Club Cult of Africa
TOURS TO SOUTH AFRICA, ZAMBIA, ZIMBABWE, NAMIBIA, TANZANIA, KENYA
FAMILY TOURS:
TOURS TO AFRICA WITH CHILDREN
On this page, youll find popular family tour programs that our clients have taken. These tours are tailored to each family, taking into account their preferences, number of days, and budget. Each tour includes the family size and price. You can use these as a template and tailor them to your needs. If you liked any of the tours, but your family size and childrens ages differ, please email us or call us, and well quickly calculate a tailored price for you. All prices are approximate, vary by season, and are confirmed on a case-by-case basis upon request.
Planning an African safari with kids? Everything you need to know is HERE.
Going on an African safari with children is a great idea, and if you approach it correctly, youll have the best vacation of your life. From experience, we know that many people would love to go, but questions arise: is it safe to take small children on safari, what is the minimum age, and other questions. We answer the most common ones.
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At what age can children be taken on safari and for how many days without getting tired?
Some lodges accept children ages 0+, but these are more geared toward domestic tourists. Wed consider the lower age limit to be 3-4 years. At this age, children can already recognize the animals they see and generally understand whats going on, and parents can easily supervise them while still enjoying a relaxing time, with their child playing in the kids club or participating in the junior ranger program at the hotel. At this age, we recommend including a three-night safari in the program, complementing other sightseeing attractions and ocean recreation. Starting at 5-6 years old, the safari portion of the trip can be increased. As children grow older, they develop new interests, and the safari becomes a true adventure. However, dont get carried away, as a safari is quite an active undertaking, with early mornings, occasional travel, and searching for animals, which, in large doses, can be tiring even for adults. Therefore, its always a good idea to break up a 6-7-day safari with a break by the ocean or a stop in a beautiful, comfortable place where you dont have to move around much, such as Cape Town or Victoria Falls.
Best places to travel in Africa with children
- In terms of comfort and convenience, South Africa is number one with children . There are no long journeys, most parks are malaria-free, and vaccinations are not required. The country boasts excellent infrastructure throughout, and hotels and lodges offer European-level service. The landscapes are diverse and the wildlife is abundant, yet civilization is close by and theres always a connection to the outside world. Private reserves are not overcrowded with tourist vehicles, offering an exclusive, though not cheap, experience. Affordable alternatives are always available in state-run national parks. Safari vehicles are open, so not all game drives accept children under 6. Therefore, its important to choose a lodge thats suitable for a family vacation, taking into account the ages of the children. If you prefer self-drive travel, South Africa and Namibia are definitely suitable. The climate is mild, requiring little adaptation. South Africa is a convenient combination with Victoria Falls and Botswana. Holidays on the beaches of South Africa are unique, so they can be combined with Mozambique and Mauritius.
- Next are Kenya and Tanzania. The advantage here is that you can take a personalized program with a driver-guide, and there are no age restrictions because a special safari vehicle with a guide is assigned to the family for the entire safari period. Traveling to these countries includes safaris in 2-4 parks, followed by relaxation on the warm Indian Ocean. Exclusive safaris can be arranged in private concessions, while in national parks there are quite a few vehicles with tourists. If you don't choose an air safari, be prepared for transfers between parks lasting 2.5 – 4.5 hours. The roads are not paved everywhere and can be quite bumpy, but the surrounding nature is very beautiful and wild.
- If you are looking for something truly special, then a safari in Botswana and a journey through Namibia is just what you need. Namibia offers landscapes, deserts, the Atlantic, tribes, and safaris. There is a wide selection of comfortable hotels. If you are seeking a vacation that meets the highest standards, the country has luxurious hotels and lodges, and a well-developed private aviation sector. Botswana will also amaze anyone with its natural beauty and wildlife combined with exclusive service in lodges and camps, many of which can be considered benchmarks of luxury. The Kalahari, Okavango, and Makgadikgadi are the last untouched islands of wildlife on the planet, and traveling here means completely disconnecting from the outside world and civilization.
- Zambia and Zimbabwe, in addition to Victoria Falls, attract true safari enthusiasts with their rich national parks, where there are still very few tourists, so the nature remains pristine. But be prepared to fly, as the locations are far from each other.
Can you take children on a safari trip?
The short answer is yes.
Now lets explain in more detail why.
- Going on safari with children is easy, educational and fun.
- Seeing African animals up close in their natural habitat on safari is an unforgettable experience, not only for children but also for parents.
- This helps children gain a better understanding of conservation by seeing these beautiful animals on safari.
- Watching an African sunset and falling asleep to the sounds of a lions roar is an experience unlike any other youve ever had.
When choosing a safari, its important to make sure the lodge youre looking for is child-friendly. Were not just talking about family rooms. If they dont allow children on game drives or dont offer babysitting services, you wont be able to enjoy it yourself.
Our tips for planning a family trip to Africa, including a safari
• Try to avoid long journeys; its better to replace them with flights. A flight on a small plane is a real adventure and a thrill for a child.
• Choose private reserves and lodges and tailor-made safaris. State parks have many rules and restrictions. In private concessions, youll appreciate the freedom from your very first game drive. Besides the animals, the safari guide will point out even the smallest details, so children dont get bored even for a minute during the monotonous drive. Theyll find them a chameleon, a turtle, a bug, or a birds nest. Touching something is more interesting than just seeing it.
If you need help from an expert on family travel to Africa, contact us! Well recommend countries for your first family safari and lodges based on the ages of your children. Age restrictions vary, and this information isnt always readily available.
Is a safari with kids expensive?
Its impossible to cover every lodge in one review, so we offer the most attractive options in various price ranges, tailored to family vacation needs (spacious family rooms, villas, the ability to watch animals directly from the hotel, a swimming pool, childrens programs, and play areas). You can find even more options on our website or schedule a personal consultation with one of our specialists.
A safari is inherently more expensive than a beach or city vacation. Typically, if you choose a prime lodge location within a game reserve, the price will include accommodation and three meals a day (since there are no restaurants nearby). Drinks are almost always included at private lodges, and almost all include two game drives from the lodge (morning and afternoon), as well as a park entrance fee, which in some reserves can reach up to $90 per person. If your budget is flexible, choose private game reserves; youll never regret your stay. Youll receive luxurious service down to the last detail, ultra-exclusive rooms designed by the worlds best designers, top guides, and an unparalleled immersion experience in the wild.
What to take on safari
- T-shirt + shirt + vest; a hood or hat would be a good idea in the winter months
- sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, and mosquito repellent spray, especially if you are in an open vehicle.
- Binoculars to help spot animals. Kids love them, and theyre better than any toy. They dont necessarily have to be specifically childrens binoculars; a universal, lightweight pair will do. Youll be amazed at how much more attention theyll pay to the safari.
- a camera with a decent zoom lens.
- Closed shoes in case you are going on a walking safari.