Luxury Family Big 5 Safari in South Africa 2026

What’s included?

• 4 nights, 5 days at Chitwa Chitwa Private Game Lodge in luxurious accommodation
• All meals, drinks*, and daily Big 5 safari drives included
• Flexible options for families – kids can join game drives or enjoy fun lodge-based activities
• 1 night FREE for all guests (Pay 3, Stay 4)
• 1 child under 12 stays FREE

*excludes some premium label alcohol

Save up to $12,050 AUD for a family of four!

Here’s how you save:

• 1 night FREE for everyone – for example 2 adults + 1 child under 12 – approx. $6,700 AUD savings
• 4 nights FREE for 1 child under 12 – approx. $5,350 AUD savings

The total cost for 4 nights:

• Adults and children 12+: 92,988 South African rand (approx. $8k AUD)
• Children 6-11 years: 46,494 South African rand (approx. $4k AUD) – keep in mind one child is FREE
• Children 3-5 years: 23,247 South African rand (approx. $2k AUD) – keep in mind one child is FREE
• Children 0-2 years: free 

For a family of four with two kids between 6-11 years, the cost would be approx. $20k (save $12,050). That’s a saving of almost 40%!

Why Chitwa Chitwa?

• One of our all-time favourite lodges (and we have stayed at over 50)
• Private waterhole views – see elephants, hippos and more from your room and private pool
• Top-tier guides and trackers offering exceptional Big 5 sightings
• Intimate, luxurious lodge with only a handful of suites
• Family-friendly service tailored to all ages – including great activities for kids

Is a safari a good holiday choice for kids?

Yes! Check out our 10 reasons to take kids on safari! My kids have been privileged to go on many holidays – including on safari numerous times – and it is by FAR their favourite holiday. There is nothing more exciting than seeing elephants and lions up close, and to be able to come back and tell their friends at school or daycare everything they got to see. This may also be the last time they can see the ‘Big 5’ as rhinos are becoming harder and harder to find in the wild due to ongoing poaching. Don’t let yourself or your kids miss out on seeing these amazing prehistoric-looking animals in their natural habitat! Lastly, because you are staying in just one (luxurious) place and enjoying activities and game drives from one base, it’s so much EASIER than many other holidays where you have to bundle the kids out to various sightseeing activities while spending huge amounts of money. Here you are in one place, everything is organised for you and it’s already all paid for. What could be more relaxing?

Is it safe to go on safari with kids?

Yes. Chitwa Chitwa is located in a secure private reserve. Expert staff are trained in safety and hospitality for families. Like any holiday, there are of course some risks, but the security is so tight in game reserves due to poaching, it is safer than going to many major cities around the world.

What sort of food will they have?

The food is as good as you would get in a high class restaurant. They can cater to all dietary restrictions and they offer great options for kids (think your typical pasta and chicken and chips). There is SO MUCH food, and it’s all delicious. At Chitwa Chitwa they also offer you the choice of eating in the main area or in your room if you want a bit of privacy. You won’t want to leave.

What will we be doing for the five days?

The first day you will arrive, check into your room and enjoy a delicious lunch (and high tea) before heading out on your first ‘game drive’ (safari) searching for the Big 5 (elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo and rhinos) and whatever else you can find. The drive will last about 3-4 hours, with a ‘sundowner’ stop to enjoy the sunset and a cheeky drink. Back at camp in time for dinner and maybe a night cap before heading to bed. The next day you will be woken up nice and early so you can depart on the morning game drive at prime cat viewing time as it’s just getting light. After another amazing 3-4 hour drive (including coffee and snack break), you’ll come back to the lodge for a hot cooked breakfast + continental buffet as you watch the hippos play in the Chitwa Chitwa waterhole. You will then have hours free to enjoy a massage, swim in the pool, take a nap or read a book while watching for wildlife from your deck. After another 5-star lunch and high tea, you’ll go back out for your afternoon drive, making more amazing memories.

Your kids will either join you on drive or enjoy activities at the lodge like making their own pizza, learning about wildlife or playing games. Activities at the lodge will be free for kids during the game drives, and you can also pay for babysitting outside these times as well. The lodge facilities (including bar, main pool, deck and various lounge areas) are open throughout the day for use, there is an abundance of food (too much), and unlimited drinks included. Each day will be like this – a mix of relaxation, wildlife viewing, eating delicious food and safari drives until your last day, where you will embark on one final drive before enjoying breakfast and checking out. Cue devastation because trust me – you will never want to leave.

Is October a good time to go on safari?

One of the best. There’s no ‘bad’ time to go on safari, but we think the best time is between August – October, because it’s still relatively dry (better for wildlife viewing) and the weather is ideal – not stifling hot but nice warm days perfect for swimming.

What will the weather be like in October?

Similar to Australia but a bit hotter – it’s typical in October to have days in the 30’s (perfect for enjoying the pool in between drives). You may get the odd shower but typically the weather will be relatively hot and sunny.

Why book with us?

We are based in Australia, with an Australian ABN, but with extensive experience going on safari (and one of us grew up in South Africa and is a trained safari guide!). We have stayed at over 50 lodges in South Africa, including this one. We have taken kids numerous times at ages from 5 months to 7 years. We have WAY more knowledge than your general travel agent who may have been over there once or twice, and we can help you sort out all your arrangements. We take payment in Australian dollars, cutting out international transaction fees. Best of all, we have negotiated an amazing deal and more flexible booking terms, including a 20% deposit and free cancellation before the end of this year.