Kids on Safari: The Ultimate Guide to Your Family Safari
Eight Things to Consider to Successfully Bring Your Children on Safari
Family vacations and multi-generational getaways are totally trending, and what better way to dive into the excitement than with a safari that will blow everyone’s minds? Imagine immersing your kids in nature’s wonderland with a thrilling and educational experience all at once. In this guide, we’ll use Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park—our home base—as an example to illustrate how to craft an exciting yet cosy family safari that appeals to every member of your tribe, from young explorers to seasoned adventurers.
But let’s be real—safaris can be quite a change from typical vacations. With early wake-up calls, extended activities often conducted in hushed tones, and more structured mealtimes, it’s a different pace that might not suit every child’s preferences or energy levels. The unique demands of a safari can require a bit of adjustment and may not always align with what your children are accustomed to.
To ensure your family safari is nothing short of spectacular, we’ve put together 8 essential considerations to help you easily navigate the adventure. From factoring in age and health to tackling safety, activities, cost, engagement, and logistics, these tips will ensure your safari is perfectly tailored for an unforgettable experience for every family member.
1. Age Appropriateness
The age of your children plays a significant role in determining the best safari experience. While some lodges welcome infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, we believe that the ideal age for a safari is generally 7 and older.
At this stage, children are better equipped to appreciate wildlife, adapt to new routines, and manage their impulses more effectively.
Furthermore, certain activities like walking safaris require children to be at least 12 years old due to safety concerns.
2. Health & Safety
When travelling with young children, especially to areas with health risks like malaria, it’s important to prioritize their well-being. Infants and very young children can be more susceptible to illnesses and might struggle with temperature regulation in hot climates.
Additionally, many lodges and camps are unfenced, which means wild animals can be around at any time of day and night. Be sure to adhere to the lodge’s safety guidelines and keep a close watch on your children, particularly around the camp and pool areas.
3. Engagement & Interest
Keeping kids engaged throughout the safari is essential for a fantastic trip. Since younger children often have shorter attention spans, planning activities that spark their curiosity and excitement is key. For older kids and teens, look for a lodge that offers a range of activities, including educational and cultural experiences. This can keep them intrigued and deepen their understanding of the environment and local culture.
Also, remember that there is often plenty of downtime on safari, so having amenities like a pool and Wi-Fi can be a lifesaver when travelling with kids.
Different age groups come with their own unique needs and challenges. Considering these three initial factors, we’ve categorized the age groups as follows:
- Ages 0 to 1: Traveling with infants can present notable health challenges, particularly in areas with malaria or high temperatures. Additionally, the safari schedule may not be suitable, and infants are often restricted from participating in activities, meaning one parent might need to stay behind and miss out on the safaris. Given these considerations, it’s generally advisable to avoid safaris with infants, especially in health-risk regions. Instead, opt for more temperate destinations like South Africa’s Western and Eastern Cape or malaria-free areas such as Madikwe and the Waterberg Mountains.
- Ages 2 to 6: Although children in this age range can take anti-malarial medication, parents should carefully consider the risks and their comfort level with exposing young children to malaria. Many families choose to wait until children are at least five or six before travelling to wild areas. Additionally, some lodges may have age restrictions for accommodation or activities, and the safari routine might still be challenging. Close supervision is crucial, and babysitting services may not always be available.
- Ages 7 to 11: This age group is better suited for safaris, offering the chance to explore a broader range of destinations, including those with malaria risks. Many lodges welcome children in this range, although some activity restrictions may still be in place. For instance, some lodges might require a private vehicle for game drives or limit participation in more adventurous activities like walking safaris or canoeing. While some lodges provide child-focused activities, it’s important to strike a balance to ensure a genuine safari experience.
- Ages 12 to 17: Safaris with teenagers are a unique chance for family bonding before they become more independent. At this age, they can participate in all activities, and the focus can shift to broadening their worldviews and engaging in cultural interactions or philanthropic projects. Although teenagers may initially resist the idea, they often end up deeply enjoying the experience.
- Ages 18+: Traveling with adult children offers a special opportunity to strengthen family ties and enjoy quality time together. This age group can fully appreciate the depth of a safari experience, engaging in wildlife observation and appreciating the beauty of nature with a mature perspective. Safaris with adult children allow for shared moments of awe and discovery, and the chance to connect on a deeper level while enjoying the adventure and serenity of the wild. It’s a perfect way to create lasting memories and celebrate family milestones.
