Top 6 Destinations for a Luxury Family Safari
Planning a vacation to Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many families. The natural beauty of the landscape and the choices available for a luxury family safari make this destination one to remember.
There’s a wide range of terrain and experiences in Africa to suit your interests. You will surely enjoy your next holiday or honeymoon here, from rustic camps to deluxe family safari lodges.
Some of the top destinations for a luxury safari experience include:
Read more about each location, what they offer for attractions, and the best places to stay while in the area. The hardest decision you will have to make is choosing one!
1. Botswana
In the southern region of Africa sits the Republic of Botswana. While it’s comparable in size to France or the state of Texas, Botswana has a population of 2.6 million, according to the latest estimates.
This country contains approximately 70% of the Kalahari Desert, providing a breathtaking landscape for a family safari. As a sparsely populated country, it is home to magnificent wildlife, including elephant herds, lion prides, and giraffe towers.
Sights and Attractions
Botswana contains two UNESCO World Heritage sites and has numerous natural wonders to explore during your visit. Some terrific attractions here that make a family safari memorable include:
Lodging
Botswana offers world-class luxury accommodations that follow the local government’s high-quality, low-impact tourism platform. Every lodging option here provides a unique experience that will create lasting memories.
Some of the more popular places to stay while participating in luxury family safaris in Botswana are:
The Mombo Camp and Little Mombo Camp in the Makgadikgadi Pans Reserve
The Vumbura Plains situated between the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park
The DumaTau bordering the Chobe National Park
Is Botswana Family Friendly?
Botswana has long been known as one of the most family-friendly destinations in Africa. With its wide array of activities and attractions, there's something for everyone. From game drives and safari tours to outdoor adventure activities, families with young children will find plenty of fun and exciting things to do together.
The country is also incredibly safe for families traveling with children. It has very low crime rates and is considered one of the safest countries in Africa. It also has excellent medical facilities and is home to several international hospitals.
Overall, Botswana offers an ideal holiday destination for families with children; it's safe, well-equipped, and full of exciting things to explore. From wildlife safaris to outdoor adventure activities, there's something for everyone in this beautiful African country.
2. Namibia
Namibia is a beautifully diverse country located in Southern Africa along the Atlantic Coast. Namibia offers unique landscapes and an abundance of wildlife in its various national parks from its deserts to its coastal plains. With breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and friendly people, this nation is truly a must-see destination.
Sights and Attractions
With vast open plains, beautiful desertscapes, and an abundance of indigenous wildlife, Namibia is a paradise for the adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Lodging
When it comes to lodging, there are plenty of options available in Namibia for travelers seeking a comfortable place to stay with accommodations.
For those who prefer a more traditional adventure, Namibia has an impressive selection of safari lodges, guesthouses and bush camps. Most of these lodges are located in some of Namibia's most picturesque areas, offering guests stunning views of the desert landscape. The guesthouses and safari lodges also come with a wide range of amenities including air conditioning, Wi-Fi access and even onsite restaurants.
Here are some of the most popular spots to stay while on luxury family safaris in Namibia:
Etosha Safari Camp, Namutoni
Desert Rhino Camp, Palmwag
Onguma Bush Lodge, Etosha National Park
Grootberg Lodge, Damaraland
Onguma Tented Camp, Etosha National Park
Sossus Dune Lodge, Sossusvlei
Damaraland Camp, Twyfelfontein
Kipwe Lodge, Mpupa Canyon
Doro Nawas Camp, Damaraland
Kulala Desert Lodge, Sossusvlei
Is Namibia Family Friendly?
Namibia is also a great place for families with children. The country has a long history of welcoming and celebrating diverse cultures, making it an ideal destination for those looking to introduce their kids to different aspects of the world. There are plenty of places where families can explore nature and learn about local wildlife, such as Etosha National Park and the Kalahari Desert.
Kids can also have fun at several water sports areas, such as Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, or visit some of Namibia's historical monuments, such as the old German fort at Lüderitz. Additionally, Namibian towns and cities offer a variety of activities for families with young children, such as art galleries, museums, and parks.
3. Rwanda
Rwanda sits in the central African region, with a population of over 13 million residents. This country is comparable in size to the state of Maryland.
This exotic destination contains dense equatorial forests and tropical savannah regions. It is well-known for its breathtaking countryside with volcanoes, hills, mountains, and bamboo forests. Additionally, it is one of the best places to watch many primate species.
Sights and Attractions
Rwanda is famous for its lush scenery and vast wildlife, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and monkeys. Many family safari options include a trek through the mountainside to experience these primates in their natural habitat.
Some memorable sights to see when visiting Rwanda include:
Ethnographic Museum
Rwanda gorilla trekking
Volcanoes National Park
Lodging
Rwanda offers several options in accommodations for families taking in the authentic African safari experience.
Boutique hotels and luxury lodges
Kigali tourism hotels
Magashi Camp located within the Akagera National Park
Mid-range and luxury accommodations within the Volcanoes National Park
Nyungwe House inside the Nyungwe National Park
Ruzizi Tented Lodge situated inside the Akagera National Park
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge adjacent to the Volcanoes National Park
Virunga Lodge within the Volcanoes National Park
Is Rwanda Family Friendly?
Rwanda is not a convenient destination for families with children due to the lack of kid-friendly activities. While Rwanda is known for its beautiful scenery and wildlife, there are few attractions specifically tailored toward younger visitors (such as gorilla trekking).
Furthermore, the terrain can be challenging and the roads are often not suitable for any type of stroller. Accommodations can also be quite basic, with few amenities for children. Rwanda is tailored more for the family with high school or college-aged children.
