With the raw beauty of its huge tracts of wilderness and its enormous herds, Zambia has long attracted hard-core safari purists. However, in recent years the quality of its infrastructure and accommodation has taken a great leap forward, and Zambia has begun also to welcome first timers and families. Zambia is now a fantastic holiday destination for families with slightly older children who are keen on adventure.
Safari here is the real deal – much wilder and more adventurous than some other African countries, with plenty of genuine wilderness and fantastic wildlife. The guiding here is absolutely outstanding, and the walking safaris some of the best in Africa (although walking is prohibited for children under 12 in the national parks). A variety of activities are available including night drives, boating, canoeing, fishing and microlighting.
In terms of safari visitor numbers, Zambia is totally overshadowed by its neighbours Botswana and Tanzania and by Kenya. As a result, not only is the game viewing in Zambia much more private, intimate and authentic (you can go days without seeing another tourist), but Zambia also offers much better value for money. Zambia's very best and most luxurious lodges cost considerably less than equivalent lodges elsewhere!
Zambia's national parks are less tightly regulated than most and can therefore offer a wider variety of activities; day and night game drives, boating, fishing, canoeing and walking safaris are all available from most lodges.
A Zambia family safari combines brilliantly with Victoria Falls, staying in either Victoria Falls Town or Livingstone, both of which offer further activities including white water rafting, elephant rides, bungee jumping and helicopter trips.
Why a Zambia Family Holiday?
Which are the most family friendly safari lodges in Zambia?
Home of the walking safari, South Luangwa is Zambia’s prime wildlife destination and this is the place for you if you are after a truly authentic wild safari. Our favourite family safari lodge in South Luangwa is Chikoko, BUT this is definitely one for over-12s who are mature enough to enjoy the magic of a remote bush camp.
Luangwa Safari House is an exceptional private luxury house, accompanied by some of the best guides in Africa. The excellent staff will go at exactly the pace that suits your kids – or if they'd rather stay at home whilst you’re on a game drive, then you’ll find them making papier mâché elephants on your return.
In the Lower Zambezi, the family owned and run Chiawa Camp is an authentic and wild camp, and we think one of the best family safari lodges in Zambia for the adventurous family (albeit with a hefty price tag!). With a 'Best in Africa' award-winning team, Chiawa offers first-class guiding on both land and water, canoeing along lily-clad channels, and sedate pontoon boat safaris.
One of the most magnificent old houses in Africa, Tongabezi is also up there with the best family safari lodges in Zambia, particularly because of its garden cottage with a private living room, children’s room and garden area set back from the riverbank. Activities on offer include canoeing on the Zambezi and boating at sunrise.
Luangwa Safari House is an exceptional private luxury house, accompanied by some of the best guides in Africa. The excellent staff will go at exactly the pace that suits your kids – or if they'd rather stay at home whilst you’re on a game drive, then you’ll find them making papier mâché elephants on your return.
In the Lower Zambezi, the family owned and run Chiawa Camp is an authentic and wild camp, and we think one of the best family safari lodges in Zambia for the adventurous family (albeit with a hefty price tag!). With a 'Best in Africa' award-winning team, Chiawa offers first-class guiding on both land and water, canoeing along lily-clad channels, and sedate pontoon boat safaris.
One of the most magnificent old houses in Africa, Tongabezi is also up there with the best family safari lodges in Zambia, particularly because of its garden cottage with a private living room, children’s room and garden area set back from the riverbank. Activities on offer include canoeing on the Zambezi and boating at sunrise.
