5 Recommended Luxury Family Safari Lodges in Southern Africa

5 Recommended Luxury Family Safari Lodges in Southern Africa

A time to disconnect from the everyday hustle and bustle, a family safari promises to reconnect you with your loved ones while exploring the natural wonders of Africa. Bid goodbye digital screens and television shows and say hello to a world where your children can come face to face with new destinations, cultures, people, food and wildlife. Jumbari Family Safaris believes that there is nothing quite as gratifying as seeing your child's reaction to spotting their first lion or elephant on a game drive.

The team of dedicated safari experts at Jumbari Family Safaris has researched, explored and selected world-class lodges throughout Southern Africa that offer fun-filled experiences for the entire family. From Junior Ranger Programmes and engaging kid-friendly activities to exclusive-use villas with private safari vehicles, read up on Jumbari Family Safaris 5 recommended luxury family safari lodges in Southern Africa.

Victoria Falls River LodgePhoto: Victoria Falls River Lodge

Victoria Falls River Lodge
Zambezi National Park, Zambia

Located on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, Victoria Falls River Lodge offer guests the opportunity to witness one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls, as well as the thrill of a Zambian family safari. This eco-sensitive lodge features a Luxury Family Tent with a private plunge pool and deck overlooking the river. Little ones from the age of 4-7 can discover Zambezi National Park on kiddie-friendly game drives, while children from the age of 4-11 can explore the camp surrounds and river bank on a guided bush walk. To end off the day, your little ones can partake in Fables by Firelight - a tradition of toasting marshmallows over the bonfire while listening to traditional tales from Africa.

Book your Victoria Falls family safari with Jumbari and enjoy an exclusive complimentary stay for children up to 11 years old.

Morukuru Farm HousePhoto: Morukuru Farm House

Morukuru Farm House
Madikwe, South Africa

An exclusive family safari experience awaits you at Morukuru Farm House in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. The chic 5 bedroom farmhouse offers the perfect private setting for larger families traveling to South Africa and welcomes children of all ages. With a dedicated team of 8, Morukuru invites you to enjoy the flexibility of private vehicle game drives alongside your dedicated guide and tracker as well as the perks of a private chef, butler, housekeepers, hostess and professional childminders. The exclusive-use farmhouse is set within a 100-hectare fenced area - this means that your kids can safely explore the property on their own terms and partake in outdoor activities such as bush walks alongside their dedicated guide.When it's time to retreat from the great outdoors, kids can complete the fun activities and board games included in their Morukuru Kidz backpackor join in on a biscuit baking class.

&Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari LodgePhoto: &Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge

&Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge
Okavango Delta,Botswana

Located down the winding waterways of the Okavango Delta, &Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge  is a haven for families traveling to Botswana. The lodge is perched on elevated walkways overlooking the floodplains of the Delta and features a luxury family suite, perfect for a family of 4. Situated in a private concession of the Delta, &Beyond Sandibe neighbors the wildlife-rich Moremi Game Reserve, promising once-in-a-lifetime game viewing opportunities for the whole family. Home to the Big 5, you can explore the reserve on daily game drives or opt for a private safari vehicle for the ultimate tailor-made family safari experience. &Beyond invites kids on safari to join their legendary WILDChild programme. The programme instills a love and appreciation of wildlife and nature through interactive, fun-filled activities. Little ones can enjoy a range of Delta-themed activities from fishing expeditions to making necklaces from water lilies.

Sanbona Gondwana Family LodgePhoto: Sanbona Gondwana Family Lodge

Sanbona Gondwana Family Lodge
Little Karoo, South Africa

Surrounded by the wilderness of the Little Karoo, Gondwana Family Lodge invites families to experience an African wildlife safari, a mere 3 hours from the vibrant city of Cape Town. Located in the malaria-free Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, Gondwana Family Lodge features interleading family suites and promises that home-away-from-home experience. During your stay, traverse this unique landscape alongside your expert guide on daily game drives, guided game walks and boat safaris. For the little ones, the lodge offers a Kids on Safari Programme with planned daily activities, interactive welcome packs and professional child minding services. If the Western Cape weather isn’t playing ball, the lodge has an indoor Kiddies Club with puzzles, DVD’s, children’s book and fun board games.

Cheetah PlainsPhoto: Cheetah Plains

Cheetah Plains
Sabi Sands, South Africa

Experience a private African wildlife safari in South Africa’s Sabi Sands Game Reserve with your family at the exclusive Cheetah Plains Lodge. Boasting exclusive-use Bushveld Houses, Cheetah Plains invites families up to 8 to enjoy the comfort of two private lounges, dining area, sun deck, heated swimming pool, outdoor boma and wine gallery, as well as a private chef. During your stay, traverse the reserve in private electric game viewing vehicle with your family (the first in Sabi Sands!), enjoy an unparalleled a stargazing experience and enjoy a drink as the sun sets over the Sabi Sands Reserve.

Looking to travel to Southern Africa with your family? Jumbari Family Safaris’ expert consultants can help craft the perfect safari for your family. Get in touch to start planning today.

Lead photo credit: &Beyond