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A family safari is the perfect environment to reconnect in beautiful surroundings and explore new life experiences together. From malaria free safaris in South Africa to Maasai training for your little warriors, we have picked our top 10 of the many reasons a safari is the ultimate family getaway.
1. A Family Holiday With Minimal Time Difference
Safaris in South and East Africa are 1 – 3 hours + GMT. The minimal time difference for European travellers means little disruption to a child's routine and less jet lag to battle when you get there and when you return home.
2. Beautiful Destinations
Africa's vast landscapes offer stunning destinations for family safaris. From the iconic Serengeti plains of Tanzania, famously known for the wildebeest migration, to the diverse ecosystems of the Kruger National Park in South Africa, home to the Big 5, there's something to captivate every family member. Botswana's Okavango Delta provides a unique experience with its intricate network of waterways and lush vegetation. For those seeking a more remote and intimate safari, Namibia's Etosha National Park offers vast salt pans and abundant wildlife, while Zambia's Lower Zambezi National Park boasts breathtaking landscapes and encounters with hippos and crocodiles.
3. Perfect Weather
Some African countries, like South Africa, experience quite warm and dry winters which makes travelling between the months of June and August coincide nicely with school holidays. Perfect for families! The beautiful KwaZulu Natal province tops the list as the best place to stay during the winter months due to its year round warm temperatures. With so much to offer families, this amazing place offers interaction with Zulu culture, incredible scenery, mesmerising game reserves and excellent swimming beaches.
4. Safe for Children
South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania have hosted tourism for many years. Mahlatini lodges are safe and have all the facilities parents could want when travelling with children. Safari vehicles with experienced safari guides allow for safe encounters with animals in their natural habitat.
5. Lots of Entertainment for Children
Outside of the daily game drives, many African safari lodges and hotels offer interactive kid’s activities tailored to the heritage and environment of the camp. Expeditions may involve activities such as tracking or fishing, making traditional bows and arrows, crafting and painting, as well as fun in the lodge garden or kitchen. On a Kenyan safari for example, they may learn tribe secrets from a local Maasai warrior or make traditional beaded necklaces alongside the Maasai women.
6. Incredible Family Accommodation
Some lodges offer spacious family rooms with separate adult and children bedrooms, meaning the family can all be together but there is still space and privacy for parents to enjoy some downtime after the children go to sleep. The two bedroom family suites at Singita Ebony Lodge even boast their own private plunge pool and a living area with a fireplace. Some lodges, like Cottar's 1920s Camp, have generous sized private villas which are perfect for large extended or skip-gen families to all enjoy a life-changing experience together across the generations.
7. Malaria-Free Safari
South Africa is a top destination for families wanting to go on safari as they have ‘malaria free areas, meaning parents don't have to worry about malaria medication. Co-founder Greg Fox also suggests South Africa's Eastern Cape to Conde Nast Traveller readers for a family safari as it can be more budget friendly.
8. Unique Educational experiences
Many African safari lodges and hotels cater for children offering unique educational experiences giving them incredible insight into Africa's traditional cultures and beautiful wildlife. Some activities include going on game drives to witness a lion stalking its prey, learning the secrets of the Maasai Mara from a mighty Maasai warrior and discovering how to create fire using just wood and stone.
9. Quality Family Time
Evenings on safari are fantastic. Sitting around a fire (albeit in spectacular luxury) surrounded by starry night skies, whilst the children toast marshmallows and drink hot chocolate before bedtime. The perfect time to catch up on the days activities.
10. Safari and Beach Combination
A great way to end safari is with a beach break. The beach compliments safaris perfectly with more fun-filled action on offer and downtime for the adults. Take to crystal clear waters to try your hand at a range of water sports and enjoy the many child friendly facilities provided. The Indian Ocean is a perfect combination providing extremely family friendly service, kids clubs and the usual blend of entertainment. The Belle Mare Plage is a Mahlatini favourite for families in Mauritius, with the family villas being a particularly great way to enjoy some beach time after the excitement of a safari creating the ultimate family safari and beach holiday.
Experiencing a safari with your family creates lasting and unforgettable memories. If you’re ready to go on your next luxury family safari, contact our Travel Experts today and they will create a family safari holiday personalised to you.
