With a growing focus on sustainable travel, countries in East and Southern Africa offer a range of eco-lodges and hands-on conservation experiences that not only immerse families in the natural world but also empower them to contribute to vital efforts protecting it for future generations. Here are some of the top conservation experiences in the countries we go to in Africa that allow families with older children and teenagers to get involved, from rhino notching in South Africa to beach clean ups and protecting turtle hatchings in Zanzibar.
Rhino and elephant notching at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa
At &Beyond Phinda, a luxury eco-lodge in KwaZulu-Natal, families can participate in a once-in-a-lifetime rhino conservation experience. As part of the lodge’s renowned rhino protection initiative, your family will work with expert conservationists to track and monitor rhinos in the wild.
The Experience:
- Join a specialist ranger and conservation team to track rhinos on foot or by vehicle.
- Assist with the notching of rhino ears for identification and monitoring purposes.
- Learn about anti-poaching efforts and how communities are working to protect these critically endangered animals.
This hands-on experience gives children and adults alike a deep understanding of the challenges facing rhinos and the vital work being done to save them.
Why It’s Great for Families:
- Age-appropriate activities for children over 10.
- Family-friendly accommodation and activities in between conservation efforts, such as game drives and bush walks
Marine Conservation at Azura Benguerra Island, Mozambique
For families looking for a beach adventure with a conservation twist, Azura Benguerra Island offers an idyllic escape where you can help protect the Indian Ocean’s marine life. The lodge works closely with local communities and marine biologists to monitor and conserve the pristine coral reefs and marine ecosystems surrounding the island.
The Experience:
- Participate in reef clean-ups and snorkeling safaris to monitor marine life health.
- Learn about the lodge’s turtle protection program and, if you’re lucky, witness turtle hatchlings making their way to the sea.
- Join conservation talks about the fragile marine environment and the impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems.
The lodge provides opportunities for children to learn about marine conservation in a fun, interactive way while enjoying the tropical surroundings.
Why It’s Great for Families:
- Kid-friendly water activities like snorkeling, diving, and kayaking.
- Family villas and beach bungalows designed to accommodate all ages.
Adopt an Elephant at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Kenya
Located near Nairobi, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is world-renowned for its elephant orphanage and rehabilitation work. Here, families can visit rescued elephant calves, many of which have been orphaned due to poaching, and witness their journey toward being reintroduced into the wild.
The Experience:
- Visit the orphanage and meet the baby elephants during their feeding time, where they often enjoy a playful mud bath.
- Adopt an elephant, which helps cover the cost of their care and rehabilitation. Families receive regular updates on their adopted elephant’s progress.
- Learn about the orphanage’s work to combat poaching and foster human-elephant coexistence.
For younger children especially, this experience allows them to connect with wildlife in a personal and meaningful way, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of conservation challenges.
Why It’s Great for Families:
- Interactive and fun for children of all ages.
- A chance to learn about elephant conservation up close, with the option to continue supporting the cause even after you return home.
Wildlife Warrior Program at Marataba Conservation Camps, South Africa
Marataba Conservation Camps, located in the stunning Marakele National Park, offer immersive family-friendly conservation experiences in a truly wild setting. Their “Wildlife Warrior” program is designed to engage children and their parents in hands-on conservation projects while enjoying a classic safari.
The Experience:
- Families can join conservationists in real-time wildlife management activities, such as monitoring rhinos, lions, and elephants.
- Participate in game counts, data collection, and tracking using telemetry devices.
- Learn about anti-poaching efforts and the role of national parks and private reserves in wildlife protection.
This experience is ideal for families with older children who want to go beyond typical game drives and actively contribute to conservation efforts.
Why It’s Great for Families:
- Tailored conservation activities for children and teens, allowing them to be “wildlife warriors.”
- Family-focused accommodation with interactive educational experiences.
Sea Turtle Conservation at Chumbe Island, Zanzibar
Chumbe Island, a private nature reserve off the coast of Zanzibar, is a haven for eco-conscious families. The island is home to one of the most pristine coral reefs in East Africa, and the eco-lodge on the island offers a range of family-friendly conservation activities centered around marine life protection.
