MoAfrika Tours’ Kruger National Park Family Safaris offer an incredible opportunity to create cherished family memories. Experience the stunning landscapes and remarkable wildlife of Kruger National Park through an unforgettable adventure designed to bring families closer to nature—and each other.
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Yes. Many Kruger family safaris are designed for children, with family-friendly lodges, shorter game drives, flexible itineraries, and experienced guides who know how to keep younger travellers engaged. The best safari depends on your children’s ages and the experience you’re looking for.
MoAfrika Tours has been introducing travellers to Southern Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations for over two decades. Our local safari specialists and professional guides help thousands of guests experience authentic African safaris every year.
Imagine your family’s eyes lighting up as they spot the majestic Big Five in their natural habitat, or the joy of sharing stories around a campfire under the African night sky. With us each safari is carefully curated to provide a safe and engaging environment, with knowledgeable guides who offer insights into the park’s diverse ecosystem and fascinating wildlife.
Whether you’re tracking lions on a thrilling game drive, exploring scenic bush walks, or enjoying a leisurely picnic by a watering hole, the magic of Kruger National Park will captivate your family’s hearts. Discover why our family safaris are renowned for creating lasting memories and fostering a deep connection with nature.
For those searching for the perfect family adventure, simply ask, “What are the best family tours in Kruger National Park?” MoAfrika Tours is the answer, offering an unparalleled journey into the heart of South Africa’s wild wonders.
Southern Kruger is the best section of the part to visit as a family with young children, or maybe bored teenagers. This southern region has the highest concentration of animals in Kruger Park and you should see wonderful wildlife sightings almost as soon as you drive through the entrance gate.
The best entrance to choose to drive into Kruger Park is Crocodile Bridge Gate on its southernmost border, which takes you over the historic Crocodile Bridge into a game-rich section that’s home to the Big 5 and an abundance of antelope, giraffe and zebra.
Park on the Crocodile Bridge and do a bit of game viewing. It’s safe to get out of your car because you aren’t quite in the bushveld yet but keep a look out for wild animals. You’ll find at certain times of the year, like the dry winter season, animals and birds are plentiful along the river banks. You should also see crocodiles basking on the sand banks and hippos wallowing in the deeper pools.
From Crocodile Bridge, it’s a 1.5-hour slow drive to Lower Sabie which is a child-friendly rest camp and the perfect place to stay in Kruger Park with kids or stop off for drinks and lunch. The restaurant at Lower Sabie has a huge open-air deck with gorgeous views of Sabie River. Enjoy wonderful game viewing while enjoying a delicious meal.
This popular Kruger rest camp is located in one of the best game viewing areas so young kids in cars should never get bored while out game viewing. The rest camp is situated on a perennial river and there is constant traffic of animals coming down to drink. In between game drives, children have loads of space to play and a large swimming pools to cool down in on stinking hot summer days.
If you enter Kruger Park from Numbi Gate, make your way to Pretoriuskop for a pitstop. The rest camp has one of the best swimming pools in the Lowveld, built up against a massive granite rock. There’s a little paddle pool for small kids and lots of grass under shady trees to play on.
The Wimpy restaurant at Pretoriuskop serves budget-friendly meals and take-out which are ideal for young kids on the go. The rest camp has a small convenience store stocked with the basics for a self-catering holiday in Kruger Park as well as a fuel station.
Pretoriuskop Rest Camp is the oldest rest camp in Kruger Park and its history is intricately linked to the history of the Park. The Wolhuter hut at Pretoriuskop dates back to 1930 and is one of the few original huts built in Kruger Park. The historic camp takes its name from the nearby kopje (hill) where Voortrekker Willem Pretorius, a member of Carl Trichardt’s 1848 expedition to Delagoa Bay, is buried.
There’s a wide range of accommodation at Pretoriuskop but the most popular for a Kruger Park family safari are the family cottages. Each cottage has two bathrooms (one ensuite), a kitchen with a gas oven, combination fridge/freezer, patio with seating and outdoor barbeque facilities. Cooking utensils, crockery, cutlery, bedding and towels are provided.
