Family holidays to Africa have a lot to offer, but it's important to visit places that actively welcome children, rather than simply accept them. Africa isn't an ideal destination for babies or very small children, who should normally avoid those areas with malaria. However for well-behaved, interested children who are old enough to understand and question what they see, a family holiday to Africa can be an amazing, inspiring and eye-opening experience. Many safari lodges and camps welcome children of 10 and over; some encourage younger children.

Namibia and South Africa's Cape are our top destinations for family holidays. Self-drive trips and small, private mobile safaris enable you to travel at your own pace and stop where you like to get out and explore – perfect for a family holiday with energetic children.

In Namibia, most lodges welcome children as do many of the smaller guest farms. The Bushmen at Tsumkwe can be wonderful, as the children of the village mix well with new playmates, whilst active children will relish Bruno Nebe's hands-on approach to exploring Mundulea. Swakopmund's sand-boarding and kayaking activities are tremendous fun and the dunes of Sossusvlei could be the world's greatest sandpit!

Most of South Africa's Cape is safe and easy for families and children – and has the huge advantage of being free of malaria. Grootbos includes many dedicated activities for its younger visitors. A children's guide will lead early-morning feeding of ponies and small farm animals, while afternoon activities include riding, beachcombing and bug-collecting trips. For bigger game on your safari, Kwandwe's Uplands Homestead is perfect for a family of six – complete with its own staff.

North of South Africa, relatively few lodges in big game areas offer really family-friendly safari holidays but there are clear exceptions. Zambia stands out as developing a series of 'safari houses' that are geared specifically to family holidays – with their own guide, activities and chefs. First among these were Robin's House in the South Luangwa, the amazing old Manor House at Shiwa Ng'andu and a private house attached to Tongabezi called Tangala House (ask us for details). These have now been joined by two spectacular and imaginative new houses: the Luangwa Safari House and the Chongwe River House – giving many options for luxurious and spectacular family safari holidays.

On a more modest note, several of Zambia's smaller, family-owned safari camps welcome children, like Tafika where John and Carol Coppinger raised their own children.

In Botswana, Kwando's camps – Lagoon, Lebala and Kwara – have a dedicated children's safari guide, Lisa Reed, who can be booked for family safaris. Sandibe and Nxabega provide fun quiz books for children on the local environment and wildlife. DumaTau, Chitabe Trails, Jao and the Vumbura Plains safari camps all have large family rooms where two bedrooms share an inter-connecting bathroom.

For tropical beach holidays, Mozambique's Indigo Bay has supervised games in a children's club, and Bazaruto Lodge is also very family-friendly.

For a safari in Tanzania, the Selous Game Reserve's Sand Rivers and Impala camps welcome older children, as do Ruaha River Lodge and Mwagusi Camp.

Tanzania has a greater choice of family-friendly beach holidays. Breezes Beach Club on Zanzibar offers a huge range of activities, whilst activities at Chumbe Island are geared towards informing as well as entertaining children.

In the Mafia Archipelago, both Chole Mjini and Pole Pole are very understanding towards the needs of children – whilst on the mainland Amani Beach is also very family-friendly.

For some of our favourite ideas - use the search box on the right. Better still, call our experts now on +44(0)20 8232 9777 and ask us!


Family holidays in Africa | Family holidays in Botswana | Family holidays in Mozambique | Family holidays in Namibia | Family holidays in Seychelles | Family holidays in Tanzania | Family holidays in The Cape | Family holidays in Zambia | Family holidays in Zanzibar


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