A family vacation in Africa promises unparalleled adventures, creating memories that will last a lifetime. From thrilling safaris to cultural immersions and relaxing beach getaways, Africa offers a diverse range of experiences perfect for families. Here's a guide to some of the best African destinations for family vacations.
Botswana: The Ultimate Family Safari
Botswana, bordered by South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, is a landlocked paradise and one of the most rewarding places in Africa for a family safari holiday. Lions roam free here, and there are more elephants than anywhere else on earth. If you're lucky, you might even spot a rhino.
The country boasts a well-deserved reputation for authentic culture and outstanding game reserves with very high safety standards.
Some of Africa’s most profound nature experiences happen in the Okavango Delta. This 6178 square mile wetlands ecosystem (about half the size of Belgium) is flush with life - from lions, cheetahs and giraffes to crocs, hippos and elephants. Master the art of poling in a mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) in the waterways before camping on a remote island in the heart of the Delta.
Egypt: Ancient Wonders and Red Sea Adventures
Egypt, a country of two worlds, is known for its ancient history of pyramids and pharaohs, as well as its modern-day attractions along the Red Sea. A dual-stop holiday is ideal for making the most of your time in the country, visiting both the city of Cairo and the coast.
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Stand in awe underneath one of the 138 ancient pyramids that were built as tombs for the nation’s pharaohs; some are nearly 5000 years old. Camel rides are also popular for those visiting the pyramids, and travelers who prefer more adventurous transport can take a quad bike desert safari.
The Red Sea is another jewel in Egypt’s crown, known for its unique and vivid ocean life, including live coral and neon fish. There are plenty of family hotels and upmarket resorts in Hurghada and Sharm-el-Sheikh to keep everyone happy.
Kenya: The Homeland of Safari
For immense savannah, snow-capped Kilimanjaro, and equatorial weather, consider Kenya. If anywhere in Africa can lay claim to creating the safari tradition, it’s here in the homeland of the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Down on the country’s southeast coast, the warm waters of the Indian Ocean trim fantastic beach resorts.
East and Southern Africa's premier national parks provide exceptional wildlife encounters that work well for families with children. The Masai Mara in Kenya puts visitors in front of the annual wildebeest migration while offering regular sightings of lions elephants and giraffes through guided game drives. Morning balloon safaris float above the savannah giving a unique perspective.
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Safari lodgings blend comfort with wilderness immersion suited to different preferences and budgets. The Mara Serena Safari Lodge in Kenya provides modern rooms with amenities while maintaining proximity to wildlife.
Select lodges such as Sweetwaters Tented Camp in Kenya run structured programs teaching children about wildlife conservation local cultures and natural systems. Families can visit Maasai communities in the Masai Mara region to learn traditional practices or spend time at Nairobi's David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage to understand elephant protection efforts.
A typical Kenya family itinerary runs 10-13 days combining wildlife viewing in Amboseli and the Masai Mara with relaxation along Diani's beaches. This duration allows families to settle into the safari rhythm without rushing.
Morocco: A Blend of Culture and Adventure
You can fly from London to Morocco in just over three hours, making it one of the most accessible countries in Africa for shorter family holidays. The gorgeous Moroccan coastline is edged with historic towns and cities, legends like Marrakesh are irresistible in the interior, and expeditions to the fringes of the Western Sahara are the ultimate in adventure.
Discover a symphony of colors and tastes in the labyrinthine alleyways of the Essaouira Medina, with shops filled with spices, ceramics and silks. Introduce your little ones to scrumptious Moroccan snacks flavored with saffron, cumin and cinnamon on a family vacation of discovery. Or, for a moment of tranquility, retreat into the gentle heat of a traditional Moroccan sauna.
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Saddle up for a sunset camel trek through the stunning Sahara. After journeying along the windswept dunes, you’ll be greeted by our local friends for a night in a desert camp. Enjoy a feast of traditional foods like tagine, couscous and pastilla before settling into the silence of the desert and gazing up at the Milky Way. If you’re lucky, you may see a shooting star (or 10).
Our luxury all inclusive Morocco vacations are completely hassle-free and are perfect for the whole family, all year round. From beaches in Marrakech, to sports in Agadir, our Moroccan resorts have it all.
Whether you’re exploring the vibrant souks of Marrakech or riding a camel through the desert with your kids, this dreamy destination is great for adventurous city breaks and family-friendly vacations.
Morocco is blessed with deserts, waterfalls and beaches. To the north, enjoy family vacations by the beach overlooking the deep blue waters of the Strait of Gibraltar. To the east, explore towering sand dunes as far as the eye can see. To the west get lost in scenic riads, mountain bike through a palm grove or take up archery for an all-inclusive vacation full of adventure.
