The 5 Best (Family Friendly) Safari Lodges in Africa

Considered the birthplace of true adventure, Africa is one of those holiday destinations that can easily conjure up a sense of romantic and exploratory escapism. From the dusty tents of early explorers to exquisite, modern-day eco-conscious lodges, it’s true to say that African safari holidays have come a long way without losing their original adventure. Today, many tented camps may still mirror the opulence and grandeur of classical days, but others have completely reinvigorated the safari lodges, offering a brand new take on African authenticity, aesthetics, and luxury.

Of all the destinations on the planet, Africa, in the eyes of many, remains the best for family vacations. Where else can you see the wonderful creatures that inspire countless Disney movies? Where else can you see a pride of lions snooze beneath a marula tree or baby elephants play by a water hole? There’s nothing like an African safari holiday! For a thrilling and unforgettable family holiday, African offer a repertoire of activities and attractions to keep the entire family entertained, no matter the age. Are you planning for a safari vacation in Africa? We’ve curated a list of ‘home-away-from-home’ African safari lodges for your family. 

1. Singita Ebony Lodge—Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa

Singita Ebony Lodge stands steadfast among gigantic trees on the bank of the Sand River, offering guests a fresh and contemporary interpretation of classic family safaris. This lodge combines the design architect of tented camps and bush lodges to give the traveler the perfect blend of African accommodation. The original Singita lodge was inspired by charm and adventure of old-world explorers’ camps, featuring polished wood, natural fibers, and camping furniture.

This tranquil family retreat is set at the heart of South Africa’s Big Cat Country, and the lodge features two Lewis suits adjacent to each other. It is ideal for families with teenage children as well as those with younger children. What’s more, there is an exclusive-use villa that is comprised of two family suites, offering staff complement and complete seclusion. 

Singita Lodge provides touring families with access to about 40,000 acres of a beautiful animal sanctuary that’s famous for its high concentration of the big cats. That is bigger than most football stadiums in the NFL betting odds.

The outdoor decks are suspended off the riverbank, inventing guests to laidback dining and relaxing to allow full immersion into nature surrounds.

2. Angama Mara—Masai Mara, Kenya

Perched on what appears to be the very edge of the Great Rift Valley, scenic views from Agama Mara are simply spell-binding. This family-run safari lodge overlooks Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya, considered widely as the loveliest game reserve in the continent, if not the world. Two separate camps, with 15 tents each are impressive as the charming sights of the Mara and the Great Rift Valley—think Masai-inspired brickwork and Nairobi-made canvas, floor-to-ceiling windows, writing desks, and terraces that hang over the Oloololo Escarpment where wildebeests and giraffes roam.

The well conceptualized inside-outside living areas are perfectly suited for family vacations. Every room is remarkably adorned with exquisite designer and handcrafted furniture pieces that capture minimalistic and contemporary Masai-inspired space. Days are as action-packed or as gentle as you’d choose them to be. The Mara Triangle, home to Africa’s most famous mammals, houses Agama Mara. A mere 5-minute drive, and you can experience the Big Five, hot air ballooning, walking safaris, and cultural visits to the neighboring Masai villages.  This multi-award winning African Lodge is surely, home away from home!

3. Chinzombo Safari Camp—South Luangwa, Zambia

The South Lungwa National Park in Zambia is perhaps the most hidden attraction gem in Africa. This park boasts untouched natural beauty and its ideal for walking safari and crowd-free big game view. On the bank of the Luangwa River in this national park lies the elegant Chinzombo, with just six stunning, family-friendly villas tucked separately into the forest canopy.

Designed by the award-winning architects Lesley Carstens and Silvio Rech, Chinzombo brings levels of comfort, elegance, and style previously unseen to the Luangwa valley.

Here, contemporary architectural designs are amalgamated with regional materials, organic geometry, and indigenous Zambian building techniques. One of the six villas is designed for a family of five and appears to float over the landscape. The unique use of steel, locally produced leather, natural materials, reel work, and canvas, as well as the lack of concrete or brick, complement the wilderness perfectly—making this an exquisite environment for small families. Without a doubt, Chinzombo is the perfect place for you to start exploration of Luangwa wilds, which will amaze your senses all year round.

4. &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge—Tanzania

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge has been termed ‘the game lodge at the top of the world.’ Roaming around the natural riches of the Crater spread that spread out at its feet and the incredible architecture that complements the natural settings, it’s easy to believe that you’ve entered a realm of pure fantasy. The ancient caldera that hosts this lodge is nearly 3 million years old and is often regarded as one of the most attractive sites in Tanzania.

The endangered black rhino species entertain families who are guests at the lodge. Sightings of male lions are seen as they stalk the grassland while giant tusked elephants are also sights to behold.  An electric blend of teak paneling, whimsical African touches, and Victorian furnishing in family rooms create a sumptuous atmosphere that’s not only elegant but as also as unique as the Crater itself.

5. Jao Camp—Okavango Delta, Botswana

Jao Camp is positioned in the isolated Jao Game Reserve at the very heart of the famous Okavango Delta in Botswana. This family-friendly camp offers only five stylish and expansive suites, each featuring spacious bedrooms and an enormous outdoor deck with hammock and gazebo that are raised perfectly to allow for panoramic views of the surrounding plains.

As a family-minded upgrade, two villas were added recently, each with two spacious bedrooms for an ultimate private family safari experience. The fresh and contemporary designs continue the sense of adventure that Jao has always prized—adding an element of delight and surprise in the ever-evolving architectural and sculptural language. This place is definitely worth your while!