21 Best Places to Stay on Africa Family Holidays

South Africa:

1. Hi’Nkweni Villa at Lion Sands Tinga Lodge

Situated between the ever-popular Sabi Sands Game Reserve and iconic Kruger National Park, the upscale Hi’Nkweni Villa affords guests front-row seats to the best Big 5 (lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhino) sightings in Africa. Bring the entire family along for a proper South Africa family holiday in the game-rich Lion Sands Game Reserve. Hi’Nkweni offers something for everyone and caters for every single member of your family, whether it’s your tiny toddler or your elderly grandfather.

Highlights:

• Exclusive-use, 5-star luxury villa in the game-rich Lion Sands Game Reserve
• Villa with disabled access accommodating up to eight guests of all ages
• Breathtaking views of the Sabie River
• Dedicated butler sees to your every need
• Private viewing deck & swimming pool
• Spa & gym facilities plus 9-hole golf course
• Private safari vehicle & dedicated guide
• Sleepouts under the stars in the Tinyeleti Treehouse
• Kosher dining available
• Optional scenic helicopter flights
• Mack & Madi Kids adventures to entertain the little ones

Best for…

Multi-generational family safari holidays, staying at some of Africa's best multi-generational safari camps and lodges.

2. Ulusaba Rock Lodge

Carved into the Ulusaba rock and elevated above the Sabi Sand Game Reserve sits Ulusaba Rock Lodge – a luxury family-friendly getaway that promises good old-fashioned fun in a Big 5 haven. Ideal for those going on safari with children, Ulusaba has a dedicated Cubs Club that keeps your little ones occupied from the minute they wake until their bedtime (complete with storytime). Kids’ activities include everything from a treasure hunt to a mini Ranger’s course and spa treatments specially designed for children.

Highlights:

• Luxury getaway in the game-rich Sabi Sands Game Reserve
• Dedicated Cub’s Club for kids under 12s
• Children ages 6 & up are allowed on game drives
• Reliable Big 5 sightings on game drives and guided bush walks
• Special children’s menu available
• World-class spa treatments & wine tasting
• Stargazing at the lodge’s observatory in the bush
• Tennis court & gym
• Full day excursions on the Panorama Route & scenic helicopter flights

Best for…

Families with young children

3. Singita Castleton

If you’re keen to bring the entire brood along on your South Africa family holiday, Singita Castleton is the perfect place to enjoy an authentic, wholesome safari. Accommodating up to 12 people and located in one of the Kruger’s most popular private reserves, you can rest assured knowing that grandparents, adults, teens and kids will have plenty to bond over on this once-in-a-lifetime family getaway.

Highlights:

• Located within the Big 5 haven, Sabi Sand Game Reserve
• Exclusive-use luxury villa that accommodates 12 people
• Private swimming & boma (firepit) overlooks Castleton dam & open grassland
• Private fitness centre, yoga pavilion, tennis court, boules court & wellness centre
• Trampoline for kids (& adults) to have fun
• Private wine cellar with the finest South African wines
• Private staff, including house manager, chef & housekeeper
• Private safari Land Rover with dedicated field guide and tracker
• Babysitting services & Mini Rangers Course available for children
• Activities & itineraries are tailor-made to suit each family
• Kosher & Halaal food available

Best for…

Multi-generational getaways & families with older kids & teenagers.

4. The Motse at Tswalu

 

The Motse is a slice of paradise out in the remote regions of the Kalahari. Spend your days exploring the African wilderness and encountering big game in comfort and style – ‘roughing it’ takes on a whole new meaning at this contemporary luxury camp. And to top it all off, it’s the perfect safari getaway for a well-deserved family holiday. While the parents indulge in spa treatments and gourmet meals, they can rest assured knowing their children are having the time of their lives learning new skills and exploring their surroundings.

Highlights:

• Exclusive luxury camp in the Kalahari
• Located in a malaria-free region
• Junior Ranger programme keeps young kids entertained
• Young children are allowed on game drives
• Children’s menu & child-minding services available
• Award-winning spa, state-of-the-art gym & fine dining
• Private game vehicles, helicopter safaris, walking safaris & horse riding
• Interact with the friendly resident meerkats
• Sleepout under the stars in the Malori sleep-out deck

Best for…

Families with children of all ages.