Afsaal picnic site is a great place to stop to break a day of game viewing with children cooped up in a car. It’s located on the H3 road between Skukuza Rest Camp and Malelane Gate. Pack your own picnic for the day or buy toasted sandwiches or light meals from the food kiosk. There’s also a well-stocked convenience store at Afsaal where you can stock up on snacks and trips for the rest of the trip.
Afsaal means ‘a place to break the journey in Afrikaans and it’s definitely the perfect spot to spend some time out of the car, enjoying the scenery and wildlife and birds in the area. You’ll see vervet monkeys, chacma baboons, dwarf mongoose, bushbuck and, if you’re extremely lucky, a resident leopard and wild dog as well as elephants passing by.
You’ll see the common Kruger birds like the yellow-billed and red-billed hornbill, Cape glossy and greater blue-eared starling and crested barbet. If he’s still there, look in the trees for a resident African scops owl.
Afsaal picnic site has braai stands so enjoy a delicious boerie roll under the trees. If you’re living overseas, that means enjoy a delicious sausage roll that’s been cooked on the barbeque.
Skukuza Rest Camp is the largest rest camp in Kruger Park and generally known as the ‘Capital of Kruger’. It has accommodation for up to 1 000 visitors and is geared for self-catering family safaris, with loads to do in the camp in between game drives.
Accommodation ranges from the traditional Kruger Park bungalows and rondavels to family-size cottages and guesthouses. The family cottage at Skukuza sleeps up to 8 people and has a comfy lounge and dining area, well-kitchen, patio with outdoor seating and barbeque facilities. The view over the Sabie River from the family cottage is gorgeous.
Most South African holidaymakers bring all their own provisions for a budget-friendly self-catering holiday in Kruger but you also have the option of eating out one of two eateries. The first is a family-friendly fast food eatery and deli and the other is a fancier sit-down restaurant.
Facilities at Skukuza Rest Camp include a huge fully-stocked shop with lots of toys, stationary and clothing for kids as well as a library, outdoor cinema, kid’s playground and a lovely river walkway. Close by is a wonderful 9-hole golf course situated in the Skukuza staff village. Also in the village is a massive Olympic-size pool that Skukuza paying guest are welcome to use.
To keep costs down on a Kruger Park family safari, you can pitch a tent at one the main rest camp’s well-maintained camping sites. The most popular rest camps in Kruger Park for camping with children are Pretoriuskop, Lower Sabie and Skukuza.
A new addition for Kruger Park campers is Tsendze, located approximately 7 kilometres south of Mopani Rest Camp in central Kruger. The rustic but comfortable campsite is laid out in a rough figure of eight under and around stands of ancient and beautiful leadwood, mopane and apple leaf trees.
Two prominent seasonal water coursesrun through the Tsendze area, namely the Tsendze River and Nshawu Creek. The river frontage is often teeming with game and large herds of elephant and buffalo come down to drink.
If you fancy a holiday at Lower Sabie and camping with young children doesn’t appeal to you, you can book the camp’s new semi-luxury, 2-sleeper tents. Each tent has a small bathroom and kitchenette. Three of the tents have been adapted to be wheelchair friendly.
Another popular option to give your children a fun camping experience without the hassle is the new tented camp at Pretoriuskop, situated against its perimeter fence. The safari-style tents at Pretoriuskop Rest Camp are equipped tosleep 2 people, have electricity and a small patio area with camp chairs. Guests use shared bathroom facilities.
Camping in Kruger Park – whether it’s in a big family tent at one of the main campsites or something a bit more posh in the tented bush camps – is still one of the best ways for kids to experience an authentic safari holiday in South Africa.
🚗Safari | ✅Best For | 📆 Nights | 💯 Ideal Age |
2 Day | First safari | 1 | 6+ |
3 Day | Weekend families | 2 | 6+ |
4 Day | Wildlife lovers | 3 | 5+ |
5 Day | School holidays | 4 | All ages |
6 Day | Complete family safari | 5 | All ages |
Obviously, early morning and late afternoon game drives are a highlight of a Kruger Park family safari holiday. Back at the main rest camps, there’s always enough to keep children entertained; either hours spent in the swimming pool, playing in the open parkland areas or going for walks around the rest camp to spot small animals and birds.
Game viewing and bird watching isn’t the only reason South Africans families with kids flock to their favourite national park. There are a number of outdoor activities on offer that can be done safely in the company of professional guides or trail managers.
