Going on safari with the people you love most is the absolute best thing in the world. Adding children into the mix somehow makes the already magical wild world come alive in a whole new way.

Watching your child’s eyes light up the first time in pure awe as they see their first elephants flapping their ears, or the sheer excitement of spotting a towering giraffe just metres away from your vehicle!

Seeing your children fall in love with the adventure of safari and environment, and becoming ambassadors for this sacred world gives us such hope.

In one way or another, all of us at Bonamy fell in love with Africa as a child. The memories of those moments have stayed with us and our families forever. Creating those for you is what we live for, and why we do what we do.

But, planning a safari with children comes with unique considerations. What works for a teenager might be a challenge for a toddler. Some lodges are perfect for young explorers, while others are better suited for families with older kids.

Now, while we know that no two families are the same, we wanted to share our top 5 tips for planning a safari with children. As ever though, we are here to speak directly with you to make YOUR family safari the best in the world.

1. The Age of Your Kids Matter More than You Think 

A safari can be magical at any age - but the experience needs to be tailored to match your child’s attention span, energy levels, and interests. Picking the right destination and lodge makes all the difference.

Best Safari Options by Age Group:

• Under 6 years: To keep things easy and hassle-free, choose Malaria-free reserves in South Africa (like Madikwe and the Eastern Cape) and Northern Kenya. Lodges here offer shorter, child-friendly game drives, fenced accommodations, and fun bush activities like treasure hunts and tracking animal footprints.
  

• 6-12 years: This is the golden age for safari! Kids this age fully engage with the experience, and the best lodges provide junior ranger programs, interactive game drives, and excellent kids' clubs. Kenya’s private conservancies are fantastic because they offer more flexible game drives (no rigid schedules) and the chance to get out of the vehicle to explore safely on foot.
  

• 13+ years: Teenagers love a more active safari. Destinations like Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Zambia’s Lower Zambezi, and Tanzania’s Serengeti offer more adventurous options, like walking safaris, canoeing, and even night drives. These are incredible for older kids ready for a deeper, wilder safari experience.

Good to know: Some lodges have strict age limits for game drives (often 6+ or 12+). When we plan your itinerary, we hand-pick lodges and experiences that work best for your child’s age and interests.

If you’re concerned about malaria risks or potential health complications, we can point out some top malaria-free destinations and help you navigate the best seasons.

2. Your Group Size Will Shape Your Safari Experience

Are you travelling as parents and kids, or is this a multi-generational trip with grandparents, aunts, and cousins all coming together for a big family adventure? Your group size plays a major role in the type of safari you should book.

• Smaller groups (2-5 people): More flexible, with plenty of lodge options. Family rooms are often available and private game vehicles are sometimes at an additional cost.
  

• Larger groups (6+ plus people): You’ll likely get a private safari vehicle included, meaning your game drives can be completely tailored to your family’s needs (hello, mid-drive snack stops and early returns when the kids get restless).
  

• Multi-gen trips: The best way to go is exclusive-use lodges, private houses or villas, where you get the whole space to yourself, a private pool, and a chef catering to everyone’s preferences.
  

The bottom line: The more people in your group, the more you can customise your safari experience.

3. Keep Kids Engaged Beyond the Game Drives

Game drives are incredible - but there’s so much more to a safari than sitting in a vehicle spotting wildlife. The best family safaris offer a mix of experiences, keeping kids engaged, curious, and full of wonder from start to finish.

• Bush walks - Safe, guided nature walks where kids can spot animal tracks, touch different plants, and learn about the tiny creatures that make the ecosystem thrive - all while stretching their legs.

• Boat safaris - In areas like Botswana’s Okavango Delta or Zambia’s Lower Zambezi, kids can enjoy a new world of wildlife, spotting hippos bobbing above the surface and elephants splashing in the shallows.

• Horseback safaris - Certain destinations (like Kenya’s Laikipia region) offer gentle rides through the bush, giving kids a totally new perspective on wildlife.

• Interactive kids clubs - Many lodges offer immersive wildlife programs for kids, where they learn tracking, bush survival skills, and conservation lessons.

• Stargazing - The African night sky is unreal. Some lodges even have telescopes for guided astronomy sessions, pointing out constellations you can’t see in the Northern Hemisphere.

• Bush school - A handful of lodges also offer between-safari entertainment, letting the grown-ups enjoy some alone time while the youngsters are entertained by the lodge staff; baking in the kitchen, tending to the veggie patch or drawing and painting pictures to show their friends at home.

• Community visits - Visiting local communities and playing sports with local children can provide your children with a wonderful opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture.

Our top tip: Variety = happy kids. Choosing a lodge with plenty of child-friendly activities ensures they (and you, as a parent) will have the safari experience of a lifetime.

4. Travel Smart for a Smooth Experience

Getting to your safari lodge should feel like part of the adventure - not a tiring journey. A little smart planning can make the experience seamless and stress-free.

• Private charter flights make life easier - If your itinerary includes multiple flights or long road transfers, a direct private charter to your lodge’s airstrip can save hours of travel time, making the whole journey smoother.
  

• More accessible than you’d think - For larger families (5+ people), private flights can sometimes be similarly priced to commercial flights - but with way more comfort, privacy, and convenience.
  

• Minimal waiting, maximum adventure - No queues, no multiple boarding passes - just straight from the airport to your safari adventure.

And if private charters aren’t for you, choosing lodges with easy access to major airports helps to cut down on travel time so you can focus on the real reason you’re here — experiencing Africa’s incredible wildlife and wild spaces.

5. The Best Time to Go on Safari as a Family

Every season in Africa offers something special - it all depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.

- Peak Season (July to October + Christmas holidays)

• Incredible Big Five sightings - wildlife gathers around water sources, making them easier to spot

• Dry, mild weather - ideal for all-day adventures

• Lodges are in high demand and family rooms are limited, so booking 12–18 months in advance can ensure you get your first choice.

- Green Season (November to May)

• Lush, vibrant landscapes, fewer people, and great rates.

• Baby animals everywhere - a wonderful time for young explorers to see Africa at its most alive

• Some areas experience rain showers, but safaris are still fantastic, and the scenery is breathtaking.

- School Holidays? (Let’s plan ahead)

• Family-friendly lodges book up fast, especially over Christmas, Easter, and summer. Booking early guarantees the best lodges, best guides, and best experiences.
  

The best time for your family depends on what kind of adventure you’re after - but whenever you go, we’ll ensure it’s unforgettable.

Final Thoughts

We hope this guide has helped you think through the key details, from picking the right destination to making sure your little adventurers stay entertained throughout the trip. That said, we also know that no two families (or safaris) are the same.

Whether it’s finding the best lodge for your child’s age, working out flight logistics, or even just what snacks to bring for game drives - we’re here to take all of that off your hands and help you plan a stress-free family holiday of a lifetime.