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Safari companies in South Africa and Kenya open their doors to families seeking adventure with children of all ages.

Safari, or “travel” in Swahili, is no longer limited to adventure-seeking adults and perhaps older teens. Family Travel Forum’s consulting division has tracked the increase in the number of safari companies catering to families with younger children. For generations, families were discouraged from bringing children under age 14 along on a safari. “They’re too young to wake up for dawn animal viewing,” was one complaint. “They can’t keep still in the Jeeps” was another.

Yet more robust demand has forced the industry to rethink its policies and make more options available. Safari companies such as those in South Africa, Kenya and Zambia are welcoming even toddlers into the world of the wild.

Family Safaris in Botswana & South Africa

Maniago Safaris (254 20 4449461/2), one of Africa’s leading travel destination management companies, has created kid-friendly safaris and specialized trips in East Africa. One such excursion is to Stanley’s Camp, a 260,000-acre ground located at Giraffe Manor in the untamed landscape of Botswana. Activities allow children to camp outdoors next to hippos, and feed the wildlife while getting to know the elephants. Visitors can walk with the herd and even learn more about the Masai people indigenous to this location.

Two private lodges located within the famous Kruger National Park of South Africa are making efforts to welcome children by incorporating them into guided safari programs. The exclusive Savanna Lodge (27/13 751 2474) has lowered its minimum age from 14-years to 8. The Rock Lodge at Ulusaba (877/577-8777), the ultimate “Big Five” (leopards, lions, elephants, rhinos, and African buffalo) safari destination, is another private game reserve that has arranged family suites with plunge pools, a supervised Cubs Club for children of all ages (kids under 6 are free), and specialized game drives for children 6-years and up. There is no set program for the Cubs Clubs; children enjoy activities such as treasure hunts and story time, and “Cubs cuisine,” with kid favorite dishes like pasta and pizza. 

On the outskirts of Kruger National Park is Camp Jabulani (27 12 460 5605), an award-winning eco-luxury camp that grew after the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC) rescued and nursed a baby elephant, Jabulani, back to health.  The camp recently opened its new family-friendly villa, the Zindoga Presidential Villa, and a kids program, Team Tusker, for children under the age of 12.  As parents enjoy their own safari experience, the youngsters will experience educational and exciting supervised activities twice a day from 10am-12:30pm and from 3-6pm.  Unique and fun events include: dung throwing, bush cooking and baking, bug catching, African song and dance classes, bird watching and star-naming.  And of course, the staple campfire stories, t-shirt making and arts-n-crafts will also be available.  Plus, all children (as long as they are accompanied by their parents) will have the opportunity to participant in Camp Jabulani elephant riding experience. 

Also based in South Africa, African Classic Encounters (212/972-0031) puts a kid-friendly spin on the African experience by naming the continent “nature’s theme park.” All safari programs are led by personal rangers and a skilled Shangaan tracker. Special family-oriented programs include a Walk with Baboons, a two- to three-hour guided hike to see troops of Chacma Baboons (the southern-most primates in the world) in their natural environment. Families can also whale-watch along the South African coastline and see the migration of 40-ton Southernright whales, or explore Boulder Beach to watch the jackass penguins, found nowhere else in the world.

The Mantis Collection (877/354-2213) boasts a variety of boutique hotels and game reserves across Europe and South Africa. In Africa, choose from the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, Oceana Beach & Wildlife Reserve, Nkomazi Game Reserve, Jock Safari Lodge, and the Mpumalanga Game Reserve. The reserves blend luxury accommodations with an African backdrop ideal for a safari adventure with elephants, rhinos, buffalos, lions and leopards.

Mantis guests with smaller children (4-years and older to participate in excursions) should opt for the child-friendly Shamwari Game Reserve. Their special children safaris offer a coordinator to discuss family activity options in regards to family size, children's ages, and weather. Children also receive a gift pack with plush toy, workbook, and surprises, and have their own children's menu for meals. The reserve also offers children their own culture experience through African bead making, clay making activities, face painting, star-gazing and African story-telling. Family excursions include trips to The Born Free Foundation Big Cat Rescue Centre, Shamwari Wildlife Hospital, and Shamwari Film Studio to capture your family's adventure on DVD.