An African family holiday (and multi-generational travel) is a great way to reconnect with the kids after the busy lives we all lead nowadays. Without the distractions, you normally have when at home. Multi-generational travel to Africa especially is becoming more and more popular. And Africa A-Z will make this a trip to remember.
Each age group brings its own set of challenges and rewards. But the benefits of traveling together as a family are abundant and can have a lasting positive impact on everyone involved.
Qualify for special discounts as you book into exclusive use accommodation. Or if it’s just a small family; that is no issue as we have great ideas to make this African family holiday truly special.
We’ll be able to advise you on whether there are special facilities for your kids or grand kids based on their ages. And of course; their interests. Great care is taken to ensure the safety of the children. Whether on safari or at a beach resort.
Grandparents, moms, dads, and precious grandchildren will all love being on a safari together in the African bush. On a safari or a houseboat on the Chobe in Botswana, Jozini in South Africa, or Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe. Else, how about relaxation on the beach or some island hopping in Seychelles! The choices are limitless so book your family holiday in Africa today.
African Family holiday – What age is best to travel with children?
The best time to start traveling with kids to Africa is as early as possible. Although they may not remember all the details, the sensory experiences can have a lasting impact on their development and happiness.
Family travel with kids under 8 years old
There is no right age for kids to start traveling to Africa. It is more about choosing the right destinations. For younger kids, we highly recommend Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, and Tanzania. Plus, beach escapes of Mauritius and Seychelles.
The key influences of travel for this age are:
Bonding Time: Travel provides an opportunity for parents and young children to spend quality time together, strengthening family bonds.
Early Exposure: Introducing young children to new environments, cultures, and languages can stimulate their cognitive development and broaden their understanding of the world.
Adaptability: Traveling can teach young children flexibility and adaptability as they encounter new situations and routines.
Learning Through Play: Many destinations offer child-friendly activities and attractions, turning learning into a fun and engaging experience.
Where to stay for your African family vacation with children under 8:
Move around as little as possible with this age group. Keep travel simple. Villas make an ideal choice for family vacations. And consider beach breaks.
Family travel with kids from 8 – 15 years old
This is often the most impressionable age and a time when kids want to start pulling away and finding their feet. Time together as a family is the most impactful way to do things together that will create lifelong trust and bonds. Making this the most wonderful age for family travel. Older children can take on more responsibilities such as packing, navigating, or even planning parts of the trip. This fosters independence and problem solving skills.
The key influences of travel for this age are:
Educational Opportunities: This age group can gain a deeper understanding of the natural world around them with opportunities to actively engage in experiences.
Social Skills: Traveling allows children to interact with people from diverse backgrounds, enhancing their social skills and empathy.
Memory Building: Experiences at this age are more likely to be remembered and cherished, forming lasting memories and family traditions.
Broadening Perspectives: Exposure to different lifestyles and environments can broaden their worldviews and promote open mindedness.
Where to stay for your African family vacation with children from 8 – 15:
Now you can start to explore more adventurous destinations and take on more mature experiences. All of the above ‘Under 8’ destinations are still a superb fit for this age group. But the scope expands to include experiences that have some age restrictions.
Family travel with kids from 15 years and older
And then there are some things in life you just need to wait for. Some destinations and experiences are almost a rite of passage. Heading deep into the heart of Africa is a family adventure unlike anything else. While this may seem daunting. It is, in fact, one of the most life altering journeys that will support the personal growth of teenagers and young adults. Helping them gain significant confidence, self reliance, and maturity.
The key influences of travel for this age are:
Cultural Appreciation: At this age, individuals can have a deeper appreciation of cultural nuances, leading to more meaningful interactions and understanding.
Career Inspiration: Travel can inspire future career paths or educational pursuits by exposing teens to new fields of interest and potential opportunities.
Life Skills: Navigating travel logistics, budgeting, and interacting with diverse people can equip older children with essential life skills.
Family Bonding: Traveling together can create lasting memories and strengthen family relationships as older children prepare to transition to adulthood.
African Family Holiday logistics
We recommend that if you are traveling with a child with a different surname, you travel with documentation that proves your relationship to the child. As well as documentation that proves you have permission to travel with them. This is to minimize the possibility of disruption to your travel plans. We cannot be held responsible should you or any member of your traveling party be denied entry to a country due to non-compliance with these requirements. Should you require further specific information ahead of travel, please consult the travel advice produced by the government of your home jurisdiction. As well as that of the government that issued the passport and/or visa you intend to travel under. We will offer assistance with this too.
Click on the dropdown below for family-friendly accommodation in that country:
Botswana Family Safari Holidays ↓
These are some of the family-friendly safari lodges in Botswana.
