Dreaming of family safaris in South Africa but think that you need to wait until the kids are in their teens?
Hopefully, you will be pleased to know that you can realize your dreams sooner than you think!
There are lots of fabulous places to safari with kids in South Africa. We’ve picked the very best safari destinations in South Africa and listed the most family-friendly game lodges in each location.
Before we reveal the best places to take family safari in South Africa, read below why South Africa is the best place in the world to go on safari with kids!
Why is South Africa the best destination for a family safari?
1. Malaria-free safari
The main reason that South Africa is the best destination for a family safari is that there is a great selection of game lodges in malaria-free areas. This is a big consideration for many families who want to take young children on safari.
2. Children of all ages are welcome
There are lots of places where you can take a family safari in South Africa with some lodges accepting babies.
You need to check their terms regarding game drives though. Although they may accept babies at their accommodation, it is unlikely they will accept babies on game drives (unless they can offer a private vehicle for your family),
Most lodges will accept children 5+ on game drives. Any younger and it will be at the manager’s discretion.
The lodges that we have highlighted all offer some form of children’s entertainment. If you are taking a family safari in South Africa with very young children, these lodges also provide childcare.
3. Self-drive safari available
The infrastructure in South Africa is also a lot better than in many other African countries. This means that taking a self-drive family safari in South Africa is much easier than in other African countries.
This is an important consideration if you are looking at a family safari in South Africa on a budget.
4. There is so much to see and do in South Africa with kids
When you’re done with your family-friendly South African safari, you can head off to enjoy the other highlights of South Africa.
The beaches in South Africa are beautiful but so are the winelands. Wine tasting in South Africa can be surprisingly family-friendly!
Flashbacking Family has some excellent ideas for exploring South Africa with kids independently.
The best family safari in South Africa
There are four main areas that we recommend for going on safari with kids in South Africa: The Eastern Cape, the Waterberg region, Pilanesberg National Park, and North West Province.
All of these areas are malaria free which is an important factor to consider when taking an African safari with kids.
The Kruger National Park is one of the best places to go on safari in South Africa but we haven’t listed it because it is not malaria-free.
If you do plan to visit the Kruger with kids, the best time to go is during the winter months (May to September) when the malaria risk is lower.
Family safari in the Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape is one of the best places in South Africa to go on safari with young kids because it is malaria free and a safari here can easily be incorporated into a typical Garden Route itinerary.
Many people who are visiting Cape Town and exploring the Garden Route will tag on a few days at the end of their trip and visit one of the game reserves in the Eastern Cape.
All of these family-friendly game lodges in the Eastern Cape are located fairly close to each other.
Kariega Game Reserve
Kariega Game Reserve is located close to Kenton-on-Sea and covers 10,000 hectares of bushland and incorporates two rivers.
There are daily children’s activities in the Kids’ Club including guided trails and animal-related arts and crafts. Children are allowed on game drives but it will be at the safari guide’s discretion for children under 5.
Children of all ages are welcome at Kariega, although children under 10 cannot stay in the Ukhozi Lodge, River Lodge or Settlers Lodge
Family accommodation is found in the Kariega Main Lodge – 3 bedroom chalets with a private pool that sit on the ridge overlooking the Kariega River.
The Homestead is for large groups of 10 people.
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Shamwari is perhaps the most luxurious of the game reserves in the Eastern Cape. It has some excellent facilities for families, including an incredible children’s centre and play area. You can read more about their Kids on Safari programme here.
Children under 4 aren’t allowed on game drives but there is plenty of childcare available.
We love how dedicated they are to wildlife conservation.
Family accommodation is found in the Riverdene Family Lodge, Long Lee Manor or Sarili Lodge (which can accommodate 10 people).
If you have slightly older children (12+), you can stay at Eagles Crag.
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is located just north of Grahamstown. There are only 26 rooms in the 22,000 hectare reserve that lies either side of the Great Fish River so you won’t be jostling with other game vehicles to spot the wildlife.
Children of all ages are welcome. They receive a special welcome gift on arrival and game drives are tailored to suit families. There are also additional children’s activities for when you are not on safari.
Family accommodation is found in the Kwandwe Uplands Homestead and Kwandwe Melton Manor.
You can read more about kids on safari at Kwandwe here.
