Taking the family on an African safari vacation is a trip of a lifetime, one no family traveler will ever forget. From delicious cuisine and unique cultural experiences to the beauty of the rugged landscape and majestic animals roaming the plains, this trip is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
But when planning a safari with a family, there are a few challenges to consider, from pre-trip vaccinations to keeping little ones entertained despite long days riding in a vehicle searching for wildlife. Choosing a safari destination designed to not only keep little ones entertained but also safe is key to a successful and memorable African safari vacation.
Shamwari Private Game Reserve, located in Paterson, South Africa, is a great option for families with its Riverdene Family Lodge, designed specifically to give families a relaxing and entertaining place to unwind and experience Africa’s incomparable wildlife. Guests can enjoy both driving and walking safaris to see Africa’s plentiful wildlife, including the Big 5 (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinoceroses), and can also enjoy viewing wildlife from a distance beyond the perimeter of the lodge.
The grounds are fenced in and considered malaria-free, ensuring safety for your little ones at all times. The Kids on Safari and Teens on Safari programs are designed specifically to give them safe, memorable experiences, while teaching them about the importance of respecting and conserving nature and wildlife while visiting the reserve’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary. They also can enjoy zip lining and time at the swimming pool and playground.
Children aged 4 and older can accompany their families on the safari drives and trips to the rehabilitation center, while children must be at least 6 years old to visit the reserve’s Born Free rescue centers. Shamwari offers a children’s coordinator to help with planning and arranging activities for the kids. There are also nanny services available for an additional cost for families with children too young to attend the safari excursions.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedHotels
Sep 1, 2026Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa to Welcome Return of Elf on the Shelf This Holiday Season
The magic of Christmas quickly approaches as summer comes to a close, and families can experience the holiday season in a unique way this year.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Hotels
Sep 1, 2026This London Hotel Launches Little Londoners Family Package
Balance a city break in London with kid-friendly experiences at Sea Containers London, an upscale, riverside hotel. The property recently debuted the Little Londoners package, a thoughtfully designed offering that makes exploring London easier (and more fun) for both kids and parents.
Europe
Aug 27, 20266 Geneva, Switzerland, Destinations for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Geneva, Switzerland, with us.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Hotels
Aug 26, 2026Make One Final Summer Splash at These 3 Unreal Hotel Pools
Summer may be coming to a close sooner rather than later; however, the warm air tends to linger into September, allowing for more fun in the sun.
ShareThis