A family safari in Africa is a holiday like no other, and for many it is firmly on the top of the holiday wish list. Watching your children or grandchildren witness their first elephant or giraffe is a joy that is hard to beat. When I was working in a Zambian safari lodge I was always reminded of the magic of a safari with children when they would giggle at a naughty monkey trying to steal from the kitchen. A family safari is more than just a holiday, it is a shared adventure for all ages which creates life-long memories for all.
There are plenty of options across Africa for a family safari – no matter the make-up of those travelling, a nuclear family, multi-generational groups with grandparents treating families to once-in-a-lifetime celebration or perhaps families travelling together where children get to explore with their friends. With these safaris becoming increasingly popular, one question we’re hearing more frequently is: “Is it too early to start planning for 2028?”
The answer is simple: absolutely not.
Early Booking Matters
Safari camps and lodges are often small with many camps only having five to ten tents in total, and maybe only one of these is a family tent. There are also plenty of exclusive use options across all the prime safari countries, but to ensure you get the combination of properties that suit you, for your preferred dates, an early booking is essential. This is especially important for larger families or multi-generational groups as more rooms will be required. For those larger groups an early booking also offers the opportunity of taking a camp exclusively, increasing the number of private-use options available.
Is there a ‘best’ family safari?
No two families are the same and no two family safaris are the same either. In reality the right trip for you will depend on many factors, which include aspects such as the age of the children travelling, interests, time of year, preferred combination of areas, style of properties, budget and so much more. The good news is that across the major safari countries there is an option which is right for you.
Working with an experienced and knowledgeable tour operator is highly recommended – they will be able to ask the questions and put together options based on your families wishes.
Out of all my trips to Africa over the years, the best was a family trip to Kenya last summer. It was a joy to introduce my grandchildren and son and daughter-in-law to the delights of safari that my children had experienced as we moved around the African continent with my husband’s work.
Ruth, Hampshire
Safaris with young children
Think of engagement through activities, wonderful wildlife, camps where guides not only understand children but welcome them on safari, and whether being malaria free is important. South Africa is one example of a great country for young families. There are some excellent camps and lodges here that are brilliant at ensuring all ages have an amazing time. Many of the best family properties are in malaria free areas.
Trip combinations which offer fabulous wildlife with the ability to have fun in the bush safely – be it horseback, on a bike or on foot, with seeing penguins and marine life work incredibly well, especially for a first-time safari.
Lodges will often have babysitting available as well should parents want to go out on an activity and leave children to sleep or be entertained in camp.
Families with Teenagers
As children get older, the safari activities available increase, with the possibility of more activities opening up all the time. Again it is important to include variety and a country such as Kenya does this exceptionally well. There is wonderful wildlife viewing alongside walking safaris, spear making and throwing with the Masai, conservation focused activities such as anti-poaching sniffer dogs, horse or camel riding, and overnight sleep outs.
Kenya’s Indian Ocean shores also offer plenty of choice to relax before or after a safari.
Multi-Generational Family Safaris
Over the last couple of years there has been an increased demand for multi-generational travel. Grandparents and parents are increasingly choosing to spend their holiday time together. This may be a milestone birthday or anniversary, or simply to share the wonder of Africa with each other. A safari lends itself to this style of travel.
Within a multi-generational family or group there will naturally be different interests and energy levels, and a good safari is a brilliant option to accommodate these. Usually a couple of guides will be looking after a larger group, offering flexibility in the activities that can enjoyed throughout the day – and crucially not everyone has to do the same thing all the time.
Taking a camp privately or booking an exclusive use villa certainly increases this flexibility and personalisation. Daily activities are tailored to you and do not have to fit around others in a larger camp, with children being able to nap when needed, mealtimes adapted to suit and activities with a private guide ensuring you get the most out of your holiday.
Why plan for 2028 now?
When looking at a safari holiday it is important to get everything right for your family. Although the choice for family friendly safaris has increased hugely since I started planning safaris over 15 years ago, an early booking still ensures you get the right combination for you. In addition we are sometimes able to get an advantageous rate for a property when booking it before rates are released for sale.
The key is, the earlier you plan, the more tailored the entire trip.
If Africa features in your plans for 2028, and even more so for 2027, now is the perfect time to start planning and booking your adventure. Please do get in touch with Lucinda and she would be delighted to help.
