Bespoke Luxury Safaris With Children

Read our guide to a family safari with young kids, including the best destinations, accommodation, & safari experiences.

Written by

Ker & Downey® Africa

While many individuals assume a luxury African safari is only suitable for older teens or adults, a luxury safari with younger children is an incredibly enriching and memorable family adventure. With the correct planning, including the right choice of destination and luxury accommodation, a safari in Africa can be tailored to thrill even the youngest of explorers.

Indeed, a well-designed safari can offer younger children unparalleled opportunities for learning, sensory discovery, and meaningful family bonding. Whether it’s seeing a giraffe up close for the first time, witnessing vast herds of wildlife, tracking lion footprints, or enjoying a traditional cooking class, a safari offers a thrilling adventure.

On a luxury safari carefully curated with young children in mind, families can enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience, providing family memories that will last a lifetime.

Ker & Downey® Africa excels at curating incredible safari experiences in Africa, including for families with young children. If you want to enjoy a memorable family escape to the vast wilderness of Africa, we can help. Read our guide below to learn more about a luxury safari with young children.

What makes a safari experience in Africa child-friendly?

What truly sets a safari apart as child-friendly is thoughtful planning that prioritizes safety, engagement, and flexibility, without compromising on the sense of wonder that makes a safari in Africa so magical in the first place.

Malaria-free destinations

Opting for a malaria-free destination is often a top priority for families traveling with younger children. Areas such as South Africa’s Madikwe and Tswalu, or Namibia’s desert regions, offer exceptional wildlife experiences without the added concern of anti-malarial medications, giving parents peace of mind while delivering breathtaking encounters with Africa’s Big Five.

Private guides and flexible daily schedules

A private vehicle and guide means each day can be paced to suit your family’s rhythm, allowing time for naps, spontaneous animal sightings, or an unhurried bush breakfast without worrying about other guests. This flexibility enables you to enjoy each safari day at your own pace.

Shorter and more interactive game drives

Children’s attention spans are notoriously short. Rather than long game drives in search of elusive species, kid-focused safaris offer frequent breaks, animal tracking, storytelling, and even scavenger hunts that turn the bush into a living, breathing classroom.

Many luxury lodges also feature on-site activities designed specifically for children. These include junior ranger programs, hands-on wildlife tracking, nature-inspired arts and crafts, and educational talks tailored to young minds.

Child-friendly accommodation

Family safaris are most enjoyable when lodges offer spacious family tents or villas, kid-friendly menus, swimming pools, and babysitting services, enabling everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, to relax and reconnect in comfort. Our safari specialists can recommend the best child-friendly accommodation in Africa.

Top destinations for a family safari with young children

South Africa – Madikwe Game Reserve or the Eastern Cape

Malaria-free, ideal for first-time safari families

South Africa’s Madikwe Game Reserve and the family-friendly private reserves of the Eastern Cape offer young children the perfect introduction to a luxury safari. These malaria-free areas remove a significant health concern for parents, and both regions boast abundant wildlife, including the Big Five. Many lodges here are designed with families in mind, featuring interconnecting suites, kids’ clubs, and junior ranger programs. Game drives are shorter and more flexible, and private vehicles are readily available, allowing for naps, snacks, and child-led pacing. The ease of access from Johannesburg or Cape Town makes these destinations even more appealing for first-timers.

Kenya – Lewa Conservancy or Laikipia Plateau

Conservation-driven safaris with a cultural twist

Kenya’s Lewa Conservancy and Laikipia Plateau are exceptional choices for families who value conservation, education, and authentic cultural immersion. These private conservancies provide a safe and intimate safari setting, where young travelers can learn about rhino protection, community-led conservation, and local traditions. Family-friendly lodges often offer camel rides, guided nature walks, and visits to local Maasai or Samburu villages. The hands-on experiences foster empathy and environmental awareness, leaving a lasting impact on even the youngest visitors. These regions also offer cooler climates and lower malaria risks, making them more comfortable for little ones.

