Take the kids to Africa for a family vacation

Set out on an adventure of a lifetime with a family trip to Africa. Given the chance to see their favorite wild animals, many children would leap at the opportunity to go on safari on this continent. Imagine your little ones (whether tots or teens) buzzing with excitement at seeing a real-life lion in Kruger National Park, or the unforgettable memories of sharing stories under Botswana’s clear, starry skies. There’s so much scope for varied and unique African family vacations, and the travel opportunities are almost endless, with many destinations offering activities perfect for children. Researching and knowing where to start can be a bumpy ride, so we’re here to help you prepare for exploring Africa with kids and enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

10 top African destinations for multigenerational families

Africa‘s physical geography is incredibly varied, meaning there are many ways to experience this incredible continent. Take a look at our ideas below for fun for the entire family in Africa. These are just a few suggestions to get you started; when you’re ready to get in touch with them, our local experts are able to help you dive even deeper, and plan an itinerary that suits every member of your family.

1. Malawi: Lake Malawi, Liwonde National Park, and Majete Wildlife Reserve

Malawi‘s variety is endless, making it an excellent destination for families who like to mix it up and do something a bit different every day. The country offers a fantastic combination of culture, nature, and adventure, with many options for the active family to enjoy. Highlights include 4×4 rides, walking safaris, cultural insight at the YODEP ecotourism community, and tea tasting at the Satemwa tea plantation.

Lake Malawi, also aptly known as the Calendar Lake, is 365 miles (587.4km) long and 52 miles (83.6km) wide, just like the days and weeks in a year. The clear waters and biodiversity make it popular for fun activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking. Liwonde National Park and the Majete Wildlife Reserve are ideal for family safaris and spotting elephants, kudu, zebras, and more.

Best time to visit Malawi

Visit Malawi during the dry season from May to October for clear skies, cooler temperatures, and easier wildlife spotting. Lake Malawi’s waters are also clear, making it perfect for swimming and underwater adventures.

2. South Africa: Kruger National Park, Cape Town, and the Cape Winelands

There’s a lot to see on a South Africa family vacation, whether you’re hoping to spot African penguins at Boulders Beach in Cape Town or stop for a picnic in the Cape Winelands. Play a game of I Spy on a South African safari, looking out for the Big Five in Kruger National Park for an unforgettable family adventure.

Explore wildlife sanctuaries and wetlands, and continually learn about South African culture on this memorable family trip. Perhaps your family will enjoy the opportunity to get to know the elephants at Manyoni; or maybe, marveling at crocs and hippos from your boat tour of the Saint Lucia Estuary will be your favorite experience?

Whichever your kids love best, you will learn all about the wildlife of the area and take home some very special memories of Africa.

Best time to visit South Africa

South Africa is one of our top five destinations for family fun at almost any time of the year, but where you go in the country depends on your interests. May to October is ideal for wildlife encounters, while Cape Town is best enjoyed between November and March. From June to November, you are most likely to see whale sightings off the Cape South Coast.

3. Ghana: Kakum National Park, family safaris, and Ashanti culture

This wonderfully friendly West African country is a delight, and our local experts can put together some great experiences for the whole family to relish together. A Ghana tour allows a close-up look at local life, an incredibly powerful learning experience for adults and children alike.

Every day is different, with opportunities for guided family safari walks in Kakum National Park, waterfall hiking, and witnessing how farmers cultivate their land. Why not stop by a local Ashanti culture craft store and join in with bead-making or weaving? There’s no end to the learning possibilities on this cultural immersion vacation!

Best time to visit Ghana

The dry season in Ghana is from November to March, during which you’ll find comfortable weather, less rain, and lower humidity. It is a great time to see wildlife in national parks, hike, and swim at the beach.

4. Botswana: Chobe National Park, Lion Park Resort, and the Okavango Delta

Botswana is a mesmerizing country that will have the kids ooh-ing and ahh-ing the whole trip. Witness the stunning landscapes of Chobe National Park as you make educational wildlife encounters: spot huge elephant herds, hippos, leopards, lions, crocodiles, and so much more.

