Family Friendly Safaris

[stoxicity]

G'day from Australia!

What I'm about to propose may be a big ask but appreciate any feedback.

A few years ago, I did a safari with Somerby safaris accompanied by my wife and 18 month old son. It was an amazing experience! My wife accompanied me hunting and we had a nanny that looked after our son during the morning hunts and accompanied us with him in tow for the evening hunts.

I am in the very early stages of planning another safari (mid 2029) but this one will be a much bigger operation.

We now have 2 more children. At the time of the hunt they will be 8, 6 and 4. My brother in law and his wife will also be with us and they will have a 4 year old and (maybe) a 1-2 year old. On top of that it sounds like my mother and father in law would like to tag along as well.

My brother in law and I will be the hunters wanting to hunt together accompanied by 1-2 observers on any given day with the children and whoever isn't observing to be spending time at a lodge or doing other activities away from the hunting area.

While Somerby can again accommodate us, I'm wondering if there are any options for this type of hunt outside of South Africa in a more wild/non high fence location. The area we hunted last time in SA was 90000 acres so no real problem with it feeling like a farm hunt or anything. It jus may be nice to experience another country.

Any tips or advice very much appreciated!

 

[Killo]

Roger Whittall Safaris
Save Valley Conservancy
Zimbabwe

 

[375Fox]

Depends on your expectations. I think taking a big family like that to an area with malaria and tsetse flies would not be recommended. Most wild areas in other countries have a more simple camp designed for sleeping and evenings around the campfire than entertaining big groups. Also a very different hunting pace, usually you spend all day out hunting and don’t return to camp. If you are looking to hunt a different country for a new experience. I think large ranches in Namibia or Botswana (similar to what you did in South Africa) would be the best fit. If you’d really like to hunt a wild area, I think options in Caprivi could suit what you are looking for. It’s more developed for tourism than other countries. No tsetses and very little malaria, but you’d possibly have to base from a tourist lodge to accommodate that many people and provide more activities. Wives and kids could do tourist things while others hunted.

 

[AZDAVE]

I have hunted Namibia several times and would recommend you also look there.

There are a number of good Namibian outfitters here on AH.

If you have questions DM me and I will try my best to help.

 

[Throwback]

I think Namibia would fit as well, and definitely worth a look. Most areas are malaria free, etc, very big hunting areas, most free range and just generally family friendly. Its safe, weather pretty stable, one can drive around the place easily, tourist attractions, many places just a few hours or less from Windhoek with hospitals, major airport, etc... Also, the pricing in Namibia should be similar to SA. Other countries will likely be more.

 

[Betterinthebush]

Estreux Safaris. Anton and Wanda Esterhuizen. Good Christian family and you would have the entire camp to yourself. I think he just opened up a new camp south of Etosha.

My wife and I had a grand adventure with them in July.

Thread 'NAMIBIA: Namibia PG & Touring Safari; Estreux Safaris'

Oct 25, 2025

This report I’m filing is geared toward the first timer who has yet to even book their first safari. Please enjoy.

This safari was my wife and I’s 20th wedding anniversary gift to ourselves. Throughout our dating and marriage we had never taken a single vacation. Not one. We chose to go to Namibia because my wife’s church growing up had missionaries in country building several churches and ministering to communities in the remote bush. She was fascinated as a young girl when the missionaries would return and tell their stories and share pictures. So this was a way for her to come full...

• Betterinthebush
• Replies: 18
• Forum: Hunting reports Africa

• 

 

[375Ruger416]

Had a great time in Namibia in 2024 with my wife with Kowas Safaris. Heading back next year with my wife, parents, and our 9 and 12 year old for another hunt and to do some touring.

 

[Throwback]

Had a great time in Namibia in 2024 with my wife with Kowas Safaris. Heading back next year with my wife, parents, and our 9 and 12 year old for another hunt and to do some touring.

X2 on Kowas, they are top class. I hunted with them in 2024 as well. They are a great, friendly family themselves. I would definitely take a look at them as an option. Cheers