Elephants, zebras, and giraffes, oh my! What child wouldn’t want to go on an African safari and see these amazing animals in the wild, where they belong. Not to mention the lions, warthogs, antelope, cheetahs, jaguars, and other wild animals that live in the African bush.
How, though, do you take the kids on a bucket-list African safari and make sure you all have enough space, comfort, and care to be happy.
One & Only’s Gorilla’s Nest — Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Age considerations: Children 10 and up are welcome on property. Note that visitors should be comfortable in rugged walking and hiking environments — the only way to see the endangered mountain gorillas is to trek into the mountains.
The all-inclusive property rate for a family of four starts at $7,800 per night. Note that while on-property activities are included in the nightly fee, gorilla trekking fees of $1,500 per person, per trek are paid directly to the Rwandan government and are an additional cost.
Asilia’s Jabali Private House — Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
Jabali Private House, a contemporary stand-alone house in Ruaha National Park, allows your family exclusive use of the three-bedroom residence and surrounding environment. The modest property has two bedrooms painted in milk tones so you can focus on the views outside.
From beanbag chairs on the deck or your infinity pool, you can watch elephant herds on the surrounding Ikuka escarpment. Jabali Private House includes a private chef who may offer cooking lessons and a personalized cuisine.
Your family’s game drives will be private and guided.
Age considerations and rates: Children ages 5 and up are welcome at Jabali.
Low season (November–Dec. 19 and Jan. 6 –March 14) the all-inclusive rate is $4,375 per night; high season (July to October and Dec. 20–Jan. 5) it is $6,130 per night (rates are for entire house).
Great Plains’ Mara Nyika — Maasai Mara, Kenya
For “Out of Africa” sensations, it’s hard to top this magnificent tented camp in the Maasai Mara’s Naboisho Conservancy, where you’ll see the big migration of wildebeests and zebra. August through October is the greatest time to watch wildlife during migration.
Relais & Château’s Mara Nyika shows why tented “glamping” safaris in Kenya are popular. Imagine copper tubs, leather couches, and silk rugs in ultra-plush tents.
Activities here include not only morning and night game drives but also the unique opportunity to visit a local Maasai Mara community. One more reason: You can take the kids on a hot air balloon ride across the Maasai Mara to spot wildlife.
Age considerations and rates: Children ages 6 and up are welcome at Mara Nyika.
All-inclusive rates per two-bedroom family suite per night range from $3,600 for off-peak (April–June 14; November–Dec. 19) to $7,050 for peak season (June 15–Oct. 31, and Dec. 20–Jan. 10).
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