11 Best Family-Friendly African Safari Destinations for Kids

May 4, 2025
Adventure In The Wild Travel Stories & Deals

best family friendly safaris

11 Best Places for an African Safari with Kids

Planning an African safari with kids doesn’t mean sacrificing excitement for safety or luxury for logistics. From malaria-free reserves to coastal cities with wildlife day trips, Africa offers numerous family-friendly destinations that combine adventure, comfort, and child-approved activities. Here’s where to go for the ultimate safari vacation with your little explorers.

1. Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe & Zambia

Victoria Falls, known as “The Smoke That Thunders,” is one of Africa’s most awe-inspiring landmarks and a magical introduction to the continent for kids. Straddling Zimbabwe and Zambia, the falls offer more than just views—families can enjoy boat cruises, scenic walks, and age-appropriate adventure activities.

Older children will love visiting the Victoria Falls Bridge, while wildlife cruises along the Zambezi River offer thrilling animal encounters in a safe and relaxing setting.

Why it’s Great for Kids:

Easy access to the falls with safe, well-maintained trails
Boat cruises and gentle safari excursions
Family-friendly lodges with pools and educational programs

2. Cape Town & Surrounds – South Africa

With its beaches, mountains, and penguins, Cape Town is an excellent base for a soft African safari experience with kids. Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium, take the cable car up Table Mountain, or explore the penguin colony at Boulders Beach.

Nearby wildlife experiences include cheetah outreach centers, ostrich farms, and the Cape Point Nature Reserve, making this a great start for families wanting urban amenities and nature in one trip.

Why it’s Great for Kids:

Plenty of non-safari activities and safe infrastructure
Short, manageable wildlife excursions
Perfect for multi-generational travel

3. Garden Route – South Africa

The Garden Route is a scenic stretch of South Africa’s southern coastline that offers a self-drive family adventure with easy roads, frequent stops, and malaria-free wildlife parks. Destinations like Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and Tsitsikamma offer forest hikes, animal sanctuaries, and treetop canopy tours.

For a gentle safari experience, families can visit the Garden Route Game Lodge or other private reserves that cater to children.

Why it’s Great for Kids:

Malaria-free and easily navigated by car
Many attractions are suited to younger travelers
Flexible pacing for families with toddlers or teens

4. Addo Elephant Park & Gqeberha – Eastern Cape

Just a short drive from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Addo Elephant National Park is a family favorite. As one of South Africa’s malaria-free Big Five reserves, Addo offers self-drive and guided safari options ideal for younger children.

Nearby beaches and marine attractions—like dolphin and whale watching—make it easy to combine game viewing with relaxing downtime.

Why it’s Great for Kids:

Easy wildlife viewing in a malaria-free region
Short travel distances from coast to park
Budget- and luxury-friendly accommodation options

5. Pilanesberg National Park – South Africa

Located just 2.5 hours from Johannesburg, Pilanesberg is ideal for families who want a short, affordable safari experience without the hassle of long travel or malaria zones. The park is home to the Big Five and can be explored on game drives or from child-friendly hides and viewing decks.

Nearby Sun City adds a splash of fun with water parks, entertainment, and family resorts.

Why it’s Great for Kids:

Short drive from major international airport
Family-friendly lodges with pools and kids’ menus
No malaria precautions needed

6. Kruger National Park – South Africa

South Africa’s flagship park, Kruger National Park, offers unforgettable wildlife experiences with a range of family-friendly accommodation. While some areas carry malaria risk, many private reserves on the park’s western border are well-equipped for families with kids of all ages.

Look for lodges that offer junior ranger programs, childminding services, and special kids’ game drives to keep everyone engaged.

Why it’s Great for Kids:

Top-tier game viewing with accessible roads
Educational activities and kids’ clubs in family lodges
Flexible options from self-drive to luxury safari

Explore Related Blogs:

7. Tswalu Kalahari – South Africa

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve is South Africa’s largest private game reserve and a standout choice for luxury family safaris. Located in a malaria-free area, it offers a truly exclusive experience with private guides, flexible schedules, and wide-open desert scenery.

Kids can track meerkats with scientists, join cooking classes, or ride horses alongside zebras. With only a few lodges on the entire reserve, you’ll enjoy privacy and bespoke activities for every age.

Why it’s Great for Kids:

Fully customizable family safari programs
Malaria-free desert landscapes with unique species
Educational experiences in a conservation-focused setting

8. Etosha National Park – Namibia

Etosha National Park in Namibia is well-suited for family road trips and first-time safaris with children. Its flat terrain and large salt pans make wildlife easy to spot, especially at waterholes where animals gather in the dry season.

Self-drive options and fenced camps with swimming pools and restaurants make it simple to create your own itinerary with minimal logistics. Etosha is also malaria-free for most of the year.

Why it’s Great for Kids:

Easy-to-spot wildlife at waterholes
Safe, budget-friendly fenced rest camps
Self-drive flexibility for family routines

9. Serengeti National Park – Tanzania

For families with older children, the Serengeti delivers the ultimate African safari spectacle. Home to the Great Migration, it offers thrilling wildlife encounters and the chance to see lions, cheetahs, and elephants in vast open plains.

Some lodges now cater to families with connecting rooms, child-focused guides, and short game drives for younger explorers. Consider pairing with a cultural visit to a Maasai village for added enrichment.

Why it’s Great for Kids:

Incredible wildlife viewing and photo opportunities
Family-oriented lodges and private game drives
Cultural learning and safari education for teens

10. Tarangire National Park – Tanzania

Often overshadowed by Serengeti and Ngorongoro, Tarangire is a gem for family safaris in northern Tanzania. Its baobab-dotted landscape and elephant herds make for exciting, child-friendly game drives with less travel time and fewer tourists.

Some lodges offer walking safaris, family tents, and nature-themed activities, making it ideal for families wanting a quieter pace with big rewards.

Why it’s Great for Kids:

Shorter drives and fewer crowds
Large elephant populations and birdlife
Great introductory park for younger kids

11. Lake Naivasha & Crescent Island – Kenya

For a relaxed and interactive safari, Lake Naivasha and nearby Crescent Island in Kenya offer unique boat and walking safaris perfect for younger kids. Here, you can walk safely among giraffes, zebras, and antelope in a predator-free setting.

Combine it with visits to Hell’s Gate National Park for cycling among geothermal cliffs or pair with Nairobi’s giraffe center and elephant orphanage for a full family itinerary.

Why it’s Great for Kids:

Safe, guided walking and boat safaris
Fun, interactive wildlife experiences
Close to Nairobi for easy travel access

Explore Related Blogs:

Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife trip or an easy introduction to the African bush, these best family safari destinations balance safety, fun, and unforgettable experiences. With the right planning, Africa becomes the ultimate outdoor classroom for curious young travelers.