Botswana:

5. Footsteps Across the Delta

 

Footsteps offers a classic African safari in one of Africa’s most diverse landscapes: the Okavango Delta. The camp family-friendly accommodation and activities makes this the perfect place to bring your brood. Authentic Meru-style tents and an off-the-grid approach ensures a traditional experience of roughing it in the bush, while the Young Explorers programme brings the entire family closer together through specially designed activities that accommodate each family member, from toddler to parent and everyone in-between.

Highlights:

• Rustic camp in the Okavango Delta offering an authentic safari experience
• Traditional Meru-style family tents accommodate up to five people
• Off-the-grid approach (no WiFi or mobile coverage) for a more authentic feel
• Guided walking safaris in the Delta’s wilderness
• Day & night game drives & mokoro (traditional canoe) rides through the wetlands
• Young Explorers programme keeps children of all ages entertained

Best for…

Families with kids of all ages.

6. Linyanti Ebony

Immerse yourself in nature and get completely off the grid at Linyanti Ebony. This comfortable and stylish camp sits between two of Africa’s safari gems – the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park – which ensures that the family will be treated to big game sightings as well as an authentic experience. Rough it in the African wilderness – sleeping under canvas tents and digitally detoxing with no WiFi or network coverage. Of course, you won’t be completely at nature’s mercy as Linyanti Ebony provides every creature comfort one would need to unwind after days of adventure.

Highlights:

• Comfortable & stylish camp on the Linyanti Channel
• Located between two big game havens, the Okavango Delta & Chobe National Park
• Ngwana Club offers a variety of children’s activities to keep the kids busy
• Scenic helicopter flights over the diverse landscape (April to November)
• Game drives, guided nature walks & mokoro (traditional canoe) trips
• Reliable sightings of lion, African wild dog & elephant

Best for…

Families with younger children.

Namibia:

7. Sossusvlei Lodge

Sossusvlei Lodge is the ideal base from which to explore the Namib Desert. The more adventurous at heart can explore the world’s oldest desert through a variety of exciting activities, including on quadbike (ATV), helicopter flights and hot-air balloon – or do it the old-fashioned way and hike up some of the largest sand dunes around.

Highlights:

• Comfortable family accommodation adjacent to the Namib-Naukluft National Park – the largest game reserve in Africa
• Adventure Centre offers a wide variety of exciting activities
• Wildlife-frequented watering hole
• Beer garden & swimming pool
• Guided walks to Sossusvlei & Elm Dunes
• Archery lessons

Best for…

Families with teenagers & grown-up children.

8. Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is a true oasis in this hauntingly beautiful landscape. Bring the entire family along for a trip of a lifetime. Little ones are kept busy with a range of child-friendly activities, while the older members of the family can discover the wonders of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei through a variety of adventurous activities. Explore Namibia’s star dunes (Dune 45 and Big Daddy) on foot – just a stone’s throw away from the lodge – or get a bird’s-eye view of this landscape frozen in time on a scenic helicopter flip. Experience all of this from the sustainable lap of luxury that is the Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

Highlights:

• Exclusive 5-star luxury getaway in the Sossusvlei Private Desert Reserve
• Skylights above each bed to stargaze as you fall asleep
• Location adjacent to a Dark Sky Reserve provides impeccable stargazing
• Private observatory & resident astronomer
• Hiking, quad biking (ATV), dune climbing & e-biking
• Hot-air ballooning & helicopter flights
• Wine cellar, state-of-the-art gym & world-class spa
• WILDChild programme keeps kids entertained
• Child-minding services available

Best for…

Multi-generational family getaways.

