Family travel
Our Africa experts create unique family trips with you, away from tourist crowds. Safety and health are our top priorities. Discover the real Africa with our on-site team!
Carefree adventures in Africa
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from over 400 travelers
They love our personal approach, authentic destinations, and flexibility.
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no matter what happens
Your money is safely held by the Stichting Veilig Verzekerd Op Reis foundation until right before departure.
5,000+ travelers
discovering Africa with us
We've been creating trips for all types of travelers for 10 years - from families to friend groups to couples.
A family trip with us in Africa is just that little bit different!
With Charlie's Travels, a trip to Africa becomes an unforgettable experience for the whole family. While you can book a classic safari in a well-known park with us, we prefer to show you the hidden gems of this extraordinary continent and offer you a truly authentic experience.
We understand that safety and health are topics you think about extra carefully when planning a trip with your children. That's why we always consider potential risks in these areas when making our travel recommendations. Moreover, we work with reliable local partners, allowing you to embark on an adventurous journey worry-free!
Our routes are carefully crafted, with special attention to what's enjoyable for children of different ages. Whether you're looking for an adventurous activity for a four-year-old or an exciting experience for a twelve-year-old, we ensure the right balance between adventure, cultural experiences, and relaxing moments.
From exciting car, motorcycle, or walking safaris to exploring vibrant cities and relaxing on beautiful beaches, there's something for everyone. Our team in Nairobi and local colleagues across Africa ensure the trip perfectly matches your wishes and interests. Let yourself be inspired by the magic of Africa and create memories with Charlie's Travels that will last a lifetime!
Our self-drive trip through Namibia and Botswana was a great experience. We enjoyed the professional communication from Charlie’s Travels before, during and after our trip. They are clearly an experienced travel agent and know the market well.
We traveled with our family—2 parents and 4 students—to South Africa and Mozambique. Our transportation was with 2 4WDs with rooftop tents. The route was truly off the beaten track, challenging to drive, and we enjoyed every moment. If you’re looking for an adventurous trip, we definitely recommend Charlie!
We went with the family to South Africa and that was fantastic! With our input and wishes. Anna only needs half a word and knows the regions and accommodations well. We would arrange our next trip to Africa with Charlie’s again!
We had an amazing trip through Uganda and Rwanda! Saw a lot of beautiful places, stayed in great hostels and lodges, did a lot of tours in stunning nature. It was absolutely great, and everything was arranged very well, with good (and kind) communication throughout the trip. 🙂
At the beginning of July, we had a wonderful trip to Uganda. Charlie’s Travels made it an incredible experience. Uganda has everything to make your trip unforgettable: beautiful nature, so many amazing wild animals, delicious food, and the people are SO kind and friendly. We can highly recommend it!
Small-scale accommodations where possible, attention to supporting local entrepreneurs and the population and the social/social part has a clear place in the program. Charlie’s has provided us with a top trip with their approach
We had an amazing trip with Charlie’s Travels to Kenya. We went well beyond the tourist hotspots and truly connected with the locals. It was undoubtedly the best trip we’ve taken with our three children! Marlies
Unique experience for families
Taita Hills
The perfect place to experience real African life. Together with our local partners, we have developed several hiking routes for you!
Frequently asked questions
Do you have questions about a family trip to Africa? We're here to help! From the best travel times to practical tips and advice on activities for all ages. Below you'll find answers to frequently asked questions to make your trip smooth and unforgettable.
From what age can you travel to Africa with children?
You can travel to Africa with children of all ages. You can easily visit Kenya and South Africa with kids aged 0-4. From age 4, you can visit all countries we offer, provided you get proper advice. From age 12+, almost every country is very accessible!
What about Malaria?
Malaria is indeed present in various areas in Africa, and it's important to take this seriously. However, you don't need to panic, because as long as you take the right precautions (especially with children), you can safely enjoy your trip to Africa.
The malaria mosquito is most active during sunset and sunrise, so wearing clothing that covers arms and legs, like long sleeves and pants, can help. Using insect repellents like DEET is also important. Additionally, it's wise to stay in accommodations where mosquito nets are available - we've already selected accommodations with this in mind!
Make sure to get advice from your healthcare provider or doctor before departure to ensure you're well-prepared. This way, you can safely enjoy your African adventure!
Are there child-friendly accommodations?
Absolutely! Together with your family, we select the nicest places that will make both adults and children happy. Think of accommodations with family rooms, swimming pools, and plenty of space to play. Most locations are equipped with facilities for young children, such as cribs, changing mats, and high chairs. And here's a real recommendation, especially if you're going to the coast: rent a wonderful private villa with all the amenities. Hire someone to cook and enjoy your freedom while the kids are sleeping.
What activities are suitable for children?
That depends on your children's age. Based on the children's age, we provide advice about which activities are appropriate. For older kids, you can consider activities like horseback riding, walking safaris, and adventurous motorcycle rides through nature reserves. For younger children, accommodations with swimming pools, shorter safaris, and places where they can play with local children are often better ideas. If you enjoy camping and your children are older, a road trip with rooftop tents through Namibia or Botswana is definitely recommended!
We also want children to experience the traditional cultures of a country as much as possible. Think of the Masai tribe and Samburu in Kenya. There are also activities that are truly age-restricted, such as gorilla tracking in Uganda, which is accessible from age 15. But there's so much to do in Africa, there are plenty of options to create a fantastic, personalised program for your family that everyone will enjoy.
Is it safe to travel with children in Africa?
Let's start by stating that all our destinations are safe for the whole family. And yes, it's important to use common sense while traveling in Africa.
For example, you can safely walk around vibrant cities like Nairobi, Cape Town, or Kampala with the whole family. But don't walk on the streets after dark and take as few valuables as possible when going out. Also make sure you're aware of potential risk areas in large cities. African cities are big enough, so we'll definitely share which areas to avoid, and you can simply cross them off your list.
The African population is generally very hospitable and helpful. If you happen to get a flat tire on the road? Don't panic, see it as an opportunity to meet special people and let locals help you.
Also important in Africa: pay attention to traffic. Traffic is much more chaotic and less regulated than in Europe. Keep a good eye on your mirrors and go for it! And if you're not comfortable driving yourself, we'll arrange a nice driver for you who knows the busy African roads like the back of their hand.
Experience Africa with Charlie's
Need travel advice? Ask our Africa experts
Hungry for the unknown? Our Africa experts have answers to your pressing questions.