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Family Safaris in Southern Africa

Family Safaris in Southern Africa pricing is from R2795 $149 £119 €139 A$228 C$204 NZ$251 to R138316 $7365 £5898 €6885 A$11272 C$10076 NZ$12401 per person — a total of 63 tours ordered below from shortest to longest trip. You can make your own list of tours & safaris using the tour search 

Big 5 Cape Town Safari to Aquila Game Reserve - Budget Day Tour

Priced from pps R3190 $170 £136 €159 A$260 C$232 NZ$286 Full pricing info
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Aquila lions, Cape Town Safari
Tour Duration
01 days
Children of all ages allowed
Children of all ages are welcome to join accompanying parents or guardian on this safari.
From Cape Town to Cape Town
The perfect full-day Cape Town Safari to Aquila Game Reserve on a budget. Taste a Big 5 safari near Cape Town in Aquila private game reserve only 2 hours away.
Countries Visited
South Africa
Top Destinations Visited
Aquila Game Reserve,  
Cape Town,  
Karoo

Pilanesberg Safari Day Tour in South Africa

Priced from pps R2795 $149 £119 €139 A$228 C$204 NZ$251 Full pricing info
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Pilanesberg White Rhino
Tour Duration
01 days
Child Policy
From Johannesburg to Johannesburg
An affordable Pilanesberg Safari Day Tour - the perfect short Big 5 South Africa Safari in Pilanesberg National Park near Johannesburg.
Countries Visited
South Africa
Top Destinations Visited
Pilanesberg National Park

2 Day Cape Town Safari - Big 5 Budget Tour

Priced from pps R6405 $341 £273 €319 A$522 C$467 NZ$574 Full pricing info
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Inverdoorn Game Reserve lion
Tour Duration
02 days
Child Policy
Children under the age of 4 years are not allowed on game drives.  Babysitting services are available for children unable to join game drives, at an additional cost. Children are accommodated in the 4 star lodges only Please contact African Budget Safaris for further information.
From Cape Town to Cape Town
This Big 5 Cape Town Safari to Inverdoorn Game Reserve is an excellent-value budget safari including transfers, 4x4 game drives, comfortable lodge stay & meals.
Countries Visited
South Africa
Top Destinations Visited
Cape Town,  
Inverdoorn Game Reserve,  
Karoo

2 Day Big 5 Cape Town Safari to Aquila Game Reserve - Budget Lodge Tour

Priced from pps R4140 $220 £177 €206 A$337 C$302 NZ$371 Full pricing info
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Aquila Game Reserve elephant
Tour Duration
02 days
Children of all ages allowed
Children of all ages are welcome to join accompanying parents or guardian on this safari.
From Cape Town to Cape Town
An outstanding value Big 5 Cape Town Safari to Aquila Private Game Reserve, just two hours from Cape Town. This Budget Cape Town Big Five Safari includes transfers, 4x4 game drives, safari lodge accommodation and meals on safari.
Countries Visited
South Africa
Top Destinations Visited
Aquila Game Reserve,  
Cape Town,  
Karoo

3 Day Kruger Safari - Lodge & Treehouse Tour

Priced from pps R12900 $687 £550 €642 A$1051 C$940 NZ$1157 Full pricing info
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Kruger Safari, rhino
Tour Duration
03 days
Children aged 6 & over allowed
While children from 6 years of age are accepted on this safari, there is a minimum age restriction of 16 years on the bush walk activities.
From Johannesburg to Johannesburg
A great Kruger Safari staying in lodge and treehouse accommodation. Experience the untamed bush and wildlife on this budget African safari to Kruger.
Countries Visited
South Africa
Top Destinations Visited
Johannesburg,  
Kruger National Park,  
Panorama Route

3 Day Northern Sabi Sands Safari in South Africa

Priced from pps R16915 $901 £721 €842 A$1378 C$1232 NZ$1517 Full pricing info
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Leopards in Sabi Sands
Tour Duration
03 days
Child Policy
Lodge A: Children from 12 years and older are welcome at the Lodge. Lodge B: Children from 3 years and older are welcome at the Lodge. Babysitting service is available, at an additional cost, with baby cots also available on request. Lodge C: Children from 3 years and older are welcome at the Lodge, however, the minimum age of children allowed on game drives, is 6 years and older. Babysitting service is available, at an additional cost. Please note that only young adults aged 17 years and older are allowed to participate on bush walks.
From Johannesburg to Johannesburg
A rare budget Sabi Sands Safari in South Africa staying inside Sabi Sands Game Reserve at the private Sabi Sands lodge of your choice for superb game viewing.
Countries Visited
South Africa
Top Destinations Visited
Johannesburg,  
Kruger National Park,  
Sabi Sands Game Reserve

