3 Stop Zambian Family Safari

The award-winning Mfuwe Lodge is a lush refuge in South Luangwa National Park comprising Family Chalets set on the lagoon bank under a canopy of ebony and mahogany trees. With ample space for two children in each room, the thatched en-suite accommodation also provides the ideal vantage point for eyeing the comings and goings of thirsty animals that visit the lagoon for a drink. Mornings and evenings are spent exploring the bush in a 4x4 looking for interesting wildlife. For a unique perspective, you can also set out on foot for a guided walking safari. If you visit Mfuwe at the right time, witnessing the elephant migration that goes through the lodge’s reception area is an experience like no other! There is also a library dedicated to African history, wildlife photography and conservation among other things, which is bound to engage and educate curious children’s minds.

Your next stop is Shumba Camp, a five-star beauty situated in northern Kafue National Park boasting uninterrupted views of the Busanga Plains. With just six elevated luxury tents, Shumba is primed to offer a highly exclusive and personalized safari experience for families. This luxury bush camp is a birder’s paradise with more than 500 recorded species in the park. As the camp’s name (meaning ‘lion’ in the local Shona language) suggests, there are also several large prides of these big cats to look for on twice-daily game drives. Children will learn the history of Shumba’s lions from their Bush Buddy guide – always on hand to teach and entertain them. Other activities aimed at kids include birdwatching with a species checklist and making African mobiles using natural materials found in the bush. Young adventurers can also enjoy learning to play traditional Zambian games or rustling up a tasty meal with the camp chef.

Toka Leya Camp is a short drive from the Zambian town of Livingstone and the natural wonder of Victoria Falls. In addition to nine twin-bedded standard tents, the camp has three family tents which can each sleep up to four people. Overlooking the mighty Zambezi River, this quaint camp is connected with wooden walkways and features a common area with a sundeck, infinity pool and firepit ideal for starlit storytelling. Learn about the ‘Nyami Nyami’ (Zambezi River God) as you cruise down this powerful African waterway spotting elephants, the peeping eyes of semi-submerged hippos and the slither-and-splash of crocodiles. River-based activities include catch-and-release fishing, white-water rafting and bungee jumping to ensure your last two days in Africa are jam-packed with adventure.