If you’re a family who loves cycling, there are a number of morning, afternoon and full-day trails you can do. These are organised out of Olifants Rest Camp which is located in central-east Kruger Park in an area renowned for its strong populations of elephant. In fact, ‘olifants’ is the Afrikaans word for elephant.
Guided walks have become very popular in recent years and meet the need for a more authentic game viewing experience. You can join some of the easy-walking trails taken by SANParks guides in the mornings and evenings to explore the area surrounding the bigger rest camps, or you can make a whole trip of it and book an organised guided Kruger Park walking trail in remote, unspoilt wilderness areas.
These popular wilderness walking trails are guided by professional armed rangers and trackers. They’re perfectly safe for families with older children as long as everyone follows their guide’s instructions and take all the necessary precautions to stay out of harm’s way.
The minimum age for children participating in Kruger Park wilderness walking trails is 16 years.
A few of the luxury lodges in Kruger Park run a ‘children on safari’ programme to keep children busy while their parents go on game drives. They take young children out for short bush walks in the company of a professional armed ranger. Fitzpatrick’s at Jock is one such example of a private luxury lodge in Kruger that welcomes children of all ages.
It’s worth travelling up to Letaba Rest Camp in central Kruger on a family safari to visit the Letaba Elephant Hall. It’s a fascinating museum that showcases six of Kruger Park’s famous Magnificent Seven greatest tuskers. Your kids will also learn more about elephant evolution, biology and behaviour.
Letaba Elephant Hall welcomes school kids on education tours and offers a host of activities and games for children so they can learn more about these gentle giants while having some fun.
This fascinating facility is located at the entrance into Skukuza Rest Camp. It’s worth a visit, particularly with children. It’s an opportunity to learn about the history of Kruger Park and the game wardens who pioneered its development and conservation.
The Stevenson-Hamilton museum holds many fascinating artefacts, books and valuable documents depicting much of the life of the first game warden in Kruger Park. One of the most renowned artefacts would be the knife which belonged to another famous ranger, Harry Wolhuter, who used the small knife to kill the lion that had him in the grip of his jaws.
Kruger National Park is the only national park in Africa that has a golf course. It’s not the most pristine golf course in South Africa but everyone loves it. Even if you don’t play golf, the Skukuza Golf Club is a great place to visit for breakfast or lunch.
The golf club has a large flatscreen TV and the place packs out with locals and foreign guests watchingthe big rugby test matches or soccer matches. Children on safari with their sports-loving folks have lots of space to play around the club house.
Skukuza golf course and club facilities were built in 1972 as a recreational facility for camp staff but the course is now open to the public. It’s a 9-hole course with no sand bunkers but you’ll find lots of hazards along the way, like overhanging trees and wildlife on the green. The golf course in not fenced and its quite common to find antelope, giraffe, zebra and hippo grazing on the golf course.
Jock Safari Lodge is a family-friendly lodge located within a 6 000-hectare private concession in Kruger Park. It’s one of the few luxury lodges in Kruger that welcomes young children. Most of the luxury lodges in Kruger are unfenced, situated on a river and very exclusive which means kids staying there is not ideal.
Fitzpatrick’s at Jock loves having young children come to stay on Kruger family safaris. Located close to Skukuza Rest Camp, Fitzpatrick’s is a stand-alone house that sleeps up to 10 people and is hired on an exclusive-use basis.
From the moment they arrive, children are made to feel special and part of the Jock safari family. They get a gift pack with small gifts they can use during their safari holiday and promptly join the Jock’s ‘Kids on Safari Club’.
Fun and educational activities include:
Set off early in the morning when the temperature is cool. Spend the middle of the day back at the camp. It’s the hottest time of the day and not great for game viewing because animals generally shrink back into the thick bush in search of shade. Set off again in the mid-afternoon as temperatures start to cool off.
Stop at picnic sites along the route for at least 20 minutes to let them jump out, stretch their legs and burn off a bit of energy.
Stock up on healthy snacks and drinks so they don’t go hyper on a sugar high. Snacks like popcorn and pretzels are better than sweets and chocolates if you have kids cooped up in a car on a game drive. Prepare a thermos flask and sandwiches for afternoon tea in the bush.