3 Day Kruger Walking Safari to Klaserie Private Game Reserve

Priced from pps R13460 $717 £574 €670 A$1097 C$981 NZ$1207 Full pricing info
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7d-shannon---lion-1000-web
Tour Duration
03 days
Child Policy
Children aged 5 years and older are permitted on this safari. The age restriction for walking safaris is over 16 years. Children between the ages of 5 and 16 years will be taken on morning game “bumbles” or drives (depending on their age) while their parents enjoy their morning walking safaris.
From Johannesburg to Johannesburg
A unique budget Kruger Walking Safari offering full-length morning bush walks in Greater Kruger Park's Klaserie Private Game Reserve. This Kruger Safari includes game drives, night drives & comfortable safari lodge accommodation.
Countries Visited
South Africa
Top Destinations Visited
Johannesburg,  
Kruger National Park

3 Day Southern Sabi Sands Safari in Greater Kruger Park

Priced from pps R25715 $1369 £1096 €1280 A$2096 C$1873 NZ$2306 Full pricing info
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Sunset in the bush
Tour Duration
03 days
Child Policy
Lodge A: Children from 6 years and older are welcome at the Lodge Lodge B: Children from 8 years and older are welcom at the Lodge The minimum age on all bush walks is 16 years old.
From Johannesburg to Johannesburg
An affordable Sabi Sands Safari exploring on open 4x4 game drives & stay at a private safari lodge in the exclusive Sabi Sands Game Reserve in Greater Kruger National Park.
Countries Visited
South Africa
Top Destinations Visited
Johannesburg,  
Kruger National Park,  
Sabi Sands Game Reserve

3 Day South Africa Safari to Greater Kruger Camp

Priced from pps R16870 $898 £719 €840 A$1375 C$1229 NZ$1513 Full pricing info
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South Africa safari lodge
Tour Duration
03 days
Children aged 5 & over allowed
Children of five and over are accepted on this safari. If the camp is booked for exclusive use, then children of all ages are welcome.
From Johannesburg to Johannesburg
An amazing value 3-day South Africa Safari to an affordable Greater Kruger Camp. The Kruger Lodge Safari offers an intimate setting for an authentic Big 5 Greater Kruger Safari experience. Morning and evening game drives maximise your chances of seeing South Africa's Big Five.
Countries Visited
South Africa
Top Destinations Visited
Balule Private Game Reserve,  
Johannesburg,  
Kruger National Park

3 Day Cape Town Safari - Big 5 Budget Tour

Priced from pps R7900 $421 £337 €393 A$644 C$576 NZ$708 Full pricing info
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Inverdoorn elephants
Tour Duration
03 days
Child Policy
Children under the age of 4 years are not allowed on game drives.  Babysitting services are provided for children unable to join game drives, at an additional cost. Children are accommodated in the 4 star lodges only. Please contact African Budget Safaris for further information.
From Cape Town to Cape Town
An excellent-value Big 5 Cape Town Safari to Inverdoorn Game Reserve, only 2.5 hours from Cape Town. This Cape Town Budget Safari includes transfers, 4x4 game drives with professional guides, comfortable accommodation and meals while on safari.
Countries Visited
South Africa
Top Destinations Visited
Cape Town,  
Inverdoorn Game Reserve,  
Karoo

3 Day Big 5 Cape Town Safari to Aquila Private Game Reserve

Priced from pps R6730 $358 £287 €335 A$548 C$490 NZ$603 Full pricing info
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Aquila safari rhino
Tour Duration
03 days
Children of all ages allowed
Children of all ages are welcome to join accompanying parents or guardian on this safari.
From Cape Town to Cape Town
A short Cape Town Safari to Aquila Private Game Reserve, near Cape Town. This Big 5 Safari includes transfers, 4x4 game drives, lodge accommodation, and meals.
Countries Visited
South Africa
Top Destinations Visited
Aquila Game Reserve,  
Cape Town,  
Cape Winelands,  
Karoo

