Go2Africa Announces Five Family Friendly
Safari Destinations to Visit in 2025
Cape Town, South Africa (July 26, 2024): Go2Africa, the Cape Town-based tour operator, announces its top five family-friendly destinations to visit in 2025. From the bush to the desert to the coast, this year’s list includes wildlife immersions, adrenaline activities and conservation programs in locations perfect for the whole family. Go2Africa’s Managing Director, Maija de Rijk-Uys, who was recently recognized as a Travel + Leisure A-list Advisor and Family Safaris Expert, has made a career of helping others plan their safari getaway, as well as her own family trips. Personally vetted and selected, Go2Africa shares Maija’s Top 5 Bucket List Places for Family Travel in Africa.
Tanzania's Rubondo Island: Rubondo Island Camp is a private island paradise. Nestled within a national park it is affectionately known as “Noah’s Ark” due to its astounding natural beauty and diversity. Providing an exclusive and intimate setting for families, Rubondo Island Camp is the only place to stay on the island, so parents can feel at ease as their children enjoy the freedom to explore. The island’s unique ecosystem includes giraffes, elephants, rhinos, and hippos, which can be viewed on thrilling game drives in private Land Rovers. While guided chimpanzee trekking is available for older teens and adults, younger children will delight in game drives, catch-and-release fishing, sunset cruises, and guided nature walks. Fishing enthusiasts can try their hand at catching the famed Nile perch, either from a boat or from the beach. The island’s luxury extends to its accommodations, where families can relax in Robinson Crusoe-style comfort.
Namibia's Skeleton Coast: Drastically different from a private island, the Skeleton Coast is an awe-inspiring destination. Named after the various shipwrecks visible from the shore, the Namibian desert, ocean, and sky is a one of a kind sight. Shipwreck Lodge, the only lodge situated in the soul-stirring Skeleton Coast National Park, is one of Africa's most unusual lodges and the ideal place to stay to explore one of Africa's last true wilderness areas. Nature drives in search of brown-hyena spoors provide educational opportunities for the kids to learn about the area's desert elephants, giraffes, lions, and baboons. With stunning beaches and dunes on your doorstep providing endless opportunities for exploration, visitors enjoy leisurely walks to the ocean, taking in the pristine surroundings and for those seeking excitement, quad biking on the untouched dunes is a must-try experience. A visit to the Mowe Bay seal colony is a family favorite, where you can watch seals in their natural habitat. The journey includes stops at the historic Karimona and Suiderkus shipwrecks, sparking the imagination of their past glory. While exploring the dunes and beaches, keep an eye out for intriguing skeletons and bones scattered along the way. This adds an extra layer of adventure and discovery to your family safari.
Marataba Safari Lodge in South Africa: Marataba Safari Lodge is nestled in the stunning Waterberg Mountains. Marataba is malaria-free, providing a safe and serene environment for all ages making it a perfect alternative to other popular safari destinations like Kruger National Park, especially for families with young children or multi-generational groups. The family-tented suite is ideal, featuring a spacious main suite and a bunk room that kids adore. The excitement of bunk beds, coupled with the lodge's comfort and great views, creates a delightful home-away-from-home experience. The Mack & Madi Kids’ Adventure Safari Club is a hit with children aged 5-11, offering activities like exploring the Eco Garden, animal tracking, bush camping, and movie nights under the stars. A family favorite is the water safari on Marataba’s Matlabas River. Aboard the boat Miss Mara, families and children 6 and older can enjoy a gentle cruise, watching for wildlife and birds, especially magical during an African sunset.
Ol Pejeta, Kenya: Asilia Africa’s Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, located on the banks of Kenya’s Ewaso Nyiro River in the Laikipia region offers breathtaking views of Mount Kenya and a thriving local wildlife population, This is an unparalleled safari experience that combines luxury, education, and adventure for the entire family. Ol Pejeta Conservancy is home to the last remaining northern white rhinos, offering a rare and educational experience for children and adults alike. Ol Pejeta Bush Camp welcomes children over 5 years old and offers a variety of child-friendly activities. The dedicated team ensures that every activity is accessible and engaging, providing a memorable experience for children and parents alike. Early morning game drives and bush breakfasts provide a perfect start to the day, while night drives offer a chance to spot elusive creatures like aardvarks, bat-eared foxes, and leopards. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy rangers organize the ‘Running the Wild’ experience every Wednesday morning. This unique activity allows guests to run alongside the rangers, followed by coffee and conversations about the reserve's conservation efforts. Families can visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya to see these endangered chimps.
The Wild Coast, South Africa: The final destination recommendation is one of Maijas all-time favorites and somewhere she has gone every September for the last eight years with her family. The allure and captivating essence of the coast found in the rolling hills, the wild sea, the vibrant nature, the lagoons and the people, keep her and her family returning. With the chance to go swimming, hiking, mountain biking, bodyboarding, and to build sandcastles on the beautiful beach, her family loves their time there as they can rest and recharge. There are also an abundance of rock pools with interesting marine life and the lagoon is a perfect place to SUP, kayak, and snorkel. GweGwe Beach Lodge is a fantastic option for families with its laidback luxury, locally inspired design, and an accessible child-friendly area with games, entertainment and supervision. This is one of the few places in the world to sit and watch a whale lobtailing and zebra or buck graze while a pod of dolphins surf a wave. Tasty farm-to-table meals served with your feet in the sand are a real treat alongside spacious and comfortable family suites. Wellness treatments, picnics, and guided marine or botany walks keep families busy.
Plan your safari with Go2Africa now.
About Go2Africa:
Go2Africa, part of the Nawiri Group, is a multi-award-winning and B Corp-certified travel specialist based out of Cape Town and Nairobi. Driven by a passion for positive change, Go2Africa curates unforgettable African safari holidays that leave a lasting impact. Celebrating over 25 years, they have first-hand knowledge and relationships with over 1000+ carefully selected partners across Southern and Eastern Africa. With the most accredited and awarded safari specialists recognized by Conde Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure, travelers are in expert hands.
Media Contact:
Julie Leventhal
RECENT RELEASES
