It’s been said time and again that the family that plays together, stays together. It’s also been said – studied even – that hanging out in nature is really rather good for you.
So it stands to reason that safari vacations with the family are a marvellous idea. Plenty of studies back this up.
Children who spend regular time outdoors tend to be more active and less stressed and are better able to concentrate. Being out in nature can boost mood and build emotional resilience.
If a simple walk in the park can calm frazzled nerves and spark curiosity, just think what a family adventure in a game reserve can do!
This was the 2nd African safari that I have coordinated with the help of SAFARI.COM. Once again, they knocked it out of the park. Fadiel listened to my feedback and set up an incredible itinerary that allowed us to surpass our trip goals. We are considering our next African safari excursion, and will certainly use SAFARI.COM again.
- William H, USA
Amakhala Hlosi Game Lodge, Eastern Cape province, South Africa.
Outdoor Classroom
Nature-based learning has been linked to stronger motor skills, better teamwork and sharper problem-solving abilities. Add the creativity that comes with digging, building and imagining in open spaces, and you’ve got a recipe for fun and learning.
This is where safaris shine. Plenty of lodges have special junior ranger programmes for kids that act as outdoor classrooms.
Time in wide, biodiverse spaces filled with animals has been shown to lower stress and anxiety, improve mood and spark lifelong interest in conservation. Children exposed to wild places often walk away with more confidence, deeper curiosity, and a real sense of responsibility for the planet.
We usually plan all of our trips ourselves but when it came to the nuances and details of planning an immersive and comprehensive vacation to South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, Jolene Welsh, at SAFARI.COM, exceeded our every expectation. She went so far above and beyond to make our trip a once in a lifetime event and we will be forever grateful!
- Michael W
Thorntree River Lodge, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia.
It Keeps Getting Better
It’s a no-brainer to take your kids on safari. Families who spend quality leisure time together build stronger bonds, communicate better and tend to raise more resilient, confident children.
Plus, there are the physical perks: more activity, less stress, less screen time and (hopefully) better sleep all round.
But – and this is a big one – taking small children on safari needs proper planning. Many lodges and camps have age limits, and often families with young children need to book private game drives.
Then there are those that love hosting youngsters – and it shows in their special offers. We’ve rounded up some of our favourites across Southern Africa.
Botswana
The Chobe Enclave is in the world-renowned Chobe National Park. It’s one of the most sought-after places in northern Botswana, with year-round water.
At Linyanti Bush Camp, on the banks of Linyanti Marsh, children aged 12 to 15 receive 50% off the full adult rate.
No children under 12, though, and those under 16 must share accommodation with at least one adult at all times. Walking and mokoro safaris are restricted to folk over the age of 16.
From $1,090 pps pn
Our safari was amazing! I have to give thanks to Sara at SAFARI.COM. She created a wonderful itinerary for us even though we did a relatively late booking. She took care of the in-country flights in all the transfers. Every little detail was taken care of down to the hot water bottles on our lap during the cold mornings. Now that I’m home it seems like a dream but luckily I have amazing photos to keep the memories fresh.
- Amanda V, USA
Linyanti Bush Camp, Chobe National Park, Botswana.
Zambia
Thorntree River Lodge in Zambia’s Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park on the Zambezi River welcomes children of all ages. Children under six stay free of charge, and those aged 7 to 15 get 50% off the adult rate.
African Bush Camps’ Ngwana Club offers engaging, child-friendly experiences from nature walks around camp and storytelling to cultural arts and crafts and cub club cooking classes. All in the name of fun and environmental education.
For safety reasons, children under the age of 6 are not allowed on scheduled game drives with other guests. A private vehicle must be booked for families with younger children.
From $1,240 pps pn
The whole experience was fantastic. Victoria Falls were stunning and all the other organised activities such as the sunset cruise, the drum and dinner were great. Likewise accommodation was relaxing and fun, whilst the staff were friendly and helpful. I would wholeheartedly recommend SAFARI.COM
- Lorelle L, Australia
Thorntree River Lodge, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia.
Zimbabwe
In the sacred Matobo Hills, Khayelitshe House lies just outside Matobo National Park. It is enclosed by the iconic balancing rocks and gets its name from the Ndebele words ekhaya and litshe, meaning “home in the rocks”.
Children up to the age of 6 stay free of charge, and those aged 7 to 15 get 50% off the adult rate. Children of all ages are welcome.