Zimbabwe:

9. Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

 

Planning an African safari with young children can be difficult. Luckily, Bumi Hills makes things much easier with its specially designed kids programme, which keeps your little ones entertained in fun and educational ways throughout your stay. The grown-ups can rest easy knowing their kids are in safe and capable hands, while they enjoy all the luxuries that Bumi Hills has on offer. To ensure that you get some bonding time, the entire family is whisked away in the private safari vehicle by your dedicated guide in search of the resident lion pride.

Highlights:

• Upscale luxury lodge overlooking Lake Kariba
• Baobab Villa is ideal for families & comes with a private butler, guide & safari vehicle
• Reliable sightings of rhino, elephant, buffalo & lion
• Infinity pool, world-class spa & gym
• Boat cruises on the lake
• Ngwana Club keeps kids busy

Best for…

Families with young kids.

10. Singita Pamushana Lodge

 

Located in one of Zimbabwe’s hidden safari gems, Pamushana Lodge is one of Africa’s best kept secrets. With an enviable perch in Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, guests are treated to regular sightings of rare black and white rhino, African wild dog, cheetah, lion and leopard. Seeing big game isn’t the only highlight; the lodge itself is akin to that of a 5-star resort, offering plenty of activities to delight every member of your brood. From board games and tennis to game drives, bush walks and soaking in the Jacuzzi, there’s plenty to do at Pamushana.

Highlights:

• Luxury lodge set in the game-rich Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve
• Five-bedroom villa sleeps up to 10 people
• Reliable Big 5 sightings
• Personal butler service
• Fine dining & extensive wine cellar
• 2 swimming pools, spa, yoga room, tennis courts
• Mini Rangers Course keeps kids of all ages entertained
• Babysitting services available for young children
• Guided bush walks & sundowner cruises
• Visit ancient San rock art sites

Best for…

Multi-generational family getaways.

11. Somalisa Acacia

Somalisa Acacia is a paradise for adventurous, nature-loving tykes. Located in one of Zimbabwe’s safari hotspots, Hwange National Park, the camp aims to give parents a break by taking the little ones off their hands and showing them the wonders of the African wilderness. Not only will they be kept busy with a wide variety of fun and educational activities, but the camp boasts an elephant pool that sees guests getting within arm’s reach of these gentle giants.

Highlights:

• Stylish, luxury camp located in the heart of Hwange National Park
• Overlooks a watering hole frequented by wildlife, especially elephant
• The Ngwana Club ensures that kids enjoy child-friendly safari experiences
• Day & night game drives
• Guided bush walks around a private concession

Best for..

Families with young kids.

12. Fothergill Island

Fothergill delivers a unique land- and water-based safari experience in Zimbabwe’s Matusadona National Park. This unique tented camp offers a range of accommodation options, including distinct individual suites and spacious family suites. On the lakeside, guests can relish the expansive green lawns and open spaces, with the family tent providing sweeping views of the picturesque Lake Kariba. Alternatively, the bush side of the camp offers a more densely vegetated environment. To ensure the safety of guests, especially children, the entire premises is safeguarded by a fence.

Highlights:

• Luxury tented camp in the underrated Matusadona National Park
• Family suites boast private pools
• Fenced property ensures a secure and tranquil environment for kids
• Children of all ages welcome
• Boat cruises, catch-and-release fishing, game drives & big game walks

Best for…

Families with children of all ages.

Zambia:

13. Tangala Private House at Tongabezi Lodge

Indulge in a perfect blend of luxury and adventure, just 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) upstream from the magnificent Victoria Falls. This award-winning eco-lodge offers complete serenity on the banks of the Zambezi River. Tongabezi Lodge comprises exquisite river cottages and three exclusive-use family houses, each embodying a sense of individuality and exclusivity.

The largest of the family houses, Tangala Private House, is an exquisite retreat for families. While conveniently located near the main lodge at Tongabezi, the house maintains an exclusive and secure ambiance for your family's privacy. Tangala’s four bedrooms, three of which feature en suite bathrooms, are adorned with expansive windows that offer breath-taking vistas of the Zambezi. The living room is a generous relaxation space, and the open-plan kitchen and dining area provide ample room for your family's activities and gatherings. An open-thatched veranda leads down to a gorgeous garden boasting 250 meters (820 feet) of private river frontage. A large swimming pool features a shallow area with bench seating for the little ones.