Another wonderful area for a family safari is the wetlands of the Okavango Delta. Here, kids can enjoy mokoro (dugout canoe) experiences, boat rides, and guided game drives. An abundance of child-friendly activities awaits young and old here.

Best time to visit Botswana

If you’re hoping for a family safari in Botswana, visit during the dry season from May to October. For a quieter trip, aim for May and June instead of the peak season in July.

5. Namibia: Etosha National Park, Swakopmund, and desert adventures

Namibia offers a landscape of dramatic scenery in southern Africa, from charming coastal towns to towering red dunes. Etosha National Park is the most popular place for first-time visitors hoping to see wildlife. Its shimmering Etosha Pan, Fairy Tale Forest, and 33 waterholes are just a few of the park’s highlights that the entire family will enjoy.

The country is also known for its desert adventures at Swakopmund and Sossusvlei. Here you can enjoy guided dune walks, e-biking, quad biking and more. Spend time spotting unique desert-adapted animals like the onyx or chameleons, adding an educational spin to these safari experiences. While Namibia is well-known for its desert, Swakopmund also has a white-sand beach, ideal for getting away from the heat radiating off the dunes.

Best time to visit Namibia

Namibia’s dry season is from May to October, which is optimal for game viewing activities. From June to August, the days are still warm, but evenings can get very chilly, so pack warm clothes!

6. Kenya: Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Tsavo West National Park

A family-friendly Kenya beach and bush adventure is possible thanks to the country’s varied scenery, vibrant fauna, and incredible flora. Here, you can enjoy animal encounters on a bush walk in the morning, and in the afternoon, you could take a hot air balloon ride for a bird’s-eye view of the lush plains.

The best place to experience an all-in-one family safari vacation is the Maasai Mara — the country’s crown jewel. The park has exhilarating game drives, nature walks, and, of course, hot air balloons. The Great Migration is a once-in-a-lifetime experience here every July and August, so don’t miss out on sharing this natural wonder with your children.

Lake Nakuru and Tsavo West National Park are beautiful places for experiencing dramatic landscapes and a range of wildlife, including flamingos and rhinos. Child-friendly activities include educational programs, game drives, and close-up looks at hippos and fish.

Best time to visit Kenya

Visit Kenya between June and October to catch the Great Migration of the Maasai Mara— a must-see event that you simply cannot miss. January to March is also a good time to go as it’s the dry season, which is optimal for game viewing and clear skies.

7. Madagascar: Ankarana Special Reserve, Tsingy of Bemaraha National Park, and Nosy Be Beach

Madagascar is a magical tropical island, full of unique lemurs that will often elicit a chuckle or two from kids. This unforgettable destination is almost dream-like with its deep caves, hidden rivers, bright azure beaches, and lush greenery.

Don’t miss a chance to explore the Ankarana Special Reserve, made up of 150-million-year-old middle Jurassic limestone. Kids will love exploring the hidden caves, spotting unique plants, and looking for special animals only found on the Great Red Island.

The Tsingy of Bemaraha National Park is another fun place for kids, rigged with rope bridges and iron ladders, which make spotting lemurs and reptiles that much more fun. It has unique trails and breathtaking views at almost every corner. After a few days of exploring, relax at Nosy Be Beach, building sandcastles, snorkeling, or splashing in the shallow waters.

Best time to visit Madagascar

Madagascar’s dry season is from May to October, offering less rainfall and cooler temperatures. This is best for hiking in Madagascar, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor activities. If you’re hoping for fewer crowds and reasonably good weather, you can also visit between March and November.

8. Tanzania: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park

Tanzania is best known for Mount Kilimanjaro, the luxury resorts of Zanzibar, and the Serengeti. It is a dream destination for kids and family members of all ages.

The Ngorongoro Crater is a unique sight in these safari destinations. A volcanic caldera teeming with wildlife, it’s home to the Big Five. You’ll also find great safari experiences in Tarangire National Park, dotted with baobab and marula trees, where elephant herds, giraffes, and zebras roam. Some of the family-friendly lodges here are treehouse accommodations, where you can fall asleep among the stars and leaves.

