Whilst much of Southern Africa including Cape Town, The Garden Route, Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg, Durban, The Drakensberg, Sun City, and most of Namibia is considered to be malaria free, three of the regions best known safari areas - Kruger, KwaZulu-Natal, and Etosha (Namibia) - are considered to be of low to moderate risk for malaria.
Travel Butlers strongly advise that you should consult your doctor before deciding to take younger children to a safari lodge anywhere that has even a low risk of malaria.
Families who are concerned about malaria should look for child friendly safaris in malaria-free areas, however if you are not concerned about malaria then you might like to consider some of the lodges featured below or ask us to recommend a family safari (malaria not an issue).
Whilst just about every safari lodge is suitable for older children, kids under the age of 12 are not catered for at many lodges and so families do need to make sure that they pick a lodge that will suit the whole family.
There are a large number of lodges that do welcome younger children, and some of them even offer dedicated children's programme or provide alternative activities and child care if they are too young to join the adults on the game drives.
Is it Safe for Children?
Yes. All of the lodges take safety very seriously, particularly where children are involved. Younger children will not usually be allowed to take a room on their own (i.e. without an adult sharing), and they will normally not be allowed to join in with bush walks.
Each lodge has their own rules, particularly with regards to the age that children can join the adults on a game drive, and you should check exactly what your children will be able to do at your chosen lodge when booking - finding out that your 8 year old cannot go out to see the animals at the lodge you have chosen when you arrive can ruin your whole family's stay if you did not know this in advance!
Like adults, children ideally should not wear bright colours when out on game drives, and should also use a good sun protection cream and lotion to protect them against insect bites.
Ask us to recommend a family safari (malaria not an issue).
Selection of Family-Friendly Safaris in Malaria-Risk Areas
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Inyati Private Game Reserve, Sabi Sand (via Newington Gate)
Safari Lodge
Each of the 10 immaculately furnished en-suite thatched chalets all have glorious river views. Each is equipped with air-conditioning, mosquito nets, telephone, and beautifully appointed bathrooms.
Bukela Lodge, Bushmans River Conservancy
Safari Lodge
The 4 suites are each individually styled in African simplicity, while never compromising on luxury. Each suite is well appointed, and has a large en-suite bathroom with a spa bath overlooking the African bush, an indoor and outdoor shower for the more adventurous, and a private wooden deck.
Elephant Plains Game Lodge, Sabi Sand (via Gowrie Gate)
Safari Lodge
The lodge offers the choice of 6 luxury air-conditioned suites, which all have large wooden decks overlooking the bush, a spacious en-suite bathroom with double basins, and a private outside shower which is perfect for cooling off after a hot game drive. The glass fronted Honeymoon Suite offers romantic elegance, total privacy and a stunning view, as well as a private splash pool.
Jock Safari Lodge, Jock Concession
Safari Lodge
Twelve luxury air-conditioned suites offer guests the unique opportunity to experience the gracious style of old world elegance surrounded by unspoilt wilderness.
Each suite has a private sala (outdoor lounge) that overlooks the river.
Lion Sands River Lodge, Sabi Sand (via Shaw's Gate)
Safari Lodge
There are 18 luxurious thatched bedrooms with en-suite bathroom, outdoor and inside showers and wooden viewing deck with a view of the river. The bedroom area is air-conditioned with an over-head fan.
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