Can I take my kids on an African Safari?

African safaris are a fantastic experience for all ages, kids included! Although, there are some extra considerations to make if you’re planning to take your children on a safari. Some of these considerations include the length and type of safari you choose, preparation and packing, malaria and health considerations and accommodation options. While these will look different depending on your individual family situation, we’ve put together a breakdown of our recommendations for the top three countries in which to safari with children, plus top tips for how you and the kids can get the most out of your trip!

Our picks for the best African countries for a safari with the kids are Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa. Below we outline why. But first, here are a few things to think about before you book your African family safari:

1. How old are your children?

The age of your children is important for two reasons; little children sometimes struggle to paying attention during a safari and the price increases once they turn 12. 

2. When do you want to go on your family safari?

Most safari lodges only have one or two family tents. If you want to travel in peak periods, you need to book atleast 6 - 12 months before. Otherwise, you might miss out. 

3. How long should your safari be?

We recommend 5 days for your first family safari. This ensures you have enough time to relax at your lodge and take half day safaris, without missing out on prime game viewing opportunities. Longer safaris may be too much of the same thing every day for kids, while short safaris may be too rushed or mean you miss seeing some animals. 

4. What do you want to pair your safari with?

We recommend pairing your family safari with the following activities:

• For children under 15 years: Cultural immersion to one of our charity schools, Zanzibar, Egypt or Victoria Falls.
• For chidlren over 15 years: Cultural immersion to one of our charity schools, chimps, gorillas, Kilimanjaro or Egypt. 

5. How safe are the countries that offer the best safari?

Based on the current advice issued by the Australian Government on Smartraveller.gov.au, and our knowledge from exploring these countries since 2008, we recommend Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa for your first family safari. 

Tanzania safari with kids

Tanzania is a great spot to take the kids for a safari, because of its huge array of wildlife, including the Big Five, and the opportunity Tanzania offers to see the Great Migration in the Serengeti. Tarangire National Park is also a great option if you’re looking to avoid the crowds without compromising on the quality of your safari. One of the big advantages with a family safari in Tanzania is the close proximity of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Tarangire. These four parks form the Northern Safari Circuit and are an fantastic option for your first family safari. 

Malaria and health considerations:

There is a risk of contracting malaria across the country, so taking precautions is very important. You should ensure your whole family packs long sleeves and pants for safari, as a layer of protection against mosquito bites. Make sure you also pack mosquito repellent. You may also wish to take anti-malaria medication - this is recommended for travellers going to areas below 1,800 m (5,900 ft) elevation. Also, remember that other creepy crawlies, such as the Tsetse fly, are attracted to dark colours, so neutral-coloured clothes are best.

Speak to your doctor about the best medication for you and your children to take if you’re planning to go on safari in these areas. As tap water is not safe to drink in Tanzania, you may wish to ask your doctor about medication for gastrointestinal bugs, too e.g. Ondansetron, Imodium, Hydralyte as a precaution. You will also need proof of your yellow fever vaccination to enter East Africa and to return to Australia. 

Accommodation:

Our top pick for mid-range safari lodge in Tanzania is Ndutu Safari Lodge. Offering double, triple or quadruple rooms, it’s ideal for families of varying sizes and is located in a great central location to explore the Northern Circuit, including the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation area and Maswa Game Reserve. The lodge also offers a Predator Course, which is a deep dive into predator behaviour, biology and how to track.

Preparation and packing:

You should ensure your whole family packs long sleeves and pants for safari, as a layer of protection against mosquito bites. Make sure you also pack mosquito repellent. Also, remember that other creepy crawlies, such as the Tsetse fly, are attracted to dark colours, so neutral-coloured clothes are best. Sun protection, including hats, sunscreen and protective clothing, are also a must for all ages. Find your full safari packing list here.

Kenya safari with kids

Kenya offers great opportunities for both safari and cultural experiences that are accessible for families. The Masai Mara is the best safari park to visit with kids in Kenya, with ample opportunities to see the Big Five plus the opportunity to visit the Maasai Tribe. Kenya is also slightly cheaper than Tanzania and a little easier to get around. 

Malaria and health considerations:

If you’re venturing outside Nairobi, which you will be if you’re going on safari, we recommend that you speak to your doctor about appropriate malaria medication. Tap water is not safe to drink in Kenya, so you may wish to take precautions and ask your doctor about medications that are safe for children in the event of a gastrointestinal bug. You will also need proof of your yellow fever vaccination to enter East Africa and to return to Australia. 

Accommodation:

Mara Maisha Tented Camp in the Mara Camp has 4 family tents that are incredible value for money. Each tent is very spacious and includes up to four beds (one king and three singles). Most importantly, the children's beds are in a separate room, giving you privacy. For young infants, extra beds or cribs can be placed in your room. There is a pool, bar, restaurant and beauty salon and each room has two bathrooms with a lounge area. 

Zebra Plains Luxury Safari Camp is also a fantastic place to stay with kids, particularly teenagers. At Zebra Places, there are two family tents, each with two bedrooms rooms connected by a lounge in the middle. Each family tent has two - three bathrooms and can can accommodate up to eight people. Located on the protected lands inhabited by the Maasai tribe, and 90% of the camps’ employees are Maasai People, offering an authentic and deeply personal experience.

Preparation and packing:

There is a risk of malaria everywhere in Kenya, so make sure you have heavy-duty insect repellent and protective clothing, including long sleeved shirts and long pants. Sunscreen and SPF clothing is highly recommended. Visit our full safari packing blog for more information.

South Africa safari with kids

South Africa is a great spot to go on safari with kids, as it contains a number of accessible national parks and game reserves and may pose fewer challenges than other safari destinations. If you’re travelling from Europe and are concerned about how jetlag will affect your kids, South Africa may be a good option, as the time difference is minimal. This is the same for Tanzania & Kenya. Kruger National Park is by far the best safari park in South Africa. 

Malaria and health considerations:

Depending on where you’re planning to travel, you may need to take malaria medication. Kruger National Park has a low malaria risk, so we recommend you ask your doctor about taking medication in this area. The good news is, South Africa’s other major safari areas, Madikwe and Kwandwe, are malaria-free, so these may be good options if you’d prefer to enjoy your trip without taking medication. Kruger offers the best game viewing for a family safari though. 

Accommodation:

Madikwe Safari Lodge sits in South Africa’s malaria-free North West Province. Family suites come equipped with kids’ rooms, which contain bunk beds, gowns, slippers, toys, games and books. Kids eat free and can play in the lodge’s Eco House, which will keep them busy while parents take some time to relax. Madikwe Safari Lodge’s proximity to Botswana’s border also provides the freedom to add a little extra travel into the itinerary.
 

Preparation and packing:

Depending on where you’re planning to travel, you may need to take malaria medication. Sun and insect protection are essential, so pack a hat, sunscreen and long shirts and pants. Visit our full safari packing blog for more information.

Botswana safari with kids

Botswana mostly caters to the mid-range to luxury market. Safaris in Botswana are usually more expensive and require more driving/flying. For most families, Botswana is too expensive for a family or multi-generational safari. If you do have the money though, the Okavango Delta, particularly between June & October.  

Uganda safari with kids

If you've been on a family safari before, or you want something a little difference, why not check out Uganda. Uganda offers fantastic bird viewing options, you can go on a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel and if your children are over 15 years, you can also trek with chimps and gorillas. If this is your first safari, game viewing in Uganda is not as good as Tanzania and Kenya.  

About The Author:

Nicole Rowles

PR & Content Manager

Nicole is an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for travel and adventure. A publicist, podcaster and former journalist, she loves to weave words into magic!