As the UK summer holidays begin, many families are setting off on their long-awaited vacations. But what about next year? For those looking to plan ahead, why not consider an African safari? Whether you or your children are celebrating milestone birthdays, graduating from university, retiring, or simply seeking a multi-generational getaway, Africa offers unparalleled experiences.
From the iconic Serengeti plains to the captivating beauty of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, an African safari provides off-grid outdoor adventures perfect for bringing the whole family together.
Here are some of the best destinations in Africa for families, tailored to inspire and excite everyone from young children to adventurous teens.
East Africa
Kenya: A Classic Safari Experience
Easy to access with relatively short direct flights from the UK, hardly any time change and offering good value on the whole, Kenya is a well-established and wonderful family holiday destination.
Recommended for families with children over around 7 or 8 years old, private conservancies offer incredible wildlife viewing, and a range of other activities. A good network of short domestic flights means you can maximise holiday time and avoid long journeys too.
Maasai and Samburu guides really engage with younger visitors adding to the overall experience and offering a cultural dimension.
There are lots of camps and lodges with family configured accommodation. Many of the camps we work with are tented offering an authentic sarai experience. Vehicles often seat 4-6 people so there may be an option to have an exclusive vehicle for your family.
The classic combo is time on safari followed by the beach – either the Kenyan coast or Zanzibar – a great combination. You can see a great deal in 3 or 4 nights on safari, particularly in the Mara where the wildlife density is so impressive – this also helps to keep costs in check as nights on safari are generally more expensive than nights on the beach.
Tanzania: Iconic Wildlife and Cultural Experiences
Visits to the north of the country offer the chance to travel by road from Arusha as a family with a private vehicle and guide visiting iconic sights including the Ngorongoro Crater. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers incredible wildlife diversity within a relatively small area, making it ideal for families. It’s also a very exciting experience, as you set off at dawn to descend to the crater floor…
The crater combines well with the iconic plains of the Serengeti giving you a brilliant week-long loop. After all the early mornings, your family may then be ready for some lie-ins and time at the beach!
Further south the distances are vast and inter-park transfers are by air, which increases cost but does provide a real sense of wilderness, and there will be far fewer visitors around. These destinations are best suited to adventurous families with older children, looking for a genuine bush experience. Wildlife viewing is rewarding but needs a bit more patience.
In Nyerere National Park you can game drive, bush walk, boat and fly-camp. Fly camping is a magical off-grid experience where you overnight under the stars around the camp fire.
Nyerere is only a short flight from Zanzibar, offering a superb bush and beach holiday combination perfect for families.
Zanzibar offers a wide range of accommodation and activities.
When to Go
Kenya and Tanzania’s peak safari season co-incide with the long summer hols from July – September. The February and October half terms and Christmas holidays are also rewarding times to travel.
Southern Africa
South Africa: Adventure and Convenience
South Africa offers an experience which more closely aligns with Western culture and for many it is the therefore the obvious place to first explore in a very large continent!
The country offers an all-round holiday experience, and with the current rate of exchange with the South Africa Rand it also offers very good value.
It is perfect for those families wanting to combine a few nights in the bush on safari with other activities, for example, Cape Town sightseeing. Safari accommodation tends to be, on the whole, very comfortable and easy, and a bit more sophisticated – you’ll often find thatched chalet style rooms with lockable doors and windows and air-conditioning for instance.
It is also ideal for families travelling with younger children since you can safari in non-malarial reserves if you prefer.
With self-drive, self-catering options and a really wide range of family-friendly accommodation, it really is the perfect tailormade holiday destination.
The Cape coast is at its best from mid-October to mid-April, covering both half term, Christmas and Easter school holidays. Safaris are optimum May -October, particularly in the Greater Kruger. If going on a Kruger safari at this time, consider combining with Mauritius or Mozambique.
Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia: For Families with Teens and Up
Southern Africa’s destinations of Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia offer exceptional family holidays, particularly for those with teenage children, or older. These destinations provide a genuine, often off-grid bush experience, top-notch guiding, and a wide range of activities that cater to adventurous spirits. Some camps and lodges offer family-friendly accommodation although with older children this is not as much as a priority as with younger ones. Zimbabwe and Zambia really excel when it comes to small, personally-hosted bushcamps where the focus is on an immersive experience.
Botswana: Immersive Wilderness and Unique Activities
Botswana is renowned for its pristine, unspoiled wilderness and commitment to conservation. The Okavango Delta offers land and water-based safaris in mokoros (traditional canoes), offering unique wildlife encounters. Walking safaris and night drives enhance the sense of adventure, making it an ideal destination for families seeking an exclusive off-grid experience.
Zimbabwe: Rich Wildlife and Thrilling Adventures
Zimbabwe’s rich wildlife and diverse ecosystems make it a fabulous family destination. The country’s professional guides are widely considered the best in Africa, ensuring informative and engaging experiences. Zimbabwe is also home to Victoria Falls – adventure capital! Victoria Falls adds a thrilling dimension to any trip, with activities like white-water rafting and zip-lining appealing to adventurous teens.
Zambia: The Heart of Walking Safaris
Zambia is a superb destination for families looking for an exciting outdoor adventure. Zambia’s focus on low-impact tourism means fewer crowds and more intimate wildlife encounters. Small owner-run bushcamps offer warm hospitality and stays offering a variety of activities from walking to driving. The Zambezi River adds to the adventure with canoeing, fishing, and river safaris, ensuring a varied itinerary. Zambia also offers a selection of safari houses, ideal for extended families or families travelling together.
