Family Safaris

What could be more exciting than sharing the treasures and excitement of Africa with your children! The almost always perfect weather makes Africa a perfect family destination. Family Safaris have become very popular over the last few years and many of Africa’s Lodges and Safari Specialists offer special safari programs for children of all ages. Their staff is child and family-friendly and go all out to create an unforgettable experience for both children and parents! Imagine the joy on your child’s face as they sit with you in the evening, ticking off their list of creatures and animals they’ve seen that day!

Many family-friendly lodges can be found in malaria-free areas such as the Madikwe Game Reserve, the Waterberg Game Reserve and the Greater Elephant Reserve in South Africa as well as other great Reserves throughout Southern and East Africa.

Children’s Safaris, or Bumbles as they are often affectionately called, are designed to ensure the children get to experience the African Bush but don’t get bored. They usually traverse the area around the main lodge and allow the children to study the smallest creature (anything from a dragon fly to a chameleon) to sitting quietly as they observe a zebra or giraffe in the distance. They have their own vehicle and ranger and are well looked after by the professional staff at the Lodge.  To keep the children entertained during the day (and in between game drives), the Lodges often offer the children the opportunity to get dirty – whether it be dissecting rhino dung or working with the chef in the kitchen to bake cookies for afternoon tea!  Each child is given a welcome pack that includes information on the animals in the Reserve as well as a coloring in book and puzzles. Games are always available in the children’s area and what child can resist an inviting swimming pool on a hot day! Children programs are designed for children under the age of 12yrs. After that, they are classed as adults.

At some lodges children will have their own special table at dinner where a kiddies menu will be presented, at other Lodges the children can eat with their parents. Some Lodges allow children to accompany their parents on their game drive, usually only from the age of 8yrs and up. Babysitters are also available at family-friendly Lodges.

The family suites are equipped with extra beds and often a kitchenette for convenience. Some Lodges will put in an extra bed or roll out cots in a standard suite, depending on the size of the suite.

Your child will never forget their African safari experience – some lodges offer a certificate at the end of your stay showing what animals they saw and to prove they were on Safari. In turn, children often leave a drawing of their favorite safari moment, which the lodge then frames and puts up in the children’s area for other young adventurers to enjoy!