Safari with Kids: Complete Family Guide - World Holiday Vibes Blog

“The best safari souvenirs are not bought in shops, but found in moments your family will treasure forever”

Contents

Is Safari with Kids a Good Idea?What Age Is Best for a Family Safari?Choosing the Right Safari Destination Choosing a family-friendly Safari Lodge Make the First Game Drive Special!What Should Kids Know Before Safari?How to keep children happy on long game drives Safety Comes First Safari Food for Fussy Eaters What to Pack for a Family Safari Explore the Safari to discover opportunities for learning Choose Add More than Wildlife to Your Family holiday Should You Choose a Private Safari?Simple Family Safari Itinerary What makes a family safari in Africa so special?Your first safari doesn’t have to be perfect Final Thoughts FAQ

Ready for a family adventure that hits differently?

Imagine your child sitting quietly in an open safari vehicle as the morning mist lifts from the grass. Then, a giraffe steps into the woods between the trees. After a couple of minutes, you see elephants making their way towards a waterhole No one is looking at a mobile phone. No one says, “Are we there yet? The whole family is only onlookers one time.

It’s the charm of safari with kids.

It’s not all about the big animals of Africa on a family safari. It is about providing children with the opportunity to be outside in nature, away from books, away from screens and away from TV. It can make a regular family holiday one that they can recall long after they are back home.

However, there is more involved in planning a safari with kids than just picking up a pretty lodge and a game drive. All these factors are important: age, how far to travel, accommodation, food, safety, activities and the pace of the day.

Therefore, dear travellers, let’s ease the planning of this adventure.

Is Safari with Kids a Good Idea?

Yes — if the trip is a specially organized one for the children.

One of the most common questions asked by many parents is if young children will enjoy long game drives or if they will get tired and bored. The reality is that all children are unique. Some children may enjoy watching the animals for hours, others may require shorter activities, and more varied.

The secret is to plan a safari as if you were going with adults.

Opt for a comfortable place to stay, don’t put on too much activity a day and make sure you get a lot of rest. When travelling with younger kids, a swimming pool can be as significant as a breathtaking view.

The ideal safari with kids experiences are typically laid-back. Do not attempt to see all the animals; try and have a good few sighting.

After all, your child may not remember the name of every national park. They will be able to recall the first time they saw an elephant in the morning.

What Age Is Best for a Family Safari?

There is no single ideal age for a safari.

Older children and teenagers may particularly enjoy wildlife photography, animal tracking and learning about conservation. For younger children, it could be a great opportunity to just see the animals, and hear stories from their guide.

When choosing safari camps or lodges for toddlers and very young kids, it becomes more of an important decision. Playable age requirements for game drives, walking or some experiences may apply to some properties.

Please read the property’s house rules carefully before making a booking.

Ask about the minimum age requirements for children.

Family rooms or interconnecting rooms
Babysitting services
Children’s meals
Swimming pools
Shorter game drives
Child-friendly activities
Medical support and the nearest facilities
Transfer times between airports and lodges

A private car may often be more convenient for families with babies or toddlers. You can set the pace, make time for breaks and come back to the lodge when your little explorer feels like he/she could use a break.

Choosing the Right Safari Destination

The safari experience in Africa is not a one-size-fits-all. Every place you visit offers its own environment, animals, weather and way of travelling.

South Africa can be a practical choice for families, with some safari areas offering lower or no malaria risk. However, malaria risk varies by region and season, so check the latest health advice before travelling.

Kenya and Tanzania are ideal for a classic experience of wildlife, with vast terrain and opportunities to see large herds of animals.

Botswana can provide for a more relaxed and exclusive experience, with its lovely waterways and traditional mokoro trips in more appropriate regions.

Zambia’s most popular activities include walking and seeing animals, but a few of these are more appropriate for older kids.

The ideal destination will vary with your children’s ages, budget, the season and the type of experience you seek for your family.

To find out more about planning an African adventure, read our Ultimate African Safari Holidays Guide.

Choosing a family-friendly Safari Lodge

The choice of the safari lodge plays a pivotal role in a family safari.

A beautiful lodge does not necessarily make a family-friendly lodge. Don’t just look at photos, ask what the property has to offer the kids.

An ideal family safari base should make life as easy as possible. A little room, a little flexibility in feeding schedules, kid-friendly menus, a place to sit and unwind after the activity can make all the difference.

There are some lodges that provide special children’s activities such as tracks, plants, insect and wildlife learning activities. They can be fantastic experiences, with children having something to do when not on a game drive.

Also, if your kids are very young, be sure to pay attention to the space between the bedrooms and the main dining or activity spaces. When it comes to large homes, it might seem like magic, but if you’re having to walk around inside the home several times throughout the day, it can become tiring.

In some cases, a simple lodge is the best lodge.

Make the First Game Drive Special!

The first game drive shouldn’t be exhausting, it should feel exciting.

If the lodge is available, you may want to go for a shorter drive if your kids are young. Early mornings are often exciting times, as the landscape is waking up and wildlife may be active.

