by Jacqueline Freer
Family time opens the door of opportunity to explore the world on an adventure together and spend as much quality time together as possible before the kids grow up and have kids of their own. Africa is a playground of discovery with its diverse cultures and hidden treasures; perfect for a real family adventure.
Above: fun in the Namib Desert, Namibia.
1. Namibia
Namibia is one of Africa’s most beautiful countries and is famous for its gorgeous beaches, the incredible orange dusted desert dunes of the Namib Desert and of course the great town of Swakopmund steeped in a deep German heritage fused with African influence and culture. With a reputation of being the adventure capital of Namibia, Swakopmund presents a world of extreme sports and outdoor family adventures. Activities range from quad biking to game viewing, hot air ballooning to hang gliding and sandboarding. African family adventures at their best.
2. South Africa
The Kruger National Park is one of the world’s most famous game reserves, offering visitors the opportunity to see the Big Five, getting close to nature. Fantastic rest camps, private lodges and bush camps provide guests with a range of accommodation options. Rich game viewing ensures that you get your wildlife fix while rest camps allow visitors the creature comforts of shops, pools, restaurants, laundry services, phones and postal services. The Kruger Park is a great option for a family adventure holiday in Africa.
3. Kenya
Kenya is known for its national parks and natural wonders, including the world famous Maasai Mara National Reserve. Game viewing includes some of the world’s best, presenting the opportunity to see the big five. A country so rich in culture it offers visitors the opportunity to experience Africa at its very best. With a deeply rooted history telling stories of Maasai warriors, sunrises and sunsets, the Maasai Mara National Reserve continues to attract visitors and guests from around the world. Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve presents another perfect family adventure holiday idea.
Above: Whale shark safari in Mozambique
4. Mozambique
Mozambique with its pristine white beaches and beautiful blue waters, friendly people and fantastic food, combined with a multitude of outdoor adventuring options makes it a worthwhile place to visit for an adventurous family getaway in Africa. Snorkelling, scuba diving and wakeboarding make it a fantastic holiday option for the family. Mozambique is to the brim with things to do making it the ideal family adventure holiday destination.
5. Tanzania
The Serengeti region is made up of the Serengeti National Park along with the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Loliondo, the Maswa Game Reserve, Grumeti and Ikorongo and the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Tanzania is another incredible country that attracts nature lovers from around the world for some of the best game viewing and outdoor adventuring on offer. The park receives over 90,000 visitors a year attracting people from every corner of the globe making it a great option for that family adventure.
6. Uganda
Uganda is home to the rare Mountain Gorilla and some of the world’s most beautiful rain forests which attract visitors from around the world to this small corner of the planet. The Queen Elizabeth National Park is rich in wildlife with plenty of opportunities to get close to the rare Mountain Gorilla, on a tour to see these awesome primates. Queen Elizabeth National Park offers guests a range of options for things to do, making it a brilliant choice when choosing your next family adventure holiday destination.
Above: A fun camel ride through the Moroccan desert
7. Morocco
The Moroccan city of Casablanca is a great budget travel destination with plenty to keep the whole family occupied during your vacation. There are about eighteen endangered mammal species in the country. The conservation department is fighting to combat this issue and it has become a huge focus for this area which continues to attract tourists to local national parks and to this famous holiday destination. Morocco is a lovely option for a family adventure if you’re looking for something that offers a cultural experience.
8. Malawi
Malawi is a culture rich country filled with friendly people and loads of great things to do. Lake Malawi is one of the largest lakes in Africa and attracts thousands of visitors year after year. A visit to Lake Malawi makes for a fun adventure for the whole family with loads of activities to enjoy, which include snorkelling, scuba diving, game viewing and fishing. Part of the Lake at Cape Maclear, down south, is the world’s first freshwater game reserve. Malawi is cost effective and makes for a brilliant family adventure holiday.
9. Swaziland
Hlane Royal National
Situated between South Africa and Southern Mozambique, Swaziland is a magical slice of paradise offering visitors an affordable and relaxing family vacation destination. Spend some time at the Hlane Royal National Park, settled between 1000 year old hardwood vegetation, managed by Big Game Parks and owned by His Majesty King Mswati lll. For a more down to earth, bundu-bashing experience, Swaziland’s Hlane Royal National is absolutely beautiful and a great option for an African family adventure.
10. Botswana
Botswana, north of the South African border, has a strong sense of conservation and some fantastic game viewing, outdoor adventures and extreme sports options providing a vacation spot to spoil the whole family with plenty of sun, fun, sand and wildlife which are the key ingredients to any fantastic family vacation in Africa. Botswana is home to some great outdoor spaces, including the world famous Okavango Delta. The lush ecosystem of the Okavango Delta means your kids will have the opportunity to experience a different ecosystem than the one they know at home. It’s a great educational trip indeed.
Excited to explore a stretch of Africa with your family? Browse through a list of great family adventures in Africa.
