We outline some of the best family safari lodges in South Africa, with many properties designed to welcome kids and teenagers. South Africa is one of the best safari destinations in Africa for families. The country’s diversity means families can combine Big Five game viewing with beaches, mountains, and outdoor adventure, and often within the same trip.
Family Safari Lodges in South Africa
From junior ranger programmes and kids’ activity centres to spacious family suites and flexible game drives, many family-friendly safari lodges have reimagined the safari experience for younger travellers. Whilst still ensuring that you all enjoy exceptional wildlife experiences.
And after months of school schedules and too much screen time, there’s something deeply refreshing about time in the wild. Fresh air, wide horizons, and the excitement of spotting an elephant around the next corner have a way of bringing families together.
This guide highlights our favourite family-friendly safari lodges across three price ranges; from more affordable options to premier and luxury safari lodges. These are in several regions such as the Eastern Cape, Greater Kruger, Madikwe, and the Cape.
Our Price Guide
To help with planning, we’ve grouped lodges into three broad categories (based on a family of four with two children under 12):
Shamwari Riverdene is arguably one of the most family-focused safari lodges in South Africa. Located in the malaria-free Eastern Cape, the lodge has been thoughtfully designed with families in mind.
Here there are four two or three-bedroom family suites – each with their own private ranger and vehicle – so that you can craft the family safari that works for you.
The Kids on Safari Adventure Centre is a major highlight. Here, children can enjoy supervised activities including arts and crafts, baking, nature walks and educational wildlife sessions.
Game drives are also adapted for younger guests (from four years upwards), ensuring children stay engaged while parents enjoy a rewarding safari experience. Plus you have the added attraction on both the Born Free Foundation and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
Set within the world-renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge combines an exceptional Big Five safari with excellent family facilities.
Each of their well-designed rooms can easily accommodate two extra children on stylish day beds. But they also offer two-bedroom Villas, which come with their own guide and private vehicle.
However the lodge’s EleFun Centre is a cut above most kid’s centres. It offers fun bush-themed activities for children, while family-focused game drives help ensure that guests of all ages feel involved in the adventure.
For families wanting an iconic Greater Kruger safari experience without sacrificing comfort, this lodge delivers in spades.
Tuningi Safari Lodge is one of the most welcoming family lodges in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. Overlooking a busy waterhole, the lodge has a wonderfully relaxed. The spacious Family Villa is a standout feature, offering two bedrooms, a private lounge and dining area, and its own plunge pool and private vehicle. Ideal for families who want both privacy and space.
Children are genuinely embraced here, with tailored safari experiences designed to keep them engaged and curious about the bush. Younger guests can join kid-friendly game drives, nature walks and wildlife-themed activities, while parents enjoy Madikwe’s excellent Big Five sightings.
With just a handful of suites and a warm, personal feel, Tuningi is a lovely option for families wanting a malaria-free safari with a more intimate lodge experience.
Other luxury family safari lodges:
Londolozi Varty or Founders Camp – Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Greater Kruger
Phinda Mountain Lodge, Family Cottage – Northern KwaZulu Natal
Madikwe Lelapa Lodge – Madikwe Game Reserve
Tswalu Motse Lodge – Kahalari Desert
Need help with a family safari?
Planning the right family safari requires balancing wildlife, safety, comfort and activities for different ages. If you'd like advice on which lodges best suit your children's ages and interests, our team can put together a proposal for you.
Sanbona Gondwana Family Lodge is one of the best safari options for families visiting the Western Cape. Located in the Little Karoo, it offers a malaria-free Big Five safari only three hours drive from the city.
The lodge is designed specifically for families, with interleading suites, child-friendly swimming areas, indoor and outdoor play spaces, and a lively Kids on Safari programme.
Children of all ages are welcome. Younger kids under four cannot join the standard game drives, but babysitting services and dedicated activities ensure parents can still enjoy time in the bush.
The reserve itself is rich in wildlife. Home to the Big Five, diverse plains game and birdlife.
Simbavati River Lodge sits on the banks of the Nhlaralumi River in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger Park
We often recommend this lodge for larger families, as one of the chalets accommodates a family of five with two bathrooms. Two additional family chalets sleep four people, each with one bathroom. An added plus is that they offer lower rates for teenagers and even young adults in these family chalets.
Children also benefit from a dedicated kids’ centre, where activities range from cupcake decorating and bug hunts to wildlife crafts and games.
(Note: the Greater Kruger area is a seasonal malaria region, though risk is lower during the dry winter months.)
Mhondoro is one of our favourite malaria-free Big Five lodges for families wanting a touch of style alongside practicality.
The Family Deluxe Suites welcome children of all ages, while the private-use villa is perfect for larger family groups.
There’s a dedicated kids’ programme including baking, pizza-making, wildlife quizzes, spoor identification and even child-friendly game drives. A standout feature is the underground wildlife hide overlooking a busy waterhole. From here, children can safely watch elephants and other wildlife come to drink; often just a few metres away.
Located in the exceptionally scenic Welgevonden Game Reserve, it offers big five game-viewing with a comfortable road transfer from Johannesburg or Pretoria, so it also makes a great contrasting safari stay to the Kruger.
Mhondoro is one of our favourite malaria-free Big Five lodges for families wanting a touch of style alongside practicality.