Amakhala Game Reserve
Amakhala Game Reserve is located 45 minutes drive from Port Elizabeth and comprises of 8,500 hectares of land once occupied by the original settlers in South Africa.
There is a large range of accommodation available here ranging from 3 to 5 stars so there is something for every budget.
Families are important at Amakhala Game Reserve and they have introduced a kids under 12 stay free policy (and kids aged 12 – 16 pay 50% of the adult price).
Family accommodation is found in:
- Hlosi Game Lodge
- Woodbury Lodge
- Woodbury Tented Camp
- HillsNek Safari Camp
- Leeuwenbosch Country House
Children aged 6 years and older are allowed on game drives. Children aged 5 years and below will be allowed at the discretion of the game ranger.
Not able to stay overnight? They also offer guided day safari.
Lalibela Game Reserve
Lalibela Game Reserve has located 90km from Port Elizabeth and covers 10,500 hectares.
Children’s game drives have been specifically designed for children. They will stick to the gravel roads and avoid getting close to dangerous animals. The game drives are suitable for children aged 2 – 7 years old and one adult can accompany them.
There are experienced childminders available for children under 2.
You can read more about children on safari at Lalibela here including all the other activities available to children.
Family accommodation can be found in Mark’s Camp.
Addo Elephant National Park
If you are looking to do a self-drive safari on a budget in a malaria free area, Addo Elephant National Park is the best choice for you.
This started out as a sanctuary for elephants but has expanded to include the Big 5. The animals roam over 125,000 hectares and while you have a good chance of seeing elephants, sightings of Lion or Leopard are much rarer.
You can book accommodation in the park through SanParks – but you do need to book well in advance. They have a wide range of options to suit all budgets.
Family safari in the Waterberg Region Limpopo Province
The Waterberg Region in the Limpopo Province is located around 3.5 hours’ drive north of Johannesburg close to the border with Botswana.
The area offers some dramatic scenery with the majestic Waterberg Mountain Range dominating the skyline.
The best game lodge for families in the Waterberg region is:
Marataba Safari Lodge
Marataba Safari Lodge is one of the Top 20 Resorts in South Africa according to Condé Nast readers.
It is a 21,000-hectare area of the Marakele National Park on the foothills of the Waterberg Mountains.
Children of all ages are welcome and there are children’s activities at the Mack & Madi Kids’ Adventure experience as well as a fun clubhouse. You can even have a sleepout at the Thabametsi Treehouse!
Kids aged 3 – 5 can participate in bush rambles and kids aged 6+ can join adults on game drives.
Family accommodation is in the form of safari glamping tents. There are 15 tents at the Safari Lodge, 4 of which are suitable for families.
Family safari in the North West Province
Just outside of the Waterberg region and bordering Botswana in the North West Province of South Africa is Madikwe Game Reserve.
It is made up of grassland, forest and the rocky Tshwene Tshwene hills. It is famed for its large population of African hunting dog and its wild and rugged landscape.
The best game lodge for families in the North West Province is in the Madikwe Game Reserve.
Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge
Within the Madikwe Game Reserve you will find Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge.
Note that the main lodge doesn’t allow children under 10 but Little Madikwe Private Camp is just perfect for families.
It offers a private 2-bedroom villa (with option of adding another 2 suites for larger families). There is a private pool, private chef and private game viewing vehicle. The nearby watering hole can also be seen from your villa
There is a Junior Ranger programmed that gets the kids learning about the bush through hands on experiences.
Family safari in Pilanesberg National Park
Pilanesberg National Park is just a few hour’s drive north of Johannesburg making it the closest game reserve to Johannesburg.
It is the ideal place to take a South African safari with kids if you don’t have time to travel further from Johannesburg or you are tagging on a safari to the end of your South African adventure.
Note that Sun City is not far away so you could even squeeze a visit in here which the kids will love.
Some of the best game lodges for families in the Pilanesberg National Park are:
Ivory Tree Game Lodge
Ivory Tree Game Lodge offers a family room with a private plunge pool. Children under 6 are not allowed on game drives.
Nkala Safari Lodge
Nkala Safari Lodge is ideal for large families or a group of friends. It is a large holiday home with 6 bedrooms and can sleep up to 11 people.
Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge
Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge is located on the slopes of a 2 million-year-old volcano. Junior Rangers programme is available and there is an onsite playground. This is more like a hotel than a safari lodge.
