Multigenerational Magic: Why Africa Is One of the World’s Best Destinations for Families
Planning a trip that brings together grandparents, parents, teens, and young children requires exceptional coordination. Families are increasingly prioritizing these kinds of shared experiences, and major travel forecasters agree: multigenerational travel is the number-one global travel trend according to the 2024 Virtuoso Luxe Report. Publications such as Forbes and Condé Nast Traveler have also reported continued growth in private group and experiential travel, especially trips that allow families to reconnect across generations.
Africa stands out as one of the few destinations that naturally meets the needs of multigenerational groups. Its wildlife, landscapes, cultural encounters, and safari rhythm create shared experiences that appeal across ages while offering structure, comfort, and depth.
For more than 35 years, Bushtracks has designed exactly these kinds of journeys; supported by on-the-ground teams, aviation and logistics expertise, and longstanding relationships with camps across Africa.
Why Africa Works Exceptionally Well for Multigenerational Travel
Shared Experiences for All Ages
Safari experiences create immediate common ground for families. Game drives, wildlife encounters, conservation insights, photography, stargazing, and time around the fire are accessible, enriching activities that grandparents, parents, teens, and children can enjoy together.
Travel publications regularly highlight how safaris foster meaningful connection, with National Geographic Traveller (UK) noting that modern safari design emphasizes comfort, accessibility, and hands-on learning across traveler types – making it well suited for families.
Space, Privacy, and Flexible Accommodation
Safari camps offer thoughtful layouts for families: multi-room suites, private-use homes, and adaptable gathering spaces. These natural configurations allow families to stay close without being crowded.
Safari days also follow a gentle cadence; early morning activity, quiet afternoons, evening game drives, which work well for mixed-age groups without overwhelming the schedule.
Important distinction: In Big Five areas, casual nature walks are not offered due to wildlife safety. Walking safaris do exist, but only in designated regions and typically for adults or older teens. Selecting the right camp for families is essential.
Educational and Cultural Depth
Families seek travel that feels meaningful, and safaris deliver. Children and teens encounter ecosystems and conservation firsthand, while older travelers appreciate cultural depth, guiding expertise, and Africa’s diverse landscapes.
Safari industry surveys consistently show high traveler satisfaction and strong interest in immersive wildlife experiences across demographics, supporting what Bushtracks has observed for decades: safaris resonate deeply with families.
How Bushtracks Supports Multigenerational Families
Africa’s wilderness is extraordinary, but the logistics behind multigenerational travel are where expertise makes the difference. Bushtracks’ structure provides families with a level of coordination and support that is uncommon in safari travel.
Bushtracks Is Not Just a Safari Operator: We Are a True African DMC. Many travelers are unfamiliar with the term Destination Management Company (DMC).
A DMC:
- Coordinates travel directly on the ground
- Manages regional logistics, including flights and transfers
- Facilitates border crossings
- Provides in-destination support through its own staff
This structure matters enormously for multigenerational groups, where needs vary widely. Being a DMC means Bushtracks can coordinate multiple room types, activity levels, dietary needs, mobility considerations, private vehicles, and multi-country movement with systems refined over decades.
On-the-Ground Support in Four Countries
Bushtracks maintains teams in:
- South Africa
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Botswana
These teams welcome guests, coordinate transfers, facilitate border crossings, and support the itinerary as needed. Families consistently highlight the reassurance of encountering Bushtracks’ own personnel, rather than outsourced operators, throughout their journey.
Privately Owned Victoria Falls Trains
Bushtracks owns two beautifully restored vintage trains that cross the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge, a highlight for many families. Because Bushtracks owns these trains outright, they can be integrated seamlessly into custom itineraries or reserved privately for celebrations and reunions.
Camp Selection Backed by 35 Years of Knowledge
Bushtracks’ strength lies not in “priority access” but in knowing which camps genuinely work well for families.
Our planners understand:
- Which camps accommodate younger children appropriately
- Which offer flexibility for varied interests
- The guiding style and atmosphere of each camp
- Where multi-room or adjacent room configurations work best
- Which regions offer the safest and most enjoyable experience for each age group
- This depth of knowledge is essential in crafting a smooth, well-paced itinerary.
Safari Legends: A Model Itinerary for Multigenerational Travel
Safari Legends is one of Bushtracks’ strongest itineraries for families. This 11-day journey connects wildlife-rich regions by private air.
Why Safari Legends excels for families:
- Camps well suited for adults, teens, and younger children
- Private air routing that avoids long overland transfers
- High wildlife density ideal for first-time and veteran safari-goers
- A balance of game viewing, photography, cultural experiences, and rest
- Flexible by Design
Safari Legends can be:
- Booked as a scheduled group departure
- Reserved exclusively for one family
- Recreated as a fully custom private itinerary
This flexibility dramatically reduces planning complexity, while still allowing for tailored experiences.
Why Families Begin Planning Early
Coordinating multiple generations, often across different cities, school breaks, work schedules, and mobility levels, takes time. Many families begin planning 12–18 months in advance to ensure everyone can travel together comfortably.
Starting early also allows time to:
- Secure multi-room configurations
- Arrange private vehicles when interests diverge
- Adjust pacing for both younger and older travelers
- Align availability across regions and seasons
This ensures the trip feels intentional, not rushed.
Why Africa Is One of the World’s Best Destinations for Families
Africa is one of the world’s best destinations for multigenerational travel because it creates shared experiences that resonate across ages. Its wildlife, landscapes, and cultural depth encourage connection, curiosity, and a sense of togetherness.
Bushtracks’ 35 years of expertise, supported by its DMC infrastructure, on-the-ground teams, aviation capabilities, camp knowledge, and privately owned Victoria Falls trains, provides families with a level of logistical clarity and in-destination support that few companies can match.
As families look ahead to 2026 and 2027, Bushtracks continues to design journeys that bring generations together in one of the most remarkable places on earth.
