Family-friendly Safari Camps
With the release of the highly anticipated Mufasa movie, families around the world are once again captivated by the magic of the African savannah. From tracking lions across the Serengeti plains to staying at family-friendly safari camps that seamlessly blend adventure with sustainability, we’ve curated the ultimate experiences for families who want to step into the world of The Lion King. These thoughtfully designed itineraries invite families to connect with nature, discover Africa’s vibrant ecosystems, and create memories as epic as the tales of Mufasa and Simba. Below, you’ll find a selection of exceptional family safari adventures—perfect for fans of The Lion King and the captivating story of Mufasa:
Extraordinary Journeys:
- Southern Africa Family Safari: This 10-day itinerary takes families through South Africa and Botswana, offering sensational opportunities for sightings of the “king of the jungle” in action. From the savannahs of Kruger National Park to the waterways of the Okavango Delta, families will experience the beauty and drama of lion prides in their natural habitat. Imagine witnessing lion prides in private reserves with expert guides on hand to share insights into their behaviour and role in the ecosystem, echoing Mufasa’s teachings to Simba, or watching the sunrise over the savanna similarly to Simba gazing at the Pride Lands, learning how each animal plays a role in the Circle of Life. Visitors can also track rhinos with experts and learn about anti-poaching efforts, teaching kids the importance of protecting Africa’s iconic species, all while staying at high-end accommodations like Tswalu or Singita Ebony Lodge offer junior ranger programs, bushcraft lessons, and even child-focused safari drives. The itinerary embodies Mufasa’s legacy through conservation education and unique cultural connections.
- Luxury Tanzania Family Safari: This eight-day journey invites families to the Serengeti – the ultimate Lion King setting that inspired Disney’s animators – with its iconic acacia-dotted plains, herds of wildebeest, and most importantly, roaring lions. Tailored for families with younger children, this trip balances safari adventures, like sightings of lions lounging under acacia trees or stalking prey like Scar and Mufasa, with downtime for some R&R in the experience. Lion King lovers will also delight at the seasonal opportunity to witness The Great Migration – a real-life stampede moment that mirrors Simba’s experience in the film, or listening to the Maasai guides’ tales of Africa under the stars – giving the little ones their very own Rafiki-like storytelling experience. Accommodations in this itinerary include &Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, which offers babysitting, bush walks, and interactive activities tailored for little explorers.
- Travel with Family: Kenya’s Private Bush Homes: Closely resembling the landscapes, wildlife and cultural elements that inspired The Lion King and Mufasa, there are no more quintessential destinations than Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Amboseli National Park for Disney fans. Extraordinary Journeys offers a 10-day trip, showcasing the very best of the sweeping savannahs dotted with lions, hyenas, elephants, and warthogs, which goes beyond just wildlife viewing, but also introduces families to conservation projects that directly protect these animals. Visitors can head to the Ewaso Lions conservation project to learn about coexistence efforts between local communities and lions, reinforcing the message of living in harmony with nature, just like Mufasa teaches; meet local Maasai warriors and learn their traditions, or explore the savannah on foot with the helping hand of guides who will teach the little ones how to identify tracks and smaller creatures, including meerkats and dung beetles, bringing Timon and Pumbaa’s world to life!
Timbuktu:
- Lions & Lemurs: A Journey Through South Africa & Madagascar: This unique itinerary combines wildlife encounters with hands-on conservation activities, making it a great way for kids and families to connect with the Circle of Life. Beginning in South Africa, embark on a private safari in Kruger National Park–one of the best places to experience Africa’s famous “Big Five” and see lions up close, where kids can feel like they’re walking in Simba’s paw prints as they witness the majestic predators in their natural habitat. Next, travel to Madagascar to explore the island’s incredible biodiversity, including the iconic lemurs. This leg of the journey also offers the chance to explore Madagascar’s unique ecosystems, giving families insight into conservation efforts that are working to protect these fascinating creatures. The itinerary includes visits to community-based conservation projects, rural villages, and presents the perfect combination of adventure, education, and wildlife immersion for families inspired by the story of Mufasa and Simba. It gives the little ones the chance to witness real-life conservation in action, with unforgettable encounters with lions, elephants, lemurs, and more, all while learning about the importance of protecting these incredible species for future generations.
- Zambia’s Classic Safari Destinations: This itinerary takes families through two of Zambia’s most iconic national parks, South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi, providing an immersive wildlife experience that includes hands-on conservation and a chance to see Africa’s “Big Five” in their natural habitats. Starting in South Luangwa National Park, renowned for its high density of lions, leopards, and elephants, families can head out on game drives with expert guides who make the experience both fun and educational for kids. Next, travel to Lower Zambezi National Park, where the wildlife encounters continue, especially along the banks of the Zambezi River. This area is perfect for boat safaris, giving families the chance to see elephants and hippos up close as they gather at the river, where children can learn about the importance of waterways in sustaining wildlife and participate in conversation programs. The Zambia’s Classic Safari Destinations itinerary offers an authentic, family-friendly adventure that will leave Lion King fans of all ages with lasting memories of Africa’s wildlife and landscapes.
Deeper Africa:
- Tanzania with Kids: This 11-day safari combines great wildlife viewing with cultural exchange opportunities. Spend a day with Tanzanian school kids and enjoy lunch with local villagers. Canoe on Lake Duluti while watching wildlife on the shore. Even sleep in a luxury tree house! View wildlife up-close in Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. Whether it’s an encounter with a herd of elephants or a glimpse of a cheetah and her cubs, Tanzania with Kids provides an incredible opportunity to marvel at Tanzania’s incredible wildlife diversity and all your favorite animals in action. Guests will even stay at Dunia Camp, which offers great lion viewing and is located in the Seronera area of the central Serengeti—a 12,000 sq. mile savanna grassland. Here, you may visit the actual kopjes (rocky outcrops) featured in the iconic scene of the upcoming live-action Lion King remake where Rafiki presents Simba to the Animal Kingdom.
- Zimbabwe with Kids: Zimbabwe offers top-notch wildlife viewing with some of the most respected guides. This nine-day, wildlife-focused itinerary from Deeper Africa invites families to dive deeper than simply viewing from afar. Learn about elephant conservation at Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary as well as the chance to participate in the Art with Elephants Program. Enjoy a ride on The Elephant Express, a scenic, 2-hour, 43.5-mile train ride serving as a unique way to reach your lodge. The ride provides outstanding wildlife viewing including elephant, kudu, wildebeest, predators and a number of bird species. Witness the power of Victoria Falls, the beauty of Hwange National Park, view lions and other wildlife from a unique train, track elephants on foot, admire some of the Earth’s oldest rock paintings, and climb the otherworldly rocks in Matobo National Park.
- Kenya with Kids: This ten-day trip takes families to the Amboseli National Park, to watch elephants in their natural habitat and learn animal identification, tracking, and spotting skills from a private safari guide. The experience of witnessing elephant families, much like Mufasa’s pride, and observing Africa’s majestic Mount Kilimanjaro sets the perfect stage for young minds to grasp the Circle of Life. A highlight is a visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where kids get to interact with baby elephants and learn about conservation efforts. A day with Maasai warriors and the Beads for Education program offers children an enriching experience to meet local girls, learn crafts, and understand the value of education. This itinerary allows families to engage directly with conservation, research, and community programs while providing a meaningful adventure inspired by the themes of The Lion King. It’s an incredible opportunity for families to experience Africa’s wildlife and culture in a hands-on, impactful way.