Change Location

Select your country below for local telephone numbers and guide prices

Book with confidence. Find out more

20 February 2018

Yellow Zebra Safaris is very much a travel company that tailors holidays for the whole family, and not just because Co-founder Rory has four young children of his own. The YZ experts can craft a unique family adventure that keeps the whole tribe happy, with shorter ‘bumble’ safaris, treasure hunts, cooking lessons, afternoons spent tracking, mini-Olympics, junior ranger programmes… there are endless opportunities for children to get involved and enjoy an educational safari holiday.

As much as everyone would like to go on a family safari, we understand that it can be a costly affair – especially when you think about all the international and internal flights, transfers, and park fees on top of the costs of the accommodation. So that’s why we have compiled a list of lodges and camps that have some super savings, where your kid or kids stay for free:*

Tanzania: Lemala

For memories of a lifetime and a family safari to one of the most incredible destinations in the world, we highly recommend Lemala’s selection of authentic safari camps in Tanzania. Lemala has four stunning tented properties in the Serengeti, and choosing where to stay couldn’t be easier – the decision is made for you, as it depends entirely on when you want to visit. As the Great Migration moves through the park from March to June, and from October to December, Lemala Ewanjan Camp is the place to be. If you plan to stay here from July to November, it is best to head to Lemala Mara. December and March travellers can try Lemala Ndutu Camp, but for the festivities, including Christmas or Easter, you can consider the permanent lodge Lemala Kuria Hills. At all Lemala properties, children under the age of six (max. 2) stay for free, while the first child between 7 and 16 years old sharing with 1 or 2 adults also incurs no charge.

Tanzania: Elewana Collection

A favourite for its strong environmental ethos, Elewana Collection has a great portfolio that spreads across Kenya and Tanzania. Within Tanzania, Elewana has a particularly good circuit connecting the north of the country. Located just outside the border of Tarangire National Park, Tarangire Treetops Lodge attracts guests primarily due to its unique design – it is Tanzania’s only genuine tree lodge. The Manor at Ngorongoro is another interesting Elewana property and a good base from which to explore the Rift Valley, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. For an iconic safari, the Serengeti cannot be missed – and with two camps located within the park, Serengeti Migration Camp and Serengeti Pioneer Camp, families have a lot to choose from overall. Combine a stay in Tarangire, the Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro, and you and the children will experience a massive dose of wildlife, epic scenery, and fantastic accommodation – and with Elewana Collection’s special offer of 1 or 2 children under 12 years old go free, why not treat yourselves?

South Africa: Ulusaba

Part of Sir Richard Branson’s luxury collections, Ulusaba has 21 rooms and suites spread over two properties, Rock Lodge and Safari Lodge, set on the border of Kruger National Park. Rooms and suites vary dramatically (thanks to their phenomenal setting), and for families we suggest Rock Lodge. Here children aged between 0 and 11 can stay for free and are considered a ‘Cub’. This means they are met on arrival with a backpack filled with safari goodies and can take part in an overwhelming number of child-friendly activities, from treasure hunts and rock painting to bush Olympics and mini-rangers courses.

Seychelles: North Island

With only 11 villas, North Island is seriously exclusive and provides the ultimate archipelago retreat for barefoot luxury and private-isle adventure, especially when the commonest way of getting here is by helicopter. What’s more, North Island is a superb playground for young children, with its sandcastle-ready white beaches, pirate history, and never-ending list of activities to enjoy. When you book a gigantic ocean-fronted villa, 1 or 2 children under 17 stay in the villa’s second room for free.

Zambia: Robin Pope Safaris

With your second child staying free for children under 16 years old, the only question is, which Robin Pope property do you choose for your holiday? Perfect for families with younger children, Robin’s House is a good choice as it is booked exclusively. Robin’s House used to be the private residence of Robin and Jo Pope, but it has been converted into a home-away-from-home safari property with two bedrooms, a swimming pool, and views out towards the Luangwa river. Alternatively, if you are looking for something less tame and a bit more adventurous, then take your family to either Nkwali or Nsefu camps.

Kenya: Offbeat Safaris

Offbeat Safaris started out as a mobile horseback safari in 1990 and has since developed into a collection of traditional safari camps and lodges spanning Kenya’s prime game-viewing regions. A YZ favourite amongst the portfolio is Offbeat Mara, a small and classic camp located in the Mara North Conservancy. Offbeat Mara’s accommodation consists of just seven tents, three of which are for families. From learning about the fascinating Maasai tribespeople to witnessing the wildebeest migration between July and October, activities available from Offbeat Mara make it a superb family property. As well as offering 50% off the adult rates to children aged between 2 and 11, Offbeat Mara allows a third child (sharing a triple) to come for free – definitely better value for a larger family.

If you’d like more information on planning a family safari to Africa, feel free to call us on 020 8547 2305 or send us an email at [email protected].

*Please note that terms and conditions apply to all offers listed here. Offers depend on availability and are not valid during the Christmas season (from 21st December 2018 to 2nd January 2019).

Why Trust Yellow Zebra with your African Safari?

"Yellow Zebra are genuine specialists; they know the African bush like the back of their hand."

Brian Jackman, safari expert for The Sunday Times, The Telegraph, Condé Nast, and the BBC

'Europe's Leading Safari Tour Operator' at the World Travel Awards

9 years in a row, since 2015

Receive news & offers from Yellow Zebra