3 Day Budget Kruger Safari to Big 5 Klaserie Lodge

Priced from pps R15866 $845 £677 €790 A$1293 C$1156 NZ$1423 Full pricing info
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Klaserie game lodge pool
Tour Duration
03 days
Children of all ages allowed
Children 6 years of age and above are welcome at the lodge. Children 16 years and older are allowed on the optional bush walks. Please contact African Budget Safaris for further information.
From Johannesburg to Johannesburg
Budget Kruger Safari to Big 5 Klaserie Lodge is an authentic & affordable 4-star safari tour in this exclusive, private reserve of Greater Kruger.
Countries Visited
South Africa
Top Destinations Visited
Kruger National Park

3 Day Greater Kruger Budget Lodge Safari to Thornybush

Priced from pps R27490 $1464 £1172 €1368 A$2240 C$2003 NZ$2465 Full pricing info
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Thornybush lodge wildlife
Tour Duration
03 days
Children aged 13 & over allowed
Children 12 years and older, travelling with parents or guardian, will be accepted on this tour.
From Johannesburg to Johannesburg
Experience exceptional private wildlife viewing on this 3 day budget lodge safari in the Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa. Highlights include private game drives and guided bush walks in Thornybush Private Nature Reserve.
Countries Visited
South Africa
Top Destinations Visited
Kruger National Park,  
Thornybush Private Game Reserve

3 Day Garden Route Safari in South Africa

Priced from pps R17990 $958 £767 €896 A$1466 C$1311 NZ$1613 Full pricing info
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Knysna Lagoon & Head
Tour Duration
03 days
Children of all ages allowed
Children of all ages are welcome on safari with accompanying parents or guardian. Please contact African Budget Safaris for further information.
From Cape Town to Cape Town
A 3 Day Garden Route Safari with spectacular sea and mountain landscapes, visiting Oudtshoorn, Knysna & the private Botlierskop Game Reserve.
Countries Visited
South Africa
Top Destinations Visited
Cape Winelands,  
Garden Route,  
Karoo,  
Oudtshoorn Cango Caves

3 Day Kruger National Park Safari - Lodge Tour

Priced from pps R12600 $671 £537 €627 A$1027 C$918 NZ$1130 Full pricing info
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3 Day Kruger National Park Safari lions
Tour Duration
03 days
Children aged 8 & over allowed
Children of 8 years and older are allowed on shared game drives.
From Johannesburg to Johannesburg
This 3 Day Kruger National Park Safari is a great budget Kruger Lodge Tour. An ideal short South Africa Safari for seeing diverse African wildlife, Big 5 included.
Countries Visited
South Africa
Top Destinations Visited
Kruger National Park

3 Day Pilanesberg Big 5 Safari - Ivory Tree Game Lodge

Priced from pps R12600 $671 £537 €627 A$1027 C$918 NZ$1130 Full pricing info
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Pilanesberg Safari leopard
Tour Duration
03 days
Child Policy
Children under 6 years of age are not permitted on the game drives.
From Johannesburg to Johannesburg
A budget-friendly South Africa Safari in the Pilanesberg National Park, staying at the luxurious and family-friendly Ivory Tree Lodge.
Countries Visited
South Africa
Top Destinations Visited
Pilanesberg National Park

3 Day Kruger National Park Safari - Tented Camping

Priced from pps R10850 $578 £463 €540 A$884 C$790 NZ$973 Full pricing info
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Young Impala Resting in Kruger National Park
Tour Duration
03 days
Child Policy
From Johannesburg to Johannesburg
Spend three days inside Kruger National Park on this tented camping safari based at Pretoriuskop Rest Camp and embark on 4x4 game drives with expert guides.
Countries Visited
South Africa
Top Destinations Visited
Kruger National Park

