The best safari in Africa for groups and families

Sharing a drink with friends and family whilst the sun sets over untouched wilderness surrounding you... not many can say they have done that!

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Do you have a big anniversary coming up? Perhaps some of your friends or family members share a birthday and you want to celebrate together? Do you want to take your grandkids on a trip of a lifetime? Are you planning a teambuilding trip that truly creates lasting bonds? Have you had enough of empty promises at dinner parties about taking that bucket list trip together? Or are you simply looking to spend more quality time with your kids, parents, grandparents or even close friends? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, this article is for you!

Booking an overseas trip with a group of people doesn’t have to be a logistical nightmare. After 15+ years in the travel industry, we understand your concerns and we have the solutions! Continue reading to get our tips about logistics, customization, and exclusivity whilst traveling to Africa (or anywhere, really) with a group of friends and family. To make it even easier, we’ve also included a shortlist of our top African safari destinations for groups.

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Key Take Aways:

Common challenges when planning safari for a larger group and their solutions:  

1. Logistics: Navigate logistical challenges by planning well ahead of time, documenting everything, booking flexible flights, or simply: hiring an expert travel advisor.

2. Exclusivity: Worried about your safari being reduced to generic safari tour that lacks personality? Choose private game reserves, exclusive-use lodges, and unique safari experiences.  

3. Accommodation: Select lodges with diverse room options, privacy, and group-friendly amenities. If you are unsure of where to stay and which activities will suit every member of your group, gather personalized advice from a travel agent who knows what they are doing.

Our group safari destinations shortlist:  

• Kwandwe, South Africa – Family-friendly, private villas, variety of activities and flexible game drives.

• Singita Kataza Rwanda & Serengeti House Tanzania– Luxury villas, gorilla trekking, and classic East African safari.

• Little Mombo, Botswana – Exclusive, intimate, world-class wildlife viewing.

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Common pain points in group travel and how to solve them

1. Logistics and Group Coordination

Managing travel arrangements for multiple people can be challenging, with concerns about coordinating flights, transfers, and ensuring everyone in the group has a smooth and enjoyable experience. Making sure that everyone’s passports are still valid, potential visas approved, insurance sorted, notifying accommodation about special requirements, arranging interleading rooms for families with younger children, planning activities that are suited to everyone, ... the list is endless!  

As a luxury safari planner, we have done it all. We’ve even organized destination weddings for 120+ guests, most of whom chose to extend their travels in all different directions afterwards! We tailor each detail to your group’s needs, whether it’s arranging private charters, securing exclusive-use vehicles, or notifying accommodations of special requests. We manage logistics, handle group-specific preferences, and ensure seamless coordination for all stages of your journey, from when your feet touch African soil until you step back onto your plane home.

For travelers who prefer to organize their own group safari, here are some tips:

• Plan well in advance: start booking at least 12 months ahead, especially for peak seasons.

• Write it down: tools like google sheets an help keep track of flights, accommodation, and activities.

• Opt for flexible flight tickets: with multiple travelers, changes are likely. Flexible fares can save you from costly surprises.

• Assign a lead coordinator: having one person oversee logistics will streamline communication and prevent confusion.

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2. Exclusive and Customized Experiences

If you are reading this, chances are that you want more than just a group itinerary. You are looking for unique, private, and meaningful experiences tailored to your interests. The last thing you want is ending up on a generic, crowded group tour that lacks exclusivity and personalization.

Here are a few ways to get the exclusive experience you want:

• Book private reserves: private conservancies offer more flexibility, exclusive game viewing, and personalized experiences.  

• Request private game drives: even in shared lodges, you can often book private vehicles to customize your safari. If you know where to go, private vehicles are free of charge.

• Look for exclusive-use options: many lodges allow you to book out the entire camp, ensuring complete privacy.

• Coordinate activities in advance: book popular excursions (like gorilla trekking or helicopter flights) early to avoid disappointment.

We are here to help: we specialize in designing tailor-made safari experiences. This means private game drives with expert guides, exclusive-use lodges or camps, and handpicked activities that align with your group's interests. Whether that is a gourmet bush dinner under the stars, a conservation-focused experience, or booking a fully exclusive, private safari camp, we ensure a personal and memorable experience for everyone.

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3. Accommodation and Amenities for Everyone

In any group, preferences can vary widely. Some members seek ultra-luxury and relaxation, while others prioritize adventure and having as many new experiences as possible. Finding accommodation that meet everyone’s standards—while also offering flexible spaces for socializing and privacy—can be a challenge.

Here are some ways to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and included:

• Choose lodges that have different room categories, such as suites, villas, or family units.

• Look for tailored services and activities: consider lodges that offer private dining, child minders, and a variety of different safari activities that include walks, cultural visits and leisure activities such as spa-facilities and helicopter flips.

