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13 of the Cutest Baby Animals to See on Safari

By Jennifer Dombrowski 44 Comments

The Serengeti is a safari destination that is a magnificent experience any time of the year, but it’s in February when nearly all of the animals have babies. Between the Great Migration on the Serengeti Plains and all the adorable babies, a luxury safari in Tanzania with SkySafari by Elewana is a bucket list trip that will definitely top the list of best trips you’ve ever been on. We’ve seen things on safari that put the circle of life into perspective like hyenas hunting wildebeest, lions feasting on their morning kill and an elephant that died from a wound likely inflicted by poachers. While those things are a sad reality, we’ve also seen the cutest baby animals that just absolutely melt your heart. There are 13 of the cutest baby animals to see on safari:

1. Lion cubs

Lionesses will give birth to a litter of one – four cubs and we were lucky to find this litter of four (though you can only spot three in the photo).

2. Elephant calf

Elephants only get pregnant once about every five years and the gestation period is 22 months. Elephant calves are quite small! Our guides estimated this cutie was around eight or nine months old.

3. Giraffe calf

Giraffe calves are born already around six feet tall! Though after seeing full grown giraffes, it’s pretty easy to spot a youngster even when they’re on their own. Sadly, we learned that giraffes aren’t very good parents and will leave their babies own their own while traveling several kilometers away.

4. Baboon infant

Baboon infants hang on to their mother’s stomach for the first month and then at five or six weeks old, start riding on their mother’s back. This cute little fella (boy parts definitely indicated he was a fella) was less than a month old! We were lucky to spot him playing very close to the road, though he scampered over to hold on to mom as soon as we stopped.

5. Wildebeest calf

Wildebeest calves can stand within just a few minutes of being born and can run with the herd within an hour after birth. We saw a few young calves as the Great Migration moved from the Serengeti Plains south to Ngorongoro Crater, where the wildebeest will birth their calves in the short grass plains.

6. Cape buffalo calf

Cape buffalo calves are completely dependent on their mothers for their first year. The females will stay with and join the natural herd. We saw mostly male herds, but did spot some calves in a female herd we came across.

7. Hippo calf

Hippo calves are born in the water and can hold their breath for nearly three times as long as an adult hippo. Hippos spend around 16 hours each day in the water, so babies are a little hard to spot. We got lucky to spot a baby out of the water at Ngorongoro Crater.

8. Warthog piglet

Warthog moms only have four teats and piglets each suckle from their “own”. No sharing! When warthogs run, their tail sticks straight up and the piglets run in a line behind mom. Though I hope they weren’t running from a predator, they are too cute in running mode.

9. Zebra foal

Zebra foals are actually born brown and white and with a thicker coat. They look fuzzy, which makes them all the more adorable. Like wildebeest, zebras have their babies just before the long rains begin in February. We saw quite a few baby zebras at Ngorongoro Crater.

10. Thompson gazelle fawn

Thompson gazelles are really small with an adult standing at only around 2 – 3 feet tall. Females move away from the herd to birth a single fawn and the fawn will spend most of its time resting and hiding in the grass. It’s not very common to spot a fawn, so we were particularly lucky to see this little fawn with its mom on the short grass plains at Ngorongoro Crater during the Great Migration.

Hyrax live in families of up to 50 and are sort of look like a rabbit without long ears and cotton tails that can climb. The babies all snuggle up with mom when they nap and we were quite amused watching the resident hyrax families at Serengeti Migration Camp.

12. Crocodile hatchling

Crocodiles lay around 50 eggs and bury them in the sand on the riverbank. Of the 50 eggs, only one or two hatchlings actually survive. This little guy was sunning himself right next to mom in the Serengeti.

13. Monkey infant

Like baboons, monkey infants clutch their arms around mom and hitch a ride on their belly. Because the mom and dad are so protective of their youngsters, baby monkeys can be hard to spot. Like all kids, they like to play and you might spot them chasing each other around. As soon as the parents spot you watching though, they grab up their babies and hold on to them protectively.

Loved this post? We love when you share our content! ~ Jen & Tim

About Jennifer Dombrowski

Jennifer Dombrowski is an independent travel publisher and an American expat who has lived in Bordeaux, France since 2016. She previously lived in Northern Italy in a small village near Venice for seven years where she fell in love with wine and wine tourism. She is an award-winning travel writer. She is also a travel correspondent on Traveling on the American Forces Radio Network. Luxe Adventure Traveler was named one of the top travel blogs to watch by the Huffington Post and TripAdvisor, and has been featured by top publications such as National Geographic, CNN, Buzzfeed, and Business Insider. Jennifer's photography has also been featured on publications such as USA Today and Travel + Leisure and on the Travel Channel.

