African Family Vacation | Best Safaris with Kids

November 9, 2021

Have you harbored a secret (or even not-so-secret) desire to visit the Mother Continent on an Africa family vacation? Africa is said to be the cradle of life, where early man originated, and possibly where life as we know it began. This history and significance make a family holiday in Africa a dream trip everyone should make in their lifetime.

Further, Africa is also a treasure trove of amazing sights, sounds, tastes, and experiences. It’s a place where wild animals (normally) roam free, and the indigenous population is as fascinating and diverse as anywhere you may find yourself.

It is the perfect place to experience a life-changing holiday with your family. Why not experience it all together? Here’s just a taster of why you should endeavor to go on vacation in Africa at least once in your life.

Why Go On an African Family Vacation?

It’s well known that travel has a major impact on your life. Some believe that travel abroad has an unparalleled positive influence on your worldview, outlook on life in general, and future. What better way to open yourself to this than on an Africa family holiday with those you love?

And having that experience in a continent that is foreign and exotic, yet beautiful and inviting like Africa is unrivaled.

What to Do During Vacations in Africa for the Family

Not to oversell it, but there’s definitely something for everyone to enjoy while on family holidays in Africa.

Of course, the continent is known for its impressive wildlife safari. But, its cities are also incredibly diverse, offering beaches, resorts, shopping, and of course amazing people who’re happy to share their cultural experiences.

This goes hand-in-hand with African savannas, forests, mountains, which can all be explored via tours and resorts, leisure industries, and specialist outings on family vacations to Africa.

Leopard resting on a tree

Visit At Least One of These Countries

Most of Africa’s 54 countries welcome visitors to their attractions. And each of these offers unique people, customs, food, and more to explore. It’s impossible to recommend one over the other, as the interests of travelers vary during their Africa family holidays.

However, a recent assessment of collective reviews and ratings offered five that could be seen as almost universally attractive to tourists. Publications like Forbes, CNN, and National Geographic were assessed in determining these as five of the best to visit on a family vacation in Africa.

  • Swaziland (eSwatini) – small and landlocked, but packs a big friendly tourist punch.
  • Madagascar – unique wildlife abounds on this Indian Ocean island.
  • Namibia – the desert forms a fascinating backdrop to this beautiful country.
  • South Africa – world-class cities and leisure alongside true African nature.
  • Tanzania – home to the tallest mountain and some of the biggest nature reserves in Africa.

And that’s not counting incredible historical places like Egypt, or beautiful Mediterranean regions like Morocco or Tunisia. The wow factor is off the charts in Africa.

Visit an African Beach

Torn between a tropical feel or the dry desert feel? Africa can provide both. The east coast and its islands like Seychelles and Mauritius provide blue, warm waters perfect for a beach vacation. In the north lies the Mediterranean, while the Mighty Atlantic sits to the west.

CNN ranks these ten beaches as among the finest on the continent – where will you go?

  • Anse Soleil, Mahé, Seychelles
  • Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue, Seychelles
  • Belle Mare, Mauritius
  • Chitimba, Malawi
  • Diani Beach, Kenya
  • Ifaty, Madagascar
  • Nungwi, Zanzibar, Tanzania
  • Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
  • Tofo Beach, Mozambique
  • Watamu, Kenya

Coming across elephants on an African family vacation

Go on Family African Safaris

If you and your kids have never seen Africa’s animals in their natural habitat, there is simply no way to describe the sense of awe and inspiration you’ll feel when you do. In some of Africa’s countries, you can experience this within a nature reserve, where preservation and love of nature collide. In others, the programs involve no fences and borders, and animals roam truly free for us to appreciate.

Guided African safaris for families are the best way to see them, as guides are a seemingly infinite repository of knowledge and trivia. They truly seem to know everything about every animal. It’s a wonderful way to introduce your kids to nature and all its charms, and will no doubt have a lasting impact on you and your whole family.

The best African safari for families ranges from land to river and even ocean safaris. Some of the best countries to explore safaris in include:

Lions on top of a game drive vehicle

See Some of the Animals

If you’re planning an African safari family vacation, it’s likely your interest was piqued by the Big Five. These are five animals that developed a reputation in the past for being elusive, dangerous, or just plain difficult to hunt.

Thankfully, safaris aren’t about hunting (anymore) – yet these animals remain elusive to see. Of course, they’re just five of the thousands of species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects you might see. Meaning you’re in for a fun-filled safari adventure even if you don’t see those five animals.

However, you should still make it a goal to see lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo while you’re here. Catching a glimpse of these animals has long been a highlight of many safari family vacations.

The best safari for families in search of the Big 5 includes the Kruger National Park and Moremi Game Reserve in Southern Africa and the Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park in East Africa.

Wings, rice, and other food to be enjoyed on an African family vacation

Try the Food

As you might expect from a continent of 54 countries, millennia of history, and hundreds of different cultures, food is a fascinating prospect in Africa. While all cities and countries can provide conservative eaters with Western-style cuisine, there’s always a potential local and traditional adventure awaiting the curious.

Africa is a diverse continent and likewise, the food follows suit. Sure, it’s impossible to get a taste of everything. However, these are heavily touted as must-try during family trips to Africa:

It’s worth noting as well that much of North Africa subscribes to Islamic teachings, so the Arab and other eastern flavors have some influence on the food there. And don’t forget the heavy Indian and Malay influence on some parts of Southern Africa.

So Book That Family Vacation to Africa

All things considered, Africa as a continent offers a wildly unique holiday experience, regardless of where you might choose to go within its territory. Be it family safaris, a family adventure by the beach, or meeting the diverse African people, you’re in for something incredible.

Also, you’ll have visited another continent if you go on one of the above Africa family vacations. And more likely than not, you’ll create a memory that will last forever and give your child a cool story about their family adventures to share with friends.

So, if you’re interested in finding out more, why not consider looking into an all-inclusive safari vacation?

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