KENYA: Breakfast with giraffes

Giraffe Manor in Nairobi is as exclusive as it gets. Built in the 1930s; this ivy-clad boutique bolthole was modeled after a stately Scottish home. But even more famous than its architecture are the full-time residents, who come in the shape of Rothschild Giraffes. Being friendly types, the giraffes like to poke their heads through the window while you enjoy your breakfast, eat out of your hands, and give you slobbering kisses. When you think it can’t get any better, this exclusive manor features 12 en-suite bedrooms, antique furnishings, cozy spaces, and a non-stop bar service. Along with giraffes, you’ll also hang out with warthogs, bushbuck, dik-dik, and more than 180 species of birds.

SOUTH AFRICA: Treasure hunts

In most cases, children aged under six-years-old are not permitted on game drives in South Africa, unless you book into a specific property. Kwandwe Ecca Lodge is one such place, introducing your little ones to wildlife in a responsible, fun and educational way. Kids receive gifts on arrival comprising animal checklists, themed games, and a pledge to ‘live green’. Go on game drives to search for white rhino, black rhino, elephant, and buffalo, and enjoy activities such as kite building and treasure hunts. Hidden amongst thick African bush, with only six suites, the lodge is stylish and intimate with vibrant furnishings and a cosmopolitan feel – the ideal destination for a family adventure.

Lightfoot Travel Tip! Add some beach time to your trip with a visit to Zanzibar. Stay at Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa choose the family villa or the five-bedroom villa which are great for bigger broods. 

TANZANIA: Farm life and fresh air

Opt for a relaxing stay at Gibb’s Farm, Tanzania, which lies in delightful gardens on a 1920s coffee plantation overlooking the Ngorongoro Forest – home to an abundance of wildlife including elephant and leopard. As one of Northern Tanzania’s oldest guesthouses, it’s super-chill and hospitable, offering cozy cottages, rustic charm, mouthwatering cuisine, and a host of unique adventures. Families can enjoy farm walks, go mountain biking or swimming, visit the elephant caves or ancient waterfalls, meet a local family and learn about local culture, try bread making, or indulge in a Maasai healing treatment. Kids over six-years-old will especially love this spot.

Lightfoot Travel Tip! Combine your trip with a visit to the majorly impressive Victoria Falls, a four-five hour drive.

NAMIBIA: Safari picnics and scenic flights

Catering for just six guests at a time, Wolwedans Private Camp in Namibia welcomes children and works hard to offer activities for all ages, either as a family or individually. Good times can include morning or afternoon drives, safari picnics, sundowners on the dunes, hot-air ballooning, and scenic flights offering birds-eye views of the Diamond Coast and Sossusvlei. Away from the action, the two spacious en-suite bedrooms come with a living room, study, dining area, fully equipped kitchen, staff and butler service, various decks, and an all-essential ‘Sala’. Plan time here for lazy siestas, reading, and soaking up your surroundings. Don’t forget to book you and the husband in for a candlelit dinner in the wild, too.

ZIMBABWE: Dine under the stars

An excellent choice for families with older children, Somalisa Acacia Camp in Zimbabwe boasts Boudouin-style tented accommodation on a remote acacia tree island in the heart of Hwange National Park. Perfect for a secluded stay, the camp caters for a maximum of twelve guests at a time and has family rooms with inter-leading walkways. The region is famous for its big elephant herds, Start the day with a game drive or head out on a bush walk, then spend the afternoon by the pool. Later, enjoy dining under the stars before getting an early night.

Lightfoot Travel Tip! Combine your trip with a visit to the majorly impressive Victoria Falls, a four-five hour drive.