Okay, fellow parent and adventure-seeker, let’s be real for a second. The thought of taking your kids on safari probably conjures up two very different images. One is from a nature documentary: your awestruck children quietly observing a majestic lion from the safety of a Land Cruiser. The other is the reality where someone needs a snack, someone else has to pee, and you’re pretty sure the only wildlife you’ll see is a tantrum in the backseat. :/
But I’m here to tell you that the first image isn’t just a fantasy! With a little bit of planning (and a whole lot of distraction in the form of fun activities), a safari can be the most epic, mind-blowing family trip ever. I’ve been there, juggling binoculars and juice boxes, and I’ve learned a thing or two about keeping the wild ones entertained while we search for the wild things.
So, grab your pith helmet (or, you know, a sunhat) and let’s chat about 15 safari activities for kids that will turn your trip into the adventure of a lifetime.
Before You Go: Building the Hype
The magic of a safari doesn’t have to start when you land. In fact, getting the kids involved beforehand is half the fun! It builds anticipation and turns them into junior experts before they even see a giraffe.
1. Become a Backyard Safari Scout
Weeks before your trip, turn your own backyard or a local park into a training ground. Arm your kids with a magnifying glass and a notepad. Their mission? To find and document “wildlife.” This could be ants, squirrels, interesting beetles, or different types of birds. It’s a fantastic way to practice the patience and observation skills they’ll need on the real deal. I did this with my son last year, and by the time we got to Africa, he was pointing out bird species I hadn’t even noticed!
2. Craft Your Own Safari Essentials
What’s an explorer without their gear? Get crafty and make your own binoculars from two toilet paper rolls, some paint, and a piece of string. You can also create a cool safari vest from an old t-shirt. This hands-on activity gets them excited about the trip and gives them a sense of ownership. Plus, it kills a rainy afternoon—bonus!
3. Read All About It
Hit the library or bookstore and load up on kids’ books about Africa and safari animals. I’m not just talking about fact books (though those are great!). Look for storybooks set on the savanna. Seeing the animals as characters in stories makes them feel like old friends, which makes seeing them in person that much more exciting. FYI, our family favorite is We’re Going on a Lion Hunt.
4. Learn a Few Local Words
This is a simple but powerful activity. Learning greetings like “Jambo” (hello in Swahili) or “Asante” (thank you) can completely change how your family interacts with locals. It shows respect and often leads to warm smiles and encouragement. Practice them at the dinner table. It’s a small thing that creates big connections.
On Safari: Becoming Wild Explorers
You’ve made it! You’re on the ground, and the adventure is officially underway. This is where the real fun—and the real need for engagement—begins.
5. The Official Safari Bingo
Forget just ticking off a list of animals. Create a bingo card that’s a bit more nuanced. Instead of just “lion,” have squares for things like “an animal with a tail,” “something that flies,” “an animal eating,” “poop we can identify,” or “a striped animal.” This encourages them to observe the environment more closely and think about animal behavior, not just their presence. It turns every game drive into a fun challenge.
6. Keep a Field Journal
Give each child their own small notebook and a set of colored pencils. Encourage them to draw the animals they see, write down funny things that happen, or even press a cool leaf they find. It’s not about creating a masterpiece; it’s about capturing the memory. My daughter’s journal from our last trip is filled with wonky-looking zebras and notes like, “Elephant had a really long nose,” and it’s one of my most treasured souvenirs.
7. Go on a Sound Safari
Sometimes, the safari is quiet. But other times… it’s a symphony! Challenge your kids to close their eyes for two minutes and just listen. What can they hear? The rustle of grass, the call of a hadeda ibis, the buzz of insects? This activity is a great way to appreciate the non-visual aspects of the bush and is surprisingly calming, even for the wiggliest kid. IMO, it’s a secret parenting weapon for those moments when the “are we there yet?” energy starts to peak.
8. Master the Art of Tracking
You don’t need to be a professional tracker to do this. After a game drive, look at the ground around your lodge or camp. Can you find any animal tracks? What about scat (that’s a fancy word for poop!)? Guessing what animal passed by and what it was doing is like solving a mystery. Ever wondered why this is so captivating for kids? Because it’s a real-life puzzle!
9. Photographer for the Day
Give your child a kid-friendly camera or even just your smartphone (if you’re feeling brave :/) and let them be the official photographer for an hour. Seeing the safari through their eyes is incredible. They’ll take pictures of things you’d never notice—a cool rock, a weird bug, the pattern on a feather. It gives them a sense of responsibility and a unique creative outlet.
Back at Camp/Lodge: Unwinding and Reflecting
After a long day of adventuring, it’s time to decompress. But the learning and fun don’t have to stop just because the engine is off.
10. Night Sky Storytelling
With minimal light pollution, the night sky in the African bush is absolutely mind-blowing. Lay out a blanket, lie down, and just look up. You don’t need to know the constellations; make up your own stories about the stars. Connect it to the animals you saw. “See that cluster of bright stars? That’s where the mama elephant sprays water on her baby.” It’s a magical way to end the day.
11. Animal Track Casting
This is a messy, awesome activity to do at camp. If you find a clear animal track, you can make a plaster cast of it. You just need some plaster of Paris, water, a strip of cardboard to make a ring, and a disposable cup. It’s a hands-on science lesson and a souvenir that’s way cooler than anything you could buy in a shop. Just be sure to check with your guides first about where you can do this.
12. Safari Sundowners (Kid-Style)
One of the greatest safari traditions is “sundowners”—drinks at sunset in the middle of nowhere. Get the kids in on it! Pack some special treats or fancy (non-alcoholic) drinks. Let them help the guide set up the camp chairs. Watching the sun dip below the horizon while you’re all together, talking about the day’s highlights… honestly, those are the moments I live for.
13. Play “I Spy” with a Twist
This is a classic car game, but you can give it a safari makeover. Try “I spy with my little eye… something that helps an animal survive.” The answer could be “a giraffe’s long neck” or “a zebra’s stripes.” It makes them think about adaptation and biology in a super fun, low-pressure way.
14. Create a Safari Story Chain
Start a story about a day in the life of one of the animals you saw. The first person starts with one sentence, and then each person adds another. “One morning, a little warthog named Wally woke up and smelled something delicious.” Next person: “He followed his nose and found a patch of the juiciest berries he’d ever seen.” This sparks creativity and often leads to hilarious and memorable family tales.
15. The Quiet Game (With a Purpose!)
Okay, I know this one sounds like a parenting cliché, but hear me out. Frame it differently. Challenge your kids to see if they can sit completely still and silent for just two minutes. Tell them you’re playing a game called “Invisible Explorer.” The goal is to be so quiet that the animals nearby forget you’re there. You’d be amazed at what might wander into view when everyone is calm and still. Plus, it’s a sanity-saving trick for parents. Win-win!
The Ultimate Takeaway
Look, a family safari isn’t going to be perfect. There will be meltdowns (both kid and parent), missed naps, and probably a few complaints about the food. But if you go prepared with a few of these safari activities for kids in your back pocket, you’re not just taking a trip; you’re crafting an experience.
You’re teaching your kids to be observant, to be patient, to be curious about the world. You’re giving them memories of sunsets and starry skies and the sound of a lion roaring in the distance. And honestly? That’s worth a few juice box spills in the Land Cruiser.
So, which of these activities are you most excited to try? Go on, get out there and have a wild adventure!
