Going on a safari is an unforgettable experience for people of any age. Many travelers wonder if a safari is appropriate for kids and the expert team at Africa Adventure Consultants answers a resounding yes to that question! Many of us have children of our own and have taken them to Africa throughout their childhoods, watching them enjoy unforgettable moments while building special family memories that last a lifetime.
Kids on safari see their storybook characters come to life. Things they’ve only read about or seen on screen – hearing lions roar, elephants trumpeting and watching zebras run – are suddenly happening right before their eyes! But a safari isn’t just about seeing wild animals; it’s also a chance for kids to connect with nature, learn about different cultures and develop a love for wildlife conservation – all while enjoying some special family time.
Many camps and lodges offer special programs tailored to kids and families. Here are some fun activities kids can enjoy while on safari:
Many kids love a challenge, and one of the most exciting things to do on safari is to try and spot Africa’s Big Five – lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and buffalo. And there’s much more to see – your guide can encourage your kids to keep an eye out for giraffes, zebras, hippos and cheetahs along with smaller animals like tortoises, bat-eared foxes and warthogs. Many camps will provide a checklist to track what they spot – it adds an element of adventure (and sometimes competition!) and keeps them engaged during game drives.
For younger adventurers, some camps offer ‘hides’ to watch wildlife. These can be secure spaces – like a sunken shipping container – to observe wildlife for kids that aren’t ready to sit still for the length of a game drive.
AAC Journey Specialist Tip: Bring binoculars for the kiddos (and yourselves). Not only do they help children get a closer look, they also make kids feel like true explorers.
Tracking animals isn’t just for professional guides – it’s an exciting skill that kids can learn too! On a guided nature walk, kids can discover how to identify different animal tracks and signs like broken branches, feathers or droppings. This is a great way to teach children about the habits of various species and how animals interact with their environment.
Kids love taking photos, and what better place to encourage this hobby than on safari? Armed with a camera or even a smartphone, kids can try their hand at wildlife photography. Encourage them to think about how to capture the animals in action – it’s also a chance to learn about animal behavior. Who knows – they might just snap a picture worthy of framing!
AAC Journey Specialist Tip: Teach them how to zoom in and focus on specific details, like a lion’s mane or an elephant’s tusk.
A safari is not just a feast for the eyes – it’s also a chance to learn more about nature and wildlife. You can encourage kids to keep a safari journal where they can jot down facts they have learned or descriptions of animals they have seen. If they enjoy drawing, they can also sketch animals or landscapes. This can be a fun activity to occupy kids during downtime between activities and serves as a great memory of the trip.
Some of our safaris offer the chance to visit local villages and meet local communities. This can be a great cultural experience for kids, teaching them about different ways of life. Kids might get the chance to see traditional dances, learn how to make crafts, play soccer with local kids or try new foods. It’s a fantastic way to broaden their worldview and understand how humans and wildlife coexist.
Some properties also offer the chance for kids to engage culturally in and around camp. Kenya’s Saruni Samburu introduces kids to the lifestyles of two of Africa’s fascinating tribes – the Maasai and the Samburu. Guided by the ‘moran‘, or warriors, kids get to spend time with locals and experience the wilderness from the perspective of people who have called it their home for centuries.
One of the most important aspects of a safari is understanding the importance of wildlife conservation. Many safari camps and lodges have educational programs that teach kids about protecting endangered species, anti-poaching efforts and how to live sustainably. It’s a great way to inspire kids to care for the planet and its inhabitants.
Camps including Mara Nyika and Mara Plains – both in Kenya – offer a Young Explorers Program that blends fun with conservation learning. Kids receive a Young Explorers pack full of everything fun needed to become a Conservation Ambassador including an activity book with exciting information including animal tracks, vocabulary in the local language, facts on flora and fauna, word games and more.
After a day of exploring, evenings around the campfire are a magical time for kids. Guides often tell fascinating stories about the animals and adventures of the bush, and it’s also a chance to relive the day’s excitement. It’s the perfect time to bond as a family.
Offerings vary from camp to camp, but additional special activities may be on offer for kids including the chance to learn to cook in the camp kitchen (including make your own pizza classes at camps like Somalisa Acacia in Zimbabwe and Kwandwe Ecca Lodge in South Africa), arts and crafts activities, playrooms with games, fishing, African bedtime stories and voluntourism activities including reforestation projects, among others.
Many camps have swimming pools – another fun way for kids to blow off steam during afternoon downtime. Additionally, babysitting services are often available if mom and dad want an evening under the stars together. In the best of all worlds, private villas offer unparalleled exclusivity for your family and the complete freedom of your own schedule while on safari, along with lovely amenities like a private vehicle, dedicated staff and more.
A safari can be an incredibly enriching experience for kids and their families – one that combines adventure, learning and unforgettable moments. If a family safari sounds like the right adventure for you, contact one of our Journey Specialists to start planning your own customized journey and sign up for the newsletter below for more information.
Photos courtesy African Bush Camps, AAC President Kent Redding, andBeyond, Great Plains Conservation, Kwandwe, Saruni Samburu and Imvelo Safari Lodges