A family safari is a magical journey where adventure and wildlife come alive for children, turning their experiences into something straight out of their favourite storybook. With the best child-friendly lodges, your little ones will embark on an unforgettable adventure. Think fun activities like bushwalks, junior ranger programmes, baking, beading and special game drives – to name a few! Here are our top 10 picks where kids are welcomed with open arms, keeping them buzzing with excitement until they tumble into their cosy safari beds.
Fun on safari for all ages, Image Credit: Natural Selection
1. Kwandwe Ecca Lodge
At Kwandwe Private Game Reserve in South Africa's Eastern Cape, we’ve found the ultimate family playground! Kwandwe Ecca Lodge gets that every family is unique, so they tailor each safari to suit everyone, from tots to teens. With only six suites – three just for families – the lodge is intimate, relaxed, and oh-so-stylish.
The views are astounding, overlooking an acacia valley, Image Credit: Kwandwe Ecca Lodge
Perfect For: Children of all ages can enjoy a myriad of fun activities – the lodge's play den will keep their hands busy for hours. Plus, the shared pool is perfect for a splashing good time together!
Accommodation: Out of six spacious suites – half of them are made for families and include a private vehicle and ranger. All rooms have private plunge pools and outdoor showers to enhance your connection with nature.
Kid'ventures: Flexible game drives, scavenger hunts, Minnow’s fishing trips, treasure hunts, beading, cooking lessons, eco-educational board games, sand art, and African bedtime stories.
Guests in family suites are allocated a private guide and vehicle, Image Credit: Kwandwe Ecca Lodge
2. Phinda Mountain Lodge
Perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of the lush Lebombo foothills, Phinda Mountain Lodge is our top pick for a family safari in Phinda Private Game Reserve. Each family adventure is custom-crafted with your specialist guide, taking into account your children's ages, interests, and your family’s preferences.
Phinda Mountain Lodge is the ultimate family safari destination in Phinda Private Game Reserve, Image Credit: &Beyond
Perfect For: With their WILDchild programme, Phinda delights children aged three to 12 years with seasonal activities and a backpack gifted on arrival full of safari-themed goodies.
Accommodation: Phinda Mountain Lodge features three room types, including suites, cottages (that can be turned into three adjoining family cottages), and one family suite, all with private plunge pools.
Kid'ventures: The WILDchild programme boasts many fun seasonal activities, including bark rubbing, bug collecting, frog safaris, ‘poo walks’, baking with the chef, game-packed kids’ lounge, and so much more.
Along with larger animals, children can observe and learn about smaller creatures while on safari at Phinda, Image Credit: &Beyond
3. The Motse
Our top pick when it comes to child-friendly lodges at Tswalu Kalahari Reserve is The Motse. With stunning views of the Korannaberg mountains, Motse embodies the Kalahari’s beauty with earthy materials and nature-inspired tones. Enjoy family legae ('home' in Setswana), each with main and twin bedrooms, ensuites, and outdoor showers.
Set in the Tswalu Kalahari Game Reserve, South Africa’s largest private game reserve, Image Credit: Tswalu
Perfect For: Children of all ages soon become immersed in the outdoor classroom that is Tswalu, where the guide and tracker become the teachers and learning about the wilderness is not only educational but great fun.
Accommodation: Motse has nine legae (suites) – three of which are designed for families and enjoy loads of space with two bedrooms linked by a living room.
Kid'ventures: Activities include bush walks, picnics, horse riding, pizza making and cookie baking. Their Junior Ranger programme includes archery, spoor identification and casting, and learning how to track animals.
Tswalu is in a malaria-free region, making it extra safe for a family safari with a baby or young child, Image Credit: Tswalu
4. Morukuru Family Houses
We absolutely adore Morukuru's three exclusive-use family houses in Madikwe Game Reserve for your malaria-free Big 5 family safari adventure. Pick from the cosy two-bedroom Owner’s House, the spacious three-bedroom River House, or the grand five-bedroom Farm House, each boasting dedicated staff, hosts, and guide teams.
Morukuru River House is a luxury three-bedroom exclusive-use safari house, Image Credit: Morukuru Family
Perfect For: Morukuru welcomes children of all ages. Young explorers join game drives to discover the magic of the African bush with their own Morukuru Kidz Backpack brimming with safari treasures.
Accommodation: Choose between the Morukuru Owner’s House (sleeps four guests), the Morukuru River House (sleeps six adults and four children), or the Morukuru Farm House (sleeps ten guests).
Kid'ventures: The ‘Morukuru Kidz’ programme hosts an array of child-oriented activities, including spoor tracking, guided discovery walks, catch and release fishing, pizza-making, board games and even drumming lessons.
A dedicated safari guide will introduce children safely and comfortably to the wonders of the wild, Image Credit: Morukuru Family
5. Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, overlooking a watering hole amidst the wildlife-rich Sabi Sand Game Reserve, has been welcoming families from all over the world for over 40-years. With the EleFun Centre and its discovery room, arts and crafts studio, outdoor playground, and a kids' pool, parents can unwind knowing their little ones are having a blast.
Carefully considered spaces make sure an unforgettable holiday in the bush is enjoyed, Image Credit: Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
Perfect For: Designed by childcare experts, EleFun offers an exciting range of safari-themed activities and adventures that ignite a love for nature in children aged 4 to 12 years, including the Junior Tracker and Ranger programmes.
Accommodation: Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge features a host of luxury suites, one deluxe suite and two luxury villas.
Kid'ventures: Bush walks, bush talks, animal identification, child-friendly game drives, arts, crafts and more.
