Family

Unforgettable family holidays to Africa

Family holidays have changed enormously over the years – where once it was just mum, dad and the kids on the beach for a week, now it is all about multi-generational trips, with grandparents, aunties, uncles and cousins all joining in the fun, exploring the unknown and experiencing adventures with their nearest and dearest.

If the last few years of multiple lockdowns have taught us one thing, it is the importance of gathering your loved ones around you and living life to the full, enjoying every moment.

Large family villas and private houses are now the norm for those wanting to travel en famille and for a holiday which none of your tribe will ever forget, then it just has to be a family safari in Africa.

Family safari holidays to Africa are incredibly popular and when you consider the range of activities on offer for all ages, it isn’t hard to see why. There is an abundance of adventures for kids to enjoy on an African family safari; the diverse scenery and wildlife of the continent always catches the imaginations of little ones, who never forget the first time they encounter one of the Big Five on a safari holiday.

If your children love the great outdoors and trips to the zoo, then Africa will blow them away because, in addition to seeing the stars of The Lion King up close, they will also be able to spot animals as varied as whales, meerkats, dolphins & elephants. Many safari lodges are super kid-friendly, with special programmes designed to help youngsters get the very most from the experience – think bug hunts, learning survival skills and camping out under the skies.

City breaks are also a good choice for families, with Cape Town topping the list of family-friendly destinations. Families can enjoy trips to the West Coast Ostrich Farm, the Cheetah Outreach Project, and to discover the penguins at Boulders Beach, all of which provide an excellent day out for all ages.

It isn’t all about the safari though - Africa is also home to some of the most amazing beaches in the world, many of which cater for the needs of families. Mauritius & the Seychelles have some wonderful family-friendly resorts offering excellent kids clubs and childcare, as well as family rooms or villas for those travelling with smaller children, whilst the beaches of Mozambique, Kenya & Zanzibar all offer unique bucket-and-spade experiences.

Family-friendly accommodation in Africa

It might seem an obvious thing to say, but safari camps aren’t just exclusively for adults. In fact, there is a great number of family-friendly camps throughout Africa, with dedicated kids programmes and activities like tracking animals and earning junior ranger licenses. The camp which is best suited to your family safari is dependent on a number of factors, such as the age groups involved and what is important to your family. However, we can use our expertise to find your ideal camp; we even offer a vast selection of camps in malaria-free areas if you would prefer to avoid taking medication. Similarly, if you are looking to book a family beach holiday or a city break, we will help you find comfortable accommodation which meets your family's preferences.

Amongst the African family safari frontrunners is the Young Explorers Programme in Botswana, operated by the renowned operator Ker & Downey. Each family group is hosted by a specialist family guide and the specially-designed programme lets families discover the wonders of the wilderness together. In Kenya, the pioneering Great Plains organisation also offer a Young Explorers Programme with the young learning basic survival skills, conservation principles, how to track animal prints and so much more. For the perfect family safari, superior family suites and villas are available.

Singita Grumeti in Tanzania cater superbly for family groups with their Private Villa Collection, and have a multitude of activities on offer, all designed to be both educational and inspiring, and sure to create everlasting memories of a once-in-a-lifetime family African safari.

South Africa has the advantage of being able to offer malaria-free family safaris, with the Amakhala Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape leading the way with special family programmes and activities promoted at their Hlosi & Woodbury Lodges. A special mention should also be made of the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, located 2 hours outside Cape Town, where activities such as treasure hunts, farm visits, pony rides and frog hunts are all laid on for the young, and the young-at-heart. Private family safaris are also very possible in Zambia, where private luxury safari houses & villas such as Luangwa Safari House, Chongwe House & Tangala House all come fully loaded with private guides, staff & safari vehicles.

Once the safari is over, head to the beach where superior properties like The Residence in Mauritius & Constance Lemuria in the Seychelles lay on kid’s clubs, family activities and wondrous family suites and villas.

Why book your family holiday to Africa with Africa Travel?

With over 30 years’ experience in creating dream family trips to Africa, there is no one more qualified to organise an unforgettable family safari holiday to this iconic continent than Africa Travel. We have a wealth of specialist resources to help you book your perfect family safari and as all of our staff, amongst them a number of parents, have travelled the continent themselves with their families, you can trust that our personal recommendations will deliver the holiday your family have always dreamed of. We even have staff situated at the destination itself to ensure your trip runs as smoothly as possible.

Our years of knowledge mean that we can give personalised recommendations for your trip, including the best places to stay, the best kiddies’ clubs & facilities, and the best child-friendly activities and attractions. Travelling with your nearest and dearest on your family safari to Africa will create memories that will last a lifetime.

So round up your relatives, cajole your kids, get everybody organised and speak to one of our experts  on +44 (0) 20 7843 3500 or email info@africatravel.co.uk and start planning your African family safari.