South Africa: Diverse and Family-Friendly
For legendary ‘Big Five’ (buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhino) game reserves, marine life, spectacular beaches, international cities, World Heritage Sites, and 21st-century infrastructure, South Africa is the country that ticks every box for family holidays.
When the pace of a holiday must be adjusted to include children, parents and grandparents, South Africa is the best place for a vacation in Africa with family. Modern infrastructure and a diverse range of attractions and accommodation make it easy to tailor family-friendly holidays to the varying activity levels of three generations.
Get the family out on two wheels for a different perspective of this neighborhood on the outskirts of Johannesburg. See how miners used to live at the migrant workers’ hostel, pedal through the vibrant Meadowlands community, and visit the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Nelson Mandela’s former residence.
Tanzania: Classic Safari Destination
Based in the Great Lakes region of East Africa, Tanzania is one of the classic safari destinations. Luxury lodges and more simple self-drive accommodation is widely available for visitors hoping to spot the Big Five.
In November and December, tourists can see the famous wildebeest migration as the animals travel to the Serengeti. In the northeast, Tanzania boasts thick forest and beautiful, cooler mountains, while the eastern shore is hot and humid.
Nature lovers can spot elephant, buffalo, and giraffe one day and then hike to stunning waterfalls the next.
Family-friendly safari holidays in Tanzania or Kenya during the Wildebeest Migration will provide plenty of memories and anecdotes to share for years to come.
Senegal: Tropical Beaches and Rich Heritage
Lap up the country’s rich heritage and fantastic tropical beaches when you visit our majestic, family-friendly Senegal destinations. Our luxury all inclusive Senegal vacations are completely hassle-free and are perfect for the whole family, all year round. From golf trips in Cap Skirring, to activities in the lush pine forest, our Senegal resorts have it all.
Lose yourself on a family vacation in the former fishing village of Cap Skirring, one of the most enchanting areas of Senegal. Relax on a majestic private beach, bordered by coconut and mango forests that can be explored by catamaran or canoe. Discover bustling villages and haggle for beautifully crafted items or simply soak up the natural wonders.
No Senegal vacation is complete without boarding a 4x4 for a family adventure to see the astonishing fauna and flora of Casamance. Wave at playful monkeys and admire the beautiful plumage of our tropical birds. End the day at a traditional fishing port with a dinner of fresh seafood whilst watching a fascinating display of traditional dancing.
Inspire your senses on your all-inclusive vacation in Senegal with a tour around Diola huts set in luxuriant tropical forests. Immerse yourself in the local culture with family workshops in cookery, batik or silkscreen printing. See how cashew nuts are harvested and processed or explore the nostalgic charms and rich history of Carabane island.
Tunisia: Mediterranean Getaway
Do more with your Mediterranean getaway when you visit our majestic, family-friendly Tunisia destinations. Our luxury all inclusive Tunisia vacations are completely hassle-free and are perfect for the whole family, all year round. Our Tunisia resorts have it all.
From the sunny Mediterranean coast to the serene Sahara desert to the lively medina of Tunis, Tunisia is a country of colorful contrasts waiting to be explored. Also, with its soft sandy beaches, warm seas and beautiful weather, Tunisia is perfect for sun vacations with the whole family.
Tunisia is full of surprising discoveries. Ride a camel across the Sahara desert or take a 4x4 through the olive groves of Djerba. Visit the hilltop Berber village of Chenini or try your hand at traditional Arabic calligraphy. Go back in time at the ruins of Carthage or explore the famous desert film set from Star Wars: A New Hope.
Thanks to the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea, Tunisia vacations are perfect for watersports. Learn to sail a hobie cat, explore the coastline by kayak or find your feet on a stand-up paddle board.
Additional Experiences
- Experience local life in the Atlas Mountains: Trek through the rugged Atlas Mountains to a remote Amazigh village - the kids can hitch a ride from a donkey if they get tired. Staying at a traditional mud brick guesthouse (known as a gite) with a local family, you’ll get an authentic taste of what life’s like here, not to mention all the delicious home-cooked food you’ll feast on.
- Hike the world’s third largest canyon:Blyde River Canyon might not be number one in size, but it takes the cake for the greenest. The kids will have a field day hiking here as they feel tiny next to sheer-sided walls that rise over 6562 feet, get drenched by waterfalls and Bourke's Luck potholes that take on different colors depending on the light.
