A South African safari is one of those family holidays that children are unlikely to forget. There is something special about watching an elephant walk past your vehicle, seeing a lion in the wild for the first time or waking up to the sounds of the African bush.

And you don’t have to wait until your children are teenagers to take them on safari. South Africa has many family-friendly safari lodges and private game reserves where children can enjoy wildlife in a safe and engaging environment.

My husband and I have travelled extensively around South Africa with our children, including on numerous safaris. Over the years, we’ve learnt that choosing the right lodge can be just as important as choosing the reserve. Some lodges are better suited to younger children, while others are ideal for families with older children and teenagers.

Why take your kids on safari in South Africa?

A safari is about much more than seeing animals. For children, it can be incredibly educational. They learn about animal behaviour, conservation, tracks, birds and the interconnectedness of the natural environment. Even the journey between sightings becomes an adventure as rangers and trackers explain what you’re seeing.

South Africa is also particularly convenient for families. There are excellent private game reserves within a few hours’ drive of Johannesburg, as well as several malaria-free safari destinations.

Another advantage is the variety of accommodation. You can choose from large family-friendly lodges with swimming pools and children’s programmes to intimate properties where your family has its own private villa and vehicle.

Tips for Taking Kids on Safari

1. Choose a lodge that suits your children

Don’t choose a lodge simply because it has beautiful rooms or excellent wildlife sightings. Think about your children first.

A lodge with a children’s programme may be better for younger kids, while teenagers might prefer somewhere with excellent photography opportunities, Wi-Fi and longer game drives.

2. Check the game-drive age limits

This is one of the most important things to check before booking. Some lodges allow children to stay but have minimum ages for standard game drives. Others offer children’s drives, shorter drives or private vehicles for younger children.

Policies can change, so confirm the current rules directly with the lodge before paying your deposit.

3. Don’t underestimate the importance of accommodation

Family accommodation can make a huge difference. Having a separate bedroom for children means everyone gets some privacy, while family villas and exclusive-use properties can make the entire safari more relaxed.

4. Prepare children for the safari

Explain to younger children what to expect on a safari before you go. They should understand that there can be long periods when you don’t see animals and that they need to listen to the ranger. You could even make a wildlife checklist for them to tick off during the drive. This can turn the search for animals into a fun game without making it feel like a lesson.

5. Pack for changing temperatures

Safari mornings can be surprisingly cold, even when the daytime temperatures are warm. Pack layers, comfortable closed shoes, hats and sunscreen. A warm jacket is important for early morning and evening game drives during winter.

6. Bring binoculars

Children can become fascinated by birds, insects and smaller animals once they realise that safari isn’t only about the Big Five. A pair of child-friendly binoculars can make the game drive even more engaging.

7. Don’t try to do too much

A safari doesn’t need to be packed with activities. Some of our best family safari memories have come from simply sitting on a deck watching animals at a waterhole or relaxing together after a game drive. Give children time to enjoy the lodge as well as the reserve.

Early morning game drive

Frequently Asked Questions About Safari with Kids in South Africa

1. What age is best for a safari with kids?

There is no single best age for a South African safari. Older children and teenagers may enjoy longer game drives, while younger children can also have a wonderful time at lodges offering children’s activities, shorter game drives and babysitting.

Always check the lodge’s minimum age requirements before booking. Minimum ages can apply to game drives even when children are allowed to stay at the lodge. Some properties offer shorter children’s drives, babysitting or private vehicles for families with younger children.

For younger children, I would look for:

• Family accommodation
• Age-appropriate game drives
• Children’s activities
• Babysitting
• Swimming pool or other facilities

2. Is South Africa good for a safari with kids?

Yes, South Africa is an excellent destination for a family safari. There are many child-friendly safari lodges where families can choose from a range of accommodation, ranging from traditional safari lodges to private family villas.

3. Which South African safari destinations are malaria-free?

Several popular safari destinations are malaria-free, including Madikwe Game Reserve and Welgevonden Game Reserve in the Waterberg. This can make them especially appealing to families with young children. Always check current health advice before travelling.

4. Which are the best safari lodges in South Africa for families?

Some of the family-friendly safari lodges worth considering include Kapama River Lodge, Tintswalo Waterberg, Mhondoro Game Lodge, Mabula Game Lodge, Tau Game Lodge, Morukuru Family, Madikwe Safari Lodge, Jaci’s Safari Lodge and Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge. The best choice will depend on your children’s ages, your budget and the type of safari experience you want.

5. Can toddlers go on safari in South Africa?

Some safari lodges accept toddlers, but age restrictions for game drives vary. A lodge may allow young children to stay while requiring them to participate in separate children’s drives or private game drives.

6. How long should a family safari in South Africa be?

For a first family safari, three to four nights is usually a good starting point. This gives you several opportunities for morning and afternoon game drives without making the safari feel too long for younger children. You can combine it with a longer South African holiday.

7. What should children wear on safari?

Children should wear comfortable clothing in layers, as safari mornings can be cold even when daytime temperatures are warm. Closed shoes, a hat, sunscreen and a warm jacket for early morning and evening game drives are useful.

8. What should I pack for a safari with kids?

Useful items include comfortable clothing, warm layers, sunscreen, hats, closed shoes, binoculars, insect repellent and any necessary medication. A small wildlife book or animal checklist can also keep younger children entertained during quieter periods on game drives, although many lodges do provide this.

9. What are the best places for a safari with kids in South Africa?

South Africa has many excellent safari destinations, but some are more suited to families than others.

Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe is one of my favourite choices for a family safari. It is a Big Five reserve in the North West province which is relatively close to Johannesburg. There are several family-friendly lodges in Madikwe, ranging from larger properties with children’s activities to exclusive-use villas for families wanting more privacy.

