As a family-owned safari specialist, we’re excited to see a rising trend of family safaris with younger children. The good news is that there are many lodges and activities that are tailored to different age groups and multi-family safaris.

Best Regions for Kids

South Africa

South Africa is well-known for its malaria-free areas that offer viewing of the Big Five. This plays a significant role in families not having to worry about bringing young children along with them for their safari adventures.

South Africa boasts a high volume of lodge built for families in mind. Some accommodations that are built with children are mind are:

Madikwe Safari Lodge: Designed as a family-focused lodge, Madikwe holds “kiddies” or “jungle drives” that are shorter safaris along with supervised nature walks. They also host early kids’ dinners to let parents enjoy game drives or adult-styled dinners.
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge: One of the few truly kid‑welcoming lodges accepting children of all ages while still maintaining a polished, luxury feel.The EleFun Centre offers dedicated, eco‑themed edutainment with arts, crafts, bush walks, animal ID and games, giving kids a fun, structured space while adults rest. Their flexible approach to game drives all children 6 years and older to join standard game drives while younger children can be accommodated with private vehicles.
MalaMala Camp: Known for welcoming children of all ages and hosts family rooms with inter-leading units. They also will tailor activities to the family working with their dedicated guide.
Ngala Safari Camp: Offers convenience to families with family cottages, a three‑bedroom family villa with private pool, and dedicated staff including a private ranger and tracker

Namibia

Namibia has an excellent range of family‑friendly safari lodges, especially around Etosha and in the desert regions, with many offering dedicated family rooms, kids’ activities, and flexible game viewing. Top safari camp options for families with children are:

Onguma Bush Camp: Marketed as a family-focused camp, Onguma offers family loft rooms and is fully fenced, providing parents with peace of mind.There are not age restrictions as children of all ages are welcomed. The main area overlooks a waterhole so children are able to experience wildlife viewing without going on long game drives.
Sossusvlei Lodge: Combines easy access to the dunes with practical family units.There is an adventure centre that can arrange family-friendly activities such as guided Sossusvlei excursions, short Elim dune walks, sundowner drives, scenic flights and hot‑air ballooning, allowing you to set a desired pace.
Kulala Desert Lodge: This lodge hosts family-friendly rooms and and a myriad of options that children will enjoy. Families can choose from guided Sossusvlei excursions, nature walks, day and night game drives, and eco-sensitive quad biking. The rooftop “star bed” sleep-outs on the tents are a huge hit with children.

Kenya

Kenya works especially well for safaris with children because it combines easy, high‑quality wildlife viewing with comfortable logistics, family‑focused lodges, and lots of age‑appropriate activities. It’s also a very established safari destination, so guiding, safety standards, and family infrastructure are generally strong. Plus there are extraordinary opportunities to connect and engage with guides and camp staff who are eager to share their traditional cultures.

A few particularly child‑friendly safari camps and lodges in Kenya are:

Saruni Samburu: Known for the Warriors Academy where Samburu guides teach bush skills and about their culture. Since Saruni is in a private conservancy, there is flexibility for activities.
Lewa Wilderness: This historic, family ran lodge offers a mix of conservation focus and adventure activities such as fly-camping, walks and canopy forest visits.
Elewana Tortilis Camp: With a dedicated family tent and private house plus a pool, this camp is ideal for families with different ages.

Zimbabwe

Many camps in Zimbabwe offer flexible activities and a relaxed atmosphere.Guiding in Zimbabwe is world renowned and that extends to families as they tend to put a focus on storytelling which is very appealing to children.

Family-oriented camps in Zimbabwe are:

Somalisa Acacia: This camp has no age policy with child-focused activities such tracking and crafts are some programs that keep children occupied between game drives.
Batonka Guest Lodge: There are a plethora of kid friendly activities at this lodge. From swimming in the outdoor pools, to being within close proximity to the Falls, to the TVs and Wi-Fi within the air-conditioned rooms, kids will be comfortable and entertained during their stay at Batonka.
Nyamatusi Mahogany: Nyamatusi Mahogany stands out with its “Cub Club” which offers nature walks, cooking clasees, storytelling, and arts and crafts activities. Additionally, the camp will adapt activities for children and families.

Next Adventure crafts family safari itineraries with thoughtful pacing and a well-balanced mix of activities designed to keep young travelers engaged, without incredible wildlife viewing being compromised .