4 Day Kruger Walking Safari

Priced from pps R18640 $993 £795 €928 A$1519 C$1358 NZ$1671 Full pricing info
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Elephants on foot
Tour Duration
04 days
Child Policy
Minimum age 16 or in groups of 4 min age 12 Children aged 5 years and older are permitted on this safari. The age restriction for walking safaris is over 16 years. Children between the ages of 5 and 16 years will be taken on morning game “bumbles” or drives (depending on their age) while their parents enjoy their morning walking safaris.
From Johannesburg to Johannesburg
A fully inclusive Kruger Walking Safari in South Africa's Greater Kruger Park. Experience Africa's wildlife up close in the Big 5 Klaserie Private Game Reserve on this thrilling budget African safari.
Countries Visited
South Africa
Top Destinations Visited
Johannesburg,  
Kruger National Park

4 Day Northern Sabi Sands Safari in South Africa

Priced from pps R22760 $1212 £970 €1133 A$1855 C$1658 NZ$2041 Full pricing info
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Lilac-breasted-roller
Tour Duration
04 days
Child Policy
Lodge A: Children from 12 years and older are welcome at the Lodge. Lodge B: Children of all ages are welcome at the Lodge. Babysitting service is available, at an additional cost, with baby cots also available on request. Lodge C: Children of all ages are welcome at the Lodge, however, the minimum age of children allowed on game drives, is 6 years and older. Babysitting service is available, at an additional cost. Please note that only young adults aged 17 years and older are allowed to participate on bush walks.
From Johannesburg to Johannesburg
A super 4-day Sabi Sands Game Reserve Safari in South Africa staying at 1 of 3 budget Sabi Sands Lodges inside the private game reserve in Greater Kruger Park.
Countries Visited
South Africa
Top Destinations Visited
Johannesburg,  
Kruger National Park,  
Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Victoria Falls Tour - Zimbabwe Safari Package

Priced from pps R24546 $1307 £1047 €1222 A$2000 C$1788 NZ$2201 Full pricing info
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Victoria Falls helicopter
Tour Duration
04 days
Children of all ages allowed
Please note there is a minimum age requirement of 10 years old on the canoeing excursion. Please contact African Budget Safaris for more information.
From Victoria Falls to Victoria Falls
An excellent 4-day Victoria Falls Tour in Zimbabwe including hotel accommodation, a Zambezi River Sunset Cruise, canoeing trip, Chobe Park Safari, helicopter flight and village tour.
Countries Visited
Botswana,  
Zimbabwe
Top Destinations Visited
Chobe National Park,  
Victoria Falls

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What are Family Safaris in Southern Africa all about? by

In Southern Africa, the best destinations for budget family tours with kids are South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. These countries have good infrastructure, extensive tourism facilities and are amongst the most politically stable and safe destinations in Africa.

Accommodation standards are generally high and the game parks and protected areas are well-managed. These Southern African countries offer an impressive variety of accommodation options and many of the bigger cities are surprisingly cosmopolitan and modern.

Southern Africa also boasts plenty of sunshine and excellent weather for the great outdoors.

Budget Family Safaris in South Africa

Our top pick for budget family holidays with kids is South Africa, where we are based. Our travel team is largely South African, but our recommendation is not biased, South Africa really is fantastic for affordable family safaris.

South Africa wins hands down on two main fronts: diversity and value-for-money. The country offers an unbeatable range of activities, habitats, plants and animals, as well as remarkable cultural diversity. In terms of expense, family safaris in South Africa are generally more cost-effective than in Botswana and even Namibia.

Best of South Africa family safaris

  • South Africa is largely malaria-free making it ideal for families with younger kids. Excellent malaria-free game parks include Madikwe Game Reserve, Pilanesberg, Waterberg, Addo and Eastern Cape reserves. Top malaria-free travel regions include the Cape Town and the Western Cape, the Garden Route and southern KwaZulu-Natal.
  • Good roads and infrastructure.
  • Plenty of accommodation to suit all budgets.
  • Diverse and scenic - known as “a World in One Country”
  • A well-rounded destination offering a lot more than wildlife safaris - beautiful beaches, lofty mountains, expansive semi-deserts, vibrant cities, rich histories and unique cultural experiences.
  • Plenty of sunshine and good weather.
  • Countless game reserves and well-managed national parks.
  • Some of Africa's most affordable family holidays, offering excellent value for money.
  • Numerous self-drive options for adventurous families that want to travel independently.