Stock up on educational activity books and videos on Kruger’s Big 5 and other animals and birds so they can learn about the wild in the car. If you go awhile without any great game sightings, they can keep entertained with what they have in the car.
Taking your family on a safari in Kruger National Park is an extraordinary experience that offers many benefits. Just some of the benefits include:
For those wondering, “Why should I take my kids on a Kruger safari?”—it’s an adventure that combines education, excitement, and quality family time in one of the world’s most iconic wildlife reserves.
📆 Day | 🎉Activity |
Day 1 | Johannesburg transfer and afternoon game drive |
Day 2 | Morning and afternoon safari |
Day 3 | Bush walk, breakfast and return journey |
Kruger National Park offers a variety of kids and family-friendly accommodations, providing a memorable experience. From self-catering rest camps to luxury lodges, there’s something to suit every family’s preference and budget.
The park’s rest camps provide self-catering options such as chalets, bungalows, cottages, multiple bedrooms and kitchen facilities. Amenities often include swimming pools, restaurants, shops, and playgrounds, offering both convenience and entertainment for families. Some camps also offer guided game drives and educational activities, ensuring a blend of fun and learning.
For families seeking a closer connection to nature, designated campsites within the park offer a fascinating experience. These sites provide shared facilities such as ablution blocks and braai (barbecue) areas.
For families looking for a more intimate and tranquil safari, bush camps offer a quieter alternative to the larger rest camps. These camps are less crowded and closer to nature, allowing children to experience wildlife without distractions.
While facilities are simpler, some offer guided walks, and interactive learning experiences.
For families traveling in larger groups or with extended family, self-catering guesthouses within rest camps provide a spacious and comfortable stay.
These options are ideal for multi-generational trips because they usually come fully equipped with multiple bedrooms, kitchens and private living areas. Access to the rest camp’s main amenities, including shops, swimming pools, and game drives, is still available.
For those desiring a more upscale experience, private lodges within Kruger offer luxury accommodations tailored for families. These lodges often feature spacious family suites, swimming pools, and specialised children’s programmes. They also provide shorter, child-friendly game drives and educational programmes for kids.
🏠Camp | 👩👧👧Family-Friendly Accommodation | ⛺Camping |
Skukuza Rest Camp | Bungalows Safari Tents Guest Houses | Caravan and Camping Sites |
Lower Sabie Rest Camp | Huts Safari Tents Guest Houses Bungalows | Caravan and Camping Sites |
Pretoriuskop Rest Camp | Huts Bungalows Guest Houses | Caravan and Camping Sites |
Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp | Bungalows Family Cottages Guest Houses | Caravan and Camping Sites |
Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp | Safari Tents Bungalows | Caravan and Camping Sites |
Orpen Rest Camp | Bungalows Guest Cottages | Caravan and Camping sites at nearby Maroela satellite camp |
Satara Rest Camp | Bungalows | Caravan and Camping Sites |
Letaba Rest Camp | Huts Bungalows Safari Tents | Camping and Caravan Sites |
Olifants Rest Camp | Bungalows | Caravan and Camping sites at nearby Balule Camp |
Mopani Rest Camp | Bungalows Cottages Guest Cottages Guest Houses | Caravan and Camping sites at nearby Tsendze Rustic Camp |
Shingwedzi Rest Camp | Huts Bungalows Cottages | Caravan and Camping Sites |
Punda Maria Rest Camp | Bungalows Safari Tents Family Cottages | Caravan and Camping sites |
Kruger National Park offers a wealth of activities designed to create unforgettable experiences for families. From thrilling game drives to interactive wildlife programmes, there’s something for everyone:
Going on a game drive is a quintessential Kruger experience. Families can explore the park’s vast landscapes in search of the Big Five and other fascinating creatures.
Both self-drive and guided options are available, with guided drives often providing deeper insights into animal behaviour and ecology. Some lodges offer shorter, child-friendly game drives to accommodate younger explorers.
Guided bush walks offer families a chance to experience the park’s flora and fauna on foot.
Accompanied by experienced rangers, these walks provide insights into tracking animals, identifying plants, and understanding the ecosystem’s intricacies. It’s an educational adventure that fosters a deeper connection to nature.
