Family Adventure Safaris

Some families like to settle in, others simply can’t sit still. If yours falls into the second camp - seasoned family travellers who relish being outdoors - then a Family Adventure Safari may be your perfect match. These journeys dive deeper into the wilds of Africa, combining hands-on activities with knowledgeable family-orientated guiding and the right level of comfort for a premium, high-energy safari.

Botswana Family Safaris

Botswana is a superb choice for adventurous families. Safe, stable, and spectacularly wild, it offers outstanding safaris for older children and teens who enjoy being out in nature.

Days here shift between open 4x4 game drives, gentle mokoro trips through the floodplains (age limits apply), boat cruises, catch-and-release fishing, and - for older teenagers - guided bush walks. With wildlife often on the move, the sense of discovery is real. One moment you’re gliding past a reed frog the size of your thumb; the next you’re watching an elephant herd materialise from the woodland.

Mobile Camping Safaris

For families who like their adventure with a touch of pioneering spirit, a private mobile camping safari is a remarkable option. Your family has its own guide, 4x4 vehicle, and camp crew, meaning days unfold at your pace. Your guide will respond to the learning style and interests of your own tribe.  Want to linger by a leopard sighting or spend time identifying tracks with your guide? It’s all possible.

Mobile safaris run in Botswana offering deeply immersive days and surprising comfort at night. Think crackling campfires, hot bucket showers and stargazing that turns into an impromptu astronomy lesson.

Mobile safaris allow children to learn bushcraft skills such as spoor identification, understanding animal behaviour, and even basic camp chores, depending on the safari chosen.
If you’d like a personal view, read our review of the Young Explorers family safari.

Victoria Falls Family Activity Holidays

If your family includes confident teens or older children, Victoria Falls adds a dramatic twist. The Falls themselves guarantee a full memory card for budding photographers, while the surrounding area provides enough adrenaline to delight teenagers and mildly terrify their parents (usually at the same time).

Choose from white-water rafting, bridge-swinging, ziplining and a menu of gentler options for younger teens and kids such as elephant interactions, sunset boat cruises, and river-based game viewing. Accommodation ranges from lively resort hotels to intimate riverside lodges where a selection of activities - such as canoeing, bush walks, village visits and even game drives - are included.

You can even stay on a private island in the Zambezi River, where sharing the dining deck with a wandering elephant is surprisingly plausible.

Family Adventure Safaris in Zambia

Zambia is gaining recognition as one of Africa’s most family-friendly adventure destinations. It combines easy access to Victoria Falls with wonderfully varied safari experiences; perfect for families with older children (usually 9+) .

With riverfront lodges and long stretches of wilderness, days can include open-vehicle game drives, river cruises, canoeing, and, for older teens only, guided walks. This variety keeps young minds engaged and ensures no two days feel alike.

One of Zambia’s great strengths is its Safari Houses. These are exclusive-use bush homes with a private ranger, your own vehicle, and a dedicated chef. They’re ideal for families who enjoy flexibility, comfort and space to spread out.

Note: many camps in Botswana and Zambia are accessed by light aircraft. Flying between locations increases cost, especially if combined with peak season pricing (usually July to mid/late October). Sorry!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the ideal age for a Family Adventure Safari?
Most activities suit children from around 9-10 years old, with game walks and mokoros/canoeing reserved for older teenagers.

How do we get around between safari camps?
In Botswana and Zambia, most safaris are by light aircraft. These short flights save time and offer stunning aerial views. However a private mobile family safari is a road-based alternative.

Are adventure safaris suitable for families new to Africa?
If your children are well-used to travel and enjoy outdoor activities, yes. We tailor the pace, locations and level of adventure to your family’s interests and comfort levels.

Ready to explore Africa’s wilder side? Start planning your family adventure safari with our specialists.

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