Unforgettable wildlife encounters, star-filled skies, and unique cultural experiences are just the beginning of what awaits in Africa. There is endless potential for incredible memories to be made with your family on a safari adventure, whether deep in the wilderness or on a coastal retreat. This post will guide you through the must-know details to plan the best family African safari.
Where to stay in Africa: Hotels and camps
Due to the different safari experiences, you’ll find a selection of accommodation options that vary based on location. Knowing these terms will help you determine the best location for your family’s African safari.
City hotels
These are traditional hotels found in larger cities like Cape Town or Johannesburg. You’ll find many of the expected amenities and experiences at these properties.
Chalet camp
A type of safari camp, these properties consist of a collection of freestanding, self-contained suites. These properties offer a comfortable and private stay experience within a larger camp setting, often including pools, dining areas, and en-suite bathrooms. You’ll find these in more remote locations with plenty of wilderness around for an intimate setting.
Tented camp
Despite the more rustic experience that the name suggests, tented camps are quite luxurious. These tents are freestanding units made of high-quality canvas on permanent foundations, oftentimes with multiple rooms and amenities you’d find at a traditional lodge.
Mobile camp
As the name suggests, these camps travel to several destinations as the seasons change, oftentimes following the Great Migration (the world’s largest migration of land animals). While you spend your days on guided safaris and wildlife viewings, the camp crew will move your luxury camp to the next location. You can expect these camps to move locations every 2-3 days. Due to the temporary nature of these camps, most will have bucket showers and flushing toilets.
Bush camp
If you’re looking for a more remote and immersive experience, bush camps are the accommodation for you. Due to their close proximity to wildlife, these permanent camps are often only reachable by plane and have fewer amenities since they largely rely on solar power. You can expect open-air bathrooms (including showers, bucket or running, and flushing toilets).
Fly camp
These camps are connected to the larger main property and offer a private experience. Usually set up at some distance from the central facilities, these camps typically include a campfire-cooked meal and an evening spent under the stars.
Packing for your family safari in Africa
Since many camps require charter flights on smaller aircraft, packing and weight limitations are vital. While the exact weight restrictions will vary from plane to plane, luggage structure restrictions apply across all light aircraft transfers in Africa.
Luggage restrictions to keep in mind
- Use only soft bags with a flexible structure, like duffle bags (no hardside luggage!)
- In order to fit within the small cargo hold, dimensions must not exceed 24in long x 10in wide x 12in high
- Bags without wheels are preferred. However, wheels are allowed so long as there are no rigid frames!
Our favorite duffel bag (that fits perfectly within these guidelines) has to be the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 40L. Durable, lightweight, and flexible, these duffel bags are the perfect size and can fit more than you think.
The best countries for family African safaris
Africa is a vast and diverse continent, so there is no singular best region for safaris. The best region will depend entirely on your family’s interests and needs. The key to the best experience possible is simply knowing what you and your family want to see and how you want it to feel. A good travel advisor will match you to the best experience for your family (that’s where we come in!) Inquire to start planning your family African safari here.
For now, here is a list of five locations with incredible experiences to get you started.
- South Africa
With a wide variety of options, this popular destination is ideal for first-time safari families. You’ll find world-class infrastructure and amenities with close proximity to international hubs like Cape Town. Here, you can cover wildlife, beach days, wine country, and metropolitan luxuries all in one trip. We recommend a safari through Kruger National Park for wildlife lovers, while culinary travelers can take a wine-tasting tour on horseback in the Cape Winelands.
When to visit
This destination is great year-round, though the high season is November through April, while the best time for wildlife viewing is June through October.
Where to stay
- Ellerman House – a luxury boutique hotel in Cape Town, adorned with local art and breathtaking ocean views
- Londolozi – a private high-end game reserve established in 1926 with multiple camp options and luxury amenities
- Phinda Vlei Lodge – set on the edge of a sand forest, this private game reserve offers intimate, luxurious accommodations
- Kenya
You’ll find the quintessential safari feeling in Kenya — endless plains, dramatic crossings, and local culture. Family-friendly accommodations and activities are easy to come by here, too. Memorable experiences here include hot air balloon rides over the Masai Mara Plains and visits with baby elephants at the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center.
When to visit
The best game viewing without the crowds happens from November to March. However, the peak travel time for the Great Migration is July through September.
Where to stay
- Angama Amboseli – a safari lodge with just 10 guest suites and a contemporary take on African design
- Lewa Wilderness – on 65,000 acres of pristine wilderness with one of the strongest rhinoceros populations in Kenya
- Loisaba Loda Springs – an intimate experience with a dedicated local guide for each suite
- Namibia
This destination is our favorite for incredible landscapes, dazzling stargazing, and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Although you won’t find as much of the traditional safari wildlife here, the towering sand dunes, vast deserts, and shipwrecked coastlines are perfect for curious kids and adventurous families. We recommend cruising Walvis Bay to see the playful fur seals and dolphins, or exploring the iconic red sand dunes in the Namib Desert.
When to visit
May through October is the best time to visit Namibia, with wildlife activity growing starting in July.
Where to stay
- Shipwreck Lodge – the only accommodation on the famous Skeleton Coast with sweeping views of the Atlantic
- Onguma Camp Kala – lodging centered around a busy watering hole in the Onguma Nature Reserve with game drives and luxury amenities
- Little Kulala – private suites overlooking the Namib Sand Sea World Heritage Site, the world’s oldest desert
- Zambia
With some of the most authentic, unspoiled safari experiences on the continent, Zambia may be Africa’s best-kept secret. Your family will love the plethora of safari options, including game drives, boat safaris, and short walking safaris. While you’re here, take a dip in Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls and or go whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River.
When to visit
If you love water activities, the best time to go is April and May. However, you’ll find the best wildlife viewing in August through October.
Where to stay
- Thorntree River Lodge – a family-friendly lodge with incredible service and breathtaking wildlife experiences
- Chiawa Camp – slow-paced atmosphere with luxury amenities on the banks of the Zambezi River
- Puku Ridge – a luxury tented safari camp in the South Luangwa National Park, the only park in Zambia where you can see black rhino
- Mozambique
The best coastal palette cleanser after days spent among the dust of safari, Mozambique’s powder-soft sand, and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean offer a cooling respite. Families can trade game drives for sailing and snorkeling along coral reefs. With fewer crowds than neighboring destinations, whale watching is incredible during peak migration season.
When to visit
Moderate temperatures are consistent from March through May (for a more comfortable visit), while the best whale watching happens from June through October.
Where to stay
- andBeyond Benguerra Island – an offshore paradise with a range of accommodation and activity options for couples and families
- Azura Benguerra – this boutique resort was hand-built by the local community with luxury amenities and local flair
- White Pearl Resorts – an intimate property with 22 suites and a selection of private villas
Has one of these family African safari locations caught your eye?
As luxury travel planners, we love the diverse and unique experiences found in Africa for families and couples. If you feel drawn to one of these locations, send us an inquiry and we’ll plan something unforgettable for you.