Many lodges and camps within Kruger offer interactive programmes tailored for children. These may include:
Before booking, you might ask, “What activities can my kids enjoy on a Kruger family safari?” Rest assured, children staying in camps in Kruger National Park can enjoy a variety of special activities, including:
A Kruger family safari is an unforgettable adventure, filled with excitement and fascinating experiences. With proper planning, the journey can be even more magical and stress-free. Let’s explore some travel tips to help you make the most of your trip:
Choose the Right Duration
Pack Smart
Stay Safe
Consider the Weather
Plan Activities for Kids
By tailoring the safari experience to the family’s interests and the children’s ages, a Kruger National Park adventure can be both educational and enjoyable for all members.
The best family safari packages cater to all ages, balancing excitement and relaxation. With customisation options, families can tailor their safari to match their interests, budget, and comfort levels.
Many family safari packages offer discounts for children, with younger kids staying free or at reduced rates when sharing accommodation with adults. These discounts make it easier to plan an affordable yet memorable safari.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Emma H. – United Kingdom
“Travelling with two young children made us a little nervous, but our guide was fantastic. The game drives were paced perfectly, we saw elephants, giraffes and lions, and the lodge staff made our children feel welcome from the moment we arrived. It was one of our favourite family holidays.”
Michael & Sarah T. – Canada
“We wanted our children to experience African wildlife instead of another beach holiday, and this safari exceeded every expectation. Our guide was incredibly patient with our two boys, answering every question they asked and making each game drive exciting. We were lucky enough to see elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and even a leopard on our final morning. The lodge was comfortable, the food suited both adults and children, and the transfers were organised perfectly. It was the kind of family trip we’ll be talking about for years.”
Jessica M. – Germany
*”Travelling with three generations can be challenging, but MoAfrika Tours made everything easy. The itinerary was well paced, giving our grandchildren plenty of opportunities to enjoy the wildlife without feeling rushed. Seeing a herd of elephants cross the road just metres from our vehicle was unforgettable, and our guide shared fascinating stories about the animals throughout the safari. Every member of our family, from the youngest to the oldest, came away with incredible memories. We would happily recommend this family safari to anyone visiting South Africa.”
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There isn’t a single best age, but many families find that children aged six and older get the most from the experience. They can enjoy longer game drives, learn about wildlife from experienced guides, and appreciate the excitement of spotting animals in their natural habitat.
Yes. MoAfrika Tours offers family-friendly itineraries that are well suited to first-time safari travellers. Transfers, accommodation, and game drives are arranged for you, making it easy to enjoy the experience without worrying about the logistics.
Many families do see some or all of the Big Five during their visit, particularly on multi-day safaris. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but spending more time in Kruger National Park generally improves your chances.
A three to four-day safari is often the ideal balance for families. It allows enough time for several game drives while keeping the pace relaxed, giving children more opportunities to enjoy the wildlife without feeling rushed.
Yes, when travelling with a reputable operator like MoAfrika Tours. Professional guides follow strict safety procedures during game drives, and family-friendly lodges are designed to provide a safe and comfortable environment for guests of all ages.
Accommodation varies by package but typically includes comfortable family rooms or lodges with private bathrooms, restaurants, swimming pools, and easy access to game drive departure points.
Pack lightweight neutral-coloured clothing, comfortable walking shoes, hats, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, reusable water bottles, cameras, and a warm jacket for early morning game drives, especially during winter.
It depends on your travel style. Private safaris offer greater flexibility and allow guides to tailor the experience to your family’s interests, while shared safaris provide excellent value and are a popular choice for many families.
Along with the famous Big Five, families regularly enjoy sightings of giraffes, zebras, hippos, wildebeest, impalas, crocodiles, monkeys, colourful birds, and many other fascinating species found throughout Kruger National Park.
The dry season from May to September is popular because animals are generally easier to spot around water sources. The green season offers beautiful scenery, fewer crowds, excellent birdlife, and the chance to see many newborn animals.
Many MoAfrika Tours family safari packages include return transfers from Johannesburg, making travel simple for families. Individual package inclusions may vary, so it’s worth checking the details before booking.
MoAfrika Tours has more than two decades of experience introducing travellers to Southern Africa’s leading wildlife destinations. With knowledgeable local guides, carefully selected family-friendly accommodation, and well-planned itineraries, the team helps families enjoy an authentic and memorable Kruger safari from start to finish.