From $420 pps pn
Khayelitshe House, Matobo Hills, Zimbabwe.
Prepare to see elephants at Somalisa Camp in Hwange National Park, which is known as the Land of the Giants because of its large herds. Children from 12 and up are welcome, and those aged 12 to 15 get 50% off the full adult rate.
Walking safaris are restricted to children over the age of 16.
From $1,090 pps pn
Somalisa Camp, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe.
Victoria Falls River Lodge, on the vast plains of the Zambezi National Park, welcomes children of all ages, and those under the age of 3 stay free of charge. Those aged 4 to 11 pay 25% of the adult sharing rate, and those aged 12 to 17 pay 50% of the adult sharing rate.
Special activities, tours and childminding services can all be arranged.
From $1,020 pps pn
Victoria Falls River Lodge, Zambezi National Park, Zimbabwe
On the banks of Lake Kariba, Bumi Hills Safari Lodge overlooks Matusadona National Park, giving a bird’s-eye view of the animals wandering down to the water.
Children of all ages are welcome at Bumi Hills, and those aged up to 6 stay free of charge; those aged 7 to 15 get 50% off the adult rate.
Perfect for families, the 2-bedroomed Baobab Villa is a private retreat comprising a lounge, bar and indoor and outdoor dining decks. It comes with a private butler, guide and safari vehicle.
From $1,090 pps pn
We had a truly wonderful experience with this company.
- Jane D, Australia
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe.
South Africa
Perfect for a family getaway, at Ulusaba Rock Lodge (in Sir Richard Branson’s Ulusaba Private Game Reserve in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve) one child aged 11 or younger stays free when accompanied by one or more adults.
This exclusive offer is available for stays from 1 October to 19 December 2025.
Children of all ages are welcome, but they must be accompanied by their parents at all times. Children under 6 are not allowed on game drives, and children younger than 12 are not allowed on bush walks.
But there is a children’s programme, as well as child-minding services.
From $760 pps pn
Ulusaba Rock Lodge, Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, South Africa
Still in Sabi Sand, &Beyond Kirkman’s Kamp on the Sand River, is another child-welcoming space.
Kids aged up to 5, sharing with 1 or 2 adults, stay free of charge. For kids aged 6 to 16 years, sharing with 1 or 2 adults, the first child stays on the adult rate, but the second and third children stay at 50% of the adult rate.
From $1,160 pps pn
&Beyond Kirkman’s Kamp, Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, South Africa.
The Ngala Private Game Reserve shares an unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park, giving freedom of movement to wildlife. Here, &Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge welcomes children of all ages.
Kids aged up to 5, sharing with 1 or 2 adults, stay free of charge. For kids aged 6 to 16 years, sharing with 1 or 2 adults, the first child stays on the adult rate, but the second and third children stay at 50% of the adult rate.
Children aged 5 years and younger are not allowed on game drives, and children younger than 12 are not allowed on bush walks. But private vehicles can be pre-booked.
From $820 pps pn
&Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge, Greater Kruger, South Africa.
Fancy some wild horse riding? At Amakhala Woodbury Lodge in the malaria-free BIG 5 Amakhala Game Reserve, in the Eastern Cape, you can sign on for the Amakhala Horse Trails.
Children aged from 6 and older are welcome. Kids 6 to 12 stay free of charge (maximum of 2 children), and those aged 12 to 16 get the child rate when sharing a room with adults.
From $240 pps pn
When we partnered with our consultant, Lindi, to help us accomplish our goals of an active adult/family vacation with opportunity to safari, fish, visit natural wonders and tour the beautiful country we could not have been more pleased with what she pulled off! We destined to three key areas: Sabi Sand Nature Reserve (Kruger), Victoria Falls (Zambia), Cape Town (Camps Bay). This was truly the trip of a lifetime!
- Rjanski 2025, USA
Amakhala Woodbury Lodge, Eastern Cape province, South Africa.
Children of all ages are welcome at Amakhala Hlosi Game Lodge in the same reserve. Kids under the age of 12 stay free of charge (maximum of 2 children). Kids aged 12 to 16 get the child rate when sharing a room with adults.
From $280 pps pn
Amakhala Hlosi Game Lodge, Eastern Cape province, South Africa.
&Beyond Kirkman’s Kamp, Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, South Africa.
Start Planning Your Safari with Confidence
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Let our expert team craft something extraordinary. We’ll guide you with heart, insight, and insider knowledge every step of the way, before, during, and long after your journey.
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