Best Family Safari Locations in Zambia

Zambia, one of southern Africa’s most rewarding and least travelled safari destinations, is often referred to as the ‘connoisseur’s’ destination as it’s very suited for the experienced safari-goer and for those seeking somewhere a little more adventurous and ‘off-the-beaten-track’.

Zambia still offers this authentic, raw safari experience along with the high quality guiding the country is famous for. However many camps have introduced a more family friendly approach, making Zambia an exceptional safari destination for families.

Lower Zambezi National Park is the most suitable destination in Zambia for a family safari yet it is still relatively undeveloped, delivering an authentic African experience. The park offers a diverse range of activities to entice and stimulate children including boating and fishing on the Lower Zambezi River, although canoeing and walking safaris are still restricted to children aged 12 years and over. The whole area is a massive wildlife sanctuary with the opportunity to get close to game wandering in and out of the Zambezi channels.

POTATO BUSH CAMP
Potato Bush Camp is an exceptional family safari camp for children as young as 4 years old, hosting specialised activities such as ‘Children’s Game Drives’. Even the youngest guests get the chance to spot wildlife, (including the smaller creatures), learn how to track buffalo and dig for water just like elephants. These drives are shorter than the adult drives meaning other stimulating activities are available on return such as survival skills in the bush, weaving palm mats and toasting marshmallows. Outside these activities children can partake in inter-camp bush walks, fishing from the camp deck and stargazing after dinner. In camp, there is a large family safari tent with a large central living area, dining and balcony area, two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and a large plunge pool.

CHIAWA CAMP
Chiawa Camp is a family owned safari camp set on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. Alongside its luxury tents, the camp also offers a ‘Safari Suite’ which welcomes families with children 5 years and older. It’s set over almost 220 square meters and is about 3 elephants high above the Zambezi so the views are simply breath-taking. The suite compromises of a bedroom, bathroom, (with balls and claw bath), and lounge with couches and daybeds that convert into extra beds to accommodate a family. A diverse range of activities are available such as game drives and boat cruises although most are suitable for those age 8 and over. Those above 12 can partake in the more adventurous activities such as walking safaris and canoeing.

FLATDOGS CAMP
Flatdogs Camp claim to be the ‘most family-friendly camp in the Luangwa’, consisting of 4 chalet rooms perfect for families, including a larger family chalet with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and upstairs viewing deck. All chalets have thatched roofs and thick walls, good for cooler nights in the hotter months. The lodge itself has plenty of space for children, offering a pool, (with water-slide!), flexible dining times and a children’s menu. Visiting the local village is often popular with families where children get to play football with the local community.

MFUWE LODGE
Mfuwe Lodge is The Bushcamp Company’s family hub, welcoming children of all ages. It overlooks two lagoons in the game rich Mfuwe area, meaning families can lounge on the open deck or take a dip in the swimming pool with a breathtaking view. Children of all ages are welcome on game drives and a major draw for all visitors is witnessing the elephants that wander through the lodge’s lobby in search of mango trees every October to December. The lodge has family rooms with extra sleeping areas and can also arrange babysitting.