For many families wanting to visit South Africa or go on a wildlife adventure, the question “what is the best age to take your child on safari?” often comes up. Taking your children on safari should be one of the most wonderful things your family will ever do, on so many levels. But we understand travelling and can get expensive, so we’re here to help you make the right choice for your next family safari vacation.
Located near Cape Town, the vibrant epicentre of travel and tourism in South Africa, our team of safari-enthusiasts have a great deal of experience in creating wild and wonderful family safaris for every age range and budget. And, as Cape Town’s closest Big Five Safari destination and top-rated family day trip activity, Aquila Private Game Reserve proudly welcomes children and guests of all ages.
The Best Age to Take Your Child on Safari:
Bringing Your Children on Safari
Several of our staff and game rangers have young families of their own and have a great deal of first hand experience with going on safari with kids. We at Aquila Private Game Reserve understand all the hard work that and attention that goes into planning a trip that will appeal to your family’s mixture of different personalities, different age groups, different activity levels, different interests and different attention spans — all under one roof!
Although everyone and every child is unique and special in their own way, the three most important things we’ve learnt about bringing your children on safari are:
- Keeping them healthy and safe.
- Keeping them interested, active and entertained.
- Keeping them learning and experiencing new things.
Also Read: Why you should take your children on safari with you
Children Ages 0 to 1
Bringing children (babies) ages 0 to 1 years old on Safari in South Africa is not without its challenges. Although Cape Town and Aquila Private Game Reserve are malaria-free, there are significant health issues associated with very young travellers in the vast majority of safari areas.
Areas with high temperatures and humidities should usually also be avoided in the Summer as infants are less able to self-regulate their body temperatures. Parents with young infants are advised to go on safari in the Autumn (fall) or Spring months when the temperatures are generally mild and pleasant.
Immediate access to good healthcare also needs to be considered, as even modest health concerns can become serious quickly in infants this young. It’s best to look for game reserves and safari parks close to cities or towns with adequate medical facilities.
What we recommend:
- Day trip safaris and short getaways (1 to 3 nights) are better suited for families travelling with babies and young infants.
- We generally do not recommend travelling to remote areas of South Africa (far from major towns or cities) with infants aged 0 to 1 year old.
- Try stick to more temperate and malaria-free areas of South Africa, around the Western Cape and Eastern Cape.
Why Aquila is great for children aged 0 to 1:
- Children 0 to 3 years of age stay for free with an accompanying adult.
- Aquila is located only a short 2 hours’ drive from Cape Town, in the Western Cape.
- Aquila Private Game Reserve is malaria-free and the staff are well-trained in emergency protocols.
- Aquila’s spacious family accommodation and premier room options offer portable / folding infant cots for your convenience.
- There is no minimum age limit for Aquila’s vehicle safari game drives, so you can bring your infant or young child with you on safari.
Children Ages 2 to 6
Taking your children on safari generally gets easier as they get older. When considering toddlers and small children aged 2 to 6 years old, the health risks in remote areas of South Africa are tempered slightly by the fact that kids in this age range are able to take most child-friendly medications, but bodyweight and temperature stability are still a significant concern.
Although most game reserves and private safari lodges in South Africa are malaria-free, another major issue you’ll encounter when bringing your child on safari is age restrictions. To ensure the safety of all guests and provide the best game viewing opportunities possible, many safari destinations have strict age restrictions in place.
It’s also important to note that small children might become scared, bored or agitated while out in the bush. Crying, talking, screaming and even standing up or moving around in the safari vehicle can startle the wildlife and disrupt sightings. On the upside, most safari lodges that accept children in this age range offer significant price reductions and family discounts, usually about 50% of the adult price.
Children ages 2 to 6 years old should be accompanied by an adult at all times while on safari. there are significant risks from a range of predators if they are left unattended. The staff at many lodges are keen to help out with child-minding if needed.
What we recommend:
- Day trip safaris and short getaways (1 to 3 nights) are better suited for families travelling with toddlers and young infants.