4. South Africa
South Africa is a multi-cultural, vibrant nation located on the southern tip of the African continent. It is a diverse and beautiful land with an exciting mix of cultures, stunning landscapes, and a wide variety of wildlife. From its sweeping vistas of Table Mountain to its picturesque beaches along the Indian Ocean coastline, South Africa offers visitors a wealth of unforgettable experiences.
Sights and Attractions
With a range of activities for all ages, South Africa is the perfect destination for any traveler looking to explore the world.
Cape Town
Winelands
Hermanus
Kruger National Park
Lodging
Here are some of the most popular spots to stay while on luxury family safaris in South Africa
Lion Sands Narina Lodge, Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Singita Lebombo Lodge, Kruger National Park
Kings Camp, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
Ngala Tented Camp, Kruger National Park
Elephant Plains Game Lodge, Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Leadwood Lodge, Greater Madikwe Private Game Reserve
Giraffe Manor Safari Lodge, Pilanesberg National Park
Is South Africa Family Friendly?
South Africa is the perfect destination for families with kids. It offers a wealth of experiences that appeal to children, from beautiful natural landscapes and pristine beaches to safari adventures and hot air balloon rides.
Although there are activities specifically for adults such as wine tasting at the Winelands, there are still plenty of things for children to enjoy!
Children will love exploring South Africa's extraordinary wildlife and rich cultural heritage. On safari, they can experience firsthand animals like the Big 5, cheetahs, hyenas, and zebras in their natural habitat on game drives. There are also plenty of kid-friendly activities such as art galleries, museums, aquariums, and amusement parks.
5. Zambia
Zambia sits within the south-central region of Africa and is comparable to the size of France. It is home to approximately 19 million residents and is a secret gem of this country. The landscape consists of more undeveloped terrain, with lodging camps only open during the dry season.
The exquisite landscape of Zambia, combined with the abundance of wildlife, offers tourists a unique safari everyone will remember.
Sights and Attractions
Visiting Zambia is a once-in-a-lifetime destination. This country offers many ways to explore the landscape and take in the iconic wildlife in its natural habitat. You will surely see elephants, hippos, lions, leopards, and more during your time here.
Home to over 20 national parks and game reserves
Lodging
Because Zambia is a more rustic region for travelers who seek adventure, the lodging options are mainly throughout the national parks and towns. So naturally, hotels and accommodations within cities typically have more availability than bush camps within the parks.
Some remarkable places to stay while in Zambia include:
Kafue National Park lodges have luxury safari lodges and remote tented camps
Lake Safari Lodge at Lake Kariba
Victoria Falls hostels, hotels, campsites, lodges, and guest houses
Waterberry Zambezi Lodge just outside Victoria Falls
Is Zambia Family Friendly?
Zambia is quickly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations for families with kids. Not only does it boast some of the most stunning and unique landscapes in Africa, but it also offers a wealth of activities to keep children of all ages entertained. From water-based activities like swimming, paddleboarding, or kayaking on Lake Kariba, to exploring the iconic Victoria Falls, and trekking through national parks with a private guide, there's something for everyone in Zambia.
Families can also partake in the diverse range of activities and classes offered at campsites like Chikoko Bay or Blue Lagoon. These camps offer outdoor education programs designed specifically for kids, teaching them about the local environment and wildlife, as well as a range of other activities that focus on development and environmental awareness.
6. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe sits in southern Africa and is a popular destination choice for a bespoke family safari. With over 15 million residents, this breathtaking landscape boasts a plethora of exotic wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery.
The culture and ambiance of Zimbabwe will provide an authentic African safari experience. This destination is not overrun with tourist attractions that take away from the country's natural beauty.
Sights and Attractions
Zimbabwe’s landscape is unspoiled, providing visitors with a genuine African experience no matter where they go. Some iconic attractions to experience while in Zimbabwe are:
Bush walking safaris
Fishing on Lake Kariba
Game drives within the Hwange National Park
Victoria Falls
Visit The Hide luxury lodge for wildlife watching
Zambezi River rafting and canoeing
Lodging
There is no end to the variety of accommodations in Zimbabwe. Whether you want a rustic tent to camp in or a stay at a luxury resort, you are sure to find a suitable place to stay during your time here.
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge bordering Matusadona National Park
Changa Safari Camp at Lake Kariba
Fothergill Island at Matusadona National Park
Malilangwe House at the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve
Singita Pamushana Lodge above the Malilangwe Dam
Somalisa Acacia at the Hwange National Park
Is Zimbabwe Family Friendly?
The African Bush camp properties in Zimbabwe are ideal holiday destinations for families with children as young as six. At both Somalisa Acacia and Nymatusi Acacia, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Families can explore the lush surroundings on foot or on a game drive, while the kids have fun swimming, fishing, playing volleyball, and even tracking animals.
Somalisa Acacia and Nymatusi Acacia also offer family rooms, which are specially catered to families traveling together. These spacious rooms provide amenities such as an extra bed for your little ones, a private bathroom, and additional storage space. This makes it easier for parents to keep their kids safe, as well as enjoy their stay with much more comfort.
Additionally, both camps offer custom-made activities for kids that are designed to be fun and educational. Kids can take part in scavenger hunts, arts and crafts workshops, bush walks and night drives to get a better understanding of the African wilderness.
Start Planning Your Luxury Family Safari
There’s a wide range of great options when it comes to luxury safaris. So if you want a memorable experience your family will never forget, contact us today to start planning your trip. Our expert guides can help you plan a custom luxury safari to any of these gorgeous destinations for the trip of a lifetime.
