For the first-time (or returning) visitor, the choice can seem bewildering, but each African country offers a different safari experience, in terms of wildlife, landscapes and accommodation. Here are a few pointers to help you decide which destination offers the best safari holiday for your family.
Botswana
Botswana’s extraordinary Okavango Delta offers some of the best game-viewing, and some of the most diverse landscapes, on the continent. Moremi Game Reserve is known for its wild dog population, lions, leopard and cheetah, while at Chobe National Park it's possible to see large herds of elephant and buffalo, plus huge numbers of water birds. A mobile-camping safari which includes scenic flights over the delta, wildlife-watching by jeep and on river cruises, are some of the best options for enjoying this, one of Africa’s top safari destinations.
Namibia
Namibia offers a wide choice of different landscapes and a sense of vastness that’s hard to beat in southern Africa. From its stunning red-gold high dunes near the Skeleton Coast to the desiccated Namib-Naukluft Desert and marine life at Walvis Bay, this is surely one of Africa’s most beautiful countries and receives fewer tourists than many other key wildlife locations in the continent’s far south.
South Africa
South Africa’s Hluhluwe-iMfolozi wildlife reserve is the oldest in Africa, and has been instrumental in the conservation of the white rhino. Situated in KwaZulu Natal, the reserve is home to elephant, black and white rhinos, Cape buffalo, lion and leopard, along with a host of other flora and fauna, while Mkuze Game Reserve is home to a superb diversity of birdlife. Walking safaris, game drives (including at night) and boat cruises are all possible within these reserves, and South Africa is one of Africa’s top wildlife destinations for family holidays.
East Africa
Arguably the most iconic safari experience is on the East African savannah and Tanzania is hard to beat if you’re looking for classic ‘Out of Africa’ type vistas and wildlife. The Serengeti is home to the world’s most famous animal migration in the world – and a great place to take a family safari, whether it’s your first trip, or whether you’re seasoned African safari-goers! Look out for gatherings of wildebeest and zebra, as well as buffalo, elephants and giraffes in the Serengeti, the country’s other wildlife parks, such as Tarangire, boasting superb herds of African elephant, flamingos (Lake Manyara) and stunning views of the Great Rift Valley (Ngorongoro Crater). Head to the beautiful island of Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean for some rest and relaxation on white-sand beaches fringed by palm trees after your East African family safari.
Uganda
Famous for its tree-climbing lions, chimpanzees and gorillas, spectacular Murchison Falls and the world-class Queen Elizabeth National Park – home to over 100 mammal species, including lions, hippos, buffalos, leopard, spotted hyena, elephants and the elusive giant forest hog – Uganda makes an excellent choice for a family safari. What Uganda offers, for those with children of 15 years and over, is the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to undertake a challenging trek in the mountains of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in search of gorillas. Tracking the mountain gorilla is probably one of the most exciting wildlife experiences on Earth, but you’ll need to be fit! The trek, accompanied by a park ranger, can take up to six hours, but is an unforgettable experience.
Zambia
Many people overlook Zambia when considering their family safari, but this less-visited country is home to the superb South Luangwa National Park, a favourite amongst several of the staff here at Families Worldwide. Start at the Victoria Falls, before heading to South Luangwa in search of close encounters with elephants, hippos and giraffes. There’s also a good chance of seeing leopards and other nocturnal mammals on a night drive here.
Other safari destinations
Of course, there are other fantastic destinations to take a family safari holiday as well as in Africa. If it’s tigers you’re keen to see, why not consider a trip to India ? Alternatively, head to South America in search of another apex feline, the jaguar, in Brazil’s Pantanal, or to Argentina’s Valdes Peninsula, a breeding ground for the southern right whale, and home to sea lions as well as a host of birds, including penguins.
Explore our range of Family Safari Holidays or contact the team to plan your dream family wildlife adventure!
