African Safari for Kids: Safe Travel Guide for Families

Families around the world seek unique experiences when traveling together, and for many, an African safari is a bucket-list adventure. But are these vast wilderness spaces a suitable destination for children? The resounding answer is absolutely yes! In fact, we’d argue that a safari could be your most transformative and inspirational family vacation yet.

Planning a family-friendly safari does require careful consideration – from selecting the right destination and kid-friendly lodges to ensuring a safe, enriching, and age-appropriate experience for every family member. To help, we’ve created this comprehensive guide to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about children and safaris, making it easier for you to plan an unforgettable and worry-free adventure with us.

Why Go on an African Safari with Kids?

Perhaps the most obvious – yet most important – question to ask. As a former guide at luxury lodges like Kirkman’s Kamp in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve and Ngala Safari Lodge in Kruger National Park, I had the privilege of guiding families through these incredible wilderness spaces. And to be completely honest, it was by far the most rewarding part of my time as a guide.

Below Image: Marketing Manager, Sean Messham, guiding at Kirkman’s Kamp, Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, South Africa. 

Watching a family – together – experience their first rhino, leopard, elephant, or lion is something truly extraordinary. It’s not just about spotting wildlife; it’s about witnessing a life-changing family moment unfold before your eyes. A safari offers a rare opportunity to inspire the next generation – to help children (and adults) understand why we must respect, protect, and expand these last remaining wild spaces. It’s an emotional journey – and there’s a reason people keep coming back!

I could go on for days about why your children should experience a safari, but for now, let me share seven quick reasons why this adventure is one of the best journeys you can give your family.

• The wildlife is unlike anywhere else in the world!
  Sub-Saharan Africa boasts the greatest density of large land mammals on the planet. Beyond the Big Five, expect to see giraffes, zebras, elands, springboks, impalas, hippos, gorillas, chimpanzees, cheetahs, and spotted hyenas—a truly unmatched experience.

• Unforgettable family bonding through new experiences.
  A safari introduces exciting, revitalizing experiences that pull families even closer together, creating lifelong memories in the heart of the wild.

• A chance to reconnect with nature.
  Safaris provide a rare opportunity to unplug, slow down, and immerse yourself in Africa’s last remaining wild spaces, witnessing its raw beauty and untamed drama firsthand.

• Inspiring future conservationists.
  Seeing wildlife up close fosters a deep appreciation for nature, often igniting a passion for conservation that kids (and adults!) take home with them.

• Authentic cultural encounters.
  Interacting with local communities offers immersive experiences that help children grow in appreciation, empathy, and understanding of different cultures and ways of life.

• Luxury accommodations with child-friendly facilities.
  Family-friendly safari lodges ensure a seamless stay with comforts like spacious family suites, pools, and babysitting services—so parents can truly relax.

• Engaging, age-appropriate activities.
  Many lodges offer tailored kids’ programs, including guided nature walks, tracking lessons, wildlife checklists, and cultural storytelling—designed to entertain, educate, and inspire young explorers.

Is it Safe to take young kids on safari?

Absolutely. Safari guides are highly trained professionals who spend every day immersed in African wildlife and understand animal behaviors intimately. Their expertise allows them to read situations carefully and maintain a safe distance when necessary. Additionally, family-friendly lodges follow strict safety protocols to ensure both parents and children can enjoy a secure and unforgettable safari experience while game viewing.

What’s the Best Age to Go On a Safari With Kids?

Before we answer this question, we have one for you! Most of our families travel from the United States, so an important consideration is: “at what age are you comfortable traveling long distances with your child?” Once you’ve answered that, the good news is that safari lodges and experiences cater to a wide range of ages.

While every lodge has different policies, we generally recommend waiting until children are old enough to fully appreciate and participate in the experience. That said, some lodges are exceptionally kid-friendly, offering babysitting services for very young children and modified safari activities for ages 3 to 7 years old. These activities may include guided nature walks in safe areas and shortened safari excursions, designed to keep younger guests engaged.

