Taking kids on safari can be a daunting prospect but it doesn't have to be. There are some world class safari lodges that cater for both parents and their children through carefully designed children programmes and activities. These kids safari experiences are designed to engage kids' minds with their natural surroundings and to subtly expand their knowledge base in the natural sciences. There is no better classroom than the learning environment mother nature provides. Going on safari with children takes children out of their comfort zones whilst giving parents time to relax and wind and enjoy their safari experience. Here are the Safari Index's best safaris for families with younger children.
« Back to Awards CategoriesChobe Safari Lodge
Why we like it: Easily accessible; Variety of activities in the area; Various accommodation types; Family-friendly
Chobe Safari Lodge is situated on the edge of Kasane Town in Botswana, on the banks of the Chobe River on the border of Chobe National Park. Right on its doorstep is the meeting of four African countries: Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Chobe Safari Lodge is therefore an excellent getaway near to Chobe, Victoria Falls and Caprivi. The lodge's…
Vote NowCradle Boutique Hotel
The stunning Cradle Boutique Hotel is situated in the Cradle of Humankind Nature Reserve in South Africa’s Gauteng province. This incredible wilderness is amazingly situated just a stone’s throw away from the second-largest urban area in Africa, Johannesburg. The luxury hotel features 16 timber-and-thatch suites, each with a full range of facilities and amenities. These include air-conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, satellite…
Vote NowEkuthuleni Lodge, Welgevonden
Why we like it: Intimate and private suites, Indoor and outdoor showers, Excellent big 5 game viewing, Close to Johannesburg and Pretoria
Ekuthuleni Game Lodge is one of the gems of the Welgevonden Game Reserve. Aside from great Big 5 game viewing, guests can relax next to the swimming pool overlooking sweeping grassy plains during the day, or watch the sun as it sets at the end of each day. If the weather is cool, curl up with a book in one…
Vote NowGreenfire Desert Lodge, Namibia
Why we like it: Remote and isolated desert location; Panoramic views from rooms; Breathtaking stargazing opportunities; Guided day and night walks and game drives; Unique experience
Greenfire Desert Lodge is located in southern Namibia, in the remote and beautiful Sossusvlei and Namib Desert region. The lodge is situated on a 20 000-hectare private wilderness reserve that sits next to the Namibrand Nature Reserve, which is home to a variety of desert wildlife species. The lodge's location is unique and breathtakingly beautiful- solitude-seekers will love being surrounded…
Vote NowHlosi Game Lodge
Why we like it: Fantastic family bush lodge in a malaria-free environment; Well-designed family suites
Hlosi Game Lodge is a small 14-room, four-star game lodge in Addo, near the city of Port Elizabeth, offering rich wild life game-viewing and luxurious game lodge accommodation for the whole family. Our six suites and eight luxury tents lie along a gentle curve of a hill above a river plain, and offer wide-open views from your private deck. The…
Vote NowInjisuthi Camp, Drakensberg
Why we like it: Incredible mountain hiking and amazing scenery. Swimming in crystal clear rivers and streams.
