10 good reasons to go on a family safari
If you’re looking for a family holiday with a difference we’d urge you to try a safari. Yes, you might be met with the odd raised eyebrow accompanied by ‘are you sure it’s safe, won’t the children get bored’ (it is and, no, they won’t) but weather that and you’ll come home all the better for the experience and with incredible memories to boot. Here’s why:
It’s an adventure
It’s great to try something different together as a family. If you’ve not been inside a safari tent before you’re all likely to get a great surprise. Proper beds, baths, outdoor showers – even a plunge pool in some places – will delight old and young alike. And that’s just a forerunner to the actual safari proper.
Luxurious accommodation at Zarafa Dhow Suite, Botswana
It’s easy to go malaria-free
If you’d prefer not to worry about anti-malarials, then South Africa offers a number of malaria-free reserves where superb wildlife viewing and excellent lodges cater brilliantly for family groups.
Malaria free safaris at Kwandwe, South Africa
Fabulous family safari accommodation
Twenty years ago you’d struggle to find dedicated family safari accommodation. Today there are elegant private safari houses in the Masai Mara, the Serengeti and some of Zambia’s best wildlife reserves. These aside, there are beautifully appointed interconnected family tents and family cottages, many with two separate bedrooms, found throughout the safari areas of Africa.
Family safari tent at Legendary Serengeti Mobile Camp, Tanzania. c. Scott Ramsay
It won’t break the bank
In many cases children benefit from reduced rates until late teens, and in some instances, early 20s. If you’re travelling with another family or as a larger multi-generational group, you’ll find per person prices drop as the numbers go up – particularly if you are taking over a camp entirely or booking a private safari house.
An educational experience
It’s a softly softly one this, but you’ll be amazed what children absorb simply chatting to their guides about conservation, culture, animal behaviour and more. For curious children, the African bush provides a learning environment light years away from the classroom.
Learning from the safari guide at Entamanu Private, Tanzania
There’s something for all ages
Where else can you go where anyone from five to 80 is going to have a wonderful time? We’re not sure there are many options. Choose wisely in Africa and the multi-generational nut is an easy one to crack.
Try something new
If you thought safari was just about sitting in a 4×4 you’ll be amazed at what else is on offer. You can ride camels, horses and bikes, you can learn to scuba dive, there’s some great fishing, there’s even sand boarding, kite surfing and quad-biking in some areas.
Quadbiking on the Skeleton Coast. Shipwreck Lodge, Namibia
It’s a great chance for a digital detox
Disconnect from ever present WiFi and you’ll find yourselves getting back to basics, playing cards, board games and spending quality time together. If survival without internet is deemed intolerable, it’s usually possible to find a connection every few days.
Enjoying a quite moment at Kulala Desert Lodge, Namibia
They’ll love their guides
Whether it is younger children enjoying a shared fascination with poo or teens taking their first walk in the bush, your safari guide will take on BFF (best friend forever) status in no time.
Making new friends. Angama Mara, Kenya
There is somewhere that works for every school holiday
Africa is big enough to have a variety of climates across the countries we recommend, which means whenever you want to travel there will be somewhere with clear skies, sunny days and superb wildlife experiences.
Always somewhere sunny, no matter when you want to travel. Kinondo Kwetu, Kenya
Any questions on family safari holidays?
If you’ve got this far and not found an answer to a question you have that we should have included, please ask in the comments section below, or pop us an email. We’ll be sure to reply and may amend the article to include our answer.
What next?
We would be delighted to help you plan a family safari holiday. Our team of experts have travelled widely throughout Africa, often with their own children, and can offer expert advice on safari and beach holidays throughout Southern and East Africa. If you would like to talk to someone who has been there and done it, please just send us an email or give us a call.
Camel safari, Kenya, Laikipia, 
Luxury safari accommodation Waterberg, South Africa, 
Hippos on a walking safari, South Luangwa, Zambia,
Details for family safari please.
Dear Mrs Conway, Your enquiry has been passed onto a safari sales person who will be in touch shortly. Best regards
Renate