Family vacations

Where to Stay for a Family Safari

Discover some of our favorite family and child-friendly safari stays across Africa.

By Vanessa Dean

Head of Product & Experience

Published February 25, 2026 Read time 6 minutes

Choosing the right lodge for a family safari is a make or break decision.

The difference between a safari that simply accommodates children and one that genuinely excites them often comes down to where you stay. Child-friendly lodges will take children into consideration in every aspect: the guiding style, the space, the flexibility, the atmosphere and so on.

At Mahlatini, we work with properties across Africa that understand the ins and outs of family travel. These are lodges we trust with our clients’ children and in many cases, would choose for our own families.

Here are some of our favorite family-friendly safari stays across the key destinations in our portfolio.

South Africa

South Africa remains one of the most reliable destinations for families, particularly for first-time safari travelers or those with younger children.

Marataba Safari Lodge, Waterberg

safari tented suite bedroom — *Tented suite, Marataba Safari Lodge*

Set within a malaria-free reserve, Marataba has strong Big Five viewing and a relaxed approach to family travel. Their dedicated Mack & Madi Kids’ Adventure Safari activities encourage learning without overwhelming younger guests, making it a great all-rounder for families.

Lion Sands River Lodge, Sabi Sands

lodge accommodation with a pool — *Suite with deck and pool, Lion Sands River Lodge*

The beautiful family suites and flexible guiding make this a standout for multi-generational travel. The ability to tailor game drives around children’s stamina levels makes a real difference. Enhance your Lion Sands experience by spending a night in Chalkley Treehouse, a secure, completely private and lavish platform built around a majestic 500-year-old Leadwood Tree.

South Africa works particularly well when your family wants:

Excellent wildlife with minimal travel time
High comfort levels
A balance between safari and city (Cape Town combines really well)

For more on malaria-free options, see The Best Malaria-Free Safaris for Families.

Kenya

Kenya’s private conservancies are particularly well suited to families with children aged six and above.

Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp, Mara North Conservancy

family safari tent — *Family tent, Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp*

Elephant Pepper Camp is a classic tented camp with a strong guiding culture and great conservancy benefits, such as fewer vehicles, lots of space, greater flexibility, and a more personal safari feel. In season you will have the opportunity to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration.

House in the Wild, Enonkishu Conservancy

safari suite with two single beds — *Olerai suite, House in the Wild*

House in the Wild is an excellent option for families seeking space and privacy. The setting feels relaxed and informal while maintaining high standards. It’s the perfect spot to take a bike ride with the family over the Emarti bridge and into the village.

Kenya works well when:

You want flexibility (walking, night drives, varied activities)
You prefer lower vehicle density
You value characterful camps

Tanzania

Tanzania’s Serengeti offers some of Africa’s most recognisable safari scenery. It tends to suit families with slightly older children comfortable with longer drives.

Asilia Sayari Camp, Northern Serengeti

Sayari is beautifully positioned for migration season and well suited to families with older children who can appreciate the spectacle. They also have incredibly strong guiding and excellent wildlife access.

Asilia Oliver’s Camp, Tarangire

lantern lit deck with a dinner table under trees — *Dinner on the terrace under a Baobab tree, Asilia Oliver's Camp*

In the quieter southern circuit, Oliver’s Camp offers walking safaris, stargazing, hot air balloon safaris and fabulous night drives. Oliver's retains a real back-to-basics bush camp feel with a luxurious edge. The tents all overlook a floodplain which can be enjoyed from the private deck, the perfect place to sit with your family and enjoy the stillness and serenity of the African bush.

Tanzania is particularly compelling when:

The Serengeti is central to your trip
You want scale and drama
You are combining safari with Zanzibar

Botswana

Botswana’s exclusivity and private concessions make it exceptional, but minimum age restrictions mean it suits families with older children best.

Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge, Okavango Delta

safari lodge suite veranda — *Family suite veranda, Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge*

Sandibe is set within a private concession and as a result, this lodge offers very strong wildlife viewing and a great sense of privacy that works well for older families. The lodge’s suites are raised above the papyrus-lined banks like golden weaver nests, each with Delta views, a private plunge pool and cozy fireplace.

Jao Camp, Okavango Delta

Firepit area in Botswana — *Firepit area, Jao Camp*

Jao Camp is located on an island, surrounded by riverine forests and vast floodplains within Botswana’s Okavango Delta. The Camps water-based activities and high-end accommodation combine well for teenagers and multi-generational groups.

Botswana is ideal when:

Privacy is paramount
Your children are comfortable with longer safari days
You want a more remote, refined experience

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is often overlooked for family travel, but for families with children aged eight and above, it can be exceptional.

Somalisa Acacia, Hwange National Park

kids in a swimming pool at a safari camp with an elephant in the background — *Swimming pool, Somalisa Acacia*

A more intimate, family-friendly option within Hwange with strong guiding and a relaxed atmosphere. Big game often frequent Somalisa Acacia’s private waterhole, with elephant and buffalo frequently paying a visit.

Nyamatusi Mahogany, Mana Pools

open plan bedroom and deck with a pool at a safari lodge — Suite with private deck and pool, Nyamatusi Mahogany

Situated in the heart of Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park, Nyamatusi Mahogany is one of the few Mana properties that offers an amazing family wilderness experience. A big plus is the river access.

Zimbabwe suits families who:

Value strong guiding
Want fewer crowds
Appreciate a more natural, less commercialized safari feel

How to choose the right lodge

kids observing an elephant from a safari camp deck — *Elephant sighting, Somalisa Acacia*

Rather than asking “Which country?”, we encourage families to consider:

The ages of your children
How long can they comfortably spend on a game drive
Whether or not you want private-use accommodation
Whether it is important your safari is malaria-free or not
If you’d like to combine your safari with the coast or a city

If you are travelling with very young children, our guide to Where to Go on a Luxury Family Safari with Kids Under 6 may help refine options.

For children aged six to twelve, see Best Places to Go on a Luxury Family Safari with Children Aged 6–12.

For extended family groups, our blog on How to Plan a Multigenerational Family Safari explores accommodation considerations in more detail.

Planning your family safari with Mahlatini

picnic breakfast along a river on safari — *Bush breakfast with Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge*

The properties above are not simply “family friendly”. They are lodges we have vetted carefully and return to consistently for families travelling with us.

Choosing the right lodge requires more than scanning a brochure. Seasonality, guiding culture, camp layout and atmosphere all influence the experience.

If you are planning a family safari, speak to one of our Travel Experts. We will recommend properties genuinely suited to your children and shape the journey around how your family prefers to travel. You can explore our Family Safaris page or begin shaping ideas through our Trip Planner.

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