Challenge the children with a small challenge.

Ask them to find:

The tallest animal
The biggest animal
A bird with a bright colour
An animal with stripes
Animal tracks in the sand
Something moving in the trees

This turns the game drive into a fun learning experience.

Keep in mind that wildlife is not on a schedule. You may be on the road for an hour but then a pride of lions comes right up to you.

Adventure starts when you least expect it.

What Should Kids Know Before Safari?

A little homework goes a long way!

Before you head out, familiarise your children with some of the animals they could find on the road trip. Read wildlife books together, watch age appropriate documentaries or view pictures of tracks.

Do not tell them what they will see though.

Leave some mystery.

Before the safari give the rules for a simple safari. Children need to know why they must stay seated when asked, and why they need to stay quiet when in the presence of wildlife and listen closely to their guide.

The aim is not to frighten children of wild animals. It’s to make them know to treat animals with respect and to keep their distance.

This is one of the best things kids on safari can learn!

How to keep children happy on long game drives

Honestly, even the most enthusiastic of young wildlife lovers can ask themselves, “How long?

Long drives can be challenging.

Pack a small day bag with familiar snacks, water, light jumper, sunglasses, sun protection and a notebook. A camera or binoculars for older children may be a nice addition to have their own.

One thing that can be incredibly helpful is a simple wildlife checklist.

Don’t say that they will find a certain animal, but the challenge is to observe. Who can find the first zebra? Who can find the smallest bird? Which animal can you spot in the grass?

Try not to do a lot of driving in a day.

Holidays for a family require pauses. If it’s the next game that takes place, a leisurely breakfast or afternoon nap can make it a lot more enjoyable.

Not every child on safari will see the most animals and the happiest ones are not necessarily the ones who see the most animals. They are the ones that have plenty of energy to have fun with what they see.

Safety Comes First

They are beautiful animals but they are wild animals.

Always follow your safari guide’s directions. Do not allow children to walk away without an adult and guide, and no contact with animals or feeding.

Children may require supervision when moving around at night in some lodges. This is not to be feared—it’s just part of enjoying a safe experience in a wildlife environment.

Parents should also note the current health and travel information before departure, such as the vaccine recommendations, GOV.UK – Kenya: Health, malaria information (if applicable) and entry requirements of the countries to be visited.

Talk to an appropriate health care professional before the trip, allowing ample time to prepare, particularly for younger children.

Safari Food for Fussy Eaters

It’s easy to forget about food.

Fresh and exciting foods are ready for children at safari lodges, but kids can be picky, particularly after a long ride.

Please inform the lodge of any allergies, dietary needs and food likes/dislikes at the time of booking.

Inquire about the availability of children’s meals and how it might be possible to prepare a less complicated meal.

If travelling with babies, ask if the lodge can provide space for bottles and formula or appropriate foods.

Just a bit of chat beforehand will prevent stressful situations on your holiday.

What to Pack for a Family Safari

It’s not necessary to sell everything.

Clothing should be practical and comfortable, and should be suitable for warm weather, cooler mornings and dusty road surfaces.

Consider packing:

Lightweight trousers and tops
A warm layer for early mornings
Comfortable closed shoes
Sun hat
Sunglasses
High-factor sunscreen
Insect repellent
Reusable water bottles
Binoculars
Camera
Small backpack
Any essential medicines
A favourite comfort item for younger children

During game drives, neutral colours come in handy, especially when you’re trying to be inconspicuous among the wildlife.

Don’t leave anything behind for downtime. Useful for between activities – a small book, sketchpad or simple travel game.

Explore the Safari to discover opportunities for learning

There are so many things I love about a family safari but one of my favourites is the way kids learn naturally.

They can learn that elephants communicate in ways we are not always able to hear. Watching a giraffe use its long neck to reach leaves can show them how animals adapt to their surroundings. They may also discover the important role vultures play in nature and realise that even tiny insects can be just as fascinating as lions.

Encourage questions.

Your teacher will be the most interesting one your child has ever had, since it is taking place right in front of them.

Encourage kids to create and keep a safari journal. They can draw animals, write down any unusual facts or write the date of their favourite animal sighting.

That little book could turn out to be one of the most valuable mementos of the journey years later.

Choose Add More than Wildlife to Your Family holiday

A safari doesn’t necessarily mean travelling in a vehicle all day.

Combine wildlife with other experiences, depending on availability and age of children.

Family holidays, for instance, to South Africa might feature a safari along with coasts, city experiences or other family-friendly pursuits. Cultural visits, trips to the boat, nature walks or conservation experiences can be provided at other destinations.

This is especially helpful for families who have children with various interests.

One child might have a passion for animals. One might also be interested in photography. It could be another person that wants to go for a swim.

With a good itinerary, an ‘africa safari family’ trip can accommodate all of them.

Should You Choose a Private Safari?

Having a private car can be a huge benefit for families: flexibility.

Your safari guide can more easily tailor the pace to your family with his private safari vehicle. You can spend more time observing elephants if the children are interested in them. Depending on the safari arrangement, they might be able to make the trip back earlier if all of them are tired.

