A luxury African safari will, without a doubt, be one of the most memorable experiences of your lifetime, from the sweeping landscape to the unique sights and sounds. But one question our guests frequently ask is, "What if I have young children?". We understand your apprehension, and it may sound surprising, but safaris are one of the best holidays for families! Let us reveal why bringing your children on safari is a great idea.
Why Should I Bring My Children on a Safari in Africa?
Naturally, many parents are concerned about taking young children on safari in Africa because, after all, you'll be venturing into the expansive African bush, where wild animals roam freely. Although, in reality, there is significantly less to be concerned about than you think – we’ll make sure of it!
A family safari in Africa offers a rich environment for you and your family to spend quality time together. It's an equally fantastic opportunity for kids to learn about nature, experience new cultures and get up close with wild animals in their natural habitat, allowing them to develop a love for the environment and conservation.
Not only are our game reserves absolutely safe to visit, but going on safari with your children will undoubtedly be one of your favourite memories together as a family. While some lodges do not allow children on safari if they are under a certain age, we have plenty of amazing ones that do!
Activities for Children on Safari
Children are just small people with their own needs, likes and dislikes. Luckily, there are a wide variety of activities that will suit a variety of different developing personalities.
Singita
Singita has a host of spectacular lodges that offer many stimulating activities for your kids, as well as two exciting educational courses! The mini rangers and emerging rangers courses teach young adventurers how to track animals, catch and release butterflies and frogs, go on a cosmic safari to learn about the night sky, practice bush survival skills, and enjoy pressing flowers and discovering wildlife while exploring.
Each location has its own unique selection of children's activities to complement Singita's signature experience. The activities for children on safari include:
- Family safari drives
- Mini Rangers’ Course
- Cooking interactions
- Arts and crafts
- Movies
- Activity booklets
- Board games
- Swimming
- Stargazing
- Visits to the local community
- And more!
&Beyond
The WILDChild Programme is & Beyond's special offering, which has been designed especially for their young guests when visiting their lodges and camps. This programme is jam-packed with engaging, interactive activities that let children learn about new experiences and cultures. It not only offers wonderful experiences for the entire family, but it also forges deep relationships between our young visitors, our planet, and its people.
& Beyond's luxury lodges and camps in Africa each offer different and exciting activities for children on safari. Some of these activities include:
- Family safari drives
- Playing San Bushman games
- Learning how to find water in the desert
- Stargazing
- Fishing
- Arts and crafts
- Cooking interactions
- Nature walks
- Birding
- Cultural interactions
- Gardening
- And more!
Londolozi
A safari at Londolozi Private Game Reserve in South Africa has something for everyone, with activities as diverse as your children's personalities. Upon your arrival at Londolozi, your child will be assessed by a ranger and our Cubs Den facilitator so that a customised plan can be created to suit your child's preferences. These plans are adaptable and dynamic so that a child is never forced to partake in a task that they do not enjoy.
Some of the many activities your child on safari can choose to participate in include:
- Family safari drives
- Tree climbing for the adventurous
- Archery
- Cooking interactions
- Fishing
- Soccer and rugby with the other children, rangers and trackers
- Storytime
- Movie nights
- Arts and crafts
- Pool activities
- Cubs Den
- Photographic walks through camp
- Shangaan lessons
- Gardening and permaculture for youngsters
- And more!
This list is by no means exclusive, so if you would like to read more about the various family-friendly lodges, you must give our Our Top Child-Friendly Lodges in Africa blog article a read!
Thinking About Bringing your Children on Safari?
"Family" and "safari" go very well together. We know the best family-friendly safaris that offer enough activities for the kids. Our Travel Experts are well-equipped to help plan a trip that is accessible, safe and fun for the whole family!
So, how about it? Are you ready for a luxury African safari your family will remember forever? Contact us today, and let's start planning!