Family Safaris
Where to stay on safari
A family safari is an exhilarating and wonderful experience; you’ll often be up at dawn to see the animals at their most active. Then some down-time during the day (perhaps by the pool) before heading out again towards sunset, for the most beautiful time of the day. Nights will often be spent under the stars around a camp-fire. With all of this excitement, it’s important to have the right place to rest your head for the night!
What works for one family will be different to another. Families with teenagers and older children may love to stay out in the wilderness, far from anything with the wildlife roaming free. Cue hippos grunting softly nearby in the night, or the scampering of baboons as they pass through camp. Other families may want a larger lodge, child-friendly room configurations and more facilities.
Our team of family safari specialists have stayed in a wonderfully wide variety of camps and lodges with their own families and can personally recommend the best options for your families. Here are a selection of some of our favourites:
Spier Hotel, South Africa
Set on a working wine farm just outside Stellenbosch, Spier combines beautiful surroundings with plenty to keep children busy. There is a large swimming pool and expansive grounds to explore, while parents can enjoy excellent food and award-winning wines. Comfortable family rooms and a relaxed atmosphere make it a real hit with families.
Makakatana Bay Lodge, South Africa
The only privately owned lodge inside iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Makakatana sits right on the shores of Lake St Lucia. Spacious family rooms open onto private decks, and boat safaris bring hippos and birdlife close without ever feeling formal. We’d suggest it for families keen on a slower, more relaxed safari.
Kanana Camp, Botswana
One of our favourite camps in the Okavango Delta, Kanana combines a beautiful setting with exceptional wildlife viewing. Game drives, mokoro trips and a sleep-out deck under the stars make for a proper Delta adventure. Comfortable tents, including a spacious two-bedroom family tent, and a relaxed atmosphere create a truly memorable stay.
Mobile safaris, Botswana
For families seeking a classic safari experience, we’d suggest a night or two on a mobile safari. Simple walk-in tents come with proper beds and en suite bucket showers, moved and set up by the crew ahead of your arrival. It’s an immersive way to experience Botswana, with campfire dinners and a real sense of adventure for older children.
Waterberry Lodge, Zambia
Set on the Zambian side of the Zambezi, Waterberry Lodge is our pick for families wanting a peaceful base within easy reach of Vic Falls. Kids love spotting wildlife from the riverside, while parents can unwind in the gardens. The spacious family rooms and river activities on the doorstep strike a good balance between adventure and downtime.
Tum Tum Treehouse Lodge, Zimbabwe
With a suite that sits on its own raised deck overlooking Hwange National Park, families enjoy the space here, with two en suite bedrooms under one canvas roof. Settle in to enjoy an armchair safari as elephants amble past the waterhole, then head out to meet rhino at Mlevu Sanctuary, before taking a dip in the suite’s private splash pool.
Mushara Bush Camp, Namibia
Just outside Etosha’s eastern gate, Mushara Bush Camp is one of the most relaxed, family-friendly camps we know. Childminders, a play area and a kiddies’ pool mean parents can properly switch off between game drives, while the tented rooms keep things simple and comfortable. We’d recommend it for families with younger children in particular.
Kulala Desert Lodge, Namibia
With its own private gate into the dunes, Kulala Desert Lodge gets families to Sossusvlei before the crowds arrive. Thatched chalets have rooftop decks for sleeping out under the stars, and family units give a bit of extra space. Between dune walks, e-biking or simply pizza by the pool, there’s plenty to keep children entertained.
Lahia Tented Lodge, Tanzania
Considering a Serengeti upgrade? Say no more. Lahia Tented Lodge is wonderful for families craving a touch more luxury. Elevated hilltop views, stylish tents and a pool for cooling off after game drives. Kids love the wildlife, everyone loves the comfort. It’s still wild, still thrilling, but you’ll be that bit more spoiled!
Secret Guesthouse, Tanzania
This charming inn is a warm, welcoming base in Karatu, ideal for families exploring the Ngorongoro region. Set in leafy gardens with a pool and plenty of space to play, it’s relaxed and friendly. Rooms are comfy, food is hearty, and the staff go the extra mile to make kids feel right at home. One of our favourites in Tanzania!
Olepangi Farm, Kenya
Tucked in the lush foothills of Mt. Kenya, Olepangi Farm is a family haven of horses, hammocks, and highland adventures. Kids roam free, parents unwind, and everyone gathers for fireside stories and farm-fresh feasts. With warm hosts and wild beauty, Olepangi is a magical blend of comfort and culture, packed with a terrific variety of activities.
Offbeat Mara, Kenya
This secluded camp in Mara North Conservancy offers families a truly wild escape. With lions nearby, private tents with stunning views, and game drives until 10pm, it’s adventure at its best. Add bush walks, fishing, sundowners, and Maasai village visits – it’s an unforgettable safari packed with wildlife, wonder, and plenty of family-friendly thrills.
Why book with Stubborn Mule?
As the UK’s leading tailor-made family tour operator, we have unrivalled experience in arranging family safari holidays. We understand the requirements for all different age groups, whether travelling as a multi-generational group, with teens or mixed age groups. And from our own personal travel experience, we know how important it is to get the choice of accommodation right.
We’ll discuss with you what the priorities are for you and your children. We’ve got our favourites, as you can see from above; however, we will use our years of experience to recommend places that truly suit your family.
African safari photos