Although experienced rangers and trackers ensure safaris and nature walks are safe, the natural environment remains unpredictable. Extended game drives (typically 3-4 hours) may also be challenging for younger children – although I personally never experienced a problem with children’s attention spans, and youngster that need a nap… just fall asleep. This being said, an insider’s guiding tip for smaller families traveling with a toddler, perhaps ask for a private vehicle. It will make you feel more comfortable and provide more flexibility than if you are sharing a vehicle.

At Ubuntu Travel, we help you choose the perfect family-friendly lodge to ensure a fun, safe, and stress-free safari experience for every member of your family. However, it’s important to keep in mind that game drive policies vary by lodge and location. As a general guide:

• Children aged 0-2 years: Not permitted on game drives or nature walks.
• Children aged 3-5 years: Not permitted on game drives or nature walks (additional children’s drives may be available upon request).
• Children aged 6-11 years: Permitted on game drives at the discretion of the lodge manager. Not permitted on nature walks.
• Children aged 12-16 years: Permitted on game drives and nature walks at the discretion of the lodge manager.

By selecting the right lodge and activities, a family safari can be an unforgettable and enriching experience for children of all ages.

Can we go on an African safari with a toddler (1 to 3 years)?

It depends on the policies of each safari lodge, but generally, many lodges have a minimum age requirement of 6 years old for game drives. Game drives are often shared between six people. Therefore, my personal recommendation, is to have a private vehicle for smaller families with a toddler. It provides greater flexibility and less anxiety for you.

If your child is too young for game drives, many lodges offer babysitting services to accommodate families. Some activities, such as gorilla trekking in Rwanda, have stricter age restrictions – the minimum age to trek is 16 years old. However, family-friendly lodges and camps provide a variety of engaging activities to keep both younger and older children entertained between game drives, allowing them to safely explore and enjoy the camp environment.

Do all African safari camps accept kids?

Not all camps will allow children, but we can help to take the guessing and research out of it for you, and pair you with the perfect lodges or luxury camps to fit your family’s needs.

Also Read: Best Family-Friendly Lodges in Africa

Best African Safaris for Families

South Africa

In our experience, South Africa is the classic go-to for a family safari, especially if this will be your first time visiting Africa. South Africa is a wonderful place to visit with children! There are many lodges and safari destination that are well suited for children, with specific kids programs and malaria-free zones. If you are looking to extend past safari, South Africa has it all.

From feeling ‘on top of the world’ after a hike up Table Mountain to getting eye-level on a paddleboard with the playful penguins at Boulders Beach, there is a great mix of adult and kid-friendly activities for the whole family. I will be honest with you here too, the US Dollar and RSA Rand exchange rate makes a South African family safari incredible value for money!

Family Safari Destination to consider in South Africa:

1. Kruger National Park
2. Sabi Sand Nature Reserve
3. Phinda Private Game Reserve
4. Marakele National Park (Malaria-Free)
5. Madikwe (Malaria-Free)
6. Tswalu Kalahari (Malaria-Free)
7. Kwandwe (Malaria-Free)

Zimbabwe & Zambia

For multi-generational families with a mix of ages, Zimbabwe and Zambia offer an unforgettable safari experience. At Victoria Falls, Africa’s adrenaline capital, families can enjoy everything from tours of the falls and helicopter flights to more thrilling activities like bungee jumping and white-water rafting – ensuring excitement for all ages.

Beyond Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park is a must-visit for families who love elephants, with authentic safari lodges offering immersive wildlife experiences. Matetsi Private Game Reserve is a hidden gem I’d love to return to, while for older families, walking safaris in Mana Pools provide an untamed adventure that’s hard to beat.

Family Safari Destination to consider in Zimbabwe & Zambia:

1. Victoria Falls (Zambia and Zimbabwe side)
2. Matetsi Private Game Reserve (20min outside Victoria Falls)
3. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
4. Lake Kariba. Zimbabwe
5. Mana Pools. Zimbabwe
6. Lower Zambezi, Zambia
7. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Kenya & Tanzania

For families, witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration is an experience like no other. We highly recommend it for multi-generational travelers looking to witness one of nature’s largest terrestrial migrations. While the Mara River crossings in the Masai Mara are iconic, the migration is a year-round spectacle. Consider visiting during calving season in the Ndutu region of the Southern Serengeti or enjoying an exclusive safari in the Western Corridor and Singita Grumeti.