- Spend a night with the Maasai: Visit a Maasai community in the remote region of Loita Hills to learn about their history and culture. After setting up your tents with the warriors, watch a jumping ceremony and learn how to throw a Maasai spear. Lions and hyenas roam these plains at night, but don’t worry - your new friends will protect you.
- Sleep among wild elephants: With a natural waterhole right in front of it, this is the perfect lodge for viewing elephants in the wild. You can get as close as a few feet away from them when they come in for a drink. The area is unfenced, allowing the elephants and other wildlife to roam freely.
Planning Your Trip
Most families find 8-13 days works best balancing exploration with rest time for younger travelers.
The dry seasons from June to October and January to February provide reliable wildlife viewing and pleasant temperatures. South Africa's Garden Route sees peak conditions December through March ideal for mixing wildlife and coastal activities. The Masai Mara's famous wildebeest migration peaks July through October.
Memories made on family vacations are ones to treasure forever. Africa offers a fantastic array of family accommodation with plenty of outdoor fun and age-appropriate activities for families travelling with kids, teens or even grandparents.
Families travelling with small children will battle to beat Mauritius for family-friendly holidays. Since it's free of both malaria and big animals, it's the perfect place for families with little ones to visit.
Most teenagers love family-friendly holidays that feature unusual or off-the-wall experiences. Victoria Falls is Africa's Adventure Capital and offers thrilling activities like white-water rafting, bridge swings and bungee jumping. A little more off the beaten track, Lake Malawi is an enormous freshwater adventure paradise and one of the best places for a family vacation in Africa with active teenagers. Settle back in a hammock while your teens go kayaking, sailing and snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters, or gather together for unforgettable Big 5 encounters in Malawi's Liwonde National Park.
Chances are that once they're ‘out of the house', there are only a few occasions when you and your children can spend extended leisure time together. For a more ‘hands-on' adventure, gorilla trekking in Africa's pristine rainforests is an encounter that is both humbling and exhilarating.
Older family members can explore Africa in absolute comfort and safety. In combination with Rovos Rail or as a stand-alone safari, the lodges of Botswana and South Africa offer unrivalled game viewing, luxurious accommodation, fine dining and world-class service. Tranquil and exclusive, these top lodges deliver equally memorable encounters to those offered in more adventurous destinations but wrapped in a level of comfort better suited to older or more sensitive travellers.
Family Safari Adventure in Tanzania with Ajabu Adventures
Family-Only Trip Advantages
- Family-only trips: These trips are for families only - including any grandparents, aunts or uncles who’d like to join, of course. As long as you’re traveling with a child aged between 5 (or 10 for some itineraries) and 17, you’re a family in our eyes. Plus, all travelers aged 17 and younger receive a reduced price.
- Like-minded travelers: Traveling with us is a bit like traveling with old friends. You’ll join a group of 3 to 5 families from all over the world, and the kids tend to hit it off straight away so you can enjoy some well-earned R&R. We often find that families stay in touch long after the trip ends.
- Small groups: Our groups are small enough to avoid the crowds and reach out-of-the-way places, but big enough for a good social mix. Our average group size of 10 allows us to hop aboard local boats, buses or trains, eat at family-run restaurants, and stay in traditional guesthouses and homestays.
- Kid-friendly itineraries: Boredom? Nope. The biggest challenge of traveling with kids is keeping them entertained, which is why our trips have plenty of fun activities and free time. We try to keep traveling time to a minimum and use hotels with pools. Your leader can also suggest activities based on your kid’s hobbies or curriculum.
- Safety first: Our leaders are specially trained to run family adventures, so you and the kids will be well taken care of. You can also rest easy knowing we conduct safety assessments on all our activities to meet local standards as well as our own comprehensive safety policy.
- Travel that gives back: As the world’s largest travel B Corp, we use travel as a force for good. We give back to the communities we visit, carbon offset our trips and take our social and environmental responsibilities seriously.
Sample Itineraries
Africa Endeavours handcrafts luxury vacations designed around your wants, needs, timeframe and budget. Check out these sample itineraries to get a taste of what’s possible. Have a look, see what catches your eye, and then chat with the team to handcraft one of your family travel packages. Occasionally, we offer traditional “package” vacations focused on a special event. But those are the exception, not the rule.
This is the ultimate luxury adventure for multi-generational families or groups! Explore Cape Town and surrounds, followed by a well-rounded luxury safari in Londolozi (Kruger National Park) and Tswalu Kalahari.
Maldives Family Vacation: Soneva Fushi This trip was planned for a family of four from New York who wanted to go to the Maldives for something a bit different, they had already been to most of the islands in the Caribbean and to Fiji.
