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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!

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Destinations for families | Reviews | ContactForm | FAQ | Example trips
Destinations for families | Reviews | ContactForm | FAQ | Example trips
familie met jonge kinderen poseert in grasvlakte met wijnglazen in de hand tijdens safari in Kenia
Drie mensen staan bovenop een zandduin in een woestijn en kijken uit richting de oceaan. De lucht is helder en blauw, met op de achtergrond uitgestrekte duinen en water.
Een jong kind met een hoedje staat op het gras en kijkt naar een giraf in de verte. Ze worden omringd door struiken en bomen onder een helderblauwe hemel.

A worry-free family trip with Charlie’s Travels

When you travel to Africa with your family, you step into a completely different world together. This continent leaves an indelible impression on every age, but you want to make sure this adventure is well organized from start to finish. We live and work in Africa ourselves, along with our own families. Because of that, we know exactly what is needed to travel comfortably and safely, and we know the most beautiful places you really want to show your children.

Are you traveling with young children and looking primarily for comfort, short travel days, and plenty of wildlife? Or are your teenagers ready for a proper road trip, a hike, or sleeping in a rooftop tent? With 17 destinations across Africa, we find the country, rhythm, and adventure that best fits your family. And that doesn't have to be complicated at all.

Which destination suits your family?

Each of our countries has its own magic, where we maintain the perfect balance between activities, rest moments, and the short attention spans of the kids.

With young children
Then it’s mostly about a pleasant pace, not-too-long travel days, and accommodations where children feel just as welcome as their parents. South Africa is interesting, for instance, because of malaria-free safaris and good infrastructure. But Morocco is also a strong option: relatively close by, no malaria, and a completely different world.

With older children and teenagers
Then the adventure can be opened up a bit further. Driving a 4×4 yourself, sleeping in a rooftop tent, hiking through rugged landscapes, or taking a multi-day road trip. Namibia, Tanzania, and Zambia excel at this. And for the real adventurers? Consider spotting gorillas in Uganda or an expedition through Madagascar. Prefer a trip full of culture and local encounters? Head to West Africa and discover the magic of Ghana and Senegal.

For a family that wants to experience things together
Then we look beyond safari alone. Cycling among giraffes or a boat safari in Kenya, diving into a local market, surfing or diving in Mozambique, or staying with a local family. Because children don’t need to sit still in a safari vehicle all day to experience Africa.

10.000+ travellers have gone before you

Planning a family holiday to Africa?

Enter your travel requirements here and we’ll get in touch within one working day to go through all the options for the perfect family holiday to Africa, with no obligation.

Which travel style suits your family best?

Africa offers a suitable travel style for every family:

Travel Style

Features & Activities

Destinations

First-timers

Safaris, Big 5 spotting, relaxing on pristine white beaches, comfortable lodges.

Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania

Active & adventurous

Hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, cooling off by the pool, or snorkeling.

Kenya, South Africa, Malawi, Uganda

Pure safari

In the safari jeep before sunrise. Prefer not to stand in 'line' to spot an animal. Bird watching, walking safaris, and pure wilderness.

Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Namibia, Zambia, Botswana

Culture & encounter

Homestays, cooking workshops, markets, traditions, and lots of interaction with the local population.

Ghana, Senegal, Morocco, Mozambique, Madagascar

Roadtrippers

Self-driving in a 4x4, vast landscapes, camping in rooftop tents.

Namibia, Uganda, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have any questions about a family holiday to Africa? We’d be happy to help! From the best time to visit to practical tips and advice on activities for all ages. Below you’ll find the answers to frequently asked questions to help make your trip run smoothly and be an unforgettable experience.

When is the best time to travel to Africa with children?

The short answer: all year round! Because the continent is so incredibly versatile, an ideal destination can be found for every school holiday.