- We generally do not recommend travelling to remote areas of South Africa (far from major towns or cities) with small children and toddlers aged 2 to 6 year old.
- Try stick to more temperate and malaria-free areas of South Africa, around the Western Cape and Eastern Cape.
- Look for child-friendly safari lodges and game reserves without age-restrictions.
Why Aquila is great for children aged 2 to 6:
- Children 4 to 11 years of age pay 50% of the adult rate (when accompanied by an adult).
- Aquila’s Kids Adventure Zone and Junior Ranger Programme are great for keeping young kids entertained and active throughout your stay.
- Aquila is located only a short 2 hours’ drive from Cape Town, in the Western Cape.
- Aquila Private Game Reserve is malaria-free and the staff are well-trained in emergency protocols.
- Aquila’s spacious family lodge suites and family cottages offer children’s bedrooms, twin beds, and inter-connecting rooms.
- There is no minimum age limit for Aquila’s vehicle safari game drives, so you can bring your toddlers and young children with you on safari.
Children Ages 7 to 12
This a great age range for taking your children on safari. Most national safari parks and game reserves in South Africa welcome children between the ages of 7 and 12 years old. However, there are still many game reserves that only accept guests from 12 years of age, and a few more hardcore safaris which only accept guests from 16 years of age. As long as you plan ahead and research the age-criteria and child-friendly facilities available, you should be in for a fun and exciting South African adventure.
The biggest issue you’ll encounter with children in this age group will be the activities and lodge entertainment available for them to enjoy — especially during your safari leisure time. Many safari camps permit children to stay in the lodge, but not to join vehicle safaris unless a private vehicle is taken (at considerable extra cost).
More dangerous or arduous activities, such as walking trails and horseback safaris have a minimum age restriction in place, so your children may not be able to join at all. Its best to look for safaris that offer activities created specifically for children to partake in, such as vehicle game drives, junior ranger programmes, swimming pools, and even jungle gyms.
What we recommend:
- Day trip safaris are a great option for school holidays and weekend getaways for the whole family.
- Children aged 7 to 12 years old will benefit from child-friendly safaris and game reserves where they can partake in activities and make friends with other children in their age group.
- Look for game drives and wildlife tours that accommodate children under the age of 12.
Why Aquila is great for children aged 2 to 6:
- Children 4 to 11 years of age pay 50% of the adult rate (when accompanied by an adult).
- Aquila’s Kids Adventure Zone, swimming pool, marshmallow braai, and Junior Ranger Programme are great for keeping young kids entertained and active throughout your stay.
- Aquila Private Game Reserve is malaria-free and the staff are well-trained in emergency protocols.
- Aquila’s spacious family lodge suites and family cottages offer children’s bedrooms, twin beds, and inter-connecting rooms.
- There is no minimum age limit for Aquila’s vehicle safari game drives, so guests of all ages are welcome on safari.
Children Ages 13 to 18
Trips with teens and older children at this age are golden, rare opportunities to enjoy before they start to drift away from the ‘family nest’. Children at this age have developed their own interests and strong personalities, and family trips with teenagers can be a chance to create lasting memories that focus on more relaxed holiday retreats or unique and adventurous activities.
While they might not jump at the idea initially, a South African Big Five Safari is an incredible opportunity that will engage your teens and give them plenty to talk about and show to their friends. Not only will your child have the opportunity to broaden their perspectives about the world and experience new cultures, but spending time outdoors and reconnecting with nature is also considered good for one’s mental health — and is a welcomed break from exams and school work.
“It isn’t just the visual delights of nature that can have a positive effect on our wellbeing.The sounds of nature have also been shown to improve mood and reduce stress.”
BBC Earth
If you’re looking for the best holiday idea for teenagers, it’s also worth mentioning that social media and photo opportunities are a big motivation for children aged 13 to 18. Just think of all the TikTok videos, Instagram reels, and scenic photos you see your favourite traveller influences or friends are posting. Going on an African safari really is a fun and exciting experience that you’ll find yourself wanting to document and capture every minute of.
