Top Ten African Family Safari Lodges
Planning the perfect family safari in Africa can be challenging: Your daughter wants to see an elephant, and your son wants to glide across the desert in a hot air balloon. Dad wants to try out the new camera and photograph some lions, and Mom is in dire need of a day at the spa. Epic Road will custom design your family's African safari to take everyone's desires into account and excite all of the members of your clan—from considering the animals you would like to see and the adventures you will share, to selecting luxurious and cozy accommodations where you will all unwind after a long day at play. There are some amazing lodges across Africa that cater to guests of all ages, offering a dizzying array of activities and amenities to ensure that all family members are treated to an unforgettable experience. Below Epic Road has compiled a list of the top ten safari lodges for families in Africa, from luxurious desert accommodations, to eco-friendly tented camps that put you in the heart of the action in the African bush. All you need to do is tell us the major ingredients that will make your family safari perfect—and Epic Road will take care of the rest!
Londolozi Game Reserve – South Africa: Londolozi is located on the Sand River in Sabi Sand Game Reserve, and boasts the highest concentration of white rhino and lions in the area. Londolozi encourages wildlife encounters that are adventurous and educational, and offers a number of creative camp experiences such as drumming, African dance and even bug catching that can be tailored to meet the preferences of all ages.
Azura Quilalea – Mozambique: This luxurious hideaway is the ultimate sea safari for your family. Azura Quilalea is located on a beautiful private island, with stunning seaside villas and plenty of opportunities to get up close with marine life. The whole family can participate in private diving lessons, kayaking through mangroves, and catered beachside picnics. You can also learn about local culture and history with an excursion to the amazing Ibo Island.
Sossusvlei Lodge – Namibia: Sossusvlei Lodge is situated alongside the oldest desert in the world, and its eco-friendly design melds harmoniously with the ancient natural landscape. Guests have unparalleled access to outdoor adventures and animal sightings. And for families that want to get their adrenaline pumping, Sossusvlei also offers eco-friendly quad biking trips, hot air ballooning and guided sunset walks.
Clouds Lodge – Uganda: For those interested in tracking and observing primates in the wild, Clouds Lodge is the best spot for gorilla trekking in Uganda. The Lodge is located right next to the Biwindi Impenetrable Forest and near the Great Rift Valley, an area thought to be home to more than half the world's population of mountain gorillas. Younger animal lovers will delight in watching baby gorillas play in the safety of their natural habitat. Each guest is also treated to his or her own private butler, ensuring that your family is looked after and pampered to the highest possible degree.
Thornybush Game Lodge – South Africa: A five-star game lodge and popular event destination, Thornybush's offerings are diverse enough to accommodate large groups with ease. Their self-contained suites allow for privacy, while the expansive grounds with roaming wildlife make for constant entertainment. The children will enjoy walking and driving safaris with their own personal ranger that are tailored to their age level and interests, while adults can indulge in some alone time at the spa or on a private cruise along the Blyde River Canon.
Selinda Camp – Botswana: Don't let the fun end when your family's safari is over. The lodge at Selinda Camp, right in the heart of the Selinda Reserve, is adjacent to an area rich with wildlife, and you only need to step outside your doorstep to witness animals going about their daily routine. The nine luxury tents provide stunning views of the rolling landscape, as well as access to an open-air dining area and traditional evening campfires, where your children can sing songs and swap stories about their adventures.
Singita Pamushana Lodge – Zimbabwe: This ecotourism reserve helps fund the protection of 130,000 acres of land next to the Gonarezhou National Park, and also participates in animal conservation and community development, so a stay at Singita Pamushana will also mean that your family is giving back. Pamushana is home to hundreds of plants and animal species, including tourist favorites like the cheetah, lion, and klipspringer. The reserve also contains a population of black rhino, one of the most endangered species in the world: if your family has the opportunity to catch sight of one in the wild, it is an experience you will never forget.
Tswalu Kalahari – South Africa: For families seeking a more intimate getaway during their African safari, Tswalu Kalahari is located along a remote stretch of desert tucked between two towering mountain ranges. Your family can enjoy the glorious comfort of newly redesigned luxury tented suites, and be tended to by your own butler, personal chef and private tour guide. The adults in your group can also opt to join an expert anti-poaching team and help them tag and microchip endangered rhinos in the wild—an experience that will surely satisfy their desire for adventure!
Chem Chem – Tanzania: Enjoy the vintage feel of a safari campsite with the modern amenities of a luxury lodge. Chem Chem lies in the middle of a wildlife management area in Northern Tanzania, and the breathtaking scenery will inspire travellers of all ages. The main house includes a gourmet restaurant and bar with an outdoor fireplace, along with a deck and outdoor pool, which offer sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
Apoka Lodge – Uganda: Apoka fully immerses you in the golden hills and grassy plains of Kidepo Valley National Park—the most remote national park in all of Uganda. The wood, thatch and canvas rooms disappear into the orange of the landscape, allowing for a subtle presence that does not scare off wildlife. Your family can watch elephants, giraffes, zebras and wildebeest gather at the nearby watering hole, visit a local Karamojong tribal village and learn about their traditional way of life, and count the stars while relaxing in an outdoor bath.