The Family Deluxe Suites welcome children of all ages, while the private-use villa is perfect for larger family groups.
There’s a dedicated kids’ programme including baking, pizza-making, wildlife quizzes, spoor identification and even child-friendly game drives. A standout feature is the underground wildlife hide overlooking a busy waterhole. From here, children can safely watch elephants and other wildlife come to drink; often just a few metres away.
Located in the exceptionally scenic Welgevonden Game Reserve, it offers big five game-viewing with a comfortable road transfer from Johannesburg or Pretoria, so it also makes a great contrasting safari stay to the Kruger.
Gondwana Game Reserve is the only free-roaming Big Five reserve along the Garden Route, set across 11,000 hectares of rolling Cape fynbos.
For families, the Lehele Family Villas are a standout option. These spacious three- or four-bedroom villas provide privacy and space, perfect for larger family parties wanting to be together.
Beyond game drives, activities include horse riding, bush picnics, fishing, mountain biking and birding, making this a great choice for families who enjoy varied outdoor adventures.
Other premier family safari lodges:
Kambaku Safari Lodge – Timbavati Game Reserve, Kruger Park
Many families also prefer to stay in malaria-free safari reserves, particularly if travelling with younger children (under six years). South Africa offers several excellent options, especially in the Eastern Cape, Madikwe, and the Waterberg region.
If this is an important factor for you, see our article on Malaria-free Game Reserves in South Africa, where we explain the best regions and safari lodges for families.
Kariega Main Lodge is a fantastic malaria-free safari option for families with younger children.
The lodge offers spacious Family Chalets with two bedrooms and shared living areas, ensuring everyone stays comfortably together.
Children of all ages are welcome, and a well-designed kids’ programme keeps younger guests entertained with nature walks, fishing, pizza-making and educational activities.
Its setting overlooking the Bushman’s River adds another dimension to the safari experience, allowing for boat cruises and canoe safaris: something a little different from the traditional Big Five format.
Honyeguide Khoka Moya Camp offers a wonderfully relaxed and welcoming safari experience at a more affordable price point in the Kruger.
Children of all ages are welcome on game drives — a rare perk that many families appreciate, as it removes the need to book a private vehicle.
The camp’s large tented suites comfortably accommodate families of four, while the communal dining atmosphere creates a warm, social safari environment.
Sibuya River Camp – Eastern Cape
Sibuya offers something different to other safaris in the northern parts of the country. Think river cruises, canoeing, swimming in the river and sea, fly fishing, game drives, birding and beach walks. A great mix of activities for both parents and children!
This small and intimate camp is a favourite amongst friends, families and sole-use groups. It has four beautifully appointed and spacious tented rooms. The sleeper couch accommodates two smaller children. An extra cot or camp bed can be added so that three kids can share with parents.
Families will also love the way their whole Sibuya stay starts. In fact, they call it the ‘Sibuya Experience’! You arrive at reception in the holiday village of Kenton-on-Sea, and are immediately taken on a 45 minute boat transfer up the Kariega to River Camp. A great way to kick things off!
Other moderate family safari lodges:
Babanango Game Reserve, Zulu Rock or Valley Lodge – KwaZulu Natal
Entabeni Wildside Camp – Waterberg Region
Whether you want a malaria-free safari near Cape Town, an iconic Big Five safari in Greater Kruger, or a multi-generational villa experience, these lodges make travelling with children not only possible, but genuinely enjoyable.
Learn which safari destinations will suit YOUR family
Is South Africa good for a family safari? Yes. South Africa is one of the best safari destinations for families thanks to malaria-free reserves, excellent family-friendly lodges with kids’ programmes, and also strong infrastructure.
What is the best age for children to go on safari? Children aged 6 or 7 and older often get the most from safari, but a few family safari lodges welcome younger children from 4 or 5 years of age. But this is the exception so chat to us if you have very young children.
Are there malaria-free safari options in South Africa? Yes. Popular malaria-free reserves include Madikwe, the Eastern Cape reserves, Welgevonden in the Waterberg. Northern KwaZulu Natal is also only low risk malaria.
Plan Your Family Safari in 4 Easy Steps
Planning a safari with children can feel daunting — but with the right lodge and itinerary, it becomes one of the most rewarding family trips imaginable.
Here’s how we can help:
Tell us about your family – children’s ages, travel style and interests
We recommend the best safari lodges for your family and budget
We design a seamless itinerary combining safari with beaches, cities or scenic regions
You travel with confidence, knowing every detail has been carefully planned
Chat to us about your family's safari plans.
Speak to a Cedarberg Africa safari specialist to start planning your family adventure.
Best Family Safari Lodges in South Africa – was written by Kate of Cedarberg Africa
Kate co-founded Cedarberg Africa in 1995 and has lived in South Africa for over 30 years. Having tested countless family lodges with her own three children, shamlessly using them as guinea pigs, she brings first-hand insight into what makes a safari seamless, memorable, and genuinely enjoyable for families. When not designing trips, she enjoys hiking in the mountains and trying to beat her now young adult kids at complicated strategy boat games.
Cedarberg Africa is a specialist tour operator for Southern Africa focusing on upmarket tailormade safaris for discerning and busy couples and families. We make our money on the difference between our wholesale rates and the rates available to you. So that means that our 30 years of experience and expertise cost no extra.
Contact us if you’d like a tailormade safari quote for your next trip.
