Everything you need to know about taking kids on safari

An African safari can be a safe and enriching experience for children when undertaken with proper precautions and guidance. Reputable safari operators (like us) prioritise safety, employing experienced guides who understand wildlife behaviour and maintain a safe distance. Vehicles a re sturdy and designed for game viewing, providing a secure environment. Our safari lodges and camps are secure, often fenced, and have trained staff to ensure guest safety. By following guidelines, respecting wildlife, and choosing a reputable operator, families can enjoy a memorable and perfectly safe vacation. This is our ultimate guide to taking children on their first safari adventure, so read on to find out more. Taking children on a safari is something that many people are unsure about. So, the owners of The Safari Edit, the Hunters, are here to tell you about their favourite family safari experiences to show you just how incredible of a vacation it can be.  

Is it safe to take children on safari?

It is! We understand that taking children on a safari is something that many people are unsure about. So, the owners of The Safari Edit, the Hunters, are here to tell you about their favourite family safari experiences to show you just how incredible of a vacation it can be.

“For us, nothing beats a safari vacation and when I say us, I mean every member of our family! It is all of our favourite type of vacation and our children look forward to returning the second we arrive home.” Finlay Hunter

“A safari is completely engaging from the youngest to the eldest members of a family and we have enjoyed multigeneration vacations with grandparents, aunts and uncles and children altogether sharing these special moments. Here are some of the experiences that our children have loved the most.” Wendy Hunter

Here is a list of our top experiences and suggestions for your first family Safari:

Can we do night drives on a family Safari in Africa?

yes! Going on a night drive is so exciting for children, as they have a responsibility to help shine their own torches and search into the dark for what might be out there. The anticipation of not knowing what is around the corner builds the excitement and discovering new nocturnal animals is always a highlight. The kid’s senses are completely switched on in the dark and the joy of listening for hyenas or a lion roar and then trying to locate them is fantastic for children of all ages.  

Why should I hire a private guide for a family safari?

Hiring a private guide for a family safari ensures a personalised experience, tailored to your interests and pace. They possess in-depth knowledge of the wildlife, landscapes, and local culture, making your journey more informative and enriching. During a trip to Tanzania we had a wonderful private guide, Peter, who collected us at the start of our itinerary and joined us for our full safari through Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and then to the Serengeti. Whilst it is far from essential to have a private guide, on this occasion it turned out to be a fantastic experience for our children, then aged 1 and 3. The kids thought that Peter was just the best thing since sliced bread! He became a friend to them and a fountain of knowledge for our three-year-old’s never-ending questions. As a local Tanzanian guide, his depth of knowledge was incredible and he was able to tell the children endless information and stories that they revelled in. He was also excellent at communicating to the lodges we were arriving at any child-specific needs or requests and ensuring the safari was completely hassle-free.

Are safari vacations good for multi-generational families?

Absolutely! We have enjoyed safari vacations with both sets of grandparents with our children and other family members and our kids have absolutely adored sharing their love of safari with all of them. On one side of the family, we have experienced safari-going grandparents and on the other, grandparents who had never done it before. Making a safari a family affair has created lifelong memories for our children, as well as for the other family members who have joined us. Seeing nature through a child’s eyes brings one back to a magical time, when everything was awe-inspiring, and the grandparents have loved being involved in this. On the other hand, the children have also adored having their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins there and loved “teaching” them everything about Africa.  

Should I choose a safari lodge with a swimming pool?

Choosing a safari lodge with a swimming pool offers a refreshing break from game drives, especially during the warmer months, and is particularly enjoyable for families with children.It was a great decision for taking the kids on safari. Africa can get very hot and so the practical aspect of cooling down is catered to. However, it also gives the children some play time and an activity to do, instead of an extra game drive in the afternoon, for example. Many lodges have pools and at some, you might even be lucky enough to have game coming right up to the pool when you are in it – a huge hit with our kids.

Why are safari and beach combination trips ideal for a first family safari?

Combining a safari and beach destination makes for the perfect vacation when traveling with children and ours have loved the opportunity to be on safari one day, and then making sandcastles the next. South Africa has provided both of these combinations with plenty of options and caters extremely well to babies and children. We have also combined the Kenyan coast with a Kenyan safari and then again with a Tanzanian safari – due to their close proximity – which allowed for a tropical beach-style vacation. Our safari experts can tailor these experiences to your wishes, so be sure to tell them what kind of beach experience you are looking for. Take a look at our Top 10 safari packing tips for parents travelling with children for more information on what to take if you are planning a trip like this.  

Why cultural experiences are great for families on safari

Seeing how people live in different parts of the world has been a privilege for our kids and provided then with many incredible memories. Whether it was making bows and arrows by the campfire, dancing with Maasai warriors or visiting local schools in remote villages, our kids remember and talk about these experiences in a way that tells you how much of an impact they have made on them. Taking your handmade bow and arrow in for show and tell is apparently also “very cool”!

Can we take children to the Winelands in Africa?

Yes, you definitely can! Not only is it possible to take children to the incredible Cape Winelands in South Africa, it can actually be a highlight for everyone. Many of the vineyards are completely set up to cater for family visits and some even have kids clubs available. We have visited ones with bike pump tracks, adventure playgrounds, farms, kids’ restaurants, tractor rides, horse riding… the list goes on. These beautiful properties allow you to relax, enjoy your wine tasting and soak up the views, whilst completely appreciating that the little ones need to be entertained too.  

First Family Safari in Africa: Quick Guide

• Safaris are safe. Reputable safari operators prioritise safety, employing experienced guides who understand wildlife behaviour and maintain a safe distance. Vehicles are sturdy and designed for game viewing, providing a secure environment. Most safari lodges and camps are secure, often fenced, and have trained staff to ensure guest safety. By following guidelines, respecting wildlife, and choosing a reputable operator, families can enjoy a memorable and safe safari adventure.
• Safaris are a great way to experience the natural world. Africa is home to some of the most incredible wildlife on the planet, and a safari is a great way to see these animals up close. Children will be amazed by the elephants, lions, giraffes, and other animals they encounter.
• Safaris are a great way to learn about different cultures. Africa is a continent with a rich and diverse culture, and a safari is a great way to learn about the different people and places that make up this amazing continent.

Safaris are a great way to create lasting memories. A safari is an adventure that your family will never forget. It is a chance to experience something new and exciting together and to create memories that will last a lifetime.