Bucket List Adventure for the Animal-Loving Crew

There are incredible wildlife experiences to be had all over the globe. You can adopt a little blue penguin in Oamaru, New Zealand (ours is named Big Fuzz), meet bison in Yellowstone, or visit reindeer in Rovaniemi, Finland. But if your family is full of animal lovers, the ultimate bucket list trip has to be an African safari.

Our African safari was one of the most memorable adventures of our lives. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience—and if you’re ready, it’s absolutely worth every moment.

When it comes to family travel, though, there are a few important things to know. We don’t typically recommend traditional game drives for children under 10. Depending on the country and park, the minimum age for participation can vary. In South Africa, children as young as 6 may be allowed, while in other regions it may be as old as 12. That said, there are still unforgettable experiences in Africa for younger kids—we can plan for that—but for the full safari experience, it’s best to wait until your children are a little older and able to appreciate the scale and silence required on a game drive.

He was staring right at us

Africa is, of course, an entire continent—rich in cultures, languages, and landscapes. There are countless ways to explore it, but here are a few standout wildlife experiences to consider:

• Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve are famous for the Great Migration, when over a million wildebeest and zebras cross the plains in dramatic fashion.

• We had our favorite game drive in Chobe National Park, Botswana, where herds of elephants roam through the riverfront and water safaris offer a whole new view of the wildlife.

• Kruger National Park in South Africa is another top destination for game drives, with well-developed infrastructure and a wide range of accommodations.

• If gorillas are on your list, you can trek into the mountains of Uganda or Rwanda to visit the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat—an experience like no other.

  
  

And of course, there’s the iconic Big Five—lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo. These are the headline species most safari-goers are hoping to see. But there’s so much more.

On a water safari, we were captivated by hippos—equal parts beautiful and terrifying (fun fact: hippos are responsible for many more deaths in Africa than lions each year!). And I fell in love with the warthogs and guineafowl. They may not make the bucket list for most travelers, but watching them scurry across the land brought me so much joy.

And then, there’s Victoria Falls — not always the first destination that comes to mind when planning an African adventure, but for us, it was an absolute standout. Our experience there was nothing short of phenomenal.

One of our favorite gems from our first trip to Africa was our stop in Livingstone, Zambia, to see the falls, which stretch across the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The falls themselves are truly awe-inspiring—nothing prepares you for the power and scale of them—and a helicopter tour is absolutely the way to see them from above.

Victoria Falls from the Helicopter

Even more fun? The hotel we stayed at: The Zambezi Sun, now also called the Avani Victoria Falls Resort. Zebra and giraffe roam freely around the resort grounds, and the cheeky monkeys will absolutely try to break into your room to steal sugar packets from the coffee maker. (Yes, really—lock your patio doors!) It felt like we were living inside a nature documentary.

Me and the Zebra

Cheeky monkey eating sugar from our room

For those looking for a five-star experience, the Royal Livingstone Hotel, just down the river and walkable from the Avani, is a stunning colonial-style property perfect for relaxing in luxury while staying close to the action.

For us, this stop in Victoria Falls felt safe, comfortable, and full of African culture and wildlife. It was the perfect introduction to Africa—accessible, awe-inspiring, and immersive without being overwhelming. After a couple of days soaking in the sights, sounds, and animals, we continued on to Chobe National Park in Botswana for more traditional game drives and deeper wilderness immersion.

If your family dreams about seeing wild animals up close—and in the most breathtaking settings on earth—start planning now. Safaris take some preparation, but they’re absolutely worth the effort.

When the time is right, I’d love to help you plan a trip that’s tailored for your family. From choosing the right park and lodge, to organizing age-appropriate activities, I’ll help you make your safari dreams come true. 🦁🦓🐘

Let’s make it happen.