Traveling with Kids: Everything you need to know for a family safari

A safari can be the ultimate family adventure – a chance to see extraordinary wildlife up close, spend time outdoors, and make lifelong memories together. But if you're wondering whether it’s really possible to go on safari with children (and enjoy it), you’re not alone.

The good news is, with the right planning and destination, a family safari can be not just feasible but genuinely brilliant. Whether it’s a malaria-free reserve in South Africa, a private mobile safari in Botswana, or a relaxed beach-and-bush combo in Kenya, there are plenty of ways to tailor the experience to suit younger travellers.

In this guide, we’ll share what we’ve learned from planning family safaris across Africa – including what to pack, how to keep things safe and stress-free, and our top recommendations for where to go. From spotting baby elephants in Tarangire to watching meerkats in the Kalahari, a safari with children can be one of the most rewarding holidays you’ll ever take.

Why Go on a Safari with Children?

A family safari offers so much more than just a holiday. It’s a chance to introduce children to the wonders of the natural world in a way that’s immersive, exciting, and deeply memorable. From watching lions on the move at sunrise to learning how trackers follow animal footprints, it’s a hands-on experience that brings wildlife and conservation to life far beyond the classroom. For many children, it can spark a lifelong curiosity about nature – and a deeper understanding of why it matters.

Here's why a safari might just be the perfect family holiday:

1. Educational Opportunities

There’s no better classroom than the African bush. Children are exposed to wildlife and ecosystems in a way that books, screens, or even zoos simply can’t replicate. Whether they’re watching a pride of lions at rest, learning about the migration of wildebeest, or identifying animal tracks with a guide, every moment is rich with learning.

Many lodges now offer engaging, age-appropriate programmes such as Junior Ranger Academies, bush schools, and guided nature walks, helping children connect with the environment through storytelling, hands-on discovery, and plenty of fresh air.

2. Quality Family Time

A safari offers the ideal mix of adventure and downtime, making it a perfect setting for genuine family connection. From the excitement of morning game drives to evenings around the campfire, it’s an experience full of shared wonder. Watching your children spot their first elephant or learn the difference between a leopard and a cheetah is the kind of bonding moment you’ll never forget. And with many lodges offering private vehicles or family tents, the experience can be tailored entirely to your pace and preferences.

3. Conservation and Sustainability

Safaris can help instil a lifelong respect for nature. Many camps and reserves are deeply involved in conservation efforts, and actively include guests – even young ones – in the story. Children can learn how tourism supports local communities, funds anti-poaching initiatives, and helps protect endangered species. Visiting places like Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya or the private reserves in South Africa’s Eastern Cape brings these ideas to life. Understanding that your holiday directly contributes to protecting wildlife and supporting surrounding communities can be a powerful, lasting lesson for children and adults alike.

Best Safari Destinations for Families

Choosing the right destination for a Family Safari is essential to ensuring a smooth and memorable experience. Some countries are especially well-suited to families, with malaria-free zones, child-friendly accommodations, and specially tailored activities.

1. South Africa

South Africa stands out as one of the most accessible and family-friendly safari destinations in Africa. A major draw for parents with younger children is the availability of malaria-free reserves, such as Madikwe Game Reserve, Pilanesberg, and parts of the Eastern Cape. These areas allow for worry-free travel without the need for anti-malarial medication.

In Kruger National Park and its surrounding private reserves like Sabi Sand, Timbavati, and Kapama, families can enjoy big five game viewing in a variety of settings - from self-drive adventures to exclusive private lodge experiences. Many lodges here are well-equipped for children, offering family suites, childminders, and specially trained child-friendly guides who adapt the pace and content of game drives. Properties like Jaci’s Safari Lodge in Madikwe or Kambaku Safari Lodge in Timbavati offer engaging junior ranger programmes, arts and crafts, and interactive bush experiences.

2. Kenya

Kenya is a classic safari destination, offering a mix of exceptional wildlife, diverse landscapes, and immersive cultural experiences. The Maasai Mara, especially during the Great Migration (July to October), offers thrilling wildlife sightings that captivate children and adults alike. Many lodges provide private vehicles and flexible daily schedules, which are ideal when travelling with kids.

Beyond the Mara, Laikipia is a standout region for families. Known for its conservation-minded approach and innovative lodges, this area offers horse riding safaris, camel treks, and opportunities to track wildlife on foot - all safely and at a child’s pace. El Karama Lodge, in particular, is designed with families in mind, with activities like bush cooking, plaster casting animal tracks, and fishing in the river.

See Our Kenya Family Safari Holidays

3. Tanzania

Tanzania offers sweeping landscapes, epic wildlife encounters, and a more off-the-beaten-path feel. The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are household names, but their vastness and remoteness are made more accessible by the family-oriented lodges and mobile camps available. Families can witness lions hunting on the plains or elephants roaming the crater floor - experiences that leave a lasting impression on young travellers.

