Summary
Going on a family safari will be one of the most rewarding and exciting vacations you’ll ever take. However, traveling on a shoestring is more difficult when you have kids in tow. Therefore, your African adventure is unlikely to be cheap, making it essential to select the best destination and itinerary possible. This article explores Africa’s most family-friendly countries, along with itineraries and lodges that cater specifically to children.
Choosing Your Destination
The first step in planning any safari is deciding where you want to go. If you’re traveling with children, there are several factors to consider. Safety is always the top priority for parents, so it is advisable to choose a politically stable country with access to decent medical care in case of an emergency. Moreover, a location with fewer vaccination requirements is preferable, while malaria-free destinations receive high marks for obvious reasons.
Cost is a significant factor when traveling with a family; therefore, selecting a country that offers reasonable accommodation and tour prices is essential. Destinations that accommodate self-drive safaris make for great choices, providing flexibility with travel plans. Consequently, we recommend Southern African nations like South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana over the iconic safari destinations in East Africa.
South Africa for Families
With its first-world infrastructure and world-class national parks, South Africa is an obvious choice for a family safari. There are game-viewing destinations for every budget, ranging from exclusive private reserves like Shamwari and Ulusaba to national parks like Kruger and Addo. The latter are excellent for budget-conscious families, as they facilitate self-driving and offer affordable accommodation in campsites and self-catering chalets.
Self-driving is an excellent option for families, providing the flexibility to stop whenever needed, shorten game drives if children get tired, and manage tantrums without concern for other guests. Moreover, South Africa is well-equipped for independent exploration, with good roads and car rental services widely available. Many South African game parks are malaria-free, eliminating worries about other tropical diseases.
In addition, South Africa offers many activities beyond wildlife-viewing. If two full weeks of wildlife encounters seem too much for your kids, consider the countless other activities for children. Consider visits to townships in Johannesburg, breathtaking beaches in Cape Town, whale-watching in Hermanus, or adventurous ostrich-riding and caving trips near Oudtshoorn.
Recommended itineraries: Best of South Africa for Families, Cape & Kruger Family Holiday, The Ultimate South Africa for Families
Recommended lodges: The Motse, Tswalu Kalahari, Ant’s Nest, Waterberg
Namibia for Families
Namibia offers many of the same advantages as South Africa. With the Namibian dollar pegged to the South African rand, you can expect to see similarly low prices for accommodation, park fees, fuel, and everyday expenses. Although many roads are gravel instead of tarmac, they are exceptionally well-maintained, and many travelers report feeling safer in Namibia than in other areas of the continent. Many regions are malaria-free (except for the magnificent Caprivi Strip).
Namibia’s most famous national park, Etosha, is a premier wildlife-viewing destination in Southern Africa, with a high likelihood of spotting rhinos. In between game drives, children can enjoy dune surfing in the Namib Desert, visit traditional Himba villages in Damaraland, and explore the otherworldly landscapes of Sossusvlei. However, it is important to recognize that Namibia is a vast country, requiring children to manage long travel times.
Recommended itineraries: Namibia Family Camping Safari, Northern Namibia for Families, Namibia Self-Drive Family Safari
Recommended lodges: Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Mushara Bush Camp
Botswana for Families
Botswana stands out as another excellent option for a family safari, balancing safety and adventure. The infrastructure is good, the government is stable, and it boasts some of the continent’s most rewarding game parks. However, it is better suited for families with a larger budget, as it often caters to fly-in safaris rather than self-drive itineraries, particularly for visits to the Okavango Delta (which is a must-see). Additionally, families may need to spend on malaria prophylactics, which can be expensive.
The requirement for malaria medication is one reason why Botswana is better for older kids. They will also enjoy activities such as walking safaris and traditional canoe or mokoro trips, which are among the country’s best experiences. Game parks like Chobe, Moremi, Kgalagadi, and Savuti possibly offer superior wildlife-viewing than those in Namibia or South Africa, but activities for restless kids may be more limited. Unlike the other two countries, your itinerary in Botswana cannot easily mix the bush with the beach.
Recommended itineraries: Classic Botswana Family Safari, Northern Botswana Family Explorer Safari, Botswana Family Safari Adventure
Recommended lodges: Footsteps Camp, &Beyond Sandibe Okavango Delta Lodge
