Africa’s Best Family Beach Retreats
Private islands offer an idyllic escape, while the meeting of water and land creates a captivating blend of natural beauty and abundant wildlife, all just waiting to be explored.
When travelling with children, comfort and space are key, along with activities to keep everyone entertained. These remarkable island hideaways and beach retreats strike the perfect balance between luxury and fun, ensuring an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
We asked our safari design team for their personal recommendations of Africa’s most family-friendly beach properties.
- Mozambique
- Seychelles
- Skeleton Coast
- Zanzibar
- Lake Malawi
- The Garden Route
- Madagascar
- Lake Victoria
Mozambique
Among the most captivating are two exquisite archipelagos: Bazaruto and Quirimbas, both of which stand out as true gems. Each boasts pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and thriving marine ecosystems, making them perfect for both adventure and relaxation.
For those seeking a truly exclusive experience, the luxury of a private island is especially enticing. Imagine elegant beachfront villas, waking up to panoramic ocean views, and enjoying the utmost privacy. Bazaruto is known for its upscale lodges, where every detail is tailored to ensure a serene and unforgettable stay. Similarly, Quirimbas offers a blend of seclusion and natural beauty, with coral reefs, mangroves, and centuries-old history adding to its allure.
Mozambique’s Nuarro Lodge is caught between the wild bush and the Indian Ocean. This laid back eco resort opens out onto powdery sand beaches.
There’s a fully equipped PADI dive centre, which offers both beginners’ training and refresher classes, and you can also enjoy whale watching with an added dimension as your guides capture the sound of whalesong on a hydrophone.
Nuarro has two main reefs just a short swim from the beach so you don’t have to go far to snorkel among the butterfly fish. There are plenty of activities for all ages; mountain biking, kayaking and paddle boarding to name a few.
Ibo Island is one of the 20 sun drenched islands of the Quirimbas Archipelago just off the coast of Mozambique.
We recommend a few days on the island relaxing and exploring the cultural and historical sites, before taking to the waves on a unique dhow safari. Under the expert leadership of a professional guide and local crew you can explore this scenic coastline.
Sea kayak or sail up coastal river deltas and mangrove channels. The whole family will love watching for dolphins, snorkelling among the tropical fish and even sleeping out beneath the stars on uninhabited islands.
Island-hopping is the perfect way to experience the diversity of the Seychelles. The islands are home to secluded coves, quiet beaches with soft white sands, and striking granite formations. Lush rainforests provide habitats for rare plant and animal species, while coral reefs rich in marine life offer excellent opportunities for snorkelling and diving. The mountainous landscapes offer scenic hiking trails and stunning viewpoints, creating a perfect balance of adventure in nature and peaceful relaxation on pristine shores.
Fregate Island offers carefree luxury in a Seychellois tropical paradise. The private Banyan Hill Estate is perfect for a multigeneration family holiday or perhaps friends travelling together.
Think of Fregate Island as a cross between a tropical paradise and a wild isle befitting The Tempest. It’s a splinter from the former supercontinent of Gondwana, home of rare and exotic species. These include the Seychelles magpie robin, which the island’s conservationists have saved from extinction, and also the critically endangered Wright’s gardenia.
In the Seychelles, North Island ticks every box. Tropical palms and granite peaks dwarf your presence on this luxurious private island. Yours will be the only footprints on the beach. Your villa will look straight out across the ocean; think of this as your home from home.
Parents receive a complimentary welcome treatment in the spa on arrival, while the Beach Buddy programme offers tailor made activities for kids. The entire island is yours to explore and discover, no matter your age!
Skeleton Coast
The Hoanib Valley Camp is deep in northwestern Namibia, surrounded by extensive desert, looming sand dunes, and towering mountains. Staying here, you will want to visit the Giraffe Conservation Foundation’s field-base. You can also track black rhino and see desert lion, elephant, zebra and springbok. Birders should keep an eye out for Monteiro’s hornbill and Vereaux’s eagle.