Botswana – Okavango Delta

Water-based fun and wildlife in pristine wilderness

The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. Known for its flooded landscapes and rich biodiversity, it offers a fresh safari perspective that captivates young minds. Private safari camps in the Delta often cater specifically to families, with child-focused guides, nature-based play, and interactive wildlife experiences. Canoe (mokoro) safaris and walking safaris are tailored for safety and education, and many camps offer family tents with dedicated staff. While malaria precautions are advised, many families opt for the Delta due to the low visitor density, exclusivity, and personalized care.

Namibia – Etosha National Park or Sossusvlei

Surreal scenery, low malaria risk, and off-the-grid adventure

Namibia offers a unique safari experience, perfect for curious young adventurers. Etosha National Park delivers easy game viewing around waterholes, where families can relax and watch wildlife without long drives. The country’s low malaria risk is a bonus for families with small children. In Sossusvlei, towering red-hued dunes invite barefoot climbing and sandboarding, offering a natural, child-friendly playground. The lunar landscapes, stargazing, and cultural stories of the San people make Namibia a destination where nature becomes the ultimate storyteller. Many lodges here embrace families with flexible schedules, large suites, and kid-friendly dining.

Best safari lodges for children

Some of the best, family-friendly lodges recommended by our travel experts include:

Kwandwe Ecca Lodge

This vibrant lodge is designed for the young at heart, located in the heart of South Africa’s Kwandwe private reserve. The lodge offers a wealth of child-friendly activities, including scavenger hunts, board games, and private game drives.

Lewa Wilderness

This family-run lodge is one of Kenya’s original safari lodges, offering timeless charm and stunning natural beauty. Set on the edge of Kenya’s most private wildlife and environmental conservation projects, the lodge is ideal for families with young children.

Thorntree River Lodge

With its family-friendly focus and location on the banks of the Zambezi River, Thorntree River Lodge is a fantastic option for a child-friendly safari. Just a short distance from Victoria Falls, it offers exciting activities for kids, including canoeing, fishing, and village visits.

&Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge

This luxury lodge’s WILDChild program is guaranteed to keep youngsters entertained. Located in South Africa’s Phinda private game reserve, it also offers comfortable family suites, along with an excellent range of on-site amenities.

Top tips for planning a luxury safari in Africa with young children

Embarking on a safari with young children can be magical and manageable if approached with the right balance of planning, pacing, and play. These expert-backed tips ensure your luxury African safari is memorable for all the right reasons:

Opt for a private vehicle and guide

One of the most worthwhile investments is ensuring access to a private safari vehicle and guide. This gives your family the flexibility to follow its own rhythm, whether heading out later in the morning, stopping for extra snacks, or returning early when nap time calls. Experienced family-friendly guides know how to keep little ones engaged and safe, transforming each drive into a gentle, curiosity-driven adventure.

Minimise long transfers with short hops or charter flights

Africa is vast, but that doesn’t mean your journey has to be tiring. Keep travel days short by selecting compact itineraries or incorporating private charter flights to reduce road time. We can arrange seamless, family-oriented transfers with refreshments, child car seats, and on-the-go entertainment.

Build in downtime and playful pauses

Kids need space to just be kids. Choose lodges with swimming pools, shaded relaxation areas, and dedicated family spaces where children can burn off energy between safari experiences. Scheduling rest days or gentle activities ensures your little ones stay refreshed and ready to explore.

Bring a nanny or make use of childcare services

Many high-end lodges in Africa offer on-site childcare or babysitting, so parents can enjoy a candlelit dinner, spa treatment, or early morning game drive with peace of mind. Traveling with your nanny is common, and some properties provide accommodation and meals for accompanying carers.

