Safari School Holiday
Written by
Ker & Downey® Africa
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.
Winter Safari Break (December – January)
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.
Spring Safari Break (March – April)
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 Safari Break (June – August)
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 romantic champagne picnic during a scenic helicopter flip over the desert
Fall Safari Break (October)
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.
Thanksgiving Safari Break (November)
A Thanksgiving safari offers a magical experience, typically scheduled for late November. Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park is a prime destination, known for its incredible wildlife viewing. Tanzania’s Southern Circuit, including Selous and Ruaha, provides diverse landscapes and rich animal encounters. South Africa’s Kruger National Park rounds out the perfect itinerary, offering some of the best safari experiences in the world.
This unique holiday allows families to connect with nature while enjoying a break from the usual celebrations, creating unforgettable memories in stunning environments.
University Summer Safari Break (May-August)
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.
University Winter Safari Break (December – January)
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.
Long Weekends Safari (Labor Day, Memorial Day, Presidents’ Day)
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.
Why should you book with Ker & Downey® 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.
US school holiday safari adventure: FAQs
/01
Why should I choose a school holiday safari?
+/02
Is a safari adventure safe for young children?
+/03
What are the top destinations in Africa for a safari school holiday?
+Generally speaking, South Africa and Kenya 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.
/04
What are the best family lodges for a school holiday safari adventure?
+/05
What are some popular times of the year for a school holiday safari?
+- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
- Spring break
- Easter
- Summer and Autumn half term
- Summer holidays
- Labor Day/Memorial Day/Presidents’ Day
/06
What are some of the best reserves and national parks for an unforgettable adventure on safari?
+- Kruger National Park
- Sabi Sands
- Masai Mara
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Okavango Delta
- Etosha National Park
- Chobe National Park
- Hwange National Park
- Damaraland and the Skeleton Coast National Park
/07
What wildlife can I expect to see on a family safari adventure?
+- The Big 5 – Lions, elephants, rhinos, African buffalos, and leopards
- Cheetahs
- Hyenas
- African wild dogs
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Primates, including mountain gorillas and chimpanzees
- Birdlife, including the African fish eagle, kingfishers, and flamingos
/08
What kid-friendly events and activities can I expect on a luxury family safari?
+- Guided nature walks
- Family-friendly game drives
- Junior ranger programs
- Animal tracking
- Visits to local villages
- River cruises
- Star gazing experiences
- Night game drive
- Campfire activities
/09
How much does a luxury school holiday safari adventure cost?
+/10
How far in advance should I book a safari experience during the school holidays?
+/11
What age is best for a family safari holiday?
+- Family safaris with young kids
- Family safaris with tweens
- Family safaris with teenagers
- Multigenerational safari holidays
/12
How can I book a safari experience in Africa?
+Curated Packages
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