Shipwreck Lodge is a truly stunning place to stay. You can take game drives in pursuit of desert adapted wildlife, visit the Suiderkus and Karimona shipwrecks, and track elephant along the Hoarusib River - experiencing Namibian wilderness in all its rugged glory - and then retreat at the end of the day to the luxurious surroundings of the lodge and all the comforts it affords.
Zanzibar
In addition to its rich history, Zanzibar is renowned for its world-class beaches. The island’s pristine white sands and clear turquoise waters offer the perfect setting for relaxation, while its coral reefs provide excellent opportunities for snorkelling and diving.
If you have teenagers, Fundu Lagoon offers adventures above and below the waves — it has been rated the Best Marine Safari Property in Africa. It’s a luxurious boutique property on the island of Pemba in Zanzibar and accessible only by boat.
A kayak safari is the best way to explore the coastal ecosystem; you can also take a fishing trip and cast your line on the reef. The mysterious ruins of Jambangome — Pemba’s ancient capital — are only a short motorboat ride away, and well worth a day spent exploring.
Just off the northeast coast of Zanzibar, experience the luxury of a private island at &Beyond Mnemba Island. Watch dolphin and hatching turtle, then sail out towards the sunset on a wooden dhow — experiences that your whole family will cherish forever.
There will be hours when you want to sit doing absolutely nothing and the WILDChild programme lets you do just that, with specially guided children’s activities. Of the 10 beachside bandas, two are linked to form a family suite for your privacy.
Kaya Mawa, Lake Malawi
On the south-western tip of the island there is a crescent shaped beach, surrounded by Mango trees and ancient baobabs where you will find Kaya Mawa Lodge.
Spacious family villas, some complete with a private beach, make this an excellent family destination. If you’re planning a safari in Zambia’s South Luangwa, finish it off with a few days of R&R here. That said, when you take a chalet on the lakeshore, you might as well make good use of the opportunities for watersports, spending your days snorkelling, kite surfing, and kayaking. Learn to sail a Laser under the guidance of an instructor, or gently paddleboard around the island’s coast.
The Garden Route
For the epitome of luxury, choose The Plettenburg: it’s no ordinary beach hotel, but rather has been elevated on account of its position, landscape, and overall quality of design and service to be one of the finest hotels along the Garden Route, with Plettenberg as one of the most scenic towns.
Madagascar, Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge
It’s surrounded not only by sparkling azure seas, but also by verdant rainforest.
Watch whale from the lookout tower, canoe and snorkel directly from the beach, then after dark take a walk through the rainforest to spot chameleon and lemur.
Walking through the forest at night is an exhilarating experience, and one your children are certain to remember!
Lake Victoria, Rubondo Island
It straddles Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, with peaceful lodges and camps around its shore.
Forested Rubondo Island is one of our favourites, with a unique opportunity to see chimpanzees playing among the trees, while also enjoying time on the beach.
Children aged five and up are welcome, with tailored activities like nature walks and bush skills lessons with specialist guides.
The island of Mfangano is home to some of the oldest cave art in the world, and you can stay here in comfort at Mfangano Island Camp.
We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made safaris to the timeless savannahs of Africa. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made safaris to the timeless savannahs of Africa. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.
‘Preservation of wild spaces, supporting local communities and the conservation of wildlife are commitments that have been ingrained in the Journeysmiths business model for over thirty years. The Zambezi Expedition is an embodiment of these commitments whilst embracing the true adventure of delving into the unknown!’
Rory Wood, Head of Sustainability, Africa Exclusive
When one of TV’s best-known wildlife enthusiast, Steve Backshall, tasked us with crafting an unforgettable father-son safari in celebration of his son’s 5th birthday, we knew exactly how to create a trip that would excite and inspire both in equal measures.
Booking your family safari to Botswana opens a door to a world of exciting adventure. From the minute your Cessna touches the bush strip, your family will be in the wilds with expert guides. We curated the top 10 family experiences in Botswana to whet your appetite.
What To Do In Kenya With Children? We’ve chosen our best experiences for a luxury family safari to Kenya.
At Journeysmiths we take you out into the wilds to enjoy all kinds of activities with expert, personable guides. Read our top ten Tanzania family safari experiences.
