Looking to plan an unforgettable family vacation? Africa has a number of destinations that cater to travelers of all ages.
From the wildlife-filled savannas of Kenya and Tanzania to the lively neighborhoods and coastal getaways of South Africa, the continent promises immersive experiences that your family will reflect on for years to come. In this overview, we explore the best family destinations in Africa, kid-friendly activities, and African family retreats, highlighting the unique attractions of each area.
Whether you’re seeking wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, or a mix of both for your family’s African vacation, we’ve got all the inside tips to help you choose the perfect destination.
Here are our best family destinations in Africa:
1. Kenya
In addition to incredible wildlife sightings, Kenya offers a range of enriching kid-friendly activities that make it a fantastic African destination for families. Cultural experiences, such as visiting Maasai villages, provide unique opportunities for learning and interaction, while educational visits to non-profit organizations allow children to learn about conservation efforts firsthand.
Wildlife Conservation Travel
Kenya offers a classic safari experience across its diverse terrain. From private conservancies in Northern Kenya—originally working ranches converted by colonial Kenyan families—to the iconic Maasai Mara, families can encounter the Big Five, the Small Five, and the Ugly Five all in one country. Kenya’s abundant elephant population has thrived due to longstanding bans on hunting and successful anti-poaching efforts.
Conservation-minded travelers can visit projects like David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, and The Leo Project to learn about and support wildlife protection efforts.
Cultural Travel Destinations
Kenya is home to many tribes that uphold their traditional cultural values and ways of life. Visiting Samburu and Maasai villages and engaging in community projects provide valuable insights into tribal life. This exposure allows families to understand and appreciate Kenya’s rich cultural heritage while building strong connections with communities.
Sights and Adventures
A safari in Kenya extends far beyond standard game drives. Many camps offer additional kid-friendly activities such as horseback safaris, mountain biking, and walking safaris in exclusive private conservancies. If your family is in need of a digital detox, consider a multi-day walking safari, where camels carry your gear as you search for wildlife on foot. For a real treat, consider booking a stay at Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, where giraffes often peek their heads into the windows during meal times.
See our Kenya luxury safari tours.
2. Tanzania
The Serengeti in Tanzania is the perfect destination for a multi-generational family safari, offering diverse wildlife and beautiful open spaces. Immerse yourself in Tanzania’s rich cultural heritage by visiting communities and enjoying stays in eco-friendly luxury lodges and camps.
Great Migration Safari
In the Serengeti, witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration as vast herds of wildebeest and buffalo make their dramatic crossings of the Mara River. Tarangire National Park is home to an array of wildlife, with elephants, zebras, and wildebeest roaming its baobab-dotted landscape. The unique ecosystem of Lake Manyara National Park invites visitors with its acacia woodlands, hot springs, and tree-climbing lions. For a truly remarkable adventure, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural amphitheater teeming with wildlife, including endangered black rhinos.
Experiential Travel Journeys
Learn from communities about Tanzania’s cultural heritage, and sample regional cuisine in Mtu Wa Mbo village. Near Kilimanjaro, take a scenic hike to a breathtaking waterfall, and gain insights into the Chagga culture. Participate in orientation sessions and visit supported schools to deepen your understanding of the culture and language.
Luxury Lodges
Stay in eco-friendly lodges and camps that suit your family, and enhance your luxury safari adventure. African family retreats include the historical charm of Gibb’s Farm—a farmhouse serving organic food from nearby coffee plantations and vegetable farms, or consider staying at remote tented camps in the Serengeti wilderness, where you can enjoy sustainable luxury.
Check out our Tanzanian family travel itineraries.
3. South Africa
South Africa offers families an unparalleled vacation experience, blending world-class wildlife viewing with urban adventures and coastal escapes. From spotting the Big Five in Kruger National Park to exploring the cosmopolitan streets of Cape Town, this diverse country caters to all ages and interests, making it one of the best family destinations in Africa.
World-class Wildlife Viewing
Kruger National Park is a top safari destination where families can enjoy game drives to see the Big Five. The park’s expansive area and diverse ecosystems provide many opportunities to spot wildlife and take in the natural surroundings. Several lodges in and around Kruger National Park offer family-friendly accommodations and programs for children, ensuring an enjoyable experience for young wildlife enthusiasts.