Highlights:

• Award-winning lodge in a secluded location, 12 km (7.5 mi) from Victoria Falls
• Luxurious family house with private Zambezi River frontage
• Features four bedrooms, indoor and outdoor lounges & swimming pool
• Sunset boat cruises and game drives in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
• Guided tours of Victoria Falls

Best for…

Multi-generational family holidays.

14. Thorntree River Lodge

Thorntree River Lodge makes the most of its location in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park by providing the ideal getaway for a multi-generational family safari. The youngest of the group participate in a wide range of age appropriate activities in the Ngwana Club, while older kids and teenagers have a blast exploring Africa’s Adventure Capital, via white-water rafting, ziplining, bungee-jumping and more. While the youngsters are having fun, the adults in the group can enjoy the tranquil surroundings of nature by enjoying a drink on the viewing deck or indulging in a spa treatment. And, of course, quality time together is spent on game drives through the park, searching for big game while bonding as a family.

Highlights:

• Luxury 5-star lodge overlooking the Zambezi River
• Track endangered white rhino on foot in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
• Close proximity to Victoria Falls, Africa’s Adventure Capital
• The Ngwana Club keeps little ones entertained
• Private cruises & canoeing on the river
• Private swimming pool, spa & gym

Best for…

Multi-generational family holidays.

Seychelles:

15. Constance Ephelia

Nestled between two breath-taking white sand beaches on the captivating island of Mahé, Constance Ephelia presents an idyllic setting for a cherished Seychelles getaway. Overlooking the enchanting Port Launay Marine National Park, this five-star resort effortlessly harmonises with its natural surroundings – a sprawling 120-hectare coastline adorned with rare and lush vegetation. Constance Ephelia offers a tranquil and unspoiled sanctuary for families.

Ephelia’s five restaurants serve delicious local cuisine and offer different menus to tickle the tastebuds of all ages – including gourmet baby food! Children can also indulge in a world of themed programs, cooking classes, and movies at the Constance Kids Club. Designed for children aged four to eleven, this exceptional club is staffed by friendly and highly trained professionals who are dedicated to creating a memorable experience for your little ones. Older guests can head to Ephelia’s alluring spa village (the biggest in the Indian Ocean), or enjoy activities like tennis, squash, swimming and snorkelling from the resort’s private beach.

Highlights:

• Five-star beach resort located 40 minutes from Seychelles International Airport
• Spacious and modern suites surrounded by a lush landscape
• Excellent weather conditions for land-based and water sports
• Five restaurants with kid-friendly menus
• Constance Kids Club offers themed programs, cooking classes, movies and more

Best for…

Active families with children of all ages.

Tanzania:

 16. Gibbs Farm

Gibbs Farm exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere that will have your family feeling as if you never left home. Situated on a working farm, the property offers a wide variety of activities that could see you milking cows, feeding pigs and roasting Gibbs’ famous coffee beans. And outside the safe border of the farm even more adventure awaits – encounter the wildlife in the surrounding national parks, walk the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater and discover the towering waterfall or mystical elephant caves.

Highlights:

• A rustic, farm-style retreat lying on the outer slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater
• Cottages are comfortable & inviting – a true home away from home
• Game drives through Ngorongoro Crater National Park & Lake Manyara National Park
• Walk the Crater rim & discover the towering waterfalls & elephant caves
• Work on the dairy farm & tour the coffee plantation
• Childminding services & children’s menu available
• Farm-to-table meals with ingredients sourced from the garden
• Swimming pool, biking, jogging trails & award-winning spa

Best for…

Families with kids of all ages.

17. Singita Serengeti House

Treat your family to an experience of a lifetime – the annual Great Wildebeest Migration. It’s one of nature’s greatest spectacles and you’ll be able to witness this phenomenon from the lap of luxury at Serengeti House. Designed for exclusive use by large families, there’s more than enough room for the extended brood to tag along too. And when not enjoying the show from the front row, there’s plenty to do at the villa, including special kids’ programmes for the little ones, swimming and tennis.