We highlight some of the places filmed in Planet Earth Three’s Deserts and Grasslands episode; view elephants in Zakouma National Park and Arabian camels roaming the Ennedi plateau in Chad, ostriches and chacma baboons in Namibia.
7 Secret Places to Spot Leopards in Southern and East Africa
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite leopard viewing destinations for the best chances of guaranteed sightings.
Shared adventures in beautiful scenery, the thrill of discovery. A sense of freedom in the great outdoors. Amazing accommodation amidst our world’s most inspiring, fragile landscapes.
A safari is also highly educative — experienced among unfamiliar cultures where great issues like climate change are a critical reality for wildlife and people.
For families of all ages there is so much to see and do in South Africa, making it an excellent and diverse travel destination. We’ve chosen 20 of the best experiences to immerse you in the culture, wildlife and beautiful places of this remarkable country.
Journeysmiths clients Tony and Heather Allen were two of the people who joined the entirety of our Zambezi Expedition, a journey designed to celebrate our 30th anniversary and give back.
There are few other safari destinations that offer the sheer diversity of landscapes that Zimbabwe does. The cascading waters of Victoria Falls and forested banks of the Zambezi River contrast with the arid open plains of Hwange and the rugged mountain terrain of Matusadona. Together, they create a completely unique safari experience.
Slowing down and staying longer is the new way of travelling and there are huge benefits to this approach. People, wildlife and the environment directly benefit from you staying a little longer; but in equal measures, so do you.
A safari is a family holiday that your children will cherish forever. Over the last three decades we have received hundreds of questions from both parents and children alike. We have answered some of the most frequently asked question about family safaris to Africa below.
Not sure where to start? We have answered frequently asked questions we’ve received over the past decades about our bespoke safaris. Here we discuss everything from pre-planning information to responsible travel. We hope you will find this useful, but if you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Three of Africa’s great rivers set the scene for your Zambia safari. The Zambezi, the Luangwa and the Kafue rivers are all of different character and have national parks named for them.
Formerly the Zulu Kingdom, the province of KwaZulu Natal runs along South Africa’s dramatic Indian Ocean coastline. The Drakensberg Mountains create a natural border between Lesotho and the Eastern Cape, and offer some excellent hiking routes.
To experience a little bit of everything that South Africa has to offer, you can hardly do better than to drive along the coastal road of the Garden Route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. It’s an extraordinary journey, and there’s wildlife on both land and shore, endless beaches, historic battlefields, and the vineyards are never far away. One day you might be whale spotting at Hermanus — renowned as one of the best whale watching locations in the world — and the next you could be learning about the Battle of Rorke’s Drift, handling antique weapons and scrambling over the British and Zulu positions.
Cape Town is one of the world’s great cities with a unique setting beneath Table Mountain.
in South Africa
Without a shadow of a doubt, South Africa is one of the very best places to watch wildlife in the world. The Kruger National Park — a protected area the size of Wales — is certainly the most famous and popular safari destination, but with Journeysmiths you’ll escape the crowds to explore vast, wildlife-filled private reserves, in the company of the best guides.
The only travel company to have access to a huge moment in conservation history, our Kenya Conservation safari group got to watch a rhino release!
In over 30 years arranging exclusive safaris we know the best places to stay and we’ll create an unforgettable sequence of camps and lodges to suit your tastes. A good level of comfort and beautiful remote settings are “givens”! Whether you prefer simpler canvas construction, a thatched cottage or an extravagant suite with a private pool is up to you.
Botswana, a land of contrasts, captivates travelers with its seasonal transformations. The Okavango Delta floods draw abundant wildlife, while rains blanket the Makgadikgadi and Nxai salt pans in green. Chobe National Park hosts vast elephant herds, and the north's lush landscapes contrast with the Kalahari's stark beauty in the south. This unforgettable journey offers Africa’s most exclusive safari in complete luxury.