  • Summer holidays (July & August): The ultimate time for East Africa, where conditions are often ideal for safari and active trips. Kenya and Tanzania combine well with a few days at the beach. In southern Africa, it's winter time, with dry conditions, few mosquitoes, and excellent safaris. Daytime temperatures are usually around 20 to 25 degrees, but be sure to bring warm clothing for chilly mornings and nights.

 (Note: We do not recommend West Africa and Morocco during this period due to heat and rain)

  • May holidays: For a shorter trip, South Africa, Kenya, and Malawi are interesting options. Ideal for families who have one or two weeks and still want to experience a good dose of Africa.
  • Autumn holidays: Namibia, South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, and Madagascar are strong options. A great period for a mix of nature, adventure, and relaxation. Perfect for shorter trips of 1.5 to 2 weeks where you'll be surprised at a manageable pace by a mix of nature, safari, and relaxation.
  • Christmas holidays: Escape the European winter and soak up the sun in South Africa, Kenya, Senegal, or Ghana. These are great options for an unforgettable end to the year.

Is it safe to travel to Africa with children?

A fair question. Africa is adventurous, and things can always change along the way. A road might become impassable after heavy rain, or the political situation might change. That's why our teams monitor the situation continuously and adjust routes whenever necessary.

You want to travel worry-free without constantly wondering if you are in the right place. That's why our team isn't sitting behind a desk back in Europe. We live and work in Africa ourselves. We know the routes, follow local situations, and work with partners we know personally. During your trip, we are also available via WhatsApp whenever anything changes or when you simply want to consult with us.

This way, you can go on an adventure yourselves while someone locally is always thinking along with you.

Een grafiek toont de vaccinatieaanbevelingen voor kinderen en volwassenen in 15 Afrikaanse landen aan de hand van gekleurde stippen: groen (aanbevolen), geel (aanbevolen met advies), rood (niet aanbevolen). De landen en leeftijdsgroepen worden vermeld.

What about malaria and vaccinations?

We categorize our destinations into three tiers:

  • Malaria-free: Ideal for very young children (e.g., parts of South Africa and Morocco).
  • Low malaria risk: Low risks in specific periods, such as the dry season in East Africa or Namibia. Zanzibar is also malaria-free.
  • Malaria regions: Good preparation is key. We always recommend seeking advice beforehand from your local health authority or travel clinic.

For up-to-date vaccination and health guidance, we always advise consulting a travel health clinic well before departure. They can factor in your personal situation, itinerary, and the age of your children in their recommendation.

Where do you find the best safaris with children?

The best safari with children depends mostly on their age. That's why we don't just look at the country, but primarily at what fits your family.

Young children: Choose short travel distances, plenty of animals, and comfortable lodges. South Africa is ideal for this: you'll find malaria-free private reserves with child-friendly accommodations and plenty of options to relax.

Teenagers: With older kids, the adventure can be bigger. Think of sleeping in a rooftop tent, rugged landscapes, and going deeper into the wilderness. Tanzania, Zambia, and Namibia are top recommendations for this.

How long is the flight?

Flight times from Amsterdam / Brussels

  • Morocco: 3.5 – 4 hours (direct)
  • Ghana & Senegal: 6.5 – 9 hours (direct or 1 short layover)
  • Kenya & Tanzania: 8 – 10 hours (direct with e.g. KLM)
  • South Africa & Namibia: 11 – 13 hours (direct to South Africa, other options usually with 1 layover)

How much does a family trip to Africa cost?

That mostly depends on where you go, how you travel, and how much comfort you desire. The largest budget components are flights, accommodations, transport, and activities. Safari park fees in particular can vary significantly by country. South Africa, Namibia, and Uganda, for instance, are often more affordable regarding park fees than Kenya and Tanzania. You can also choose between a self-drive in a 4x4, a private driver, or domestic flights.

That's why we don't offer standard packages. We look at your family and create a custom itinerary around you. Want an accurate estimate?

Receive a non-binding price estimate within an hour.

Our team lives and works in Africa

We develop our own routes

Your trip is tailor-made by us

100% insured while travelling

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