Go2Africa Reveals Its 2027 Annual Guide to the Best Family Safaris
Africa Safari Experts say families don't need to wait until children are teenagers to experience the magic of safari, sharing recommendations for every stage of family travel.
Cape Town, South Africa (August 31, 2026): Go2Africa, the award-winning safari specialist with more than 25 years of first-hand experience designing African journeys, today released its annual list of the best family safari destinations in 2026. Personally selected by Go2Africa's team of Africa Safari Experts—many of whom are parents themselves—the list highlights destinations that make safari rewarding for every stage of family travel, from first-time adventures with young children to multi-generational celebrations.
While many parents assume children need to be teenagers to appreciate safari, Go2Africa's experts believe some of the most memorable experiences happen when children are much younger. From wildlife encounters and outdoor adventures to cultural immersion and exclusive-use family villas, the destinations demonstrate the many ways Africa connects each generation as more families prioritize meaningful, experience-led travel over packed itineraries and material gifts.
"Africa has an incredible way of bringing families together," said Ashley Gerrand, Africa Safari Expert at Go2Africa. "When children are immersed in nature, curiosity takes over. They're asking why elephants communicate the way they do, how lions hunt, or why vultures matter. Every game drive becomes a conversation, and every guide becomes a teacher. These are the moments families remember.”
The trend extends well beyond safari. According to the 2025 U.S. Family Travel Survey from the Family Travel Association and NYU School of Professional Studies, 92% of parents plan to travel with their children in the next year, the highest level of family travel intent since the pandemic, while multi-generational vacations continue to gain momentum, with 71% of grandparents having taken one recently. Go2Africa is seeing many of those same trends firsthand, with growing demand from parents hoping to disconnect from screens, grandparents creating lasting memories with grandchildren, and families choosing private villas and slower-paced itineraries that allow every generation to experience Africa together.
Go2Africa's Top Family Safari Destinations for 2027
Recognizing that no two families travel the same way, Go2Africa's Africa Safari Experts organized this year's recommendations around the different stages of family travel, from first-time safaris and adventures for teenagers to multi-generational celebrations.
For First-Time Safari Families
Victoria Falls River Lodge, Zimbabwe
For families discovering Africa for the first time, Victoria Falls River Lodge offers an introduction to safari that feels immersive without being overwhelming. Wildlife is part of everyday life here, with elephants regularly wandering through camp, hippos calling from the river and every boat excursion becoming its own safari. Paired with a visit to the iconic Victoria Falls, it offers an ideal balance of wildlife, adventure and one of Africa's greatest natural wonders.
Age Restrictions: No children under 4 years old permitted on game drives.
Thorntree River Lodge, Zambia
Perfect for families with older children embarking on their first safari, Thorntree River Lodge expands the experience beyond traditional game drives. Canoeing and boating along the Zambezi River, village visits and wildlife encounters create a varied itinerary that keeps every generation engaged while introducing children to Africa's landscapes, cultures and conservation story.
Age Restrictions: None. However, walking safaris are restricted to children over the age of 16.
Offers: Children under 15 stay free. 6 January - 31 May 2026 & 1 November - 19 December 2026
For Families with Younger Children
Somalisa Acacia, Zimbabwe
Somalisa Acacia combines intimate luxury with one of Africa's most celebrated children's safari programs. Through the Ngwana Club, younger travelers discover the bush through hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity while learning from extraordinary guides. The camp's famous elephant pool often brings wildlife right to camp, creating magical moments before families even set off on a game drive.
Age Restrictions: None. However, walking safaris are restricted to children over the age of 16.
Offers: Children under 15 stay free. 6 January - 31 May 2026 & 1 November - 19 December 2026
Gibb's Farm, Tanzania
Not every unforgettable safari memory happens while searching for wildlife. Gibb's Farm encourages families to slow down and connect with rural Tanzania through authentic experiences such as baking bread, harvesting vegetables from the gardens, milking cows, meeting local artists and learning about coffee production. It's an enriching complement to a traditional safari that children naturally gravitate toward.
Age Restrictions: None
Offers: Children under 6 stay free of charge.
For Families with Teenagers
Nyamatusi Mahogany, Zimbabwe
Teenagers often crave adventure, and Nyamatusi Mahogany delivers experiences that go far beyond the safari vehicle. Guided walking safaris, canoeing, boating and fishing along the Zambezi River allow older children to actively engage with the wilderness while experiencing Africa from entirely different perspectives.
The Highlands, Ngorongoro, Tanzania
Set among the dramatic volcanic landscapes surrounding the Ngorongoro Crater, The Highlands showcases another side of safari. Families can hike through breathtaking scenery, spend time with Maasai communities and explore one of Africa's most remarkable natural wonders. For teenagers especially, these active and cultural experiences often become just as memorable as the wildlife itself.
Age Restrictions: Children must be 5 years of age or older to stay in camp.
Offers: Asilia Africa welcomes young explorers during Low and Green seasons. When 18 years and younger during travel, one child who shares the same room or tent with an adult stays free. Offer must be pre-booked and is subject to availability.
For Multi-Generational Celebrations & Private Family Safaris
Namiri Plains, Tanzania
Private safaris continue to grow in popularity as families seek greater flexibility and more meaningful time together. Known for exceptional cheetah and big cat viewing, Namiri Plains allows each day to unfold around one family's interests, whether that means lingering longer at a wildlife sighting, returning to camp for downtime or tailoring activities to different ages with a dedicated private guide.
Age Restrictions: Children must be 5 years of age or older to stay
Offers: Asilia Africa welcomes young explorers during Low and Green seasons. When 18 years and younger during travel, one child who shares the same room or tent with an adult stays free. Offer must be pre-booked and is subject to availability.
Thornybush Kamara House, South Africa
Purpose-built for multi-generational travel, Thornybush Kamara House offers the privacy and flexibility that milestone family celebrations deserve. As an exclusive-use villa, every meal, game drive and activity revolves around one family's schedule rather than the camp's. Grandparents can relax while younger children nap, teenagers can stay out later on safari, and everyone reunites around one table each evening—a reminder that the greatest luxury is uninterrupted time together.
Age Restrictions: Children under six are not permitted on game drives
Offers: Children under 12 typically share at a reduced percentage of the adult rate when sharing a suite or villa with adults.
"Children don't remember destinations—they remember adventures," Gerrand said. "Some of our own children's favorite memories aren't necessarily seeing lions. They're hiking through the Ngorongoro Highlands, learning to bake bread on a working farm, or watching elephants walk past camp while eating breakfast. Safari gives families something that's increasingly difficult to find: uninterrupted time together."
Go2Africa's complete guide to the Best Family Safari Destinations for 2027, including age recommendations, sample itineraries and planning advice from its Africa Safari Experts, is available at www.go2africa.com/tktktk.
About Go2Africa:
Go2Africa is Africa's trusted tailor-made safari specialist. First-hand African expertise, trusted local relationships and over 25 years of experience. Our Africa-Based Safari Experts combine first-hand experience, specialist regional knowledge and trusted local relationships to help travellers experience the Africa that's right for them. Home to 21 Condé Nast Traveller Specialists, more than any other African safari company, and recognised by Condé Nast Traveller, Travel + Leisure and the World Travel Awards. As part of the B Corp-certified Nawiri Group, we generate funding through travel and long-term partnerships, then work alongside trusted local organisations on initiatives that strengthen landscapes, support livelihoods and help people and wildlife thrive together.
Media Contact:
Julie Leventhal
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