African Safari Guide

Safari Holidays to South Africa and Namibia for independent travellers.

Contact Phone Numbers

Local rate in the UK - Freephone in SA. 0845 838 2450

Local rate from UK only

0800 981 420

Toll free from SA only

+44 1932 268230

Other International

Family Safaris in Malaria-Risk Areas

Safari lodges in low-risk malaria areas that welcome children under 12

Whilst much of Southern Africa including Cape Town, The Garden Route, Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg, Durban, The Drakensberg, Sun City, and most of Namibia is considered to be malaria free, three of the regions best known safari areas - Kruger, KwaZulu-Natal, and Etosha (Namibia) - are considered to be of low to moderate risk for malaria.

Vervet Monkey at Shamwari Travel Butlers strongly advise that you should consult your doctor before deciding to take younger children to a safari lodge anywhere that has even a low risk of malaria.

Families who are concerned about malaria should look for child friendly safaris in malaria-free areas, however if you are not concerned about malaria then you might like to consider some of the lodges featured below or ask us to recommend a family safari (malaria not an issue).

Whilst just about every safari lodge is suitable for older children, kids under the age of 12 are not catered for at many lodges and so families do need to make sure that they pick a lodge that will suit the whole family.

There are a large number of lodges that do welcome younger children, and some of them even offer dedicated children's programme or provide alternative activities and child care if they are too young to join the adults on the game drives.

Is it Safe for Children?

Yes. All of the lodges take safety very seriously, particularly where children are involved. Younger children will not usually be allowed to take a room on their own (i.e. without an adult sharing), and they will normally not be allowed to join in with bush walks.

Impala Each lodge has their own rules, particularly with regards to the age that children can join the adults on a game drive, and you should check exactly what your children will be able to do at your chosen lodge when booking - finding out that your 8 year old cannot go out to see the animals at the lodge you have chosen when you arrive can ruin your whole family's stay if you did not know this in advance!

Like adults, children ideally should not wear bright colours when out on game drives, and should also use a good sun protection cream and lotion to protect them against insect bites.

Ask us to recommend a family safari (malaria not an issue).

Selection of Family-Friendly Safaris in Malaria-Risk Areas

Properties 1 to 5 of 117

Phinda Zuka Lodge, Phinda Game Reserve

Safari Lodge
The lodge's 4 intimate cottages are set 15 metres (50 feet) apart, featuring verandas overlooking a busy waterhole where a diversity of wildlife is regularly seen. Sitting areas feature built-in sofas which double as beds for parents travelling with children 5 years and younger.

From R0 ( approx U$ 0 ) per person.

Bushlands Game Lodge, St Lucia

Safari Lodge
Fully air-conditioned, en-suite accommodation blends seamlessly with the African bush. The rooms are connected by raised wooden walkways which lead to the main dining room, bar, swimming pool and boma.

From R765 ( approx U$ 101 ) per person.

Zululand Safari Lodge, Ubizane Wildlife Reserve

Safari Lodge
The lodge offers comfortable accommodation in 24 comfortable thatched rondavels looking up at the sweep of Ubizane Mountain. The chalets each have a fully equipped kitchen and all bedrooms are en-suite with ceiling fans.

From R835 ( approx U$ 110 ) per person.

Zululand Tree Lodge, Ubizane Wildlife Reserve

Safari Lodge
Accommodation at Zululand Tree Lodge consists of luxurious thatched chalets raised above the floor on stilts. Each of the 24 luxury 'Tree Lodges' include an en-suite bathroom with shower, a kingsize double bed, a bar fridge, tea / coffee making facilities, and a private balcony with enchanting views into the surrounding forest.

From R1175 ( approx U$ 155 ) per person.

Children Welcome - Special kids programme available

Wildside Tented Camp, Entabeni Safari Conservancy

Safari Lodge
A true African bush experience awaits you at Wildside Tented Camp, nestled against the cliffs of the Waterberg Mountain. The 20 luxury en-suite tents have an authentic safari feel.