, and what you can expect to see.
1. Kruger National Park
The Kruger National Park is one of the best places to go on safari in South Africa, and it is perfect for families with children of all ages. Many of the lodges have specific child-friendly safari programs, including nature walks (within camp), guided game drives, cooking demonstrations, animal tracking, art and more. The Kruger is well known for its exceptional game-viewing, including regular sightings of Africa’s Big 5.
Best time to visit Kruger National Park: May to September during the dry season.
Browse our Kruger Safaris.
2. The Eastern Cape: Addo Elephant National Park
Addo Elephant National Park is one of the Eastern Cape’s best-known parks and is renowned for its large herds of African elephant. This is a family-friendly destination with abundant wildlife like buffalo, kudu, zebra, warthog and more – as well as it being malaria-free. Activities here consist of guided game drives and guided walks. Children can also learn about elephants through interactive exhibitions at the park’s Interpretive Centre. Chat to us about how to combine your Eastern Cape Safari with more adventures along the Garden Route.
Best time to visit Addo Elephant National Park: April to September.
Browse our Eastern Cape Safaris.
3. Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara is one of Kenya‘s famed destinations and is home to the Great Wildebeest Migration, where millions of wildebeests migrate from the Serengeti every year. This reserve is easily accessible from Nairobi via a short scheduled charter flight. Many of the camps and lodges here are fantastic with children, who will get a chance to spend time with the local Maasai, go tracking for spoor, enjoy guided game drives and even short walking safaris.
In the Masai Mara, you can expect to see lion, elephant, giraffe, leopard, hyena, and many other animals. Between late June and August, you may also be fortunate to witness the famous river crossing, as hundreds of thousands of wildebeest make their way over the Mara River into greener pastures.
Activities here include game drives, hot air balloon safaris, and cultural visits to Masai villages, where your children can learn about Masai culture and their way of life.
Best time to visit Masai Mara National Reserve: July to October.
Browse our Masai Mara Safaris.
4. Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is Tanzania‘s most famous wildlife sanctuary and is known for the Great Wildebeest Migration. During this migration, millions of wildebeest, gazelles, and zebras follow the rains across the Serengeti and eventually into the Masai Mara in Kenya. For families, the Serengeti’s diverse array of fantastic lodges and camps make for a special time of bonding, reflection and utter enjoyment of the landscape and its wildlife.
In the Serengeti, you can expect to see elephant, lion, cheetah, hyena, and many other animals. Your children can also experience cultural visits to local villages and get an understanding of the local way of life here. There are also many child-friendly activities in the Serengeti, including hot air balloon safaris, animal and spoor tracking, guided game drives and short walking safaris.
Best time to visit Serengeti National Park: January to February and June to October.
Browse our Serengeti Safaris.
5. Victoria Falls
Although Victoria Falls is not a traditional safari destination, it is a must-visit destination for families traveling to Africa. Victoria Falls is located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, and it is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There are many activities for families, including cultural visits to local villages, a guided tour of the Falls, a river cruise on the Zambezi River, ziplining and for the very brave – bungee jumping! (age limits apply). You can also take a dip in the Devil’s Pool, which is located on the edge of the Falls, for an adrenaline-filled activity. This destination is perfect for those traveling with older children and combines well with a safari in neighboring Botswana.
Best time to visit Victoria Falls: March to April for full-flood spray, August – November for low-level river water for white-water rafting.
Browse our Victoria Falls Safaris.
Book Your Family Safari Today
Visiting Africa on a family safari can be an unforgettable experience for everyone. As we have highlighted in this blog post, Kruger National Park, the Eastern Cape, Masai Mara, Serengeti and Victoria Falls are the perfect destinations for families seeking an exciting adventure, cultural experiences, beautiful landscapes, and an opportunity to spot some of Africa’s magnificent wildlife. Now that you have the information, start planning your African family safari today.
