Family Safari Adventures in Africa | Tsowa, Thonga & Rhino Ridge

The Ultimate Family Safari Journey

For families seeking a travel experience that is as educational as it is exhilarating, a safari in Southern Africa is unmatched. With Isibindi Africa Lodges, you can combine the thrill of a Big 5 safari, the serenity of a Zambezi River island, and the wonder of the Indian Ocean coastline into one unforgettable adventure.

From the sandy beaches of Thonga, to the vast wilderness of Rhino Ridge, and the wild waterways of Tsowa Safari Island, every family member finds their own story.

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge – Big 5 Beginnings

Set in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, South Africa’s oldest game reserve, Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge offers families the chance to witness the Big 5 up close.

• Child-friendly Game Drives – Children under 6 enjoy shorter “Kiddies Drives,” while older children join thrilling morning and evening safaris.
  
• Nature Walks – Guided walks for older children offer a hands-on look at tracks, plants, and the smaller wonders of the bush.
  
• Dinners – meals are enjoyed in our beautiful dining area where families will be able to sit together and enjoy their evening all together.
• Community tours and cultural visits – Enjoy a guided visit to the local Zulu community, where families can experience everyday life and traditions. Meet local craftsmen, try basket weaving, learn to cook a traditional meal, and visit the community centre to see inspiring projects supported by Isibindi. A visit to a traditional healer adds a fascinating insight into Zulu culture – a memorable and meaningful experience for all ages.

It’s a place where young explorers discover the wild, and parents reconnect with nature.

Thonga Beach Lodge – Ocean Adventures

A family safari isn’t complete without the magic of the sea. At Thonga Beach Lodge, located within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, families can swap game drives for ocean waves.

• Turtle Tracking (Nov–Feb) – Witness giant loggerhead and leatherback turtles nesting, a once-in-a-lifetime experience for kids.
  
• Snorkeling & Scuba – Safe, guided reef exploration introduces children to colourful marine life. We also offer the bubblemaker scuba course as an intro to scuba for kids
  
• Kayaking on Lake Sibaya – A gentle family adventure with birdwatching and hippo spotting.
  
• Barefoot Beach Days – Build sandcastles, splash in the shallows, and enjoy endless horizons.
   
• Open ocean experience – This adventure activity offers guests a rare opportunity to experience the variety of marine life that lives along the Elephant Coast. An exciting launch through the surf, in front of the lodge, takes you beyond the breakers where you spend approximately an hour experiencing the beauty of the ocean and enjoying the scenery of our beautiful coastline, where dolphins and whales swim freely.
• Spider and scorpion walk – walk through the forest with an ultra violet torch and see how the forest comes to life at night!
• Community tours – As part of the Thonga Beach Lodge experience, we believe in creating a human bridge between our wilderness areas and the local communities so that the flow of benefits to these communities motivates them to protect these precious resources. Our local Tsonga guides will proudly take you to a local homestead, school and clinic so that you can experience how the Tsonga people go about their day-to-day lives.

Thonga combines barefoot luxury with ocean discovery, making it a perfect family retreat.

Tsowa Safari Island – River & Wilderness Magic

For a touch of adventure, families can journey to Tsowa Safari Island, set in the middle of the Zambezi River within Zimbabwe’s Zambezi National Park. (Children 12 years and over)

• Game Drives & Walks – Spot elephants, giraffes, and buffalo in their natural habitat.
  
• Canoe Safaris – A thrilling way for older children to explore the river alongside expert guides.
  
• Birdwatching – Keep an eye out for rare species like the Pel’s Fishing Owl.
  
• Island walks – A great way to explore our private island that is full of Baobab trees and surrounded by the mighty Zambezi river
• River cruises – view our neighbouring community and how your stay is assisting them

Tsowa is safari with a twist—an island retreat where water and wilderness meet.

Why Families Love the Isibindi Experience

• Tailored for All Ages – From kiddie game drives to adventurous dives, activities suit different age groups.
  
• Educational Journeys – Children learn about conservation, wildlife, and local cultures firsthand.
  
• Beach, Bush & River – A rare combination of safari, marine exploration, and island wilderness.
  
• Sustainable Travel – Stays directly support conservation and local communities through the Isibindi Foundation .
  

Plan Your Family Safari Adventure

Begin your bush journey at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge.
Head to the coast at Thonga Beach Lodge.
Complete your adventure on the Zambezi River at Tsowa Safari Island.

Together, these lodges create a seamless family safari circuit where memories are made, lessons are learned, and Africa’s wild beauty is celebrated.

A family safari with Isibindi Africa Lodges isn’t just a holiday—it’s a journey across ecosystems, from beach to bush to river. It’s where children’s imaginations are sparked, and families share adventures they will treasure for a lifetime.