Safaris with children - South Africa

There are many types of holiday to choose from in the world, but in today’s age, travellers are typically seeking something more tactile and more memorable. Something immersive. Mother Nature is within us all and there is something special about spending time with loved ones surrounded by her glory. If you are looking for a family trip that will inspire all age groups, then why not consider a safari with children in South Africa?

Unfortunately, today’s children are more comfortable with cell phones, tablets and WIFI than they are mixing with the outside world. But a few days exploring the wilderness and the fantastical beasts that roam within it is guaranteed to promote both awe and wonder. Safaris with children in South Africa are the perfect way to strengthen family bonds whilst delivering a unique experience that will be appreciated by all.

Children have an active imagination. At a young age, the trials and tribulations of adult life are irrelevant and 100% of their energy is focused on exploring and learning about the world. Children see things differently and are easily inspired under the right circumstances. For some kids, the idea of a trip with Mum and Dad does not sound very exciting, but a child friendly safari in South Africa will give them memories that will last a lifetime.

Best places in South Africa for a Safari with children

Child-friendly safaris in South Africa are found in many different reserves and areas. However, not all lodges cater for kids and some do have age limits in place to ensure a quiet and relaxed ambiance. Some lodges will accept kids and offer various African safari activities for children, but not allow children under a certain age to participate in a bush walk for example. It is therefore strongly recommended to check with the lodge, or your agent, before booking.

Some of the best safaris in South Africa with children can be found in the Kruger National Park and its network of bordering private reserves. Due to their popularity, there are a wide variety of child friendly safari options available. Other areas to consider include the malaria-free Madikwe game reserve in the north west, as well as some of the reserves in Kwa Zulu Natal on SA’s east coast. The latter is a great way to combine some fun in the sun on the beach with a South African safari with children.

Considerations for a South African Safari with children

There are a few things that should be taken into account on a South African safari with children. Children do not want to sit for hours in a car so the travel time from your entry point into the country to the lodge should be considered. Check to see if there is an airstrip and internal transfers closer to your destination. Some of the more luxury lodges even have their own landing strip, making transfers a cinch!

When selecting a safari with children in South Africa, safety is a number 1 concern. Child-friendly safaris in South Africa can be found in many different locations, many of which are situated in malaria-free parts of the country. The world-famous Kruger National Park and its surrounding reserves are situated in a malaria area but are considered low-risk. Despite this, prophylactics as per your physician’s advice are recommended.

It is worth noting, however, that even in areas where malaria occurs, the risk is very low, especially during the dry winter months. The Anopheles mosquito (that carries Malaria) breeds in stagnant water and therefore is almost non-existent after all the water dries up in winter.

Safaris with children, South Africa – Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best lodges for a child friendly safari in South Africa?

If you are travelling with more than two children, or as a group, ensuring that everyone can stay close together is a concern. The majority of lodges have the facilities to comfortably accommodate 4 in a room, but there are other options that allow a little more space and privacy. Some of the best places in South Africa for safaris with children offer family suites or adjacent and adjoining rooms. In addition to allowing everyone a little more privacy, especially if you are travelling with teenagers, some family units come with private swimming pools, and a private game viewer and may even include a butler service as part of the package!

If you are planning a family safari with children to South Africa, it may be worth considering booking out an entire lodge. This may sound extreme but most lodges in South Africa are based on exclusivity, with many having only 4 – 6 rooms. If you have a large group, it will likely work out more cost effective to book the lodge as a whole. These more intimate lodges can offer some of the best safaris in South Africa with children and their private nature means you can enjoy every moment in the sole company of your loved ones.

What are the best african Safari activities for children?

When considering a South African safari with children, it is important to keep them well entertained. A typical safari day involves a very early start followed by a 3-hour game drive, then a long break through the heat of the day before a late afternoon drive and dinner. The downtime between activities is normally spent relaxing or sleeping. Children often have other ideas, however… Thanks to the popularity of safaris with children in South Africa, many lodges have programs in place, run by a qualified facilitator, to keep the kids busy during the day.

The facilitators are often qualified field guides or they will work in conjunction with one of the members of the safari team. The list of African safari activities for children is varied and will depend on the age group but you are rest assured that your loved ones will be well looked after. For the younger generation, there are usually colouring and other group activities, and for the older kids, a ranger may take them on a walk through the safety of the lodge grounds showing them how to identify trees, reptiles, insects and whatever other fascinating objects are found.

Not only is this a great way to ensure the children sleep well, but it is a wonderful opportunity to educate them about the natural environment and expose them to the wonders of nature. In today’s technologically dominated world, where tactile experiences are few and far between, this may prove to be one of the most important life lessons children can receive.

A South African Safari is the perfect family adventure

For families looking to get away from technology and re-establish a connection with the natural world, a safari in South Africa is a singular and rewarding experience. Families may instill awe and respect for nature in their kids while making priceless memories by introducing them to the colorful fauna and breathtaking scenery.

A South African safari with kid-friendly resorts and customized activities not only offers cultural insights and educational value but also fortifies family ties via shared experiences. It's a voyage worth doing for families of all ages, as embracing the great outdoors in such an exceptional setting may inspire in children a lifelong enthusiasm for nature and adventure.