Highlights:

• Exclusive-use luxury villa accommodating up to eight people
• Located in the game-rich Grumeti Reserve in the Serengeti National Park
• See the annual Wildebeest Migration (July to October)
• Private onsite staff, including a private safari vehicle & guide
• 25-metre infinity swimming pool, tennis court, media room, spa & gym
• Mini Rangers Course keeps the little ones entertained

Best for…

Multi-generational family holidays.

Kenya:

18. Saruni Samburu

Nature-loving families will delight in all that Saruni Samburu has to offer. This unique lodge is built in and around a giant volcanic rock face and boasts incomparable views of the unspoilt landscape of the Samburu National Reserve. Saruni is ideal for families with older children and teenagers who are keen to immerse themselves in traditional Kenyan life. The Warriors Academy is an interactive wildlife safari programme that offers a wide range of fun and educational activities that sees your children becoming a full-fledged member of the Samburu tribe.

Highlights: 

• Unique eco-luxury villas built in & around a giant volcanic rock face
• Located in the game-rich Samburu National Reserve
• Spectacular big game viewing on day & night drives
• Photography hide overlooks a wildlife-frequented watering hole
• Fine dining & world-class spa treatments
• Trek up the Sacred Mountain, Mt. Ololokwe
• Track black rhino on foot
• Warriors Academy for kids & teens

Best for…

Families with older kids & teens.

19. Naboisho Camp

It’s all about the wildlife at Naboisho Camp. With its location near one of Africa’s most iconic safari spots – the Masai Mara – you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better Kenya family tour that offers comfortable, authentic safari lodgings for the whole brood as well as front-row seats to the Great Wildebeest Migration. And while the adults are exploring the untamed wilderness on hot-air balloon rides and nature walks, they can rest assured knowing that their children are in the safe and capable hands of the Naboisho guides, who have a day of age-appropriate activities planned.

Highlights:

• See the annual Great Wildebeest Migration (July to November)
• Game drives through the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve
• Night drives & guided bush walks through the private conservancy
• Reliable big cat sightings
• Special photography safaris & fly camping in the bush
• Children’s safari programme to keep the little ones busy
• Hot-air balloon rides over the Mara

Best for…

Families with young kids or grown-up children.

20. Governors’ Camp

Governors’ Camp brings a little bit of luxury to the famous Masai Mara without losing the authenticity and charm of a classic safari experience. You’ll sleep in canvas tents in the middle of the African bush after spending your days tracking down big game, but you’ll also have the comfort of modern-day amenities and facilities to ensure your stay is pleasant and enjoyable. The camp aims to ensure that every member of the family has a good time, so while the parents enjoy all that Governors’ has to offer, the kids will be having just as much fun participating in the Mongoose Club activities.

Highlights:

• Luxury tented camp in the famous Masai Mara National Reserve
• Witness the annual Wildebeest Migration (July to November)
• Superb big game sightings on drives through the reserve
• Guided bush walks in a private concession
• Hot-air balloon rides over the Mara
• Cultural tours of local Maasai villages
• Mongoose Club keeps the littles one entertained

Best for…

Families with young kids or grown-up children.

21. Giraffe Manor

It’s an absolute must for adults and children alike to experience the magic of Giraffe Manor. Be enamoured by these long-necked majestic creatures as they roam the grounds of this charming old-world manor. Here, you’ll have the bucket-list encounter of enjoying breakfast with the resident herd of Rothchild’s giraffe, as well as ticking off the classic safari experience with a game drive through Nairobi National Park.

Highlights:

• Upscale luxury guesthouse in Nairobi
• Interact with the resident herd of Rothchild’s giraffe
• Feed the giraffes at breakfast
• Game drives through Nairobi National Park
• Visit the nearby Giraffe Centre
• Romantic candlelit dinners in the Orchid House
• Play chess, croquet & boules
• Horse riding & scenic nature trails for walking

Best for…

Multi-generational family holidays.