andBeyond Savute Under Canvas offers you a great opportunity to experience the exhilaration of a mobile camping safari with the luxury of a tented camp
Ngoma Safari Lodge is a small boutique lodge overlooking the Chobe River. Stay in a river facing suite with private plunge pool (2 can accommodate a child 10+)
Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge offers luxury accommodation. This area is often described as one of, if not the best, wildlife-viewing areas in Africa today
Lebala Camp – accommodation situated in the Linyanti area is renowned for excellent wild dog sightings and other predators and are able to do night game drives
In the heart of the Okavango Delta, on a diverse, wildlife-rich private concession, is andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge, luxury accommodation – honeymoon
Rates and safari offers at &Beyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp – luxury accommodation in the Okavango Delta (perfect for honeymooners or families on safari)
Mma and Rra Dinare are sister camps overlooking the Gomoti River in the South Eastern Okavango Delta – luxury Gomoti accommodation with excellent game viewing
Moremi Crossing Camp offers luxury accommodation in 16 vintage-style safari tents in Moremi, east Okavango Delta, with views over Boro River to Chief’s Island
Best rates and offers incl. honeymoons in the Okavango Delta – Overlooking Chiefs Island, bordering Moremi Game Reserve, Gunns Camp is one of the last few remaining luxury, vintage safari camps
Gomoti Plains Camp and Private Suite offers accommodation with eco-luxurious comfort in the Okavango Delta, alive with superb land and water-based game-viewing
Kiri Camp is a family friendly, small (accommodating up to 24 guests), luxury safari camp in the Gomoti area, Okavango Delta with both land and water activities
Machaba Camp is a luxury 1950’s camp nestling in the game-rich Khwai area (wheelchair friendly accommodation). Little Machaba is ideal for exclusive use safaris
Kwando Lagoon Camp is on the banks of the Kwando River in the Linyanti/Kwando Concession (water camp, Okavango Delta) – great for honeymooners or family
Accommodation in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Pom Pom Camp is in the style of safari camps of old offering land (game drive/walk) and water safaris (mokoro)
Animal magic meets old-world indulgence at Belmond Khwai River Lodge, accommodation in Moremi, Okavango Delta. The Khwai River acts as a magnet for wildlife.
Eco-friendly luxury accommodation in Central Kalahari Game Reserve overlooking Tau Pan, where you can enjoy game drives, walks and day trips to Deception Valley – great for families and honeymooners
Meno a Kwena, an accommodation hidden gem of a camp perched on a rocky clifftop above the Boteti River overlooking the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Botswana
Iconic 1940’s style Jack’s Camp in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park offers stylish accommodation in luxury canvas tents – rates and offers for Botswana safari
Understated and affordable accommodation in Makgadikgadi, Camp Kalahari offers quad biking expeditions, horse riding safaris and is wonderful for families
San Camp is a romantic safari camp with its smattering of billowing white tents, shaded by desert palms on the edge of Nwetwe Pan in Makgadikgadi, Botswana
Nxai Pan Camp, the only permanent accommodation camp in Nxai Pan National Park where the second largest land animal (Zebra) migration in Southern Africa occurs.
The award-winning Cottar’s Safari Camps are situated in the private conservancy, bordering Maasai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti, Tanzania – rates and offers
Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort is one of the most beautiful Mozambique Resorts inside Bazaruto National Park; off the coast of southern Mozambique. This idyllic tropical island paradise is surrounded by palm trees, white sand, and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
Hotel Zum Kaiser is a small luxury hotel that offers direct access to the beach and the town’s vibrant street life; with its quaint architecture, shopping, and fine dining.
Sossusvlei Lodge; a luxury accommodation lodge (Namibia) adjacent to the Namib Naukluft Park; home to Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei and Sesriem Canyon
South Africa Family-friendly Accommodation ↓
South Africa is one of the easiest countries to travel to on your family vacation and offers excellent safari and beach destinations. From the Kruger National Park to Cape Town and more.
South Africa Holiday Safari Specials – Discounted rates for the ultimate South African safari at Kirkman’s Kamp in the Sabi Sand (Greater Kruger National Park).
Jabulani is a 5* soulful safari lodge in the Kruger National Park, offering not only safaris but unique elephant and sustainable experiences – rates and offers
Mont Rochelle and Manor House is Richard Branson’s luxury hotel and villa in Franschhoek. This wine estate is less than an hour from Cape Town and offers fine dining experiences.
The 5-star Cellars-Hohenort Hotel & Spa rests on the slopes of Table Mountain and is in “Cape Town’s Vineyard”; the Constantia Valley. Best rates and special offers.
One&Only Cape Town is at the heart of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and framed by Table Mountain; an oasis of elegance amid the vibrant playground of one of the world’s most loved cities
The iconic Mount Nelson Hotel is well-positioned in Cape Town for beaches, city, and nightlife – an old dame who’s had guests such as Winston Churchill, John Lennon, and Nelson Mandela. Best rates offerred.
Luxury 5* accommodation at the Cape Grace Hotel on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town. Honeymoons, anniversaries, other offers to get the best rates
Shamwari Sarili Private Lodge is a malaria-free luxury lodge from where you and your family and friends can watch Africa’s iconic Big Five – Exclusive Use safari
andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge; western reaches of the Serengeti is ideally positioned for dramatic migration river crossings. Best rates and offers
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is a romantic stilted treehouse camp, the only permanent luxury accommodation lodge in Lake Manyara National Park
Zambia Family Holidays ↓
Zambia offers incredible safaris in national parks that are often less busy than other countries. However; that doesn’t mean they aren’t absolute gems so are well worth a visit for your family safari. It is also home to Victoria Falls at Livingstone which offers great options for families.
Tongabezi Lodge and Tangala House are 12kms upstream of Victoria Falls, romantic and luxury accommodation for honeymooners and families or for an extra special occasion
The River Club is a boutique, owner run luxury lodge on the Zambezi River; just outside Livingstone and the mighty Victoria Falls. Kosher kitchens are available too.
Victoria Falls River Lodge accommodation is on the mainland in luxury tented suites or a private island with treehouse-type accommodation. Luxury suites with breathtaking views and privacy