The best time to visit Tanzania will depend on the activities you are interested in and the wildlife you'd like to spot. Read our month-by-month seasonal guide, and responses to your most popular Tanzania safari questions
Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary
Working in partnership with globally recognised conservation organisation; Care for Wild, the world’s largest rhino orphanage, we have curated a truly unique and exclusive experience giving a privileged few behind-the-scenes access to this otherwise incredibly private sanctuary.
Are you celebrating a big birthday, a retirement or special anniversary? Maybe you have a plan to take your whole family, children and grandchildren on a trip that will delight and inspire them. Any reason will do!
The Kalahari is a fascinating place for a family safari. The children can sit by a meerkat den watching these curious little creatures foraging and playing as one stands guard on its hind legs looking out for eagles. They can watch enthralled as a San Bushman reveals hidden secrets that have enabled them to survive here for thousands of years.
Over our three decades of creating tailor-made safari itineraries for families, we’ve learned about the kind of experiences which get teenagers excited. We understand that your family has a unique mix of personalities and aspirations, so we will create a unique safari just for you. We use only the finest camps, the best guides and create unforgettable adventures in the wild places of Africa.
I have spent the last 18 years travelling to some of the planet’s most incredible places under the guise of ‘work’. For 11 of those, I have been waiting for my young family to be old enough to join me. In October 2022, that time finally came. Our first family safari in Kenya was perhaps even more special as, like many holidays, it had been postponed twice due to the COVID pandemic but, wow, was it worth the wait!
Archbishop Desmond Tutu was the first person to call South Africa “the rainbow nation”. It’s a reflection on the fascinating diversity of this country, not only in the identities of its people but in the landscapes, wildlife, cultures, and activities it offers. South Africa is a country which, because of its variety, can be all things to all people, truly a rainbow of varied opportunities and experiences.
Whether on foot, canoe or open vehicle - Zambia is the perfect place for a real family safari adventure. You can track elephants and giraffe walking with an expert guide. You can paddle a stable Canadian canoe down the Zambezi watching zebra and antelope drinking at the water’s edge.
A safari holiday gives your family a wonderful chance to meet local communities and experience their culture. This is especially true in Tanzania and Kenya where the colourful Maasai and Samburu live. These encounters are arranged privately for your family in a natural way. There are no tour groups and no-one pressing you to buy things or give money.
When travelling with children, we know there's no comfort like having your own space, with plenty of activities for everyone. These incredible island hideaways and beach retreats strike a perfect balance between luxury and fun. We asked our safari design team for their personal recommendations of Africa’s most family-friendly beach properties.
Easter and spring breaks are the perfect time to welcome the season with a refreshing getaway. Whether you’re after a beach escape or an adventure in nature, spring offers endless opportunities for exploration.
South Africa is an excellent choice for family travel with children of all ages. Its wildlife is abundant, with a great diversity of species, including the Big Five: rhino, leopard, lion, elephant and buffalo. There are vast malaria-free reserves and it’s easy to get from safari regions to Cape Town and the beach.
Botswana is one of the best places for a family holiday of a lifetime! There are millions of animals across plains, deserts and deltas.
Escape into the wilds of Botswana, where the pristine landscape and varied wildlife abound. On a luxury safari in Botswana, you can expect to share your safari with only a handful of other guests, as our travel insider Philippa Page discovered.
Chloe’s trip took her off well-trodden paths and into the remote corners of Northern Kenya. Staying in Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy and Laikipia, the trip’s slow pace allows time to forge deep connections with the remote, wild landscapes and its people.
Experience a safari holiday like no other, with a journey across the remarkable landscapes of Rwanda and Tanzania. Be captivated by big game, search for primates in the rainforest, enjoy spectacular birdwatching and see the epic migration of wildebeest and plains game - all in one unforgettable trip you will regale for a lifetime.
Between safaris there is plenty for children to do in camp while the adults relax. Safari lodges may be small and in remote locations, but they have excellent facilities and your hosts’ purpose is to give you the best possible time. In this section we also suggest a couple of places that combine easily to complement your Botswana safari.