Injisuthi Camp is located in the spectacular Drakensberg mountain range in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. This region is a World Heritage Site and is renowned for its magnificent scenery and landscapes, which features dramatic mountains and valleys, rivers, caves and cliffs. Injisuthi Camp provides a wonderful base from which to enjoy the wealth of experiences the region has to offer.…
Vote NowKafue 6-day Budget Safari Tour
Why we like it: Camping in the wilderness; Superb game-viewing; Adventure activities at Victoria Falls
This short safari tour starts out from Lusaka, Zambia's capital, and journeys to Livingstone and the world famous Victoria Falls (or vice versa). On the tour, you will travel through Kafue National Park, Zambia's largest and oldest national park. This wilderness is home to an amazing variety of wildlife species, including lion, leopard, cheetah, African wild dog, and buffalo, as…
Vote NowKapama Southern Camp
Why we like it: Modern camp, Exceptional design and decor. Plenty of amenities. Superb family suites,
Southern Camp is the proud new addition to the Kapama Private Game Reserve family, and is situated in the south of the reserve set against the backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountains. All 15 suites at Southern Camp have full en-suite bathrooms with picture windows to enjoy the surrounding scenery and birdlife. Air conditioning, minibars and tea and coffee stations are…
Vote NowKulala Desert Lodge, Sossusvlei
Family-friendly Kulala Desert Lodge is located within the arid Namib Desert on the 37 000-hectare private Kulala Wilderness Reserve. Comprising 23 thatched and canvas "kulalas" with en-suite bathrooms and verandas, each unit is built on a wooden platform to catch the cooling breezes and has a deck on the flat rooftop for sleep-outs under the stars. There are also three…
Vote NowMafia Island Lodge
Why we like it: Idyllic beach setting; Various accommodation and activity options; Incredible diversity of marine life
The great value and affordable Mafia Island Lodge is found on Tanzania’s Mafia Island, a tranquil beach paradise found among a host of islands in the Indian Ocean. This beautiful lodge is nestled among tall palm trees and overlooks a sandy beach. It is made up of a variety of differing accommodation types, each with a veranda that has sea…
Vote NowMfuwe Lodge, South Luangwa
Why we like it: Animals walking through reception! Large luxury bush lodge with all amenities; Exceptional wildlife viewing; Fantastic spa
Mfuwe Lodge is located in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park very close to the entrance of the park (a couple of km away). This lovely bush lodge provides all the comforts and facilities you could want, right in the heart of the African wilderness. The lodge's thatched buildings and viewing decks are situated on the banks of a lagoon, in…
Vote NowMukambi Safari Lodge, Kafue
Why we like it: Centrally located, Range of accommodation options, Variety of activities available including boat based safaris, Easy access from Lusaka
Mukambi Safari Lodge is found on the banks of the Kafue River in Zambia, and is widely known as “The Gateway to Kafue National Park”. The lodge provides a host of accommodation options in one of the largest national parks in Africa. Guests can choose to stay in either a 2 or person en-suite chalet, or the classic luxury safari…
Vote NowMutale Falls Camp, Makuya Park
Mutale Falls Camp forms part of the African Ivory Route and is situated in the rugged but beautiful Makuya Park near Pafuri in the Kruger National Park. With a network of roads for 4x4 vehicles, visitors to this reserve can explore to their heart’s content, or visit viewing points over the Luvuvhu Gorge, and relax at the side of the…
Vote NowNottens Bush Camp, Sabi Sands
Why we like it: Quaint and relaxed family-run camp Exceptional Big 5 game-viewing; Beautiful pool and gardens
Nottens Bush Camp is a family-managed camp in the heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. It is a small camp with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where guests are made to feel right at home from the minute they arrive. There are eight rooms which are laid out as intimate garden cottages around camp. There is plenty of space…
Vote NowRufiji River Camp, Selous
Why we like it: Remarkable location up on a riverbank; Natural materials used in construction; Variety of activities
Rufiji River Camp enjoys an enviable location high up on the banks of the Great Rufiji River in the Selous Game Reserve. Spectacular sunsets are chorused by hippos grunting and a plethora of bird song. The camp is seasonal and is closed for the months of April and May. Rufiji River Camp was redesigned in 2009 to compliment the perfect…
Vote NowSeba Camp, Okavango
Why we like it: Children and family-friendly; Beautiful location and setting with lagoon views; Excellent Delta game-viewing
Seba Camp, blending beautifully into the ancient riverine forest of majestic hardwood trees, is situated in the diverse and productive Abu Concession in Botswana's Okavango Delta. Overlooking a perennial lagoon with prolific birdlife and visiting pods of hippo, the camp has eight well-appointed, spacious tents elevated from the ground, each with an en-suite bathroom and a private deck with magnificent…
Vote NowThe Bush House, Madikwe
Why we like it: Great value lodge, Malaria free Big 5 game reserve near Johannesburg and Pretoria
The Bush House is found in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa. It is owner-managed lodge and is one of the original farmhouses in the area. The lodge is a home in the bush: it allows guests to feel part of the family. Enjoy delicious meals and South African wines in the Boma under inky skies and the…
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