The EleFun Centre at Bush Lodge is colourful, caring and educational, Image Credit: Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
6. Samara Karoo Lodge
Embark on a conservation adventure at Samara Private Game Reserve, set on 67,000 acres of breathtaking wilderness in South Africa’s stunning Great Karoo. Samara is all about inspiring future eco-warriors and immersing kids in the wonders of the wild. Plus, little ones receive a magical goodie bag packed with activities and treats.
Today, the Samara Karoo Reserve is one of South Africa’s most diverse safari destinations, Image Credit: Samara
Perfect For: The Samara Cubs offers fun and educational experiences for children of all ages. So parents, whether you’re relaxing or joining in, it’s the perfect place for the whole family to reconnect with nature and each other.
Accommodation: Samara Karoo Lodge comprises eight Karoo Suites and two Karoo Family Suites. Alternatively, there is The Manor, which is a separate property from the lodge and can be booked on an exclusive-use basis.
Kid'ventures: There are a range of activities including track identification, Khoi-San painting, walking stick carving, storytelling, t-shirt painting, Spekboom planting, orienteering and navigating as well as "bumble" drives
Samara is a place of history and magic where the semi-desert Karoo can't help but captivate, Image Credit: Samara
7. Royal Chundu
At Royal Chundu's child-friendly lodges, the Chundu Children’s Club offers a bespoke kids-on-safari programme for young adventurers. From the get-go, each child receives a special River Safari Adventure Pack, and the fun begins with a welcoming treasure hunt, helping them get to know the lodge's friendly staff and gorgeous surroundings.
Royal Chundu River Lodge rests on a private stretch on the banks of the Zambezi River, Image Credit: Royal Chundu
Perfect For: Children of all ages are welcome at Royal Chundu, where trained staff offer a variety of activities tailored to your stay and guide availability.
Accommodation: Both the River Lodge and Island Lodge comfortably sleep two adults, sharing with two children. Please note children are only allowed at the Island Lodge when it's hired on an exclusive-use basis.
Kid'ventures: River Guides or Child Minders are ready to take over supervision so parents can relax. Each child receives a Kids Adventure Passport that includes a variety of fun activities such as fishing, cooking lessons, an astronomy safari and more.
Plenty of fun activities at Chundu's Children's Club, Image credit: Royal Chundu
8. Somalisa Acacia
Somalisa Acacia in Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park is a wildlife wonderland, perfect for families craving an authentic safari. Overlooking a bustling watering hole, it’s a front-row seat to nature’s grand parade of wildlife. From diverse creatures to breathtaking views, it’s a safari experience you won’t want to miss.
When it comes to child-friendly lodges offers an incomparably intimate safari, Image Credit: African Bush Camps
Perfect For: Children of all ages are warmly welcomed at this child-friendly lodge, where adventure awaits with the exciting activities of the Ngwana Club.
Accommodation: Somalisa Acacia offers two luxurious tented suites and two spacious family suites, complete with interconnecting bedrooms, and cots available for infants to ensure the whole family is comfortably accommodated.
Kid'ventures: Children can dive into a world of adventures specially crafted by expert guides, from traditional storytelling and creative arts and crafts to nature walks, where they can earn their very own 'Junior Guide' certificate.
The ideal sanctuary for families seeking an authentic safari experience, Image Credit: African Bush Camps
9. Angama Mara
At Angama Mara, unforgettable moments await both young and old. Perched 300 metres above the Great Rift Valley in Kenya, the lodge offers breathtaking views of the Maasai Mara, perfect to witness the seasonal Great Migration. Its Swahili name, meaning 'suspended in mid-air,' perfectly captures its soaring beauty.
Maasai Mara is a wildlife paradise to explore on your East African safari, Image Credit: Angama Mara
Perfect For: Angama Mara welcomes children of all ages, crafting unforgettable adventures tailored to their unique interests and age. And the best part? You’re welcome to join in the fun too, if you fancy!
Accommodation: Angama Mara’s expansive suites, stretching over 100sqm boast floor-to-ceiling glass fronts that invite breathtaking views. For families, the lodge offers two pairs of interconnected tented suites.
Kid'ventures: Children can embark on an adventure with a Maasai warrior, delving into the rich traditions of Maasai culture. They’ll enjoy a thrilling Shamba Scavenger Hunt, 'herd' chickens and gather fresh eggs, master the art of baking, or craft stunning beaded jewellery alongside the talented Maasai Mamas.
Spend a morning or afternoon with a Maasai warrior exploring and learning about Maasai culture, Image Credit: Angama Mara
10. Shinde Camp
For a touch of Botswana magic, Shinde Camp in the Okavango Delta is a family favourite. Perfectly positioned over lush plains and waterways, this lodge offers an unforgettable experience with both land and water-based activities. Every detail has been designed for an extraordinary adventure in one of Africa’s most breathtaking settings.
The positioning of the camp allows Shinde to offer a wide range of activities, Image Credit: Shinde Camp
Perfect For: The Young Explorers Club offers children aged seven and up exciting, hands-on activities, all designed with a flexible schedule to keep them engaged and inspired.
Accommodation: Families are comfortably housed in a custom-built, two-bedroom family tent featuring a shared en-suite bathroom, accommodating up to five guests.
Kid'ventures: The Young Explorers Program, led by a specialist family guide, invites families to discover the African wilderness together. With flexible, age-appropriate activities, it focuses on walking safaris in the Okavango Delta, offering an authentic experience as you track wildlife and uncover nature's secrets.
Enjoy activities tailor-made for families, Image Credit: Shinde Camp
Discover Africa’s Best Child-Friendly Lodges
With endless activities and adventures, both kids and parents are guaranteed an experience of a lifetime. From bushwalks to baking, your little explorers will be entertained from dawn till dusk. Plus, these top 10 child-friendly lodges are just the tip of the iceberg – there is so much more to explore! Ready to make memories that will last forever? Book your family safari today!
Featured Image: African Bush Camps
