Family travel offers an incredible opportunity to create lasting memories, bond over new experiences, and explore the world through the eyes of loved ones. Whether it’s discovering a hidden gem or embarking on an unforgettable adventure, each journey presents a chance for families to connect and grow together. However, planning family vacations can often feel daunting, especially when balancing different ages, preferences, and interests. As travel professionals, we know how essential it is to find the perfect destination that caters to the needs of every family member.
South Africa is an exceptional destination for family safaris, offering unforgettable wildlife experiences that bring families closer to nature. With its renowned national parks and private game reserves, South Africa provides opportunities to experience the magic of the Big Five - lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros - up close and personal. Families can enjoy a range of family-friendly accommodations, from luxurious safari lodges with kids' clubs to comfortable tented camps designed with families in mind. Additionally, there is a large variety of malaria-free reserves in South Africa, making it a safe and accessible choice for families with young children.
For agents looking to offer something extra, South Africa pairs wonderfully with neighbouring Botswana. These countries offer an unbeatable combination of wildlife, comfort, and adventure, ensuring families create memories that will last a lifetime. Below, we’ve highlighted some of our family-friendly safari suggestions, perfect for your clients seeking an unforgettable experience.
Nestled in the heart of Hluhluwe, just 3 hours from King Shaka International Airport and 30 minutes from Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, Falaza Game Park offers an exceptional introductory safari escape for families. The park provides a perfect blend of adventure and comfort, with tented accommodations that include the Family Tent - two luxury tents connected by a private deck, ideal for families who want both privacy and proximity.
Falaza offers a variety of thrilling safari experiences on foot, by game vehicle, or on water. The reserve is home to a wide range of plains game, including giraffes, buffalo, wildebeest, nyala, and more, all easily spotted during day and night game drives led by expert guides. Families can enjoy these drives together, with children of all ages welcome to join. For younger adventurers, the Little Rangers program introduces kids to the wonders of nature through hands-on activities like bug catching, frog hunting, footprint – and fossil moulding, and pet rock painting. After a day of exploration, kids can unwind with stargazing around the fire, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Ideal for self-drive exploration, Hluhluwe is the perfect destination for families looking to explore at their own pace. While guided safaris can be pre-booked, families with younger children may find a self-drive safari to be a relaxing and flexible alternative, allowing you to tailor your experience to suit your own rhythm and interests.
Nestled in the heart of the malaria-free Welgevonden Game Reserve, a 3-hour drive from Johannesburg, Elephants Crossing offers the perfect escape for families seeking adventure, comfort, and unforgettable wildlife experiences. This family-friendly haven is renowned for its Big 5 game viewing, making it an ideal destination for both young explorers and nature lovers.
Guests can choose from the intimate Tented Suites, designed for up to two adults and one child under 12, or the spacious Bush Villa, which accommodates up to four guests across two en-suite bedrooms. Children over the age of six can join scheduled game drives alongside other lodge guests, or they can enjoy special kids' game drives and children's tours, offering an engaging, educational adventure through the bush. These activities, available at an additional charge and subject to availability, cater specifically to younger guests, blending fun with learning in the heart of nature.
Zebras Crossing, the sister lodge of Elephants Crossing (Welgevonden Private Game Reserve), offers the perfect introductory plains game African safari. Located in the malaria-free Bela Bela region, just a 2-hour drive from Johannesburg, this family-friendly retreat provides a seamless blend of adventure and relaxation in the stunning Waterberg bush. While Zebras Crossing makes an ideal standalone destination, it’s also the perfect starting point for an introductory safari adventure, with the option to extend your stay at Elephants Crossing or even combine your trip with a visit to Madikwe Game Reserve.
Designed with families in mind, Zebras Crossing’s fully inclusive Family Suites provide an idyllic retreat, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the African wilderness together. Accommodating 2 to 4 guests, the suites boast a spacious upstairs bedroom, with a second bedroom downstairs for added privacy. Each suite features a private terrace, an en-suite bathroom with a luxurious outdoor shower, and a large bath that comfortably fits two guests. Ideally located close to the main lodge and the inviting swimming pool, these suites offer both comfort and convenience for families seeking a memorable safari experience.
Zebras Crossing offers a range of exciting activities that cater to all ages, making it ideal for family bonding. Explore the reserve on mountain bike trails, including a fun 2.5 km kids' trail, take a refreshing dip in the rock pool, or enjoy a relaxing day of fishing – all included at no extra charge. Children can even unleash their creativity with fun baking classes, offering parents a well-deserved opportunity for some quality alone time. The game drives are a highlight for all ages, providing an exciting opportunity for families to spot plains game in their natural habitat, creating unforgettable memories for everyone.