Botswana is a great choice for an exclusive family safari. Roaming the spectacular deserts, deltas and savannahs are literally millions of animals. The fertility and abundant water of the Okavango and Linyanti Deltas supports an incredible 200 different mammal species. The Government’s high value, low volume tourism policy helps conservation and enables you to enjoy a top quality private safari.
Here’s something you might not expect. The people looking after you on safari might create some of your happiest safari memories. You’ll remember laughter and those after dinner stories and jokes around the campfire. During a three-night stay in a luxury camp, you’ll get to make friends with your guide, the chef, the vegetable gardener and the other people who love their work.
Imagine gliding silently along an Okavango waterway in a mokoro canoe as zebra and impala graze the grasslands. Or cantering on horseback with your guide alongside giraffe. In the Kalahari, take an early morning walk with a San Bushman as he explains the ancestral secrets of survival.
Botswana is Africa’s most exclusive safari destination. Each enormous private reserve has just one or two luxury lodges guaranteeing a series of private experiences as you travel from one exquisite location to the next. Expert guides will take your family on safari among big cats and vast elephant herds in beautiful deltas and deserts.
Create memories of a lifetime together on an epic family safari in Tanzania. Witness the endless, game-filled plains of the Serengeti, explore the natural wonder of the Ngorongoro Crater and experience the magnificent wildlife in Tarangire.
From the iconic Masai Mara to the awe-inspiring Laikipia, explore Kenya as a family. Witness breathtaking wildlife and immerse yourselves in rich traditions for an unforgettable adventure in a land where the untamed wilderness thrives alongside vibrant cultures.
See the splendour of South Africa as a family on this exclusive safari. Spend your days exploring captivating Cape Town, enjoying the delights of the Winelands and on safari, seeking out the abundant wildlife that roams the wilderness. No matter your age, this iconic safari will leave you with memories for a lifetime.
From the glistening floodplains of the Okavango Delta, to the pristine wilderness of Linyanti, and beyond to the shimmering salt flats of Makgadikgadi - this family friendly safari will leave you all with lifelong memories. Experience the diverse ecosystems and wildlife Botswana has to offer in this spectacular journey from Delta to Desert.
With opportunities to see the Big Five of both land and sea, along with incredible scenery, enormous national parks, world-class vineyards, a fascinating history and vibrant, friendly people, South Africa frequently tops the lists of the world’s best holiday destinations. Even so, less than 1% of the world's travellers make it here, so it’s a place where you’ll find yourself with a few select, like-minded and discerning adventurers who have discovered this gem of a country. It’s a place you could return to for the whole of your life and never tire of it.
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite experiences to inspire your imagination.
Merge thrilling safari experiences amid iconic wildlife-rich landscapes with tranquil beachfront relaxation along the pristine shores of the Indian Ocean, creating an unforgettable journey of contrasts and indulgence.
An expedition that marries the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Great Migration with lesser-known treasures. Explore iconic wonders and uncover hidden gems, blending bucket list adventures with thrilling discoveries for an unforgettable journey of contrasts.
The only country able to offer malaria-free safaris, South Africa is a wonderful choice for many looking for a luxury safari experience. Enjoy the abundance of wildlife on offer in some of the most exclusive private reserves, before exploring cosmopolitan Cape Town, where the glamour of the city meets the rugged outdoors.
Embark on a journey through the wild terrains of Botswana and Namibia, experiencing the epitome of a luxury safari. Encounter majestic wildlife in the Okavango Delta, traverse the surreal landscapes of Namibia's deserts, and unwind in opulent lodges amidst nature's grandeur.
Indulge in a luxurious Zambian getaway. Start with the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, then venture into the wilderness for an exclusive safari, encountering Zambia's diverse wildlife while unwinding in stunning accommodations, creating an unforgettable African adventure.
Travel across Southern Africa in complete luxury, staying at some of the most exclusive properties on the continent. With every single detail taken care of by exceptional guides and staff at each location, you can concentrate on what really matters - immersing yourself in an exclusive African safari experience.
Embark on an extraordinary safari journey through Zambia's remote wilderness. Discover luxurious accommodation amid untouched landscapes. Traverse untamed plains, witness incredible wildlife, and unwind in exclusive camps offering unparalleled luxury amidst the raw beauty of remote Zambia.
