Africa holds a wealth of experiences for families of any size and any age. From the iconic Serengeti in Tanzania to the Maasai villages of Kenya and the unparalleled biodiversity of the Okavango Delta in Botswana, Elevate will curate a custom-designed trip based on your family’s interests, extending far beyond most touristic experiences.
Founder of Elevate Destinations and Africa expert, Dominique Callimanopulos, has given us her recommendations for the five best countries for an African safari so you and your family can plan in confidence.
Botswana
With its proactive perspective against poaching, Botswana is leading the way in African wildlife conservation. The collaborative efforts of the government and the community have created a refuge for endangered species. Complimenting these conservation endeavors are the world’s most secluded safari eco-lodges, promoting positive social and environmental impact and boasting premium game sightings.
Spot wildlife from the balcony of your villa or during a child-friendly walking safari in the wetlands of the Okavango Delta. You may even stumble upon elephants striding across the savannah at sundown, as Chobe National Park in Botswana is known to have the largest herds in all of Africa.
The Okavango Delta is located in the middle of the Kalahari Basin, the vast sands of which stretch over three countries. Create lasting memories with your family while enjoying a picnic under the stars on these salt pans, and be humbled by a landscape which has formed over 65 million years.
Kenya
Kenya is both a classic and contemporary luxury safari destination offering first-class wildlife viewing and accommodation at small, personable, family-run camps and lodges who deliver the most authentic and magnificent safari experience.
Track lions or rhino in a private conservancy, volunteer with children from many different tribes in an after school program, and stay in exotic locations such as Giraffe Manor in Nairobi where the giraffes will take a sneak peek in your window.
If you have an active family, you can plan a variety of walking or camel safaris, migrating from camp to camp. With our help on timing, you’ll even have the opportunity to witness the annual Great Migration.
Tanzania
Watching wildebeest herds thunder alongside their zebra companions in the thousands of square kilometers of the Serengeti is a life-changing experience. Words can’t describe the grandeur of this vast land; when the sun sets behind the acacia-dotted horizon, the colors in the sky create a display you’re not likely to forget.
Both exceptional safari and ecotourism experiences are abundant in a variety of protected areas. Must-visits are the Ngorongoro Crater – a densely biodiverse world heritage site, Tarangire National Park – home to the iconic giant baobab trees, and the hidden gem of Ruaha National Park – where you can contribute to the long-term conservation of elephants in this stunning wilderness.
Unimaginable personal growth for every member of your family can present itself during volunteer opportunities with local communities and wildlife. Tanzania will captivate you with unexpected transcendent moments and transformative experiences.
South Africa
Dramatic mountains and flawless beaches are just the beginning of one of the top eco-luxury destinations in the world. South Africa’s modern infrastructure and incomparable hospitality make for the perfect introduction to the continent.
Start your trip by hiking the iconic Table Mountain before visiting arts projects and community gardens in the country’s legislative capital. Parents will love the award-winning wineries and laidback lifestyle of Cape Town, and your kids will adore spotting the Marine Big Five – not to mention penguins – on South Africa’s rugged coastline. Learn about the local culture by being involved in innovative development projects before an exciting safari in Kruger National Park.
Zambia
With untouched wilderness to be explored and endless activities to suit the taste of everyone in your family, Zambia is the luxury destination which keeps on giving. Thrill-seekers will be especially satisfied with the range and accessibility of water, land, and air-based adventures. Fly over Victoria Falls in the morning and take a swim in Devil’s Pool that afternoon. Cycle around Livingston and encounter communities up close, or escape to a more remote setting to traverse the parched rolling plains of the savanna in search of high-profile wildlife.
If time to relax is on your family’s agenda, take a cruise on the Zambezi River to see wandering herds of elephants, and unwind in your socially-responsible boutique lodge, appreciating firsthand how dedicated these businesses are to the surrounding wildlife and community.
For a deeper connection, why not immerse your family on a local level, taking an educational excursion to a non-profit anti-poaching project where you’ll see how the organization sustainably benefits the livelihoods of locals, in turn protecting Zambia’s wildlife.
Africa has the ability to ignite inspiration, nurture one’s soul, and transform lives. If you desire meaningful exchange with local people, our team at Elevate are ready to design your unique, sustainable, and magical African experience.
See our customizable itineraries for Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Zambia.