There are several other key considerations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable safari for the whole family – let’s keep exploring them!
4. Accommodation Options
Selecting the right accommodation is crucial for a comfortable family safari. The most important thing is to choose lodgings with spacious bedrooms that aren’t overcrowded with extra beds.
Traditionally, safari lodges focus on providing a serene retreat for adults, which may not always suit families with energetic children. Communal dining areas, micro swimming pools, and a quiet environment can be less than ideal for lively kids. In such situations, private villas or houses can be a perfect solution. These options allow families to enjoy meals, activities, and relaxation at their own pace, creating a homelier atmosphere where children feel comfortable, and families can bond without disruptions.
5. Exciting Activities
A safari primarily revolves around wildlife observation, but the range of activities can vary. Game drives are the highlight, providing an exciting opportunity to see wildlife up close and sparking awe and curiosity. Most lodges offer additional specialised activities, such as guided bush walks, photographic hides, canoe or boat safaris, and birding, but availability often depends on the children’s age.
Choosing a lodge that blends these classic safari experiences with interactive wildlife education sessions and community-focused tours can enhance the vacation for everyone. This mix of dynamic activities ensures a memorable experience, catering to different interests and age levels within the family. And if you can afford it, we’d recommend getting a private vehicle (unless you’re already in a private-style accommodation).
6. Understanding Lodge Dynamics
A safari often involves sharing activities and lodge spaces with other guests, leading to a more communal experience compared to vacations where everyone tends to do their own thing. When traveling with children, it’s important to consider how these guest interactions might impact your safari experience, as they may not always align with the needs of families. Some lodges may require families with younger children to book a private vehicle for specific activities.
For greater flexibility, a private safari house offers an excellent solution. You get your own dedicated space and the freedom to enjoy your safari at your own pace, without worrying about disturbing others.
7. Budget Smart
A safari holiday is a considerable investment, so it’s crucial to ensure that every family member fully enjoys the experience. That’s why selecting a lodge that offers exceptional value for families is so important.
Many lodges offer attractive discounts for children, helping to make the journey more affordable. Typical discounts would be 50% off for kids aged 6-11 and 25% for those aged 12-17 when sharing with two adults. By leveraging these savings and planning strategically, you can make the investment worthwhile and ensure that no part of the adventure goes to waste.
8. Travel Essentials
Family travel involves a range of practical details that require thoughtful preparation. For example, the journey to a remote safari camp often includes long flights or drives, so planning for these stretches is important for everyone to be comfortable. Consider practicalities, such as the duration of game drives, which may be lengthy, or the availability of child-friendly meals. Are rooms equipped with showers or bathtubs? Check if the lodge offers amenities like babysitting or kids’ clubs, and plan for other logistical concerns such as health precautions and safety measures in remote locations.
Additionally, ensure you have all necessary travel documents for children, including passports and any required visas. Since English is the primary language used in most lodges across Southern Africa, it’s a good idea to bring along games and books to keep your children entertained if they aren’t fluent.
Addressing these details in advance will help ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and memorable safari experience for the entire family!
Ultimate Guide to Your Family Safari
And here it is—your ultimate guide to a perfect family safari! Check out the grid below for a comprehensive, easy-to-follow summary of essential considerations tailored to every age group, ensuring an unforgettable adventure for the entire family!
Why Choose Kafunta River Lodge for a Family Safari?
When planning a family safari, the choice of lodge is paramount. Kafunta River Lodge offers an idyllic blend of luxury and adventure, making it the ideal base for a family exploring the African wilderness. Our lodge is designed with families in mind, offering three accommodation options to suit different family sizes and preferences.
THE SUNSET HOUSE
Our Sunset House offers a private family haven, comfortably accommodating up to nine guests across three elegant en-suite rooms. Ideal for larger families or groups, it provides a secluded retreat close to the main lodge and has its own swimming pool. Enjoy the freedom to explore your safari adventure at your own pace, with the added luxury of exclusive access to a dedicated guide and vehicle.
LUXURY SUITES
Our two Luxury Suites are perfect for smaller families seeking both comfort and elegance.
Each suite comfortably fits two adults and one or two children, featuring a spacious interior with a loft for additional beds. Enjoy the large en-suite bathroom (with a bathtub and a shower), a private patio, and a balcony with breathtaking views of the plains.
STANDARD ROOMS
Our Standard Rooms, designed for two guests, offer a cosy and practical space that’s perfect even for a family of three. We can easily add a small cot or extra bed to ensure everyone is comfortable and well-cared for.
