Our Top 10 Family Safari Lodges
Here is a guide to our top 10 Safari Lodges and Camps that specialize in family safaris throughout Africa
Safaris to Africa are a truly unique experience and once you start, you won’t be able to stop! Most people don’t really think of a safari to Africa as a family holiday, but actually safaris to Africa are perfect for kids and parents. Shaun, Stanley Safari’s founder, has two children himself, and so he knows what it’s like to travel with kids. Although they’re too small to go on safari just yet, he’s really looking forward to taking them into the bush to look for the wildlife he loves so deeply. Here is a guide to our favourite family safari destinations in Africa.
This blog was also featured on African Safari Mag, which can be read here.
1. Tswalu Tarkuni Camp (South Africa)
Tarkuni Camp, located in the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve in South Africa, is a private homestead that caters for up to 10 people. Complete with spacious common areas perfect for a group, as well as a plunge pool, the lodge is the great place for an adventurous family that doesn’t want to skimp on the good stuff! Kids will love the specially created itineraries, designed just for their age group and interest!
2. Londolozi Pioneer Camp (South Africa)
Situated in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve in South Africa, Pioneer Camp in the Londolozi Game Reserve is the most secluded lodge of the group’s lodges, and offers accommodation for between 6 and 12 people. This timeless homestead has interconnected rooms and a plunge pool, making it the perfect safari location for families. Families are also offered tailor made game drives age appropriate for kids, conducted by experienced guides who are excellent with kids and will keep them entertained throughout the game drive. You can expect a truly bespoke safari experience, perfect for your family.
3. Somalisa Acacia (Zimbabwe)
African Bush Camps’ Somalisa Acacia in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, is a camp designed specifically for family groups. With 2 family tents and 2 standard tents, the camp can accommodate a maximum of 12 guests at any one time, making it perfect for multi-generational family safaris. There is also no age limit at Somalisa Acacia which is rare for safari camps in Africa, so families with young kids are not forced to pay extra for private vehicles. The Ngwana Club was designed specifically for kiddies on safari and includes nature walks, cooking lessons and other age appropriate activities with some of the best guides in Africa. Zimbabwe is renowned for having some of the best guides in Africa which makes them perfect for a family safari as they get the kids involved in the whole safari experience.
4. Zarafa Dhow Suite (Botswana)
If you’re looking for an exclusive luxury safari, Botswana is the place to go and the Zafara Dhow Suite in the Selinda Reserve is one of the most exclusive, luxurious safari camps in the country. With just 2 large ensuite rooms and a communal lounge and dining area, the Zarafa Dhow Suites are taken on an exclusive use basis ensuring the utmost in luxury and exclusivity with all activities carefully designed around the families interests.
5. Songa Migrational Camp (Tanzania)
Another fantastic family safari location is the Songa Migrational Camp in Tanzania. The camp moves with the migration from the hills of Kogatende in the north of the Serengeti to the short grass plains in the south. The camp has a family tent option and children are welcome at the camp. There’s great game viewing opportunities with all day safaris, walking safaris, private game drives and outdoor dining at both the northern and southern camps.
6. Chem Chem Forest Lodge (Tanzania)
Also located in Tanzania, Chem Chem Forest Lodge is an exclusive use camp, perfect for families and groups looking to experience a truly bespoke safari experience. The lodge houses a maximum of 8 adults and 2 children. Marvel at “big tusker” elephants who make Chem Chem their home, enjoy sunsets at the lakeshore and keep your eyes peeled on night game drives. The team at Chem Chem have really perfected the art of safari and have slowed things down a little making this perfect for kiddies. Every group gets their own guide, vehicle and Maasai tracker so activities and experiences can be tailored to suit each group’s interests from hiking up hills to get incredible views of the surrounding landscape, meeting with the local Maasai Headman and his family, to enjoying game drives on the private concession or simply relaxing back at your private camp, the choice is yours.
7. Giraffe Manor (Kenya)
Giraffe Manor, found on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya, is a bucket list location and a truly one of a kind stay. The manor house dates back to the 1930s and exudes the kind of old world charm you dream about. What makes it truly unique is the herd of Rothchild’s Giraffe that come to join you for breakfast, making this the ideal family selfie moment. Where else in the world can you have breakfast with a herd of giraffe?
8. Solio Lodge (Kenya)
Solio Lodge, found in the Laikipia county of Kenya, is another great luxury family safari destination. Children can run wild in the safety of the gardens surrounding the lodge. The family unit has spacious common areas, perfect for spending time as a family, but also offers privacy if needed. There’s also a wide range of activities from game drives, to helicopter tours and everything in between to keep you busy during your stay.
9. Azura Benguerra (Mozambique)
If you’re looking for a luxurious tropical paradise, look no further than Azura Benguerra in Mozambique. Villa Amizade is the perfect family accommodation at the resort. The villa has 2 bedrooms and ample living space, including a private pool, perfect for the little ones to enjoy to the full. The villa is right on the beach, offering true luxury while not distracting from the simplicity of sand, sea and sky that Mozambique is so well known for. This is the perfect location to relax at after the adventures of your family safari in Southern Africa.
10. Alphonse Island (Seychelles)
Last, but certainly not least on our list is a little atoll in the Indian ocean known as Alphonse, Seychelles. This private island resort is famous for its unrivaled beauty and the large number of experiences offered. Located just an hour’s flight from Mahé, it’s not too strenuous to travel with children and what you find on arrival is well worth the extra travel time. Alphonse is a fisherman’s paradise, with some of the best saltwater flyfishing in the world, as well as great bluewater fishing experiences. Older kids might try their hand at scuba diving, but there’s also excellent snorkeling opportunities. The fact that there is only one resort on the island means that the entire thing is safe and yours to explore.
Seeing the beauty of Africa with your family is a bucket list experience. A family safari is a way to spend quality time with your kids, while educating them on the wonder of the natural world as well as the great diversity of this continent. Whether you’re looking for pure luxury, an on the go trip full of action, great animal sightings or the charm of a tropical island, Stanley Safaris can create a bespoke package that’s perfect for you and your family.
