MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS: TWO WAY STREET
10 March 2025
DISCOVER TANZANIA: A COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL GUIDE
10 March 2025MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS: TWO WAY STREET
10 March 2025DISCOVER TANZANIA: A COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL GUIDE
10 March 2025THE BEST FAMILY SAFARI LODGES
Where To Stay With Kids
A family safari isn’t just a vacation - it’s an adventure that brings the wild to life, sparking curiosity and creating lifelong memories. But for families traveling with kids, choosing the right safari lodge is essential to ensuring an experience that is safe, comfortable, engaging and of course fun!
The best safari lodges for families offer spacious accommodations, exciting activities for children, and flexible schedules that cater to young travelers. Whether you’re looking for a private villa, a malaria-free reserve, or a hands-on conservation experience, these lodges provide the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
GOVERNORS' CAMP, KENYA
For families looking for a classic and immersive safari experience in the Masai Mara, Governors’ Camp is an exceptional choice. As one of the oldest and most established safari camps in Kenya, it offers a prime location along the Mara River, providing incredible wildlife viewing right from the camp. Families can stay in spacious tents, some of which are positioned directly along the river, offering breathtaking views of hippos and crocodiles below. Game drives in this part of the Masai Mara are nothing short of spectacular, with the chance to see the Big Five, cheetahs, and, during the right season, the Great Migration. Young explorers will love learning about Maasai culture, tracking animals with expert guides, and watching the African wilderness come alive. Governors’ Camp is also one of the few lodges that offer hot air balloon safaris, making for an unforgettable family adventure soaring over the golden plains at sunrise. With its rich history, outstanding location, and focus on high-quality guiding, Governors’ Camp delivers a timeless safari experience that families will treasure forever.
OL PEJETA BUSH CAMP, KENYA
For families passionate about conservation, Ol Pejeta Bush Camp offers an unforgettable safari experience in one of Kenya’s most important wildlife conservancies. Set in the heart of Ol Pejeta Conservancy, this eco-friendly camp is home to the last two northern white rhinos on Earth and offers incredible opportunities for families to get involved in hands-on conservation efforts. Children can meet the dedicated rangers who protect the rhinos and visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Game drives here are packed with excitement, with the chance to see the Big Five, endangered African wild dogs, and thriving populations of rhinos. Ol Pejeta offers the perfect balance of wildlife adventure and meaningful conservation experiences for families.
ELEWANA SAND RIVER MASAI MARA, KENYA
For families seeking a luxury safari with a front-row seat to the Great Migration, Elewana Sand River Masai Mara is a dream destination. This stunning tented camp, set along the banks of the Sand River, provides an immersive safari experience in the heart of the Masai Mara. With spacious family tents and expert guides, it’s an excellent option for parents traveling with kids of all ages. Beyond thrilling game drives, families can visit a Maasai village to learn about their rich traditions, enjoy evening storytelling sessions around the campfire, and soak in breathtaking views of the African savanna. The lodge’s prime location ensures exceptional wildlife sightings year-round, making it a must-visit for families who want a safari that combines adventure and comfort.
MADIKWE SAFARI LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA
Families traveling with young children often prefer a malaria-free safari, and Madikwe Safari Lodge in Madikwe Game Reserve is one of South Africa’s best options. The lodge offers spacious family-friendly suites and an interactive kids’ program, ensuring that children stay engaged while parents enjoy top-tier game viewing. The Eco House is a dedicated space for kids where they can bake, do arts and crafts, and learn about the wonders of the African bush. Safari drives are designed to be fun and engaging for younger guests, with shorter durations and interactive guiding styles. With its combination of safety, comfort, and adventure, Madikwe Safari Lodge is ideal for families looking for a stress-free safari experience.
&BEYOND PHINDA MOUNTAIN LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA
Set in the breathtaking Phinda Private Game Reserve, &Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge offers a luxurious yet child-friendly safari in one of South Africa’s most diverse ecosystems. The lodge’s WILDchild program is designed to keep kids entertained with activities like animal tracking, African cooking classes, and even crafting their own safari souvenirs. The spacious family suites offer plenty of room for parents and children, and game drives through Phinda’s varied landscapes bring encounters with the Big Five, cheetahs, and abundant birdlife. Since the lodge is located in a malaria-free zone, it’s a great option for families with young children, ensuring a worry-free safari filled with adventure and discovery.
MARATABA SAFARI LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA
Located in Marakele National Park, Marataba Safari Lodge is one of South Africa’s most unique family-friendly safari lodges, offering a mix of land and water-based safaris. Families can explore the park’s stunning landscapes on traditional game drives or enjoy a completely different perspective on a boat safari, spotting hippos and crocodiles along the riverbanks. Kids can also take part in bush walks, learn essential survival skills, and participate in guided stargazing nights. Since the lodge is in a malaria-free reserve, it’s a stress-free option for parents traveling with younger children. With a focus on adventure and hands-on learning, Marataba is a fantastic choice for families looking to experience a safari in a unique and immersive way.