Most game lodges and wildlife experiences are open to teenagers, although many lodges now charge full adult price, which does mean that safari trips can get expensive. Many families and groups travelling with older children and teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 prefer to book combination tours (combining city sightseeing with safaris) and inclusive accommodation (eg: meals and activities included), which allows them see and do more all in one trip.
What we recommend:
- Day trip safaris are a great option for school holidays and weekend getaways for the whole family, but older children interested in wildlife might also enjoy longer safari getaways and immersive experiences in the wilderness.
- Children aged 13 to 18 years old will benefit from safaris and game reserves where they can partake in activities alongside adult guests and enjoy communal facilities where they can meet and interact with other teens or children in their age group.
- Look for safari lodges and game reserves that offer entertainment and amenities for older children and teens. Depending on your child’s interests, lodge amenities like wifi, televisions and even swimming pools might be their idea of fun in between game drives.
Why Aquila is great for teenagers aged 13 to 18:
- Aquila’s mini-gold course, infinity swimming pool, marshmallow braai and Karoo stargazing experience are great for older kids and teens.
- For teens aged 16 years and older, Aquila offers horseback safaris and quad bike safaris through the reserve. Access to the Tranquila Spa is also available to guests over 16 years of age.
- are great for keeping young kids entertained and active throughout your stay.
- Aquila Private Game Reserve is located close to Cape Town, so your teens will be able to experience the best of South Africa’s wildlife and city sights all in one trip!
Adult Children Aged 18+
Travelling with adult kids is a luxury that not many families are able to enjoy. Not only is travelling as an adult more expensive, but conflicting schedules and tertiary commitments as most college-aged family members tend to want to do their own thing. But a South African Big Five safari might prove to be a big enough and exciting enough family holiday destination to tempt even your oldest children.
Something you might want to mention is that South Africa’s legal drinking age is 18 years, though the standard driving restrictions and responsible behaviour applies — especially when in a game reserve. But have you ever heard of a ‘safari sundowner‘ or tasted the famous African liqueur, Amarula? Well, going on safari as an adult can be really fun for a variety of reasons.
Firstly, who doesn’t love to travel and experience new cultures, foods and scenery? Cape Town was just voted the second-best city travel destination after New York, and South Africa remains a firm favourite for winter travellers looking to escape South for some summer fun.
Not only are you able to escape the bustle of city life, but visiting a safari park means you can truly enjoy and appreciate the beauty of the natural world amidst wild and stunning surroundings. Take the chance to reconnect with nature, witness incredible wildlife sightings, and maybe even enter the artistic world of wildlife photography.
Big Five game reserves and safari lodges can also be luxurious and exciting experiences, themselves. For families without small children, it’s often worth it to look for more adult-exclusive and private safari destinations. Think private game drives, fine dining, up-close encounters with wildlife, spa treatments, wine tastings, and even five star luxury accommodations.
What we recommend:
- Look for safari lodges and game reserves that offer a good mix of activities and amenities for adults. It might even be beneficial to start exploring age-restricted and private safari options tailored for adult guests.
- Look for game reserves and safari parks close to a city or other major attractions. It’s rare to find discounts for adult children, so going on a safari trip to South Africa can get expensive. A city tour and safari tour combination trip is a great way to experience the country’s unique culture and attractions.
Why Aquila is great for young adults and guests aged 18+:
- Aquila’s poolside wet bar, infinity swimming pool, upstairs bar lounge and viewing deck, and Karoo stargazing experience are great for young adults to enjoy.
- Adults at Aquila Safaris can enjoy all activities and safaris on offer, including horseback safaris and quad bike safaris through the reserve. Access to the Tranquila Spa is also available to guests over 16 years of age.
- Aquila Private Game Reserve is located close to Cape Town, so you’ll will be able to experience the best of South Africa’s wildlife and take advantage of the city famous sights and attractions all in one trip! Think Table Mountain, Cape wineland tours, white-sand beaches, penguin colonies, fine-dining, and so much more.