The Experience:
- Participate in sea turtle conservation efforts, including identifying nesting sites and protecting turtle hatchlings as they make their way to the ocean.
- Take part in guided snorkeling trips to learn about coral reef conservation and marine ecosystems.
- Engage in environmental education programs designed for children, helping them understand the importance of protecting the ocean.
Staying in one of the island’s eco-friendly bungalows gives families a low-impact, sustainable base from which to explore this unique marine environment.
Why It’s Great for Families:
- A peaceful, vehicle-free island where children can safely explore nature.
- Eco-lodges that blend sustainability with comfort, ideal for environmentally conscious families.
Pangolin Conservation at Tswalu Kalahari, South Africa
Tswalu Kalahari, South Africa’s largest private game reserve, offers an exclusive conservation experience focused on one of the world’s most elusive and endangered animals—the pangolin. Families staying at Tswalu can join expert researchers to learn about and help protect this incredible species.
The Experience:
- Track pangolins in their natural habitat with researchers and help collect vital data for ongoing conservation efforts.
- Learn about the challenges facing pangolins, such as poaching and habitat loss, and what is being done to protect them.
- Participate in wildlife monitoring and other conservation projects across the reserve.
This rare opportunity provides families with a behind-the-scenes look at cutting-edge conservation work while enjoying one of South Africa’s most luxurious safari experiences.
Why It’s Great for Families:
- A rare and exciting opportunity for children to see and learn about pangolins.
- Luxury accommodation with child-friendly activities and exclusive access to the Kalahari wilderness.
Cheetah Conservation at N/a’an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary, Namibia
N/a’an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary in Namibia offers families the chance to get involved in critical wildlife conservation, particularly for cheetahs and other endangered species. The sanctuary focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating injured or orphaned wildlife, and guests can engage in their conservation work.
The Experience:
- Participate in cheetah feeding and tracking, learning how the sanctuary cares for and rehabilitates these big cats.
- Help with animal monitoring, feeding, and collecting data for research projects.
- Engage with local San Bushman communities and learn about their role in wildlife protection and conservation.
N/a’an ku sê is an excellent choice for families wanting to immerse themselves in hands-on wildlife conservation while staying in a family-friendly lodge that promotes sustainability.
Why It’s Great for Families:
- A wide variety of activities designed for all ages, including interactive wildlife encounters.
- Educational programs that allow children to learn about wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.
Anti-Poaching Patrols at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Shamwari Private Game Reserve offers families the chance to experience life on the front lines of conservation with their anti-poaching patrol experience. Shamwari is known for its commitment to wildlife preservation, particularly for rhinos, elephants, and big cats.
The Experience:
- Join rangers on daily anti-poaching patrols and learn about the methods used to protect endangered species.
- Visit Shamwari’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and Rhino Awareness Centre, where injured animals are treated and released back into the wild.
- Participate in behind-the-scenes conservation work, such as camera trap monitoring and tracking endangered species.
This thrilling experience not only educates families about the dangers facing Africa’s wildlife but also shows how they can help protect these species in the wild.
Why It’s Great for Families:
- Educational experiences for children, including guided tours of the rehabilitation center.
- Luxurious accommodations in a malaria-free reserve, ideal for family safaris.
Conservation Ranger Program at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, South Africa
For families looking for a combination of marine and land-based conservation activities, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve near Cape Town offers an excellent Conservation Ranger Program. This eco-lodge is committed to the preservation of the local flora, fauna, and marine ecosystems.
The Experience:
- Join the rangers in monitoring the reserve’s unique fynbos vegetation, tracking wildlife, and assisting with conservation tasks.
- Participate in marine conservation efforts, including beach clean-ups and monitoring the health of local whale populations.
- Learn about sustainable farming practices at the lodge’s organic farm, where kids can also get involved in planting and harvesting activities.
Grootbos provides a unique blend of land and marine conservation, making it perfect for families who want to explore South Africa’s rich biodiversity beyond traditional safari experiences.
Why It’s Great for Families:
- Interactive experiences that engage children in nature conservation.
- Luxurious, family-friendly suites and diverse activities for all ages.