This can be particularly helpful with younger kids.

Note: but if it’s a private safari, then it may be more expensive. When you’re on a tight budget, you can still have an awesome time with a shared ride.

The main point is to pick the one that suits your family’s needs and not just the most costly one.

How to Make Safari Memories Last

The game drive need not be the end of the trip.

During dinner, have everyone in the family describe their favourite sighting.

Maybe Mum was fond of the sunset. Dad recalls the elephants. A child is obsessed with a zebra. Another is captivated by a hidden, little-known chameleon.

These discussions are on the safari.

If you do take photos, try not to spend the whole trip looking through a camera screen.

What is the most beautiful photograph may not be the one you take. It might be recollections that your child will remember years later.

Simple Family Safari Itinerary

When you are travelling for the first time, stick to a moderate schedule.

A seven-day family safari may be as follows:

Day 1 – Arrival

Arrive at your safari spot, check in at your lodging and let everyone get some rest.

Day 2 – First Wildlife Adventure.

Relax in the morning and enjoy a slow, relaxed afternoon game drive.

Day 3 – Explore Slowly

Make another drive and enjoy a family game or swim.

Day 4 – A Change of Scene

Take in a cultural, nature or family experience – if available.

Day 5 – Big Wildlife Day

If the children are at ease with the idea of a long safari, plan for one.

Day 6 – Family Choice

Allow each person to pick a favourite activity or revisit a site of fun.

Day 7 – Departure

Enjoy breakfast, share your final safari stories and prepare for departure!

If you are going your first time to Africa, we have a guide called First Time Safari Guide that can help you understand the process of planning a safari in Africa before you go and book a trip.

What makes a family safari in Africa so special?

It’s a remarkable thing to view Africa from a child’s perspective.

Adults tend to come with an agenda of animals they’d like to photograph. Children may become engrossed in something totally off the wall – a dung beetle crossing the road, a bird calling from a tree or a monkey robbing fruit.

This is what makes family safari Africa experiences such a rewarding experience.

They urge all to take it easy.

One of the lessons taught by a safari is patience—don’t expect the lion to show up. It takes a respect for wildlife, respect for its environment. It inculcates curiosity as there is no dearth of things to discover.

Most importantly, it allows families to spend time together and without the usual distractions.

Your first safari doesn’t have to be perfect

The best tip I can give you is do not attempt a flawless safari.

There may be rain.

The leopard might not be seen.

Your child may fall asleep just before the elephants appear.

A person might gripe about the early morning call.

This is the real trip.

Sometimes the not-perfect moments are the ones you laugh about later, too.

If you’re just starting to plan a safari, be sure to view our First Time Safari Guide before you get the final details worked out. It can assist you to learn the fundamentals and become better prepared.

If you’re looking for inspiration for a specific destination, our Family Safari Guide can help with family-oriented ideas and the South Africa Safari Guide with ideas for South Africa.

Final Thoughts

A safari with kids is more than a family holiday.

It’s an opportunity to see your child’s face light up when a giraffe is walking by. When everyone in a vehicle sees an elephant, it is exciting without a lot of noise. These are the lion, zebra and star bedtime chats. It’s about sitting silently, taking time to observe, and being mindful of the natural world.

Take your choice of destination carefully. Choose a place to live where it really matches the ages of your kids. Stay flexible with the schedule, remind them on the way to and from and allow for spontaneously occurring moments.

Most important of all, don’t judge your safari by how many animals you spot.

You can measure it by the levels of stories your family brings home.

Years down the road, your children may not recall the room number, the restaurant menu or how long the trip took.

But they might recall sitting by you in the morning in Africa looking at the rising sun over the wild.

This is what a ‘family safari’ is all about!

Quick Family Safari checklist

Do the following before booking:

Is the destination suitable for my children’s ages?
Does the lodge accept children of their age?
Are family rooms available?
Can game drives be adapted for children?
What activities are available between drives?
Are children’s meals available?
How long are the airport and lodge transfers?
What health and entry requirements are there?
Would it be easier to travel by private car?
Have we planned enough rest time?

If the responses sound promising, you’re just as near to your family’s African adventure as you probably think.

The first safari doesn’t have to be difficult. It simply needs to be planned with curiosity, patience and a little room for wonder, creating unforgettable world holiday vibes for everyone involved.

FAQ

What is the best age for children to go on safari?

There is no set age, as it depends on your child and the lodge’s rules, but properties often have minimum age limits for game drives.

Are long game drives boring for young kids?

They can be, and thus,crucial to select shorter journeys, reserve family-friendly lodges, and stock up on snacks or games.

Do families need to use a private safari vehicle?

Yes, it provides you with the ability to change the tempo, have a break and come back early if the children get tired.

What should children wear on a safari?

Wear practical and comfortable clothes that are in neutral colours and wear a warm layer for cold mornings and close shoes.

How do I handle fussy eaters at safari lodges?

If you have any dietary requirements or meal preferences, let the lodge know when you book, so they can cook something simpler for the children.

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