For families seeking adventure beyond safaris, Laikipia is a fantastic option. Here, you can enjoy hiking, trail running, helicopter excursions, horseback and camel riding, and authentic cultural experiences with the Samburu people—making for an immersive and thrilling family escape.

Family Safari Destination to consider in Kenya & Tanzania:

1. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
2. Lake Manyara, Tanzania
3. Zanzibar, Tanzania
4. Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
5. Masai Mara, Kenya
6. Laikipia, Kenya
7. Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Botswana

Botswana offers an unrivaled wilderness safari experience, and in my opinion, it’s a must for any safari enthusiast. However, I’d recommend waiting until your family is old enough to fully immerse themselves in its vast, untamed landscapes.

Explore the breathtaking salt pans, where you can enjoy quad biking, horseback riding, and sleep-outs under the stars, along with a humbling cultural experience with the San people, the oldest living culture on the planet.

Then, of course, there’s the wildlife-rich Okavango Delta and Linyanti Wildlife Reserve. The Delta needs no introduction, but a mokoro ride through its tranquil channels, motorboat explorations, game drives, and walking safaris offer a deeper connection to this ecosystem. While Chobe National Park is well-known for its abundant wildlife, it can get busy—but our expert travel specialists know the quieter, more exclusive spots for your family to enjoy.

Family Safari Destination to consider in Botswana:

1. Okavango Delta
2. Linyanti Wildlife Reserve
3. Chobe National Park
4. Makgadikgadi & Central Kalahari

Rwanda & Uganda

Is every member of your family 16 or older? If so, then gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, or Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is—without a doubt—the most profound wildlife encounter you can experience. Having trekked in the DRC, Rwanda, and Uganda, I can honestly say that each trek has changed my life, leaving me deeply moved and more connected to nature than ever before.

Of course, Big Five safaris are also available in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park and Uganda’s Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Park—and I’ve been fortunate to experience them all. However, for me, combining gorilla trekking with a safari in the Masai Mara or Serengeti is an exceptional and truly unforgettable adventure.

Family Safari Destination to consider in Rwanda & Uganda 

1. Volacanoes National Park, Rwanda
2. Akagera National Park, Rwanda
3. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
4. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda
5. Kibale National Park, Uganda
6. Murchison Falls, Uganda

Best Time to Go on a Safari with Kids

It is always challenging to create a guide that represents so many regions across different countries, each with its own unique landscapes, wildlife, and experiences. From dense rainforests and vast savannas to dramatic deserts and thriving wetlands, the diversity of Africa’s wilderness makes it impossible to offer a one-size-fits-all approach.

The truth is – whenever you can is the short answer! Our travel specialists will design the perfect family safari tailored to your expectations and wishes. However, to help you plan around school holidays, here’s a seasonal guide to ensure your trip aligns with the best safari experiences.

1. South Africa | April to October
2. Zambia & Zimbabwe | May to September
3. Botswana | April to October
4. Kenya | July to October | Great Migration Season 
5. Tanzania | Jan to March & June to December | Great Migration Season
6. Rwanda & Uganda | June to August | Dry Gorilla Trekking Season 

*PLEASE NOTE: the above dates are an estimation based of safari game drive viewing. Other non-safari destination (like Cape Town and the Winelands) have not be considered.

Types of Safari Activities for Kids

From my experience as a safari guide, children don’t get bored on safari—they thrive. Tablets and smartphones are quickly forgotten, replaced by binoculars, checklists, and endless discoveries. The right lodge and guide make this transformation effortless, turning curiosity into adventure. Don’t believe me? Here are just a few activities kids can enjoy. Trust us – bring them. Your heart will swell!

1) Junior Ranger Programs

These age-appropriate programs entertain and educate children with wildlife checklists, tracking lessons, bird identification, cultural crafts, and even pellet-gun shooting (age permitting). Led by guides or lodge staff, kids develop a deeper appreciation for nature and conservation.

2) Guided Nature Walks

While big game walking safaris are typically for ages 16+, some lodges offer gentler bush walks for younger explorers, focusing on insects, plants, and animal tracks—all under expert supervision.

