When I heard a strange sound while lying in bed at night it was comforting knowing that our kids were literally next door, and if I wanted to check on them I would not need to leave my tent.
A family tent on safari is an innovative accommodation option featuring two connected tents with a shared space between them.
This design allows parents and children to move between rooms without leaving the structure. This is a convenient improvement permitting children to benefit from the magical safari experience in their own tent, which in many other circumstances might require them to share with an adult.
Though appearing as one unit, a family tent is essentially two integrated tents that must be booked together. Typically, one section contains a double bed for parents, while the other features twin beds that can sometimes accommodate a third bed. These configurations generally house four to five people, with at least one adult required.
The design and availability of family tents vary significantly across safari camps. Some are simply two standard tents joined together, while others feature more elaborate layouts. Bathroom arrangements differ—some tents share facilities, but most provide separate bathrooms for each section. The connecting area may include additional amenities like a lounge with seating. Luxury camps might enhance this shared space with features such as a library or private plunge pool, creating numerous unique variations.
Availability ranges widely, with smaller camps often having just one family tent (which typically books up a year in advance), while family-oriented properties may offer several family tent arrangements.
Before the late 1990s, family tents didn’t exist, yet families still enjoyed wonderful safaris. Children eight years or older would typically stay in separate but nearby tents, requiring them to be mature enough to remain alone overnight, or have one parent stay with them.
The introduction of family tents has significantly improved the safari experience for families, particularly those with younger children, making this type of accommodation increasingly popular across safari destinations.
