Get ready to dive into a world of excitement as we unveil a dazzling array of destinations that guarantee not just fun, but a symphony of adventure and unforgettable moments! Picture enchanting getaways amidst breathtaking landscapes and heart-pounding safari escapades—it's the recipe for the perfect family vacation.
But that's not all! Our family vacation ideas cater to every taste and preference. From the serene to the thrill-seekers, we've got it all covered. Our recommendations have many things that will ensure even your littlest companions are grinning from ear to ear.
Curious to know more?
Get ready for our insider tips and recommendations for your next family vacation!
Our Family Vacation Ideas
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4. Zambia Family Safari Holiday |
Best For: Geological wonders & traditional safaris
Length: 12 days
Locations: Victoria Falls, Kwando-Linyanti Region, Okavango Delta, The Great Salt Pans
From: £23,000 per family
Embark on a thrilling Botswana Family Safari, kicking off at the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Get ready for spray-soaked adventures, boat trips, and scenic helicopter rides. Not to mention, one of the best things to do with kids is to introduce them to the diverse wildlife right on your doorstep.
Venture into the Kwando-Linyanti Region for exciting game drives and bush walks, captivating both adults and kids. Glide through the Okavango Delta on a traditional mokoro safari (minimum age 12+) and witness its breathtaking waterways. Look out for any creatures lurking in the water’s margins.
Wrap up your adventure in The Great Salt Pans, where wildlife wanders past your camp amidst shimmering plains. Explore Baine’s Baobab trees and join a walk with a San bushman tracker for insights into their nomadic lifestyle.
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Where you’ll Stay:
Lebala Camp is great for kids as it sits in the 232,000-hectare Kwando Reserve. Their Family Tent has a private viewing deck and unobstructed views of the floodplains.
Lagoon Camp sits on Kwando River’s banks and animals wander close by, while Splash Camp sits in the heart of Okavango Delta with spacious family suites.
Lastly, Nxai Pan Camp is the only permanent camp in the Nxai Pan National Park, with family units facing a game-rich waterhole.
Best For: Leopard Sightings & Beaches
Length: 9 days
Locations: Kruger, Machangulo
From: £13,100 per family
Embark on a family trip with our South Africa & Mozambique Family Fun itinerary. Here, you’ll go on a thrilling Big 5 safari in South Africa's Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, known for their amazing leopard sightings and more than 300 bird species.
Transition to the sun-soaked shores of Mozambique for four nights at Machangulo Beach Lodge in Santa Maria Bay. Picture pristine beaches, secluded bays, lush dune forests, and turquoise waters. Explore the infamous deep channel known as “Hell Gate”, which separates Santa Maria (Machangulo) Peninsula from Inhaca Island. Here, the Indian Ocean meets Maputo Bay's estuaries.
This dynamic itinerary promises family bonding, unforgettable moments, and a holiday filled with adventure. Ready for a journey the whole family will cherish?
Best For: Pushing boundaries & elephant herds
Length: 12 days
Locations: Central Highlands, Etosha, Caprivi, Chobe, Victoria Falls
From: £9,050 per family
As far as our family vacations go, our Namibia, Chobe & Victoria Falls Family Holiday is the one for families who like to push limits. You’ll embark on a wild ride through three countries discovering wildlife and geological wonders along the way! Start in Windhoek, grab your wheels, and race to Okonjima Nature Reserve.
Then, hit the safari trail in Etosha National Park, while you explore the main wildlife viewing destination in Namibia. This is as far east as most will get to in Namibia, but you’ll go further. Push the boundaries, follow the B8 to the Kavango River, and dive into Nkasa Rupara National Park.
Next up, is Chobe National Park in Botswana, known for its enormous herds of elephants! Finally, cap off the adventure at the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, which is one of the most thrilling places to go with kids as you can take them white-water rafting, bungee jumping, abseiling and ziplining.
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Where to stay:
Best For: Night game drives
Length: 15 days
Locations: South Luangwa National Park, Kafue National Park, Lower Zambezi National Park
From: £22,200 per family
Embark on a thrilling Zambia Family Safari! Explore wildlife havens in South Luangwa, Kafue, and Lower Zambezi National Parks. Dive into the wonders of Victoria Falls—swim in Devil’s Pool and watch rainbows form in the spray from a tantalising helicopter ride.
In South Luangwa National Park, enjoy morning, evening, and night game drives. Kafue, Zambia’s oldest and largest national park, offers untouched wilderness, while Lower Zambezi lets you cruise, canoe, or fish for tigerfish. Round off at Victoria Falls with activities like rafting, ziplining, and scenic walks. Zambia is known for being the birthplace of walking safaris, so this is an activity you don’t want to miss!
Where you’ll Stay:
There are several lodges that are family-friendly, including Flatdogs Camp and the award-winning Ila Lodge. They blend comfort with safari vibes, and there are many fun things to do with kids here, from survival skills workshops to nanny services.
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Where to stay:
Best For: Tropical escape for all generations
Length: 11 days
Locations: Sao Tome, Principe
From: £9,800
Gather the crew for an unforgettable tropical escape to Sao Tome & Principe! This is one of the best holiday destinations for families who are looking to go off-grid. This family vacation caters to all ages and interests, from toddlers to adventurous grandparents. Explore Africa's second smallest country with awe-inspiring wonders packed into a short trip.
With minimal travel time on these tiny islands, get ready for action-packed days filled with hiking, scuba diving, and snorkelling adventures. Don't worry if rainforest jungle trekking isn't your vibe—opt for tranquil activities like art, cookery, jewellery making, medicinal plant classes, dance lessons, and relaxing plantation visits with exotic bird-filled gardens.
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Best For: Various types of safaris
Length: 14 days
Locations: Blantyre, Chimwenya Game Park, Majete, Liwonde, Cape Maclear
From: £16,800
Embark on a two-week family vacation in Malawi, filled with safari thrills and lakeside charm. Begin with a child-friendly walking safari at Game Haven Lodge, immersing your family in a predator-free park. Two nights here lets the little ones adjust before diving into Majete, Malawi's 'Big Five' Nature Reserve, for a luxury stay at Mkulumadzi Lodge by Robin Pope Safaris.
Mvuu Lodge awaits for three nights, offering Shire River explorations and wildlife encounters, such as black rhinos, lions, and elephants. Finally, unwind for four days at Makokola Retreat on the 'Lake of Stars,' indulging in water sports, tennis, sailing, volleyball, and beachside bliss. Our family-friendly itinerary blends bush and boat safaris with lakeside relaxation, crafting unforgettable memories for all ages.
Which of these African Family Vacation Ideas is for you?
So, we’ve explored our top six African family vacations, from Botswana's landscapes to Zambia's thrilling safaris.
Whether it's Victoria Falls or Mozambique's beaches, Namibia's wild rides, or Malawi's lakeside charm, these handpicked itineraries cater to every taste.
So, which one will you book for your next family vacation?