Africa is a big place.
Really big. Its 30-million square kilometres make up over 20% of the earth’s landmass. Fifty-four African countries are home to a seventh of the world’s population, speaking more than a third of all global languages (over 2,000). Experiences on this epic continent are as varied as they are many, but for this guide, we’re sticking to our most popular family trip destinations, primarily in southern and eastern Africa.
So, if you’re thinking of planning a family adventure to Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, Botswana, South Africa, or Namibia, look no further.
Is Africa safe for family travel?
Our quick answer is yes, absolutely! It’s not only safe but also mind-expanding and incredibly varied. After months of restricted travel and too much screen time, we can’t think of a better way to spend quality time together than throwing the senses into overload through encounters with culture, communities, wilderness and wildlife that will cast a lifetime of memories.
By travelling with a reputable travel specialist, you’ll be in the best possible hands on the ground. This doesn’t only help to iron out any lingering safety concerns and guarantees the whole family gets the most from your trip. By travelling with Niarra, you’ll make sure it positively impacts people and nature, too.
Where is best in Africa for a family safari?
It depends! Whether you’re a multigenerational family group aged 8 to 80 after maximum flexibility, have teenagers up for a life-enriching adventure, or would like a little downtime from younger ones thanks to experienced babysitters and child-focused guides, we’ll help you find the perfect safari.
South Africa
South Africa is ideal for families with younger children because there is no need for yellow fever vaccinations and there are some superb safari areas that don’t require malaria medication. Wildlife is brilliantly accessible, hospitality and service are exceptional everywhere you go, it’s possible to self-drive, and distances needn’t be too epic.
With so much to potentially see and do, many families decide to stick to a region to reduce transfer time. Cape Town, the Winelands, the Garden Route, and the Karoo work well together, as does the Eastern coast, Kruger, Johannesburg, and the Drakensburg. Whichever you pick, you won’t be disappointed, and you may well want but you will long go back for more.
It’s possible to spend weeks in Cape Town and the Western Cape alone entertaining kids of all ages. Even little legs can manage the cable car to Table Mountain’s top or set sail on the Jolly Roger Pirate Boat from the V&A Waterfront. Older kids will appreciate the surf scene in Muizenberg or kitesurfing in the West Coast National Park. Family holidays are also a brilliant chance to facilitate meaningful cultural exchange, like Uthando’s ethical and inspiring tours of enterprises in Cape Town’s townships (best for teenagers).
Accommodation is as diverse as the wildlife and landscape, so there’s something for all family needs and configurations. Private houses or apartments tend to work best, such as Morukuru Ocean House’s private four-bedroom coastal escape, More Quarter’s home away from home in Cape Town, and Madikwe River House for those after a private family-friendly safari.