3) Authentic Village Tours

An immersive cultural experience, where children can meet local communities and learn about their traditions, daily life, and conservation efforts. These visits foster empathy and help families appreciate how their trip supports local development.

4) Family Game Drives

Safety is the top priority. Here’s a general guide to game drive age policies:

• 0-2 years: Not permitted on game drives or nature walks.
• 3-5 years: Not permitted (special kids’ drives may be available).
• 6-11 years: Allowed on game drives at the lodge manager’s discretion.
• 12-16 years: Permitted on both game drives and nature walks at the lodge manager’s discretion.

Private vehicles or sole-use villas allow for more flexibility. At Ubuntu Travel, we navigate these policies for you, ensuring a seamless experience.

5) Sports with the Staff

Many lodges have soccer teams, volleyball, and netball games with the staff—a fantastic way for kids to engage, have fun, and connect with different cultures. If you’re a runner, some lodges even allow guided runs!

How to Plan an African Safari for Kids

Simply put – chat with us, and we’ll start by asking the right questions to design the perfect family safari with you. As a family-run African safari specialist, we take every journey personally. But before we get ahead of ourselves, here are a few key aspects to consider discussing with your family or significant other first.

1) Budget & Value for Money: Destinations like South Africa offer excellent value, while Botswana or Rwanda provide exclusive, high-end experiences. Knowing your budget helps us tailor the perfect safari for your family.

2) Ages of Your Children: Some lodges have age restrictions, and game drives can be long for younger kids. Consider when your family will fully enjoy the experience.

3) Preferred Travel Time: Align your trip with school holidays and the best wildlife viewing seasons. Different regions offer unique experiences year-round. There are also some incredible ‘Family Offers’ on what we consider ‘shoulder-seasons’ which can offer equally good game viewing, without the high-season crowds.

4) Type of Safari Experience: Do you want a classic Big Five safari, a walking safari, gorilla trekking, or a mix of adventure and relaxation?

5) Malaria-Free or Not? Some areas, like Madikwe and Tswalu in South Africa, offer malaria-free safaris, ideal for families with young children.

6) Lodge or Private Villa? Family-friendly lodges offer kids’ programs, while private villas provide flexibility, privacy, and a tailored experience.

7) Activities Beyond Game Drives: Consider cultural visits, conservation experiences, water-based safaris, hot air ballooning, or adventure activities to enhance your family’s safari experience.

Health and Safety Tips for Families

Of course, your safety and well-being are our top priorities for every Ubuntu Traveler embarking on a safari with us. That’s why our Operation Coordinators and Travel Specialists work tirelessly to ensure every detail of your trip is carefully planned – before, during, and even after your safari. Here are a few important health and safety tips to consider when traveling with your family on safari.

1) Travel & Health Insurance – Ensure your family has comprehensive travel and health insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and unexpected events. Remote safari locations may require emergency evacuation coverage, so double-check your policy.

2) Medications & Vaccines – Consult your doctor about necessary vaccinations and malaria precautions for your safari destination. Pack a travel first-aid kit with essentials like antihistamines, pain relievers, rehydration salts, and any prescription medications.

3) Hydration is Key – Safari days can be long and hot, so staying hydrated is crucial. Drink plenty of bottled or purified water and encourage kids to sip regularly. Most of our partners provide reusable water bottles to reduce plastic waste – we of course, have our own Ubuntu Travel bottles that represent 1400 ocean-bound plastic bottles collected.

4) Gut Health & Food Safety – When in doubt choose bottled/filtered water. All of our partner lodges will supply clean and safe drinking water, but please listen the their specific instructions during your lodge orientation. Bringing probiotics or rehydration salts can help with stomach or energy  sensitivities while traveling.

5) Listen to Your Guide and Lodge Staff – Your safari guide is your best resource for safety in the wilderness. Follow their instructions, stay inside vehicles on game drives, and be mindful of lodge safety rules, especially in unfenced camps.

Ready to Plan Your Family Safari?

If you’re thinking of planning a trip, we’re here to help! Our team of travel designers will create an itinerary just for you to create memories to last a lifetime and conquer your bucket list. Get in touch with us today to start planning your adventure in Africa.