Africa with kids

April 14, 2025
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Africa
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Before we landed in Africa, I had a few quiet concerns.
Was it safe? Would the kids be bored? Would the travel days be long and exhausting? Would the magic of a safari be lost on young travelers?

Spoiler alert: It turned out to be one of the most extraordinary experiences we’ve ever shared as a family.

Africa with kids isn’t just possible — it’s incredible. It’s eye-opening, wild (literally), humbling, and surprisingly easy in many parts. But it’s also different from your typical family vacation. So here’s a full look at what it’s like to explore Africa with children in tow — including honest advice, top highlights, and unforgettable moments.

🐘 South Africa: The Best Introduction to Africa With Kids

If you’re new to the continent, South Africa is the perfect launchpad. It offers a little bit of everything: world-class safaris, gorgeous coastlines, cosmopolitan cities, and smooth infrastructure.

We began our journey here, and I’m so glad we did.

Family Safari in Sabi Sands, Kruger National Park

Sabi Sands near Kruger practically guarantees Big Five sightings — elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards. We were lucky to see them all, including a leopard dragging a fresh kill into the grass — a moment that had our kids wide-eyed and speechless.

The best part? Most lodges in this area are incredibly family-friendly. They understand kids’ energy levels and curiosity and offer tailored experiences like:

Junior ranger programs
Kid-friendly bushwalks
Wildlife tracking games
Evening marshmallow roasts under the stars.

Cape Town With Kids: Mountains, Penguins & More

After our safari adventure, we flew to Cape Town, which turned out to be a huge hit with the kids.

Here’s what we loved:

Riding the Table Mountain Cableway — and hiking a bit for the bragging rights
Penguin-spotting at Boulders Beach — where one waddled straight past my youngest
The colorful houses of Bo-Kaap
The V&A Waterfront — lively, walkable, and full of street performers and treats
Chapman’s Peak Drive — one of the world’s most scenic roads

And yes, there’s wine for the adults. Stellenbosch and Franschhoek have several vineyards that welcome children with play areas, petting zoos, and family picnics. We had one of our most relaxing afternoons sipping wine while the kids played with goats and ate wood-fired pizza.

🦓 East Africa: Wide Savannahs & Cultural Connections

While South Africa felt polished and easy, East Africa had a more cinematic and raw vibe. Think sweeping savannahs, acacia trees silhouetted at sunset, and herds of wildebeest stretching to the horizon.

The Great Migration in Tanzania and Kenya

If you time it right (July to September), you can witness the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras move through the Serengeti and Maasai Mara. The Mara River crossings are dramatic and intense, and even the kids were on the edge of their seats.

Cultural Immersion in the Serengeti

We stayed at a lodge that partners with local communities, and that’s where things got deep. Spending time with the Hadzabe tribe — learning how they track animals, make fire, and tell stories — gave our kids a whole new perspective on life.

They came away asking questions like:

“Why don’t they have electricity?”
“Do they go to school like we do?”
“How do they know where the animals are?”

These are the kinds of conversations you can’t manufacture. They just happen when you’re far away from screens and surrounded by something truly different.

Where We Stayed: Serengeti & Nairobi

We didn’t manage to snag a room at the iconic Giraffe Manor in Nairobi (it books up a year in advance!). But we stayed at Hemingway’s, which felt like stepping into a colonial-era film — with impeccable service, spacious family suites, and a luxurious calm that soothed even the most jet-lagged travelers.

🏕️ Logistics & Tips for Traveling in Africa With Kids

What Age Is Best?

While babies can technically come, I’d recommend Africa for kids aged 6 and up. At this age, they can stay quiet during game drives, appreciate the animals, and ask deeper questions. Plus, you’ll stress less about naps and routines.

Private Safaris = Less Stress

One of the best decisions we made was booking private game drives. This gave us flexibility with timing, no pressure to keep up with other guests, and guides who were incredibly patient with kid questions like, “Do giraffes sleep standing up?”

Don’t Force Every Drive

Some of our favorite days were the ones where we skipped the early morning game drive and just stayed at the lodge — swimming, reading, playing Uno with the guides, or watching antelope wander by.

Vaccines & Safety

We followed CDC recommendations and got:

Yellow fever vaccine (required in some areas)
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Malaria prevention (consult your doctor)

We also packed plenty of DEET-based repellent, sunscreen, and a basic first-aid kit. We had zero health issues on our trip.

Food for Picky Eaters

This was a surprise win. Most lodges are used to international guests and easily accommodate fussy palates. The kids stuck to:

Pasta
Chicken fingers
Fruit platters
Fresh bread and cheese

We also brought along a stash of familiar snacks — granola bars, crackers, and gummies for long drives.

🌍 Beyond Game Drives: Our Most Memorable Family Moments

Africa offers so much more than just wildlife safaris. Here are the highlights that stood out most:

1. Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe/Zambia border)

One word: powerful. The mist, the roar, the sheer size of it — all mesmerized the kids. Bring ponchos and walk the full length. You’ll get soaked. It’s worth it.

2. Penguin Encounter at Boulders Beach (South Africa)

The way they waddle up to you? Instant comedy. This was easily one of the most joyful days we had as a family.

3. Sleeping Under the Stars in Botswana

No WiFi. No screens. Just the sound of hyenas laughing and lions roaring far away. It was both exhilarating and grounding. We spent the night in a semi-open tented camp, and the kids still call it their “best sleepover ever.”

4. Camel Riding & Sandboarding in Morocco

While Northern Africa has a completely different vibe, it’s still Africa, and incredibly family-friendly. Riding camels into the Sahara Desert, learning to cook tagine, and sandboarding down dunes made Morocco an unexpected hit.

💛Will It Be Perfect? No. Will It Be Worth It? Absolutely.

Traveling in Africa with kids is raw, real, and unforgettable. There will be early mornings. There might be bugs. Your child may say “I’m bored” right before spotting a rhino or learning how to shoot an arrow from a Maasai warrior.

But the magic? It’s everywhere. It’s in the silence of the bush. In the laughter that comes from seeing a monkey steal someone’s lunch. In the quiet bond your family forms from sharing something completely out of the ordinary.

You’re not just creating vacation memories — you’re building stories your children will carry into adulthood.

And that’s worth every long flight, every repacked suitcase, and every early-morning wake-up call.