Mix wildlife with multi-sensory fun

While game drives are a highlight, variety is essential to keep young minds engaged. Incorporate beach time, interactive cultural visits, storytelling, or nature-based crafts to balance the experience. Whether it’s building sandcastles in Mozambique, learning to make Maasai beadwork in Kenya, or spotting constellations in Namibia, these multi-sensory moments bring the safari to life.

Top tips for planning a luxury safari in Africa with young children

Our luxury family safaris are designed to thrill and delight the youngest explorers. We boast decades of experience in curating exceptional family safari experiences across the most breathtaking destinations in Africa. Our luxury travel specialists boast in-depth knowledge of the African continent, including the best child-friendly destinations, personally vetted accommodations, and experiences. We work to create bespoke family itineraries that combine luxury, thrilling safari adventures, all with the utmost safety in mind. Our team offers 24/7 support and a dedicated family concierge service, including private charters and VIP arrival handling. If you want to book a family safari with young children, we can help. Contact our luxury travel experts today and let us plan a once-in-a-lifetime luxury family safari in Africa.

Curated Packages

Signature journeys across Africa

Our expert team crafts journeys that transcend luxury. Each itinerary is shaped by the spirit of the land and the wisdom of its people — opening doors to experiences few can imagine, and even fewer will ever access.

June - Sept

15 DAYS

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All Year Round

9 DAYS

Luxury Safari in Kruger National Park & Cape Town

Experience a luxury safari in Kruger National Park’s Sabi Sands as well as Cape Town & the Cape Winelands on this exciting bush and beach trip.

Year Round

18 DAYS

Southern Africa Luxury Bush & Beach Escape

Discover the best of Southern Africa on this 17-night luxury journey – from Cape Town to the Winelands, Big Five safaris, and Mozambique’s beaches.

Jan, Feb, Jun – Sept

5 DAYS

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Track Silverback mountain gorillas and encounter the rare golden monkey troop of the Volcanoes National Park on this Rwanda adventure.

May to October | November to April

11 DAYS

Spirit of Zambia Safari

Experience Zambia on this 10-night luxury safari featuring river cruises at Victoria Falls, walking safaris in South Luangwa, and wildlife photography in Lower Zambezi.

All Year Round

12 DAYS

Culinary Journey to Morocco

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14 DAYS

Southern Africa’s Finest: SA, Victoria Falls & Botswana

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All Year Round

7 DAYS

Chobe River Cruise & Okavango Delta Safari

Explore the famous Chobe National Park by luxury cruise down the Chobe River on the world famous Zambezi Queen

June-October

8 DAYS

Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari

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11 DAYS

Luxury Seychelles Honeymoon and Couples Vacation

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12 DAYS

Stargazing Desert Safari in Namibia

This carefully crafted itinerary combines thrilling wildlife encounters and desert adventure with remote luxury lodges that are sure to maximize your celestial safari.

July-September

6 DAYS

Horseback Safari in Kenya

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May to October

8 DAYS

Mad Max Safari Adventure

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June - Sept

11 DAYS

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17 DAYS

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7 DAYS

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Year Round

15 DAYS

The Ultimate Southern Africa Bush & Beach

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June-October

10 DAYS

Electric Vehicle Safari in Kenya

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Jan, Feb, Jun – Sept

13 DAYS

Gorilla Trekking, Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti

A luxury bucket list safari showcasing 4 iconic wildlife destinations in East Africa visiting Tanzania, Serengeti and Rwanda.

All Year Round

6 DAYS

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11 DAYS

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Dec – Mar

7 DAYS

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8 DAYS

Luxury Namibia Safari

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15 June - 15 November

7 DAYS

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9 DAYS

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10 DAYS

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11 DAYS

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10 DAYS

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9 DAYS

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12 DAYS

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10 DAYS

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18 DAYS

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June-October

9 DAYS

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June-February

13 DAYS

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March-December

10 DAYS

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17 DAYS

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June - Sept

8 DAYS

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10 DAYS

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9 DAYS

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9 DAYS

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