What Age Can My Child Go on Safari?

This is one of the most common questions families have when planning their first African adventure — and rightly so. Safaris can be deeply meaningful experiences, but they also come with logistical and emotional challenges for young children.

While there is no single answer — because every child has a different temperament, attention span, and curiosity — we generally recommend a minimum age of five for a child’s first African safari.

At this age, most children are old enough to follow safety instructions, sit quietly during sightings, and genuinely absorb what they are seeing. They can connect what they learn from guides to what they may have read in books or watched in documentaries. In our experience, that’s when the magic truly begins.

Why We Don’t Recommend Safaris for Children Below 5

You may wonder why we draw the line at five years old, especially when some lodges technically allow infants or toddlers. The reasons are practical — and rooted in both safety and experience.

• Behavior around wild animals: Children under five often don’t yet grasp how to behave in the presence of wildlife. A sudden cry or loud movement can disturb animals and potentially create unsafe situations.

• Emotional comfort: Being surrounded by unfamiliar sounds and large animals can frighten small children. They may feel uneasy or overwhelmed, especially during close encounters.

• Long drives in enclosed vehicles: Safaris involve extended periods in open or enclosed vehicles, often under the sun and on bumpy terrain. Expecting a toddler to sit quietly for hours isn’t realistic — and it can make the experience stressful for both parents and other guests.

• Limited learning impact: While it’s true that children are sponges for information, most under-fives won’t retain or fully understand what they’re seeing. The lessons come alive when they’re just a little older.

• Value of the experience: African safaris are significant investments — in both money and effort. It makes sense to wait until your child is mature enough to appreciate it and carry those memories forward.

When my own child went on safari for the first time — at six and a half — it was extraordinary to watch how deeply he engaged. He asked questions about hyena behavior, watched how lions coordinated hunts, and remembered these observations years later. These are the kinds of lifelong impressions that a safari can create when the timing is right.

But the Lodge I Want to Stay in Allows Infants…

Yes, some lodges do permit infants or very young children. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that a safari is enjoyable or suitable for them.

Imagine being in an open, dusty car for several hours each day, under varying temperatures, with limited ability to move around or play. This is not an ideal setting for a baby or toddler.

Many high-end safari camps that do accept children below five will still require families to book a private vehicle — ensuring other guests’ experiences aren’t disrupted. This adds to the cost and planning complexity.

If you are traveling with a baby, it might be wiser to focus on family-friendly lodges located near the parks, where you can enjoy short, flexible drives or spend more time relaxing rather than game-viewing. You’ll still be surrounded by Africa’s beauty without pushing your little one beyond their comfort zone.