Mashatu Game Reserve, nestled in the remote eastern corner of Botswana, which borders South Africa, where the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers converge, offers a breathtaking landscape of sweeping plains, dense forests, rugged hills, and ancient ridges – a tapestry of natural beauty that makes for one of Africa's most ecologically diverse regions. Known as the "Land of the Giants" due to its towering Mashatu trees, the reserve is home to the largest herds of elephants on private land in Africa and is renowned for its exceptional big cat sightings. While Mashatu offers a range of accommodation options, including Euphorbia Mashatu, Mashatu Lodge, Tuli Safari Lodge, Mashatu Tent Camp, and Shalimpo Safari Home, we highly recommend Kolokolo Safari Home for an unforgettable family escape.
This exclusive-use intimate safari home, which accommodates up to eight guests across four beautiful en-suite bedrooms, with a spacious living area centred around a fireplace, offers the perfect blend of comfort and adventure. At Kolokolo Safari Home, all ages are welcome. The home is equipped with Wi-Fi, a private chef, and a private reservoir pool, ensuring both relaxation and indulgence. Enjoy delicious meals and drinks, laundry services, and the peace of mind that comes with on-site babysitting when you need some downtime. At Kolokolo, guests can immerse themselves in a range of exhilarating activities perfect for the whole family, from game walks and cycling safaris to unique experiences like horseback safaris, cultural village tours, and stargazing beneath the vast African sky.
For ultimate relaxation, unwind at the Serokolo Spa or enjoy the tranquillity of your private oasis. Families can also embark on a private game drive with a ranger dedicated to their group, ensuring a personalised and unforgettable safari experience. When it's time for family fun, Kolokolo offers a variety of games to keep everyone entertained, including croquet, cricket, swingball, volleyball, backgammon, and chess—making it the ideal destination for bonding and adventure. Getting to Mashatu is an adventure in itself. When the Limpopo River is flooded and vehicles can no longer cross, visitors will take an exhilarating cable car ride over the riverbed to reach the Pont Drift border, adding a unique thrill to the journey, especially for children.
- Malaria-free Big 5 game reserve, one of South Africa’s top family-friendly safari destinations.
- Lelapa Lodge: Tailored activities for all ages, perfect for family bonding in the heart of Madikwe Game Reserve.
- Eco House: Tech-free zone where kids can immerse themselves in nature with engaging activities.
- Kids Safari Club: Little explorers become mini-guides, tracking animals, treasure hunting, rock painting, cupcake decorating, and dress-up fun by the pool.
- Evening Activities: Kids can join the chef for pizza-making and enjoy outdoor movies under the stars.
- Game Drives: Children aged 5+ can join family-friendly game drives; private safari vehicles are available upon request for a more exclusive experience.
- Unforgettable safari experience with abundant wildlife and unique flora in the Eastern Cape.
- Riverdene Family Lodge: A family-friendly lodge offering a variety of exciting activities for all ages.
- Kids on Safari Adventure Centre: Indoor and outdoor activities designed to engage and entertain kids.
- Childminding Services: Available for children under 4 (at an additional cost), as they’re too young for game drives.
- Adventure Activities: Ziplining, rock climbing, treehouses with suspended walkways, and adventure slides for active families.
- Children’s Swimming Pool: Shallow area for younger swimmers, perfect for family fun and relaxation.
- Family Rooms: 3 family rooms are available for comfortable stays.
- Game Drive Policy: Children 5 years and older can join scheduled game drives.
- Bush Walks: Children 12 years and older can join bush walks.
- Private Vehicles: Required for children 0-4 years to go on game drives.
- Kids Kub Program: Available for younger guests, offering outdoor adventure and learning.
Kambaku Kubs Program:
- Bush Scouts for Kids: A fun, educational program similar to Cub Scouts or brownies, focused on creativity, outdoor skills, and self-discovery.
- Interactive Learning: Children work through manuals and participate in practical activities like crafts, animal identification, and mould-making.
- Achievement Badges: Earn merit badges in various skills, leading to a Junior Ranger certificate adorned with badges earned throughout the program.
- Guided by Experts: Activities are led by professional guides with years of experience and passion for sharing their knowledge.
At Terra Nova Tours, we specialise in crafting family-friendly holidays that cater to your unique needs. Our Family Travel Experts are dedicated to providing insight into the best accommodations and activities for families, ensuring your trip is filled with value-added experiences. For more information and to book your family safari adventure, contact us today! Let us create unforgettable experiences for you and your family in the heart of Southern Africa.
Until next time,
Your Terra Nova Team
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