• Balance social and private spaces: lodges suited to groups have spacious lounges, fire pits, and multiple pools.

There are so many extraordinary safari lodges to choose from, in an even wider range of destinations. Luxury safari lodges cater to diverse preferences by offering a range of accommodations, from lavish suites to interconnected family tents. Many feature premium amenities such as private plunge pools, exclusive dining spaces, and wellness spas.

It’s not always easy to know which one will be best for your group! If you would like some advice, we can help you select lodges that provide the perfect balance of communal areas for social gatherings and secluded retreats for relaxation, ensuring every traveler feels at home.

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The best safari lodges for group travel: our shortlist

Kwandwe Private Nature Reserve, Eastern Cape, South Africa.  

With two lodges and three private villas, this 22,000ha malaria-free Big Five game reserve is perfect for group safaris. You are certain to find a place perfectly suited to your family’s style, needs and sense of adventure. Guests of all ages are welcome on the daily game drives around the private reserve, and for parents wanting a special date night, child-minders are available with prior arrangement at no additional cost. Exclusive-use bookings at the villas can design their own group safaris, with no minimum age restrictions, and game drives at flexible times anytime of the day.  

Those with older teenagers find ample space and incredible views at Great Fish River Lodge. Ecca Lodge welcomes all ages and with three dedicated family suites, personal stays with a dedicated safari vehicle and guide are guaranteed. For the ultimate group safari experience, Fort House, Uplands Homestead and Melton Manor are exclusive-use villas each offering a private safari vehicle and guide, private pool, garden, living spaces, personal chef and a completely tailored, intimate stay.  

Rates start from ZAR 99 500 (USD 5 600) for 6 guests + 1 infant. At less than $1000 per person/night, this is an incredible rate for a high-end, luxury South African safari.

Special offers are available for 2025, with 20% discount for 3- or 4-night stays during certain periods – so be sure to contact us to benefit!

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Singita Kataza House, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda and Singita Serengeti House, Grumeti Reserves, Tanzania

Singita Kataza House’s two heated plunge pools, in- and outdoor fireplaces, interactive open-plan kitchen and living areas and four luxurious suites is the perfect destinations for active groups of up to eight people. While completely private, the villa is set alongside Singita Kwitonda Lodge. Guests at Kataza House enjoy access to all facilities and amenities at the lodge, which offers additional spaces for convivial relaxing, entertaining and dining.  

The location of Kataza House puts gorilla trekking within easy reach, and daily hikes to observe gorilla groups in their natural habitat in the Volcanoes National Park are led by expert guides. Gorilla trekking permits need to be secured in advance. Daily trek groups allow for eight people per gorilla family per day, and the age limit for trekking is 15.

For those looking for the ultimate East African experience, you can can combine a stay at Kataza house with a classic plains safari in Tanzania at Singita Serengeti House. This modern African home includes a 25-metre rim-flow flow, expansive outdoor dining decks and fire pit, accommodating up to eight guests. This exclusive private house comes with a private guide, house manager, chef and house staff, and private game drives in open game-viewing vehicles.

Special offer: Book a minimum of 12 nights at selected Singita lodges in selected regions and receive 2 nights on us! Valid from 6 January to 14 December 2025. This includes Singita Volcanoes National Park and Singita Serengeti.

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Little Mombo, Okavango Delta, Botswana

With just four suites tucked away on the other side of the same island, Little Mombo is a smaller, more intimate version of its sister camp Mombo. Built under a shady canopy of jackalberry and sausage trees, overlooking a floodplain regularly visited by herds of herbivores (and their predators), the camp has its own facilities, including a dining area, boma, kitchen, lounge and pool, while being connected to Mombo via a raised boardwalk.

Renowned as “the Place of Plenty”, the enormous number and variety of wildlife around Little Mombo makes it a hugely sought-after wildlife-viewing destination. This makes it the perfect spot for game drives. These are done via open 4x4 Land Rovers that each accommodate a maximum of four guests, allowing each guest a 'window' seat for best wildlife viewing.

Special offer: Benefit from free connecting flights when you book a safari for 6 nights or more at selected lodges in Botswana! Valid for new bookings only, for travel until the end of 2025. Contact our travel desk for more details.

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Why a luxury group safari is worth it

A group safari doesn’t have to be stressful or feel like a compromise. With expert planning, exclusive experiences, and premium accommodations, your safari can be as seamless and indulgent as you want it to be. Whether you choose a fully managed itinerary or prefer to self-book, we hope that our tips help you create your own unforgettable African adventure.

Looking for a hassle-free, tailor-made safari experience? Contact us to design the ultimate luxury group safari personalized to your needs.

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Written by Evelyn Poole