Of course, the main attraction here is the Serengeti National Park, where the Great Migration takes place annually. Kids will be awestruck watching over two million animals migrate from the Serengeti to Kenya.

Best time to visit Tanzania

The Great Migration happens between June and October, making it a fantastic time to visit Tanzania. The weather during this time allows for lower humidity and clearer skies, making it easier to spot game.

9. Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Murchison Falls National Park

Uganda is affectionately nicknamed the Pearl of Africa because of its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. This makes it the perfect place for safari vacations, regardless of age.

Join a magical gorilla trek through Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a unique activity for older kids. It is home to over 400 mountain gorillas and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Younger kids can still enjoy the park with forest walks, spotting monkeys and birds among the foliage.

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s oldest and largest wildlife reserve, making it a must-see during African safari trips for families. The park offers game drives, hiking trails, and boat cruises for an engaging yet exciting afternoon.

Best time to visit Uganda

Uganda has two dry seasons from December to February and from June to August. During these periods, trails are drier, watering holes are full, and temperatures are warm but not insufferably hot. Either of these times is excellent for gorilla trekking, a family safari, or swimming.

10. Egypt: Giza Pyramids, Nile River, and Luxor

While a family tour of Egypt is possible for the whole family, younger kids might not quite understand the history as well as older kids and teenagers. Still, if you do have budding historians in your midst, iconic sites to add to your itinerary include the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and Abu Simbel for a knowledgeable lesson on ancient engineering techniques and royalty.

Give kids a hands-on lesson with a trip into the desert, a hot air balloon ride, or a boat trip along the Nile, the longest river in the world, for an educational yet fun experience they won’t forget. Luxor is an open-air museum holding some of the oldest ancient Egyptian sites, and is definitely worth making a short trip for.

Best time to visit Egypt

Between October and April, Egypt gets warm without being unbearably hot, making it a great time to visit. It is also when the Abu Simbel Festival takes place.

Tips for family African safaris and game drives

• Pack light and right: Bring long-sleeved shirts and pants, insect repellent, sun protection, and closed-toed shoes.
• Keep a safe distance: Never try to feed or agitate the animals, and stay inside your vehicle unless your guides give you the all-clear.
• Don’t distract the animals: Avoid making loud noises, sudden movements, or flash photography as these can scare the animals.
• Always listen to your guides: When booking a multigenerational trip or safari, be sure to inform everyone to listen to your experienced guides. They know animal behavior well and are trained to keep you safe at all times.
• Never walk or swim alone: While it may seem peaceful and quiet, you are a guest, and some animals may be on the prowl.
• Show respect: Always respect local customs, communities, guides, other vacationers, and most importantly, the wilderness.

FAQs about family safaris in Africa

Here are some quick questions and answers to consider when planning your family safari to Africa.

Which is the best South African safari?

Kruger National Park is a top destination for seeing African wild animals, and most importantly, the Big Five of South Africa. The park also features luxury accommodation, a golf course, and a spa, perfect for relaxing after hours of game drives, birdwatching, hiking, or mountain biking.

What is the best age for a child to go on family safari vacations?

While small children can still have fun on a safari, the ideal age for kids to join is above six years old. By then, they can enjoy the longer drives, endure early mornings, and fully absorb the learning experience.

Are kids allowed in an African safari?

Generally, kids of all ages can join in on the fun of an African safari. However, some lodges or parks may add an age restriction, like at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where kids must be at least 15 years old to do a gorilla trek.

Make it happen

Most of the ideas mentioned here are more suitable for older kids, but if your children are still too young for safari or cycling tours, don’t worry. Africa is an elusive continent that becomes much more accessible with the help of a local expert. All of our local partners can suggest activities depending on the ages of your children and the overall interests of your family. The itineraries they craft are entirely personalized, so you can endlessly tailor your trip until it’s perfect for you.