This memorable safari combines a journey through one of Africa’s most game rich areas, with a visit to one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Experience Botswana’s abundant wildlife in the spectacular Okavango Delta and Linyanti, before heading to the winding Zambezi River to see the astonishing Victoria Falls.
We’ve collated a list of our ten favourite Tanzanian experiences to show you what’s possible in this incredible country.
Namibia has a diverse cultural heritage and is home to one of the most distinct African tribes — the Himba — a group of semi-nomads who live in the Kunene region.
The school holiday cycle is full of opportunity; there is a safari for every season, whether it’s during the Christmas, Easter or Summer holiday period.
Mountain gorilla can be found in Rwanda and Uganda, both superb destinations but each offering something slightly different. Read on to find out which is best for you.
Without freshwater, life on land wouldn't exist.
Freshwater is the most precious resource on our planet, but it's finite. Vital to life, only 2.5% of all Earth’s water is fresh and less than 1% of that is accessible. Planet Earth Three’s episode on freshwater documents its importance for selection of species.
Are you feeling inspired to travel after watching Planet Earth Three?
Coasts offer the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife both at sea and on shore and are excellent destinations for wildlife enthusiasts. Follow in the footsteps of the Planet Earth crew and journey along the picturesque Garden Route coast to see Cape fur seals gathered in their thousands in South Africa. Head to the eerie Skeleton Coast of Namibia to find the desert-adapted lions that laze on its sand dunes. Or hop on a boat in Chile and watch the enormous barnacled body of southern right whales emerge from the water as they breach a matter of metres from your eyes.
If you’re looking for a country that’s got everything, choose South Africa. Renowned for the spectacular views of the Garden Route, vibrant Cape Town, malaria free safaris, fascinating history and outstanding wildlife, the whole family will fall under the alluring spell of this diverse country.
Kenya has the ingredients for an amazing family safari. Your children will love seeing vast numbers of animals in iconic African settings. Stay in amazing and exclusive accommodation on private reserves. Enjoy adventures on foot, horseback and by open vehicle with Africa’s finest guides. Your children can see pioneering conservation work in action and meet remote tribal communities. Maybe end with a few days by the coast.
The best way to give your family the facilities it seeks may be to book out an entire camp or lodge. Perhaps you are planning a multi-generation safari. Or you may want to fulfil a dream of walking, mokoroing and camping out in the Okavango. You may simply crave an extra degree of privacy. Most lodges we use take fewer than 16 guests, some take only eight, so booking a whole lodge is a viable option.
Here’s our list of ten wonderful experiences that you might consider having whilst you are in Uganda:
From the pristine wilderness of Linyanti, to the glistening floodplains of the Okavango Delta, and beyond to the shimmering salt flats of Makgadikgadi - this Botswana safari will leave you with incredible memories from beginning to end. Experience the diverse ecosystems and wildlife Botswana has to offer in this epic journey from plains, to delta to desert.
Young children delight to see wild animals in their natural environment. With Journeysmiths your safari will be expertly designed to match your family’s needs and interests. We use the best guides and arrange superb accommodation in the wilds of Africa.
The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are truly spectacular settings filled with great herds and big cats. We take you far from the crowds and minibuses with your own private guide, staying in exclusive accommodation. Families with older teenagers will love the wildly remote Selous, Ruaha and Mahale, where you can walk, canoe and even track chimpanzees. Round it off on exotic Zanzibar.
Here’s our list of ten wonderful experiences to consider including in your Namibia safari:
We will ensure you can enjoy the best of Africa in the exclusivity of Kenya’s private conservancies where walking, riding and other expertly guided activities enable the richest safari experience.
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite experiences to inspire your imagination.
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite experiences to inspire your imagination.
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite experiences to inspire your imagination.
From mysterious baobab groves, to the arid sands of Hwange, the balancing rocks of Matobo, and the awesome Zambezi River as it rages over Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe is a country that serves up all that could be hoped for in an African holiday destination.