Tips for Family Travel in South Africa

  • South Africa is a big country, so visiting different destinations on an overland trip will entail long drives as the travel distances between regions are great.
  • In certain areas, especially in the bigger cities, crime can be an issue. With a bit of planning, and common sense it is easy to travel safely. If in doubt, ask for expert local advice.
  • Kruger National Park and the private reserves around it are malaria risk areas. The Mpumalanga and Limpopo Lowveld and northern KwaZulu-Natal (Maputaland coast) are the only malaria areas in the country. In winter the malaria risk is lower but anti-malaria precautions are still advised. We also recommend travelling to these areas with kids aged 8 and older (some lodges only allow kids aged 12 years and older).

Family Safari Tours in Namibia

Namibia is renowned for its striking desert landscapes and impressive geographical features. It is a visually extraordinary place. If you have any budding photographers in the family then Namibia is a sure win. Wildlife enthusiasts and adventure-seekers will be equally thrilled with Namibia as a family safari holiday destination.

Safety is one of the key reasons Namibia is ideal for African family safaris. In addition to being one of Africa’s safest destinations, Namibia also boasts excellent infrastructure and good roads. Accommodation is generally of a high standard and its protected areas are by-a-large well-managed and maintained.

Best of Namibia Family Safaris

  • Incredible landscapes, open spaces and desert experiences.
  • Unusual animals, plants, geographic features and rock formations.
  • Excellent game viewing, especially in Etosha Park.
  • Exciting adventure activities in Swakopmund and the Namib Desert.
  • No special vaccinations are required (unless visiting Caprivi/Zambezi region) for travel to Namibia as it is malaria free.
  • Good infrastructure, roads and safety record.

Tips for Family Travel in Namibia

  • Namibia is a vast country where long distances need to be travelled between destinations, often on dusty roads through arid regions. Take the challenge of driving great distances into account when planning your trip, especially if your children are still very young. Try to break your trip into smaller sections and plan ahead (iPad, games, books) for the long roads.
  • As a desert country, Namibia is a hot and dusty destination with temperatures soaring over 30°C in summer months. In winter nighttime temperatures can plummet to below freezing out in the desert. Pack accordingly and time your trip outside of peak summer season, if you have family members who will struggle with the baking sun and heat.

Budget Family Safaris in Botswana

Botswana is one of the best countries in Africa for family safaris because of its pristine wilderness areas and abundance of wild animals. The jewel of Botswana, the Okavango Delta, offers a safari experience like none other with its winding waterways, peaceful lagoons and diverse wildlife. In Botswana, families can enjoy outstanding water-based game viewing on boat cruises and mokoro trips, in addition to game drives and scenic flights.

Botswana also has a well-established tourism industry serviced by good infrastructure and roads. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing safari accommodation as Botswana excels at unique, high-quality lodges and camps. Family safaris in Botswana are often a little more expensive than in neighbouring countries as it offers a more exclusive safari experience with lower visitor numbers.

Best of Botswana Family Safari Tours

  • Botswana is a safe travel destination with a well-established tourism infrastructure that makes travelling here easy and hassle-free.
  • The highlights of northern Botswana are relatively close to each other which reduces driving distances and times, making it more family-friendly.
  • Botswana’s safari destinations can easily be combined with Victoria Falls (in Zimbabwe or Zambia) which is an added plus. The famous Vic Falls is one of the best destinations in Africa for adventure activities, but it is a malaria-risk area so precautions are advised and minimum age 8 years old is recommended.
  • Botswana is diverse with the semi-arid Kalahari Desert, watery Okavango Delta, Chobe plains, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and much more.
  • Exciting water-based activities for families - boat rides and mokoro (dug-out canoe) trips.

Tips for Family Travel in Botswana

  • Botswana has a distinctive rainy season from about December to March, so be prepared for wet conditions and muddy roads. The rainy season is best for Kalahari safaris but many Okavango Delta camps close during this time as the dirt roads become to muddy to navigate.
  • Botswana is primarily geared towards upmarket travel experiences which makes it a little more expensive. On the upside, a family safari in Botswana tends to be more exclusive with fewer crowds.
  • The most popular safari destinations lie in central and northern Botswana which are malaria risk areas, so anti-malaria medication is essential. Malaria risk areas are not recommended for families travelling with children under the age of 8 or pregnant women.

For help choosing the best African destinations and budget tours for your family holiday chat to one of our travel experts.

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