Kids on Safari: 8 Tips for a Bicker-Free Africa Family Safari

Create memories, not meltdowns,

on your family safari in Africa

As a mother of three, I’m a big believer in introducing kids to the magic of Africa’s wild places. The bush is a natural arena for learning about the cycles of the earth, the predator hierarchy and the fascinating ways animals adapt to their environment. So a family safari in Africa is more than just a holiday — it’s a chance to learn, bond, and experience nature together.

But let’s be honest: hours in a game vehicle can test even the strongest family bonds. Luckily, a little planning goes a long way toward a joyful, fuss-free Africa family safari.

Here’s some of our tried-and-tested tips – based on real-world experience (and a couple of epic backseat squabbles). Some you may know. Some may be new.

1) Know Your Family’s Safari Style

Your kids on safari will be the same little humans you know and love — just with added lions and less WiFi.

Ask yourself:

• Does your family thrive on non-stop action or relaxed exploring?
• Are you up for adventure or want something that’s somewhat related to home?
• Do you always want to be together, or prefer some time apart?
• Would your kids enjoy meeting others, or prefer private family time?
• How do they cope with long travel days?

Are there any activities that that you all enjoy such as walking, canoeing, horse-riding? (This is the sort of vital info that lets us to design the ideal family safari for you.)

Top Tip:
If your children aren’t full-on animal lovers yet, avoid booking a marathon 10-day safari. Mix up a  safari with time in such as Cape Town, the Drakensberg mountains or Victoria Falls. for the perfect South Africa family safari.

2) Understand the Safari Rhythm

Life on safari has a gentle but definite flow: early mornings, downtime during the day, and late afternoon drives.

Some kids slot happily into this pace. Others — especially high-energy types — might find it tough, particularly in cooler months when swimming isn’t an option.

Choosing lodges that offer extra activities during the day – if needed – can make all the difference. (See Variety later…)

3) Stay Longer, Travel Less

When it comes to family safaris in Africa, less is often more. At least until they can pack their own bags and sort out what’s dirty!

Insider wisdom:
3–4 nights at a lodge is the sweet spot for families.
Shorter stays = constant packing and unpacking = stress.
Longer stays = relaxed kids, relaxed parents, and more wildlife magic.

4) Mix Up Activities on a Longer Safari

Many lodges in Zambia or Botswana offer boat cruises as an alternative to a game drive and most kids (and adults) like this variety.

No matter how amazing your ranger is, even elephants get a little “samey” after a while.

If you want to stay at two or more safari camps, try to pick one with different activities for the kids, or perhaps a kids programme.

Sometimes you can add in a safari camp in a non-predator reserve s as then your family can enjoy getting off the vehicle.

Break up game drives with activities like:

• Horseback safaris (usually in non-predator areas)
• Bush skills kids programmes
• Boating or fishing (Zambia or Zimbabwe)
• Or canoe trips (for older teenages)
• Even camel rides (hello, Kenya!)

This variety keeps everyone engaged — and gives younger legs (and attention spans) a break.

5) Be realistic about attention spans for young children

We get it: you want your three-year-old to have their Simba moment.And some 4 year kids can cope just fine. Others cope well only for about 40 minutes. Then it’s snack time, whine time, or meltdown time. (I speak from experience.)

• Reality check: Kids under 6–7 often struggle with long game drives.
• If you have young children, choose a lodge that’s geared for younger kids.
• Or take a private vehicle so that you can head back when you want if the kids are getting tired, whiny or hungry — no judgement.
• Better yet, book a private 2-bedroom villa with its own private guide and landrover

(Note that private vehicles cannot always be guaranteed in some reserves as they have strict policies on number of vehicles allowed out at any one time.)

See Safaris for young kids

6) Choose the right sort of safari lodge

Not all lodges are created equal for families.

The three types to know:

• Classic safari lodges: Kids allowed (usually 6+), but no special kids programmes (perhaps a few board games). Great if you love hang out together as a family.
• Family-friendly lodges: Designed with kids over 6 years in mind. Look for kids wildlife activities, kids’ menus. But you join the adult game drives.
• Young children’s lodges: Specialized programs with mini-game drives, nature walks, child-minding options, early dinners and storytelling sessions so that you can have dinner in peace.

We’ll match your family with the perfect fit..

7) Book a Private Safari Vehicle (If You Can)

Nothing says “bicker-free safari” like setting your own pace.
A private guide and vehicle lets you:

• Head back when kids get restless
• Your guide gets to know your kids and what they like. More personal
• Skip things you’ve already seen to focus on the new

Private vehicles aren’t always guaranteed (as there are limits on vehicle numbers), so chat to us early to weave this into your safari plan. Or opt for a private safari villa – where possible – with your own guide and vehicle thrown in.

8) Pack Multiple Cameras, Phones and Binoculars

Want to avoid World War III over who gets the good view of the lion cubs? Bring extra cameras, phones and at least one pair of binoculars per child if you can. (From my experience, more ‘low grade’ bickering takes place over binoculars than anything else on a family safari!)

Bonus:
You might discover a budding wildlife photographer in your midst. (Or at least get some hilarious family safari photo bloopers.)

Every Family is Different — and That’s the Adventure

Some families love staying together for every game drive and waking hour. Others prefer lodges where kids can peel off into their own activities (and parents can enjoy aspa treatment or even just a G&T in peace).

Neither is right or wrong — it’s just about knowing what makes your family tick.

And that’s where we come in.

Contact us to discuss YOUR own family’s preferences, or head to our Africa Family Safari pages

Ready to start planning your Family Adventure?

So where do you go from here?

Simple and stress-free — just the way it should be:

1. Chat with us – Tell us about your kids, your travel vibe and wishlist
2. Get your personalized safari plan – Tailored to your kids’ ages, interests, and energy levels.
3. Travel with Confidence – We’ll handle the logistics. You soak up the family memories.

Why Families Choose Cedarberg Africa

At Cedarberg Africa, we design tailor-made family safaris across Africa, crafted for every age and stage.”

• Seamless family-tested planning
• Lodges matched to your kids’ ages and personalities
• Insider Guides on Kids’ activities in Cape Town & the Garden Route
• Personal experience — we travel with our own kids
• Travel that supports conservation and local communities

”Kids on Safari – 8 tips for a bicker-free time” was written by Kate Bergh of Cedarberg Africa

Cedarberg Africa –  Specialists in Family safaris in Africa – especially South Africa family safaris –  for busy and discerning families.