Family safaris are exciting and educational adventures designed to provide children with a unique opportunity to experience the wonders of the natural world. They're safe, fun, and educational for kids of all ages. 

The trick to getting a fantastic family safari is using an operator and agent like Luxury Focus Safaris who know the camps and lodges they work with intimately, understanding which destinations are the best for your family's needs. We have more than 30 years' experience in the safari industry so understand how to combine suitable lodges and camps on a family itinerary that's going to give you the vacation you need and your children the adventure they crave.

Many lodges and camps don't accept children under a certain age or require you to take a private vehicle if you have small kids. This is where our expertise comes into play because we know and work with the safari brands that excel at creating safari adventures for children of all ages. 

Let's just qualify what "all ages" actually means. We wouldn't recommend a safari in a remote, unfenced wilderness camp to families with children under four years of age. But we would, for example, recommend a vacation in South Africa taking in Cape Town, Greater Kruger National Park region and Panorama Route with a few days on the coast, perhaps? 

The camps and lodges we use on our family friendly itineraries all offer family specific accommodation with room for children to share with parents either in a purpose-designed two-bedroom family suite or in adjoining suites, often with their own swimming pools and lounge facilities. 

Of course, taking your children into the African wilderness on safari is one of the best ways to broaden their minds and show them the iconic wildlife species they usually only see on television, introducing them to conservation and the importance of protecting endangered species and the planet's wild places. 

As parents, you will soon appreciate what an amazing teacher the African bush is, and when you see your kids ditch their smartphones and tablets in favour of learning about animal tracks, making pizzas, and even identifying poop you'll realise you've done the right thing bringing them to Africa!

The primary focus of a family safari is to introduce children to the incredible diversity of wildlife that exists in natural habitats. Safaris offer opportunities to see animals like lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and many more in their natural environment. 

Safaris provide an excellent educational experience for kids. Knowledgeable guides share information about animals, their behavior, and the ecosystems they inhabit. Children can learn about the importance of wildlife conservation and the role they can play in protecting the environment.

Safety and appropriate activities are top priorities on family safaris. Guides are trained to ensure the safety of all participants and often provide age-appropriate activities and experiences for children. Younger kids might enjoy shorter game drives, for example, while older children and teenagers can participate in more extended adventures.

Guides also prepare children for the safari experience, both in terms of the wildlife they will encounter and the remote environments they will be in. Educating them about safety, animal behavior, and the importance of conservation can enhance their safari experience.

In addition to wildlife encounters, family safaris may include cultural experiences, such as visits to local villages and interactions with indigenous communities, providing children with a broader perspective of the destination.

There are numerous fantastic destinations in Africa for family safaris, each offering its unique wildlife and cultural experiences. When choosing a destination for your family safari, we consider the age of your children, your budget, and the type of wildlife and activities you're most interested in. Here are some great destinations we recommend:

Kenya

Kenya is a classic safari destination and an excellent choice for families. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is famous for its wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros). You can also visit family-friendly conservancies and enjoy cultural interactions with the Maasai people.

Tanzania

Tanzania offers the iconic Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, known for their incredible wildlife migrations and dense populations of animals. Tarangire National Park is another excellent option, known for its large elephant herds.

South Africa

South Africa provides a wide range of family-friendly safari experiences. Kruger National Park is a popular choice, with a variety of accommodation and wildlife viewing opportunities. The Eastern Cape is known for its malaria-free game reserves suitable for families with young children.

Botswana

Botswana is renowned for its pristine wilderness areas and abundant wildlife. The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers unique opportunities for water-based safaris like canoeing and mokoro rides.

Namibia

Namibia's desert landscapes and unique wildlife make it an intriguing destination for families. Visit Etosha National Park to see diverse wildlife around its waterholes, and explore the stunning landscapes of the Namib Desert, including the famous dunes of Sossusvlei.

Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe is known for its vast herds of elephants and diverse wildlife. It's a great destination for a more off-the-beaten-path family safari experience. Combine it with Victoria Falls and you have a family winner!

Zambia

Zambia offers superb walking safaris, a unique way for families to explore the wilderness while getting up close to the wildlife. South Luangwa National Park and the Lower Zambezi National Park are popular choices for this type of safari.

So please chat to us about a family safari and let's start planning a fabulous African adventure!