Welgevonden Game Reserve

Welgevonden in Limpopo is another excellent option for a family safari. Situated in the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, it is home to the Big Five. The dramatic landscape, excellent wildlife and proximity to Johannesburg make it a convenient option when you don’t want to travel too far from home. I’ve visited Welgevonden with my family several times and found it very suitable for a family bush getaway.

Greater Kruger

The private reserves around the Kruger National Park offer some of South Africa’s best safari experiences. The advantage of staying at a private lodge is that you can enjoy guided game drives with skilled rangers and trackers rather than relying solely on self-driving.

The Sabi Sand, in particular, is renowned for excellent leopard sightings and is a wonderful choice for families with older children who are ready for longer game drives. Age restrictions vary considerably between lodges, however, so check the rules before booking.

Elefun Centre

Best Child-Friendly Safari Lodges in South Africa

Here are some of the family-friendly safari lodges my family has enjoyed.

1. Jaci’s Safari Lodge

Jaci’s Safari Lodge is located in Madikwe Game Reserve. The motto here is that children are celebrated here – not just tolerated – and Jaci’s has gone as far as creating a board game especially for them. The lodge has a welcoming atmosphere and accommodation options that work well for families, while the range of safari activities provides plenty to keep older children and teenagers interested.

Over 5-year olds are permitted to go on the normal game drives and those under 5 are taken on their own shorter “jungle” drives, and activity walks which include a visit to the games room on the premises.

2. Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge

Located in the renowned Sabi Sand, Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge offers excellent wildlife viewing and family-friendly accommodation and facilities. Kids are allowed on game drives from the age of 6. At breakfast, there is a special kids corner with child-friendly breakfast treats.

The Elefun centre is a vibrant children’s facility within the lodge grounds which offers hands-on, interactive activities. Professional child-minders take care of the kids and inspire them to learn more about nature. Our children enjoyed themselves here with other young guests. They even made their own backpacks, greeting cards and animal mobiles.

3. Tintswalo Waterberg

Located in Welgevonden Game Reserve, Tintswalo Waterberg is an intimate lodge designed to make families feel at home with family suites, play rooms, kids’ activity packs and activities, and kids’ meals on request. Children of all ages are welcome and babysitters are also available. Books and board games can be found throughout the lodge and there is Wi-Fi for the older kids and adults. Staff are great with kids.

Our two-bedroom family suite gave us the privacy of separate bedrooms while keeping the children close by. The atmosphere was relaxed and homely rather than formal, which made it easy for the family to settle in.

4. Mhondoro Game Lodge

Mhondoro Game Lodge is another excellent option in Welgevonden Game Reserve. The lodge is child-friendly and welcomes kids of all ages. Family suites are available. Little children will enjoy the open-air play area while bigger kids, like mine, will enjoy the recreation room which is stocked with a PlayStation, board games and movies. My kids spent many happy hours there. Kiddies bumble drives can be arranged for families with children under six years. For parents wanting to go on the normal game drives, babysitting services are available too.

5. Mabula Game Lodge

Just over two hours from Johannesburg, Mabula Game Lodge is one of the more accessible options for a family safari from Gauteng. Situated in Mabula Private Game Reserve, it offers Big Five game viewing without requiring a long journey from the city. The lodge has family accommodation and plenty of space for families to enjoy the bush.

Besides game drives, there are many other activities to keep young and old entertained, including swimming and sports facilities. Kids are catered for by the games room and children’s programs with a Cubz Club during peak periods. The Mabula Spa has therapeutic spa treatments for both adults and children.

6. Kapama River Lodge

Kapama River Lodge is a good choice for families who like their safari with plenty of creature comforts. Located in the Kapama Private Game Reserve in Limpopo, the lodge is large and sociable, with the feel of a luxury hotel in the bush.

Children of all ages are welcome at Kapama River Lodge. We stayed in a spacious family spa suite with a separate sleeping area for the children. There are also swimming pools and plenty of space for families to relax between game drives.

7. Tau Game Lodge

Tau Game Lodge is another family-friendly option in Madikwe Game Reserve, and its location is a major attraction. The lodge overlooks a large natural waterhole, so there is often wildlife activity right in front of you. Families can choose from family units, while children can enjoy the playground and children’s activities. Babysitting is also available.

8. Morukuru Family Madikwe

If you want a more exclusive safari experience, Morukuru Family Madikwe is worth considering. The concept is different from a traditional safari lodge. Rather than staying in a standard room, families can enjoy an exclusive-use house with their own space and personalised game drives.

This type of accommodation works very well for families who want flexibility. You can enjoy meals together, relax at your own pace and have more privacy than you would at a conventional lodge. It is also a great option for a multi-generational family safari where grandparents, parents and children are travelling together.

9. Madikwe Safari Lodge

Lelapa Lodge at Madikwe Safari Lodge is one of the most child-friendly safari lodges I’ve ever been to. It has family suites and a swimming pool with a slush machine. Young safari goers will be entertained and educated at the Eco-House, where there are loads of activities (like arts and crafts), live creatures (like tarantulas) and remains of creatures (like cool skulls and horns) to keep them occupied. Field guides will take them on bush walks, teach them bush skills like dung-tracking and nurture their love of the bush in other ways too.

Is a South African safari worth it with kids?

Absolutely.

A family safari can be one of the most memorable holidays you take together. It gives children the chance to see wildlife in its natural environment, learn about conservation and spend meaningful time outdoors.

The key is choosing the right safari for your family. A lodge that welcomes children isn’t necessarily the best lodge for your children. Consider their ages, interests and attention spans, then choose your reserve and accommodation accordingly. With the right lodge, a family safari can become one of those trips your children talk about for years afterwards.

See more things to do in South Africa with kids.

Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world on her blog “In Africa and Beyond”. Although she has been to 53 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.