Many Tanzanian lodges cater for families with spacious family tents, childcare services, and interactive learning opportunities. In places like Tarangire National Park, kids can enjoy shorter game drives combined with activities like bow and arrow making, storytelling with local guides, or identifying wildlife from a viewing deck with binoculars and guidebooks in hand.

See our Tanzania Family Holidays

4. Botswana

Botswana’s pristine wilderness and low-impact tourism model create an exceptional, high-quality safari experience. Though typically known for luxury travel, several lodges in the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, and Chobe National Park now cater to families looking for something a little more personal and educational.

Children aged 6 and up are welcome at a growing number of properties, where expert guides tailor bush walks, mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions, and tracking activities to suit younger guests. Some camps, like Kwara and Sable Alley, offer junior ranger programmes that include identifying tracks, learning about birdlife, and basic survival skills. The focus is on safe, small-group interaction with nature, helping children build both confidence and curiosity.

See Botswana Family Holidays

Preparing for a Safari: What to Pack

Packing appropriately is vital, particularly when travelling with children. You’ll want them to be comfortable, safe, and entertained. Here’s a checklist to guide you:

1. Clothing

• Light, breathable clothing: Long-sleeved tops and trousers help protect from sun and insect bites. Neutral colours are best for blending in and avoiding unwanted attention from insects.

• Layered clothing: Mornings and evenings can be cool, while afternoons may be quite hot.

• Hats and sunglasses: Wide-brimmed hats and UV-protective sunglasses shield children from the sun.

• Swimwear: Some lodges have swimming pools – a must-pack!

2. Medical and Health Essentials

• Insect repellent: Especially important in malaria-prone areas.

• High-SPF sunscreen: For protection against strong African sun.

• First-aid kit: Include plasters, antiseptic wipes, pain relief, and any prescription medications.

• Vaccinations: Consult your GP to ensure your family’s vaccinations are up to date.

3. Entertainment and Comfort

• Binoculars: Great for wildlife spotting and keeping kids engaged.

• Books, puzzles, and travel games: For downtime or long transfers.

• Travel pillows and blankets: For added comfort during drives or flights.

4. Other Essentials

• Camera or mobile phone: To capture those unforgettable moments.

• Child-friendly snacks: Especially useful if your child is a fussy eater.

• Reusable water bottles: Staying hydrated is key, and it's environmentally friendly too.

Safari Activities for Children

While game drives are often the main event on safari, many lodges go far beyond this to offer enriching, age-appropriate activities designed specifically with younger travellers in mind. These aren’t just distractions - they’re meaningful, exciting experiences that connect children to the natural world in unforgettable ways. And while adults will often enjoy them just as much, it's usually the kids who are buzzing with excitement at the mention of hot air balloon rides, tracking wildlife footprints, or learning from real-life Maasai and Samburu warriors. Activities like stargazing, storytelling, and discovering how communities and wildlife coexist in balance help nurture a deeper understanding of the environment and conservation.

Here are just a few of the standout activities tailored for younger safari-goers:

1. Bush Schools and Junior Ranger Academies

Many lodges offer fun, hands-on learning programmes where children can try their hand at animal tracking, learn the basics of survival in the wild, and understand the importance of conservation. Under the guidance of trained guides and rangers, children might help identify animal tracks, learn to recognise different calls and scents, or even complete 'ranger training' with a certificate at the end.

2. Nature Walks and Wildlife Tracking

Led by expert guides, these short bush walks are designed around children’s curiosity and attention spans. Kids can get up close to the smaller wonders of the wild – from dung beetles and colourful birds to fascinating plant life. Learning to spot animal spoor and interpret the signs left behind gives them a sense of discovery and adventure outside the vehicle.

3. Night Game Drives

Once the sun sets, the bush reveals a completely different side of itself. Night drives - available in certain private reserves - offer the chance to spot elusive nocturnal animals like bush babies, genets, or porcupines. The thrill of searching the dark with a spotlight, listening to the sounds of the night, and seeing glowing eyes in the undergrowth is a memory children never forget.

4. Cultural Encounters

Many lodges offer respectful, engaging interactions with local communities, often guided by members of the community themselves. Children might learn how to make traditional jewellery, listen to folk tales around the fire, or join in a dance or drumming session. These experiences offer a unique window into daily life and help build understanding and empathy from a young age.

5. Eco-Exploration & Stargazing

Under vast African skies with little to no light pollution, stargazing becomes a magical experience. Guides can point out constellations and share traditional stories behind them. Many lodges also include eco-themed activities, where children learn how wildlife and local people share the land, and what role they can play in protecting it for the future.

Safety on Safari

When travelling with children, safety is the single most important consideration. A safari is unlike any other family holiday – you're entering the animals’ domain, not a zoo or theme park. While this wildness is what makes the experience so thrilling, it also demands a heightened level of awareness, respect, and preparation. Ensuring your children understand and appreciate this reality is key to keeping everyone safe and making the most of your journey.

