Ker & Downey Africa > Journal > School Holiday Safari
Planning the ultimate African safari around US school and university holidays offers families the chance to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and create memories that will be treasured for a lifetime.
There are several optimal times to arrange family safaris, including around the winter, spring, fall, and Thanksgiving holidays. Enjoy stunning landscapes, majestic wildlife displays, and incredible safari experiences tailored to you and your families’ precise requirements when you book a luxury safari school holiday adventure with us.
We are a specialist luxury safari company with in-depth knowledge of the best destinations in Africa for a family safari. Our team can advise on the best family-friendly camps, private game reserves, national parks, and experiences, and craft a bespoke safari school holiday itinerary. Whether you want to enjoy a luxury safari in Africa with your young children, tweens, teenagers, or older children, we can craft a bespoke safari holiday.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to key holiday periods throughout the year, with links to tailored safari itineraries.
The best time for a safari is typically from mid-December to early January, which offers great opportunities for wildlife viewing, with many animals more active during the warmer months. South Africa’s Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands are excellent options, as are Kenya’s renowned Masai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.
A winter safari during this time can provide a unique experience, with fewer tourists and the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitats at a time when food and water are more limited, making animals easier to spot. Itinerary lengths for such safaris usually range from 7 to 14 days, giving plenty of time to fully immerse in the experience and explore multiple parks or regions.
A spring break safari from mid-March to mid-April offers an exciting opportunity to explore some of Southern Africa’s best destinations. Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Namibia’s Sossusvlei and Etosha National Park, and South Africa’s Garden Route and Eastern Cape are all highly recommended.
With milder weather and lush landscapes, spring is a great time for wildlife sightings and outdoor adventures. Safari itineraries typically range from 7 to 10 days, giving you and your family enough time to fully enjoy the scenery and wildlife.
Summer safaris from late May to early August offer the chance to witness some of Africa’s most incredible wildlife events. Tanzania’s Great Migration in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, Kenya’s Masai Mara, Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, and Uganda and Rwanda’s gorilla trekking are all top destinations.
This is the best time to see large wildlife gatherings and predator activity, especially during The Great Migration. Safaris during this season usually last 10 to 21 days, allowing for a deeper exploration of Africa’s diverse ecosystems.
A fall break safari is an excellent choice for families, typically taking place in early to mid-October. Destinations like Botswana’s Chobe National Park and Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls offer stunning wildlife experiences and breathtaking landscapes.
South Africa, with highlights like Cape Town and the Winelands, rounds out the perfect itinerary. The weather during this time is generally pleasant, making it ideal for exploration and outdoor activities. Families can bond over unique adventures, creating lasting memories in some of the most beautiful settings in the world.
Summer break presents a fantastic opportunity for students to embark on an extended safari adventure, typically from early May to mid-August. Namibia’s Damaraland and the Skeleton Coast offer breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife experiences. Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago provides stunning beaches and rich marine life. Tanzania is renowned for The Great Migration, complemented by a visit to Zanzibar for relaxation and exploration. In Kenya, the Lewa Conservancy and Laikipia Plateau offer incredible wildlife viewing in diverse habitats.
These extended itineraries not only allow for in-depth exploration but also foster a deeper appreciation for nature and conservation, creating lasting memories and enriching educational experiences.
A university winter safari is an ideal escape, typically taking place from mid-December to late January. South Africa offers highlights like Kruger National Park, Cape Town, and the Winelands, providing a mix of wildlife and cultural experiences. Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools and the iconic Victoria Falls add stunning natural beauty to the journey. In Kenya, Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks present opportunities to see magnificent elephants against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
This winter adventure allows students to step away from the academic grind and immerse themselves in the wonders of nature, creating unforgettable memories and enriching their global perspective.
Mini-safaris are perfect for long weekends, typically scheduled around holidays like Labor Day, Memorial Day, and Presidents’ Day. These shorter itineraries provide an excellent way to escape and explore. South Africa offers enticing combinations of Cape Town with nearby safari experiences, allowing visitors to enjoy both city life and wildlife. In Kenya, Nairobi and Masai Mara. Express provides a quick yet immersive experience in one of Africa’s most iconic regions. Botswana’s Chobe and Okavango Delta are also fantastic options, showcasing diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife.
These mini-safari adventures offer a refreshing break, ideal for those looking to recharge while experiencing the beauty of Africa.
