Is South Africa suitable for a family safari?

Yes. South Africa has excellent family-friendly safari lodges, experienced guides and opportunities to see the Big Five. Madikwe is particularly appealing to families because it's a malaria-free reserve.

What is the best age to take children on safari?

Children of many ages can enjoy a safari, although game-drive restrictions vary. At Madikwe Safari Lodge, children aged six and over can participate in standard game drives. Younger children can enjoy shorter experiences or private safari arrangements.

Can you combine a South Africa safari with Mauritius?

Absolutely. South Africa and Mauritius make a wonderful safari-and-beach combination. We can organise the safari, connecting flights, transfers and beachfront accommodation as one tailor-made family holiday.

How many nights should you spend on a family safari?

Three or four nights is a great introduction, providing several opportunities for wildlife encounters while leaving plenty of time for a relaxing beach holiday afterwards.

Can grandparents join a family safari holiday?

Of course. A multi-generational safari can be a wonderful way to celebrate a special occasion or spend meaningful time together. We can arrange family suites, adjoining accommodation where available and private safari experiences suited to different ages.

When is the best time for a South Africa safari and Mauritius holiday?

Both destinations can be visited throughout the year, but conditions vary by season. We'll recommend dates based on wildlife viewing, Mauritius weather and your family's school holidays.

Luxury Family Safari & Mauritius Holiday

Lion resting as seen on safari in South Africa

N.4 South Africa Family Safari & Mauritius Beach Holiday

May to September

12 nights | Madikwe Game Reserve & Mauritius | Luxury family safari and beach holiday

Combine the thrill of a South African safari with the beautiful beaches of Mauritius on a luxury family holiday designed for adventure and relaxation.

Your journey begins in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, one of South Africa's most rewarding destinations for a family safari. Stay at the wonderful Madikwe Safari Lodge, where children can discover Africa's extraordinary wildlife alongside expert guides, before travelling to Mauritius for sun-filled days at LUX* Grand Gaube.

From spotting elephants in the African bush to snorkelling in the Indian Ocean, this tailor-made safari and beach holiday is filled with experiences that children, parents and grandparents can enjoy together.

This twelve night adventure costs from £21,000 per family including flights, transfers and game drives based on 2 adults and 2 children

Secure your place

Itinerary highlights

Meet the big five

Head into South Africa's Madikwe Game Reserve on thrilling family safari drives. Encounter elephants, lions, rhinos and more, with expert guides bringing the wonders of the African bush to life.

Bunk bed in Lelapa Family suite at Madikwe Game Reserve hotel in South Africa

Sleep in the African bush

Stay at Madikwe Safari Lodge's beautiful Lelapa, where luxurious suites, private plunge pools and evenings beneath the stars make your family safari just as memorable between wildlife encounters.

Little Safari Explorers

Discover animal tracks, learn the secrets of the bush and see Africa through a child's eyes. Madikwe's family-friendly activities turn every wildlife encounter into an unforgettable adventure.

Hotel pool with palm trees and indian ocean in Mauritius

Barefoot days in Mauritius

Swap the excitement of safari for the beautiful beaches of Mauritius. Swim in the Indian Ocean, unwind beneath the palms and enjoy sun-filled days together at LUX* Grand Gaube.

Explore the Indian

Ocean

From snorkelling in turquoise lagoons to kayaking along the coast, Mauritius brings a new kind of adventure. Discover colourful marine life or simply enjoy the freedom of island days.

Why Safari is great for families

Few family holidays are quite as magical as an African safari. Watching elephants wander through the bush, spotting giraffes among the trees and listening to lions in the distance creates memories that stay with children long after the holiday ends.

South Africa's malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve is a wonderful introduction to safari for families, combining remarkable wildlife encounters with welcoming lodges and experiences designed for younger explorers.

Pairing your family safari with a Mauritius beach holiday brings the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation. After early-morning game drives, enjoy barefoot days beside the Indian Ocean, with swimming, watersports and time to simply be together.

It's an adventure that works beautifully across generations, giving grandparents, parents and children the opportunity to share unforgettable experiences while enjoying a little independence and downtime along the way.

Babies & toddlers

0-2

Malaria-free Madikwe makes a family safari more approachable with little ones. Gentle lodge activities and private safari arrangements where suitable can be paired with relaxing beach days in Mauritius.

Little explorers

3-6

Spot elephants, discover animal tracks and learn the secrets of the African bush. Then swap safari adventures for sandcastles, swimming pools and tropical beach days in Mauritius.

Young Adventurers

7-10

An incredible age for a first African safari, with exciting game drives, wildlife encounters and expert guides. Mauritius adds snorkelling, kayaking and adventures on the water.

Tweens & Teens

11-18

From tracking the Big Five in Madikwe to watersports and island adventures in Mauritius, this journey offers independence, discovery and plenty of excitement.

Grown ups

Experience the thrill of an authentic African safari before unwinding at a stylish Mauritius beach resort. Wildlife, adventure and laid-back luxury make this a holiday older teens can truly appreciate.

Your tailor-made Safari
family holiday

Your journey, not ours

Every family is different, and so is every safari. Perhaps you'd like to spend longer exploring South Africa, add a few nights in Cape Town or swap Mauritius for another beautiful beach escape.

Travelling with grandparents, little explorers or teenagers? We'll carefully consider everyone's needs, from the pace of your safari to the accommodation and experiences that bring you together.

This is just one way to discover Africa. We'll create a tailor-made family safari and beach holiday that's entirely your own, filled with extraordinary moments you'll remember for years to come.

Speak to a family tavel expert