1. Follow the Guide’s Instructions – Always

Your safari guide is your greatest asset in the bush – their experience, knowledge, and intuition keep everyone safe and make your wildlife encounters more meaningful. It's vital that both adults and children understand that their instructions are not optional.

Before your first game drive, take the time to sit down with your children and explain:

• The safari vehicle does not provide a barrier – wild animals often see it as a non-threatening object unless someone stands up or makes sudden movements.

• Never stand, shout, or reach out of the vehicle.

• Remain seated and quiet when near animals, particularly large game such as elephants, lions, or buffalo.

• If on a walking safari, stress that staying behind the guide, walking slowly, and staying silent is essential.

Many guides are excellent with children and will include them in safety briefings in an engaging way. Let your guide take the lead – children often respond better when safety is framed as part of an “adventure code” or “ranger rules.”

2. Teach Respect for the Wild Environment

One of the most important lessons a child can take from a safari is the understanding that they are guests in a wild space. Unlike city parks or playgrounds, the African bush is home to powerful and unpredictable animals who should be observed with awe – and from a safe distance.

Help children appreciate that:

• Animals are not pets – even those that look calm can be dangerous if approached or startled.

• Respecting space is key – this means not feeding animals, not trying to touch or call them, and not throwing anything out of the vehicle.

• Every sound and movement matters – especially when tracking animals or on foot.

Framing this as a chance to "think like a ranger" or "become part of nature" can encourage children to rise to the occasion. Many lodges support this message with Junior Ranger programmes, where kids learn animal behaviour, bush etiquette, and the basics of tracking.

3. Child-Specific Safety Measures at Lodges and Camps

Most family-friendly lodges in Africa go to great lengths to ensure that children are kept safe and comfortable, but it’s still important that parents stay vigilant. Look for camps that offer fenced or secure grounds to prevent wildlife from wandering into areas where children play, private vehicles or family-friendly game drives that allow for a more flexible pace, and age-appropriate activities led by guides experienced with young travellers. Lodges like El Karama Lodge in Laikipia, Camp Kalahari in Botswana, and Chaka Mobile Camp in Tanzania are excellent examples, offering tailored experiences for families while maintaining safety and comfort. Keep in mind that some lodges may have age restrictions for activities like game drives or bush walks, not to exclude children, but to ensure their safety and enhance the experience for everyone.

4. Stay Hydrated, Protected, and Comfortable

Africa’s climate – particularly in regions like the savannah or desert – can be harsh and changeable. Children are especially vulnerable to sun exposure, heat exhaustion, and dehydration.

Key safety tips include:

• Hydration: Encourage children to drink small amounts of water frequently, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Reusable water bottles are a must.

• Sun protection: Always use a high-factor sunscreen and reapply throughout the day, especially after swimming or sweating. Wide-brimmed hats and UV-protective sunglasses are also essential.

• Appropriate clothing: Dress children in lightweight, long-sleeved clothing in neutral colours to protect from the sun and insects. Avoid bright colours or patterns that may attract unwanted attention from insects or disturb animals.

• Insect protection: In areas where mosquitoes are prevalent, especially malaria zones, apply child-safe insect repellent and ensure long sleeves and mosquito nets are used at night.

By preparing your children with both practical safety advice and an understanding of the bush as a wild, awe-inspiring ecosystem, you're not only ensuring their safety but also deepening the value of the safari experience.

Managing Children’s Needs on Safari

Keeping children happy and well-rested enhances everyone’s experience.

1. Maintain a routine - stick to regular mealtimes and bedtimes as much as possible to help children feel secure in a new environment.

2. Meals and Snacks- Check in advance that the lodge offers meals your child will eat. Bringing along familiar snacks can also help avoid fussiness.

3. Relaxation Time- Between drives, use the downtime to rest, read, swim, or play games. Children (and adults!) need breaks from the excitement.

Make use of those with experiences

Speaking with people who have been on Safari with kids or have grown up on Safari will always be the best way to get insight as to what to expect. Our Africa experts have either been on Safari with their own kids or have been on Safari as a kid themselves, this will save you a lot of research by speaking to one of our specialists.

Conclusion

Introduce your family to the magic of Africa with a safari holiday designed for all ages. Begin your journey with the Kenya Family Safari & Beach Holiday, where children can safely explore the bush, meet local guides, and enjoy wildlife spotting from the lodge. Add a unique twist with the Karisia Walking Safari, where families walk with camels across Laikipia’s wild highlands. Continue on to Botswana with the Classic Botswana Family Adventure, where meerkats, quad biking, and desert sunsets will leave everyone smiling. End with lakeside relaxation and gentle snorkeling on the Zambia & Malawi Family Safari, a perfect blend of safari and beach fun.