Each room includes a spacious bedroom area complete with a private deck and an en-suite bathroom, offering a delightful and convenient oasis for the family.
Safari Activities Tailored for Families
The variety of activities available at Kafunta River Lodge ensures that there is never a dull moment for families. From thrilling game drives to cultural excursions, every day brings new adventures.
GAME DRIVES
Central to any safari adventure, our game drives take place in the morning, afternoon, and evening, each offering a unique glimpse into the park’s wildlife.
Morning drives are ideal for watching animals start their day and perfect for spotting elephants, giraffes, and a variety of bird species. Afternoon drives ramp up the excitement as predators like lions and leopards become more active before sunset. The evening drives bring a thrilling chance to spot nocturnal creatures such as civets, hyenas, and the elusive leopard.
For the ultimate flexibility, we recommend hiring a private guide unless you are staying at the Sunset House.
BUSH WALKS
Bush walks are a must-do for families with older children (12 and up).
These walks provide a different kind of thrill, allowing participants to get up close and personal with the smaller details of the bush, from tracking animal footprints to identifying different plant species. For younger children, we can offer short guided walks around the lodge and access to our photographic hide, where they can safely explore the wonders of the African wilderness.
SPLASH & PLAY
At both Kafunta River Lodge and Sunset House, kids can splash around and have a blast in our infinity swimming pools, ideal for those sunny midday hours. Plus, they can stay connected with their friends and share vacation highlights with ease—our Wi-Fi is totally free!
ENGAGING YOUNG EXPLORERS
At Kafunta River Lodge, we’re committed to making the safari experience both fun and educational for young adventurers.
Our specially designed safari booklets come with a wildlife checklist and entertaining puzzles, keeping children engaged while they connect with nature.
Adventures Beyond the Lodge
To further enrich your children’s (and your own!) experience, we recommend adding these extra excursions:
Visit to Project Luangwa: This visit provides a valuable opportunity for families to understand the local community and the educational challenges faced by children in the area. Project Luangwa supports local schools and provides essential resources, offering young visitors and teenagers a meaningful glimpse into how their peers in Zambia live and learn. It’s an excellent way to nurture global awareness and empathy.
Conservation South Luangwa (CSL): A trip to Conservation South Luangwa introduces families to the K9 unit dogs, crucial to anti-poaching efforts in the region. Kids will enjoy discovering the dogs’ vital role in wildlife protection and gain a deeper appreciation for conservation work.
Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust: At Chipembele, families can explore the hands-on discovery center, which offers interactive exhibits on wildlife conservation and the environment. The “Walk of Time” exhibit, a timeline of planet Earth, is particularly engaging for children, providing a fun and educational journey through the history of our planet.
Tribal Textiles Batik Workshop: Take a creative pause from wildlife adventures with a visit to Tribal Textiles, where families can dive into a batik workshop. Everyone gets the chance to design their own textile bag or cushion, crafting a unique keepsake from their African journey. This engaging activity is not only enjoyable but also a fantastic way to introduce children to the vibrant art and culture of Zambia.
Shopping for Crafts: No safari is truly complete without a splash of shopping excitement! In the heart of Mfuwe, local artisans display their handmade creations—from stunning Mulberry Mongoose jewelry to intricately carved wooden animals and unique home decor. These lively markets give children the perfect opportunity to choose their own souvenirs while immersing themselves in the rich world of traditional Zambian crafts.
Explore More of South Luangwa
In addition to Kafunta River Lodge, specially designed for families, we also offer two intimate remote camps welcoming children aged 12 and older. Three Rivers Camp and Island Bush Camp provide a unique chance to delve into a more secluded and untamed part of South Luangwa. Here, families will enjoy exhilarating walking safaris, game drives, raw beauty, and adventure in a truly wild landscape.
Conclusion: A Safari to Remember
Choosing a well-planned family safari is an exhilarating journey that combines adventure, education, and unforgettable moments.
With thoughtful preparation and the right choice of accommodation, every family member can experience the thrill of the wild in comfort and style.
Consider making Kafunta River Lodge your family base for your safari adventure. Our spacious accommodations and thoughtful amenities are complemented by our fantastic and caring staff, who are dedicated to making your stay enjoyable and memorable. With engaging activities and personalized touches, we aim to help you create a truly special family experience. Dive into the magic of South Luangwa with us and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Contact us with any questions or to start planning your family safari.
