Family Safari Holidays in Zambia

Zambia once used to be referred to as the connoisseur’s destination – perfect for safari-goers who had experienced the likes of Tanzania and South Africa and subsequently wanted to take in somewhere a little more adventurous, well off the beaten track!

Zambia is still this destination, but the tone of its camps has developed in recent years – the properties that were famous for their level of guiding and authenticity, now cater for first-time safari-goers and families.

Additionally, the majority of properties used to be tented camps, but now there are more lodges in place that can accommodate families with younger children. However, the stand-out properties for families are the private houses. 

Zambia has a number of private ‘safari houses’. These huge private houses usually have approximately four rooms and are booked on an exclusive basis only. They come with private chefs and private guides, and are consequently some of the very best-value properties anywhere. Staying in this style of camp means that days can be truly tailored to the requirements of the family.

A YZ favourite in the South Luangwa. This stunning property has four bedrooms and provides the ultimate in privacy. It is booked on a sole-use basis – and you have a private guide and chef! For smaller families, with young kids, it is also worth considering Robin’s House, which caters for a family of five and comes with the same perks.

As great as the private houses of Zambia are, there are also some superb lodges that cater very well for families. Robin Pope Safaris is the stand-out company in the Luangwa because a second child travels for free, while Nkwali Camp, Tena Tena and Nsefu Camp are superb camps in prime locations for game viewing. We would also suggest looking at Flatdogs Camp, which is arguably Africa’s best-value property and has two rooms (the Treehouse and the Crocodile Nest) that provide a great base in the Luangwa.

Lastly, Zambia is a superb destination for families because of what you can add on to your safari experience. Of course there is Victoria Falls, which allows for a few days of relaxation at the start or end of the trip – and there are a number of superb properties here to choose from (Waterberry Lodge, The Royal Livingstone and Tongabezi). Then there is also Lake Malawi, which is a small hop from the South Luangwa and provides the option of a beach trip at the end of the holiday, something that is hard to do with a safari in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa to an extent.

Quite simply, Zambia has everything that a family needs for a great experience away from the crowds, but with all the level of comforts that might be required! Find out more about the different types of things for kids to do on a safari. 

Zambia is in Africa’s malaria belt and this is not to be taken lightly. We do not recommend that very young children should travel to Zambia. Our recommended age is five and above. The majority of Zambia’s best camps do not permit children under the age of six or eight. Zambia is often viewed as the safari connoisseur’s destination, so families may well choose to travel elsewhere, believing that Zambia does not cater for younger children. However, there are actually a couple of options within Zambia that include the best in the whole of Africa for families!

If you are interested in a family safari to Zambia, just let one of our experts know here and they can help you plan your adventure today.