Travelling with children on safari

There are few things quite like watching a child see their first elephant. Family safaris are some of our favourite journeys to plan, and with a little thought about pace, comfort and activities, they work wonderfully for children of many ages. Here is how we approach them.

Shorter drives and a gentler pace

The distances between parks can be long, and even the most enthusiastic young traveller has limits. We plan family itineraries with shorter driving days, more nights in each place and breaks built in, so that nobody spends the whole day in the vehicle.

Game drives can be shorter too. A morning drive followed by a long lunch and a swim at the lodge, then a gentle afternoon drive, is often the perfect rhythm for younger children.

The benefits of a private vehicle

A private safari vehicle makes an enormous difference with children. You set the pace. You can stop when someone needs a break, return to the lodge early if a little one is tired, or stay as long as you like at a sighting your children love. There is no pressure to keep other travellers happy, and the pop-up roof gives everyone a good view.

Age rules vary by lodge and activity

Some lodges and tented camps welcome children of all ages, while others have minimum ages, particularly unfenced camps in remote areas. Certain activities also have age limits, for example walking safaris and balloon flights. These rules vary and can change, so we check them for every lodge and activity on your itinerary and only suggest places where your family is genuinely welcome.

Family rooms and comfortable stays

Many lodges offer family rooms or connecting tents, so that you can stay together. Swimming pools, open spaces and early dinners make a big difference after a day of game drives. We look for lodges that are relaxed with children and set up for families, and we are happy to talk through options for different budgets.

Health and malaria advice for children

Speak to your doctor or a travel clinic well before you travel. They can advise on vaccinations and malaria prevention suitable for each child's age and weight. Pack insect repellent suitable for children, long sleeves and trousers for the evenings, sun hats and plenty of sunscreen, and make sure everyone drinks enough water during the day.

Keeping children engaged

Children who are involved in the safari tend to love it, and a safari can be a wonderful way to learn about nature, conservation and other cultures. Our guides are wonderful with young travellers and enjoy explaining tracks, animal behaviour and the stories behind what they see.

• Give each child their own binoculars and a simple animal checklist to tick off.
• Bring a notebook or sketchbook for drawing animals and keeping a safari diary.
• Let older children help with the camera and look through photos each evening.
• Pack favourite snacks, a few audiobooks or games for longer drives.
• Add short cultural visits, a coffee farm or a Maasai village, to break up the game drives.

Our family safaris

Our Child-Friendly Safari page explains how we plan with kids in mind, from safety to educational value, and includes a downloadable kids' safari packing list with everything children need, from sun protection to warm layers for the evening.

If you would like an example itinerary, the 7-Day Family Safari Circuit combines Tarangire, three nights in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater at a family-friendly pace. Like all our safaris, it can be adjusted to your children's ages and interests.