Tiny tracks, grand adventures: Why children and safari are a great match made in the wild.
By Annelies van Beest – Safari planner.
Imagine your child’s eyes wide, innocent yet sharpened, gazing across the golden savannah as a herd of elephants drifts into view. That’s not just a safari, that’s the purest education in wonder.
But before you pack the binoculars and storybooks, let’s answer some important questions.
- “Can a six-year-old actually enjoy this? ”Yes, if you choose the right camp.
- “What’s the right age to start?” While some lodges accept younger children with private arrangements, we strongly advise travelling into the wild with children over six years old. By this age, they can truly appreciate the magic, follow basic safety guidance, and last longer on game drives. I speak from experience, we’ve travelled countless times with our own kids into the bush, from under-canvas tents to remote fly-camps. Those trips gave them more than memories, they shaped their sense of wonder and respect for the natural world.
- “How long is just right?” Somewhere between 5 and 7 days is the golden sweet spot. Think 2–3 days per location, long enough to roll into routines, little giggles and big glimpses of the wild, but not so many that little boots wander into exhaustion.
- “Will this cost an arm, a leg, and a scout car?” Not always. Many lodges waive fees for kids under 5–6 sharing rooms and give discounts for older ones up to the age of 12.
- “What about the little inevitable details?” Yes, camps vary in visibility, yes, some have no fences, yes, snacks matter. Lucky for you, specialist safari planners handle everything so you focus on the lion cub, not the logistics.
It’s not just about lions or sunsets, it’s a classroom of curiosity, stepping into new landscapes full of new discoveries. With the right planning, their hearts open, not to fear, but to joy, empathy, and the wild’s wild wonder.
Ofcourse you are very welcome to plan a free consultancy call , we are very happy to share our knowledge. Book a free consultancy call.