Watching a child see an elephant for the first time is pure magic. Their mouth drops open, eyes widen and entire being lights up as they watch this magnificent, giant creature slowly moving through the African landscape.
(This doesn’t just apply to a child. It happens to all of us!) A safari isn’t just another family holiday. It’s an adventure that is full of learning and new, wild experiences that foster a deep connection to nature and one another. It awakens a sense of childlike awe and wonder within us all – no matter your age.
The memories that you make on a safari last an entire lifetime. It is one of the best gifts that you can give yourself and your family. No matter the age of your child, it is the ultimate multi-generational travel that is captivating and enriching for everyone.
Tapping out to tune in
One of the highlights of going on safari? It’s all about disconnecting to reconnect. Forget screens, the bush is the ultimate thrilling adventure. Imagine driving through open-topped game vehicles in search of Africa’s wildest creatures. Learning about the ways of the wild in nature’s immersive classroom.
Our expert guides are passionate and knowledgeable about the wilderness. They love nothing more than sharing their bush wisdom (as well as funny stories from the wild!) with guests.
One of the best things about a safari is the ease of it all. Every aspect of the schedule is taken care of — from gentle morning wake-up calls to game drives and beautifully prepared meals. You don’t have to plan a thing, except perhaps what you’d like to sip on next. There is no trying to decide what to do or when to do it. It eliminates the stress of decision making. No worrying about figuring out which restaurant to go to or where to buy this or that. All your delicious, gourmet meals are prepared lovingly for you with the freshest, local ingredients.
All you need to do is unwind, relax and settle into the slow, gentle rhythm of safari life.
Wild visitors welcome while dining at Chacma Bush Camp.
Forget overcrowded beaches. Who needs it when our lodges and camps have pools like these?
Summer days can be hot and humid and there’s nothing better than spending the heat of the day relaxing by the pool. Bring bikinis and books and get into afternoon siestas.
Overlooking the Sand river, Umkumbe Safari Lodge
Almost every one of our camps have exquisite pools overlooking the African wilderness. Dive in!
Pool days/daze at Nambu Camp
Let your curiosity run wild
The bush awakens the explorer within us all. What sound was that calling through the wilderness at night? Whose tracks are these along the road in the early hours of the morning. It makes us all become totally immersed and more aware of the world around us and asks us to pay attention to the subtle signals of the wild. It allows children to become detectives as they become attentive and aware of the wildlife all around them.
They soak up their stories about animals and can be fun to use their imagination to create stories around why the sera has stripes or the cheetah has tear marks.
Fun for everyone, Chacma Bush Camp
Where to stay?
It’s important to check the age restrictions for camps as not every camp is child friendly. The reasons for this vary – the camp may be unfenced, it might offer a more serene and retreat-like experience. Be sure to check in before making your reservation to find out. These are our child and teen-friendly camps.
Chacma Bush Camp
Chacma Bush Camp is the ultimate family-friendly bush getaway. Sleeping a maximum of 10 people, guests can book the entire space or one of the family-friendly chalets.
Choose from Steenbok Chalet that sleeps 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children while the Grysbok Chalet sleeps 2 adults and 2 children. The Klipspringer Chalet sleeps 4 adults or 2 adults and 4 children. Check out Chacma’s page for more details or contact our reservations team directly to ask any questions you might have.
The most spacious of our chalets – The Klipspringer
The Steenbok chalet with a sleeper couch that can be made into a bed for kids
Each room has their own private patio, perfect for relaxing and unwinding, with a view of the surrounding wilderness and waterhole.
Surrounded by the wild, relax on your private patio. The Grysbok Chalet
The open plan dining area and comfortable lounge overlooks the pool and waterhole where kids and splash and enjoy all day. Keep an eye out for terrapins sunbathing on the rocks and the myriad of wildlife that come back the waterhole to drink.
Mornings and late afternoons are spent adventuring through the diverse terrain surrounding Chacma on the expertly guided twice-daily game drives.
Spend balmy evenings telling stories around the campfire in the boma area watching out for shooting stars overhead.
campfires and stargazing in the boma at Chacma
Pro tip
Awaken the mini-explorer and detective in kids by searching for new footprints left in the sand around camp each morning. Ask the guides to help identify them and mark in the book provided what you have spotted each day.
Africa on Foot communal lounge
Africa on Foot
Africa on Foot is authentic, intimate family-run camp with a child policy of children aged 5 years and older. As pioneers in the walking safari industry, they offer guided morning bush walks alongside evening game drives in open-topped game vehicles. However the minimum age for walking safaris is 16 years. Younger explorers (ages 5–16) will enjoy fun and interactive morning game bumbles, tailored to their age, while parents head out on their morning walking safari.
Each room is styled with earthy tones, quality linen, and en-suite bathrooms. Two family units cater for those travelling with children, while outdoor showers in select rooms allow for a refreshing rinse beneath the sky.
Family chalets at Africa on Foot
Africa on Foot has 2 swimming pools with wild views to choose from
Umkumbe Safari Lodge
Situated in the heart of the renowned Sabie Game Reserve, Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside offers an authentic yet comfortable safari experience and welcomes children aged 5 years and older.
Umkumbe Safari Lodge
The lodge features 11 beautiful suites. 8 superior and 3 standard, 2 of which have interleading rooms. An ideal setup for families looking for space, convenience, and a touch of privacy. The superior suites have private outdoor showers where you can shower beneath the sun and moonlight. Several suites open directly onto the Sand River, where wildlife sightings unfold right from your deck. Umkumbe Riverside blends comfort, nature, and adventure into a stay that feels both immersive and effortlessly relaxing.
Storytelling around the campfire at Umkumbe
Nambu Camp
Nestled in the sweeping wilderness of the Big 5 Olifant’s West Nature Reserve , Nambu Camp offers an intimate and family-friendly safari experience, welcoming children aged 8 years and older. It’s the perfect blend of adventure, comfort, and connection. A special family-owned camp where young explorers can discover the magic of the bush alongside their families.
Scenic views, abundant wildlife, and a relaxed atmosphere make it a wonderful choice for those wanting a safari experience that’s adventurous, welcoming, and wonderfully memorable.
Perched on an old anthill lies Nambu Camp, surrounded by incredible wilderness
The guttural bellow of a lion calling by guest, Sarah Calderwood
Both Nyala Safari Lodge and nThambo Tree Camp invite families with children 12+ to enjoy refined yet down-to-earth safari experiences in the Greater Kruger. From exceptional guiding and warm hospitality to landscapes rich with wildlife, these camps offer an inspiring setting for families ready to explore the wild in comfort and style.
Wild visitors often turn up unannounced at nThambo Tree Camp
Watch Bush TV beneath a million stars at Nyala Safari Lodge
So, why is a safari the best family holiday?
It’s real. It’s wild. It’s awe-inspiring. It’s something unlike anything else in this world. It’s packed with laughter, wonder, and “did you see that?!” moments. It is filled with unforgettable moments that you’ll relive through the many stories.
A family safari isn’t just a holiday. It’s an experience that brings you closer together and opens your kids’ eyes to the wild, beautiful world beyond their screens.
Coffee stops in the wild at Nyala Safari Lodge
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