Image above of my son and niece in the plunge pool at Somalisa Camp, watching an elephant family walk by!
When choosing a destination in Africa for your family to visit, there are several factors that need to be taken into account. After more than 11 years of sending families to Africa, we’ve whittled down some of the top destinations for family vacations in Africa.
See below for our list of the top 3 family-friendly African destinations:
South Africa: South Africa offers so many diverse elements, including remote game reserves and national parks, stunning beaches, rich culture, world-renowned golfing, exceptional dining experiences in Cape Town, and the opportunity to visit Cape Winelands, where some of South Africa’s award-winning wines are produced. Whether you love relaxation, adventure, exploration, or a little bit of each, a family itinerary in South Africa can include it all.
Some of our favorite family-friendly activities in South Africa include visits to the Elephant Sanctuary, Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela was once imprisoned) Two Oceans Aquarium, Table Mountain, Stormsriver Adventures (which offers ziplining, trekking, and canopy adventures), Birds of Eden, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, and Monkeyland—just to name a very few!
There are also a handful of areas within South Africa that are malaria-free, which are perfect for families who don’t wish to take malaria pills.
Zimbabwe: As a native to Zimbabwe, and someone who has taken my own children to this country since they were just babies, I can attest that a family safari to Zimbabwe is one of the most rewarding vacations you could possibly have!
Families visiting Zimbabwe can take a private historical tour of Victoria Falls—one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, visit the historical Livingstone Island, embark on wildlife-rich mokoro (canoe) safaris in Mana Pools National Park, and experience exhilarating game drives in Hwange National Park.
Another one of my favorite family-friendly activities in Zimbabwe is the Monde Village tour where you have the opportunity to explore the culturally rich Monde Community, meet the lovely Mr. Mpisi (Village Head), and interact with locals to discover what it’s like to live in a place with no electricity and none of the amenities that we are so accustomed to. This experience is truly rewarding for anyone involved, and the kids will love feeding the goats and chickens!
Kenya: Known not only for its diverse wildlife but also for the cultural experiences that travelers can participate in while visiting, Kenya allows families to enjoy all the riches that Africa has to offer. The Masai Mara, in particular, allows families to experience a combination of relaxation, adventure, and exploration, and there are a wide variety of family-friendly accommodations to choose from in the area.
For families in the Masai Mara area, they can partake in hot-air balloon rides over the reserve, exceptional game drives, horseback riding safaris, and local village visits to interact with the local Masai people (some of the world’s most fascinating and warm individuals you will ever meet!).