SABI SABI BUSH LODGE
For families looking for a high-end, luxury safari experience, Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge in the Greater Kruger offers the perfect combination of adventure and comfort. The lodge’s EleFun Centre is a dedicated kids’ area where young travelers can take part in interactive learning experiences, from wildlife storytelling to hands-on nature activities. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy expertly guided game drives that offer some of the best Big Five sightings in South Africa. The spacious family suites, gourmet dining, and exceptional guiding make Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge an ideal choice for families wanting a seamless safari experience with all the luxuries of a five-star lodge.
SAYARI CAMP, TANZANIA
Sayari Camp offers a luxurious yet adventurous safari in the remote northern Serengeti, near the Mara River. Families staying here get front-row seats to the Great Migration’s thrilling river crossings, where wildebeest and zebras brave crocodile-infested waters. The spacious family tents feature private decks with breathtaking savanna views. Kids will love the interactive game drives, where expert guides teach animal tracking and bird identification. Bush walks and cultural visits provide immersive learning experiences, making Sayari a perfect blend of adventure, comfort, and unmatched wildlife encounters.
OLIVER'S CAMP, TANZANIA
For families seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Oliver’s Camp in Tarangire National Park offers an intimate and wild safari experience. Known for its massive elephant herds and ancient baobabs, Tarangire provides a unique setting for walking safaris, where kids can track animals and learn about the smaller wonders of the bush. Game drives reveal lions, cheetahs, and nocturnal wildlife, while cozy family tents ensure comfort in the heart of nature. With a strong focus on hands-on exploration, Oliver’s Camp is ideal for families wanting a more immersive safari.
CHOBE GAME LODGE, BOTSWANA
As the only permanent lodge inside Chobe National Park, Chobe Game Lodge offers families an unbeatable safari experience along the wildlife-rich banks of the Chobe River. This fully eco-friendly lodge is known for its all-female guiding team, offering inspiring safari experiences led by some of Africa’s most passionate conservationists. Families can enjoy river safaris, where kids can marvel at huge herds of elephants bathing along the shores, or take traditional game drives to spot big cats, buffalo, and giraffes. The lodge features spacious family suites, a swimming pool, and a boardwalk overlooking the river, perfect for relaxing between activities. Chobe Game Lodge is an excellent choice for families wanting a mix of water and land-based safaris in one of Africa’s most wildlife-dense regions.
LINYANTI EBONY CAMP, BOTSWANA
Perfect for families seeking a secluded and intimate safari, Linyanti Ebony Camp is set in the remote Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, a prime area for spotting elephants, wild dogs, and big cats. The camp’s spacious family tent includes a private deck with stunning river views, while the relaxed atmosphere makes it ideal for kids. Families can enjoy game drives, boat safaris, and guided bush walks, offering a mix of thrilling wildlife encounters and interactive learning experiences. With warm hospitality, personalized service, and exclusive wildlife sightings, Linyanti Ebony is a fantastic choice for a private family safari in Botswana.
SOMALISA ACACIA, ZIMBABWE
For families looking for an intimate and exclusive safari experience, Somalisa Acacia in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park is a hidden gem. Designed specifically with families in mind, this small and luxurious camp offers spacious family tents, a refreshing splash pool, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes children feel at home in the heart of the wild. What truly sets Somalisa Acacia apart is its incredible elephant encounters - herds of these gentle giants frequently gather at the lodge’s waterhole, providing mesmerizing up-close wildlife moments right from the deck. Game drives through Hwange’s diverse landscapes bring sightings of lions, wild dogs, and large herds of buffalo, while kid-friendly bush walks introduce young explorers to tracking animals, identifying plants, and understanding the delicate balance of the ecosystem. With personalized service, expert guides, and an immersive nature experience, Somalisa Acacia is a fantastic choice for families looking to experience Zimbabwe’s wildlife in an intimate and relaxed setting.
VICTORIA FALLS RIVER LODGE, ZIMBABWE
Combining adventure, luxury, and one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, Victoria Falls River Lodge offers families the best of both worlds - a thrilling safari and the chance to experience the mighty Victoria Falls up close. Situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, within Zambezi National Park, this stunning lodge provides spacious family-friendly suites, complete with private decks overlooking the river. Children will love the boat safaris, spotting hippos and crocodiles in the water, while game drives reveal elephants, giraffes, and even the occasional lion along the riverbanks. The highlight of any stay here is, of course, a visit to Victoria Falls, where families can embark on guided tours, scenic helicopter flights, or even take part in gentler, family-friendly rafting adventures. With a mix of wildlife, water-based activities, and one of Africa’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders just minutes away, Victoria Falls River Lodge is a perfect destination for families looking for an adventurous yet comfortable safari experience.
A family safari should be as exciting for the kids as it is for the adults, with engaging activities, flexible schedules, and comfortable accommodations. Whether you’re looking for an exclusive-use villa, a conservation-focused adventure, or a malaria-free safari, choosing the right lodge can make all the difference. These handpicked lodges offer the perfect mix of wildlife, adventure, and relaxation, ensuring that your family safari is nothing short of unforgettable.
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Create lifelong memories with a safari designed for adventure, connection, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.