Cape Town with Kids
With its iconic Table Mountain backdrop, Cape Town offers many family-friendly activities. Visit Boulders Beach to see African penguins, or take the cable car to Table Mountain’s summit for the stunning city and coastal views. The impressive Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens provide a lush retreat, while a day trip to Cape Point reveals dramatic South Africa beaches and diverse wildlife. Don’t miss the charming Kalk Bay Harbour, a former fishing village now known for its trendy atmosphere and excellent seafood. Throughout the city, urban art projects transform Cape Town into an engaging open-air gallery for all ages to enjoy.
Malaria-Free Safari Zones
Madikwe Game Reserve is an excellent choice for parents concerned about malaria, as it offers family safari options in malaria-free zones. These areas include family-friendly lodges like Ant’s Nest, Coot’s Camp, and Kwandwe, which offer specially tailored experiences for children while ensuring the whole family can enjoy a high-quality safari experience, making it one of the best family destinations in Africa.
See our best luxury safaris in South Africa.
4. Botswana
Botswana is a top safari destination for families with teenagers, as many conservancies don’t permit children under 16 to participate in activities like walking safaris. The country’s diverse landscapes and wildlife provide unique opportunities for family bonding and adventure.
Okavango Delta Safaris
The Okavango Delta is an excellent choice for a family safari, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, including the Big Five—lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos—as well as cheetahs, wild dogs, hippos, and giraffes. Families can observe animals in their natural habitats during daytime safaris, while night drives allow encounters with nocturnal species. Traditional mokoro (canoe) safaris offer a unique perspective on the Okavango Delta’s waterways, and activities like fishing are engaging for both children and adults.
Kalahari Desert
The Kalahari Desert has a range of unique experiences for families, including overnight “sleep out under the stars” camping. Camp Kalahari provides educational Bushman Walks, where families can learn about culture and wildlife. The camp also features a pool where kids can swim while watching elephants approach for a drink, creating an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Rare Wildlife Viewing
Botswana is home to some of Africa’s most unique and endangered wildlife. The country has one of the largest populations of African wild dogs, giving families the chance to spot these captivating predators in the wild. Additionally, Botswana is renowned for its large elephant herds, particularly in Chobe National Park, where they can be observed in abundance.
Explore our Botswana travel itineraries, among our favorite family destinations in Africa.
5. Zimbabwe and Zambia
Zimbabwe and Zambia are known for their exceptional guides and walking safaris. Zimbabwe has parks with incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, while Zambia’s beautiful and wildlife abundant parks of South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi are perfect for families seeking active adventures and water-based fun.
Elephant Migration and Rhinos
During the dry season in July, a significant number of elephants migrate to Hwange National Park in search of water. Families can observe the daily interactions and small dramas between individual elephants from concealed bunkers at the watering holes. This provides an excellent opportunity to enhance your safari photography skills without causing any disturbance. Families can visit a project focused on reintroducing white rhinos and walk alongside two male rhinos while meeting their guardians, who are part of the Cobra Community Wildlife Protection Unit. Additionally, you can visit the small but mighty Mana Pools National Park where a riverside safari offers an epic sunset view along the Lower Zambezi River. Here, you can spot everything from honey badgers to the largest number of hippos and crocodiles in Zimbabwe.
Connect with Communities
We highly recommend visiting some of the nearby villages that surround Hwange National Park as it puts in perspective how important the involvement of regional communities is for conservation goals. You’ll have the opportunity to see schools, water projects, clinics, and other initiatives aimed at providing much-needed services and opportunities to these remote regions.
Adrenaline Adventures
Hwange National Park features a historical railway, giving families the novelty of traveling between camps on the Elephant Express. While on the train, adults can sip a refreshing gin and tonic while keeping an eye out for cheetahs, lions, elephants, and more. In Zambia, you can participate in walking safaris, allowing you to enjoy nature at a slower pace and from a unique vantage point. We recommend including a camp-to-camp walking safari and spending a night under the stars in a dry river bed. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the spectacular Victoria Falls. Surrounding the falls, you can enjoy private river cruises, fishing trips, canoeing, rhino tracking, and family safari game drives. For those seeking more adventure, there are also activities such as bungee jumping and helicopter flights over “The Smoke that Thunders.”
See our Zambia and Zimbabwe travel itineraries suitable for the whole family.
More ideas
Explore our family activities page for inspiration for your next custom adventure!