Booking with Ker & Downey® Africa offers a uniquely enriching travel experience for several reasons. Our extensive expertise ensures personalized itineraries tailored to your interests, backed by strong relationships with local guides and eco-friendly lodges.
We are committed to sustainable tourism, eco-friendly practices and supporting local communities, allowing your travels to positively impact the destinations you visit.
With a focus on exceptional customer service, our knowledgeable family safari consultants assist you from planning to on-the-ground support, ensuring a seamless journey. You’ll also find a range of carefully selected accommodations, from luxurious lodges to intimate tented camps, catering to various tastes and budgets.
Ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? Contact Ker & Downey® Africa today to start planning your unforgettable journey through the heart of Africa. Let our expert team craft a personalized itinerary just for you.
For families with school aged children, often the only time to enjoy a safari is during the school holidays. A safari in Africa offers unique adventures that will create lasting memories, including the opportunity to view some of the greatest landscapes and wildlife on earth. Contact us to learn more about luxury safaris in Africa.
Yes, a safari adventure is safe for families with young children, especially when carefully planned with family-friendly lodges and kid-focused activities. Contact us today to learn more about booking a safari during the school holidays.
The top destinations in Africa for a luxury safari experience during the school holidays depends largely on the type of safari experience you desire, for example, whether you want to see the Big 5, witness the Great Migration, enjoy a Gorilla Trekking experience, or simply disconnect from the world and soak up the vast wilderness of Africa. Generally speaking, South Africa and Kenya in Southern Africa are good options for families with young children as they boast excellent family-friendly accommodation, including those with activity programs tailored for kids. Other top destinations include Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania. For families with teenagers or older children, there is a wealth of destinations to choose from in Africa. If you want to spend a few days on the beach, then Mozambique and Zanzibar are ideal. Our safari specialists can create a bespoke trip based on your precise requirements and age groups. Contact us today.
The best family lodges for a school holiday safari adventure will depend largely on the age of your children and your precise requirements. We have access to a superb selection of some of the best family lodges throughout Africa. Contact us today and let us book your dream safari adventure.
Popular times of year for a school holiday safari adventure in Africa include:
If you want to enjoy the great outdoors and some of the most spectacular wildlife on earth, book a family safari with us. We specialize in arranging luxury safaris during the school holiday, offering bespoke itineraries that cater to all ages of children. We look forward to welcoming you to Africa for an unforgettable luxury safari holiday.
Africa boasts a fabulous selection of private reserves and national parks that are ideal for family safaris during the school holidays. Some of the most popular for school holiday safari experiences include:
We have access to the best family-friendly safari accommodation and private guides in all the above parks. Contact us today.
You can expect to see breathtaking wildlife displays and multiple species, including many up close encounters. Animal highlights include:
What kid-friendly events and activities can I expect on a luxury family safari?
You can expect a superb selection of kid-friendly events and activities. Just some experiences include:
Contact our team today to learn more about booking a safari school holiday adventure with children.
The cost of a luxury safari during the school holidays will depend on the number of individuals in your group, the country you are visiting, the length of your stay, your choice of accommodation, the time of year you are visiting, and desired itinerary. Every safari adventure is unique and based on each family’s needs and interests. Contact us today and let us create a safari adventure during the school holidays based on your precise needs.
As a general rule, we recommend booking as far in advance as possible to secure the best selection of luxury lodges and hotels. Contact us today.
It’s possible to take children of any age on a luxury family safari, however, generally speaking once children reach the age of around seven or eight they can get the most out of the experience as they will be able to participate in more events and activities and better appreciate the stunning landscapes and wildlife. We excel at crafting safari adventures for all age groups, including:
Contact our safari experts today to book a family safari adventure during the school holidays.
If you want to book a safari experience during the school holidays, contact us today. We offer personalized trips throughout the African continent from our headquarters in Cape Town, South Africa, with every trip designed to leave a positive impact on the environment and the people. From the moment you start your luxury safari adventure, you will be immersed in the beauty of Africa. Contact us today.
Ker & Downey® Africa is compliant with COVID-19 Industry Protocols.
Head office: 7 Bree Street, 6th Floor, Touchstone House, Cape Town, South Africa
+27 (0)21 201 2484
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Ker & Downey® Africa is compliant with COVID-19 Industry Protocols.