February 25, 2014 at 1:38 PM

Wow, amazing photos! Sounds like you both got lucky in catching sight of some of those li’l guys and gals. Can’t wait to see what you’ve got in store for your next few posts 😉

Jennifer Dombrowski says

February 27, 2014 at 11:19 AM

Though it was going into the long rains when we were there, we had pretty good weather and it was the perfect time of the year to see the babies. So cute to watch!

Lauren Bassart says

February 25, 2014 at 3:22 PM

This was just about the cutest post ever!!! Love all the babies. So jealous of you guys 🙂

February 27, 2014 at 11:20 AM

Thanks Lauren! At first we were just shooting the babies, but then we specifically started trying to capture a mom and wee one. Just so much cuteness!

February 25, 2014 at 3:57 PM

After getting hit with one Polar Vortex after another in the U.S, it’s nice to see signs of Spring with all the young animals being born. Nice photos.

February 27, 2014 at 11:21 AM

Even though we were just a few degrees below the Equator, it was definitely a different season there in Tanzania! Kind of disappointing to come back home to the winter rain in Italy after getting a taste of “Spring”.

Shikha (whywasteannualleave) says

February 25, 2014 at 4:42 PM

When I went on safari in Selous Tanzania for honeymoon, the lion cubs were playing hide and seek so I’d love to try and catch them next time – I absolutely loved baby hippos though – so cute!

February 27, 2014 at 11:23 AM

What a fantastic place to go on honeymoon Shikha! Lions don’t have a specific time of the year that they breed, so you have a pretty good chance of seeing lion cubs any time of the year. Hope you spot some on your next safari!

February 25, 2014 at 4:45 PM

Even the baby croc is cute!

February 27, 2014 at 11:25 AM

I still wouldn’t mess with even the baby croc. We’ve got a close up and it already has some lethal looking teeth.

Adam Evans says

February 25, 2014 at 5:34 PM

I love the zebra and foal. Interesting to see the foal has a kind of ginger hue!

February 27, 2014 at 11:27 AM

We were surprised that baby zebras are so brown too. Very cute. The coat almost looks like a thick fuzz or velvet.

Katherine Belarmino says

February 25, 2014 at 7:22 PM

That giraffe baby is ridiculous!!

February 27, 2014 at 11:29 AM

Isn’t it so cute? It’s parents were no where around. I can only hope it survives on its own.

February 26, 2014 at 12:24 AM

Wow, that’s impressive you did get all the big ones and small ones to…what a fun trip, must have taken lots of great images to share!

We averaged anywhere from 600 – 1000 photos each day. I think I could post a safari photo a day for the next year!

Kate Blake says

February 26, 2014 at 1:20 AM

Amazing pics! I love the baby hippo

February 27, 2014 at 11:32 AM

The hippos were so funny! They make the best noises that just make you smile.

Lauren says

February 26, 2014 at 1:29 AM

Those are so cute! The babies look like miniature versions of the adult ones. I really like the zebra and the lion cubs, although they are all very adorable 🙂 Your photos are very impressive!

February 27, 2014 at 11:35 AM

Thanks Lauren! The babies are just so adorable to see and I loved watching them interact with their moms.

Alouise says

February 26, 2014 at 1:35 AM

This post if full of some serious awww. I love the one of the baby elephant.

February 27, 2014 at 11:38 AM

That baby elephant had to be the happiest elephant I’ve ever seen! Elephants were definitely a favorite to watch, especially when they play in water holes. We’ll have a post coming on a herd having some serious fun in a water hole.

jenny@atasteoftravel says

February 26, 2014 at 2:30 AM

So cute! You were definitely there at the right time for the babies. Can’t wait to read about your adventures!

February 27, 2014 at 11:39 AM

Yes Jenny! I was a little disappointed that we never got the a blazing fiery African sunset, but it’s hard to be too disappointed when we got to see all these wee ones.

Heather says

February 26, 2014 at 4:15 AM

What a treat! Even the baby crocodile is cute!

February 27, 2014 at 11:42 AM

The babies are just too cute to watch! Even the baboon baby melted my heart. I had a bad experience with baboons at the zoo when I was a kid, so don’t really like them.

February 26, 2014 at 8:43 PM

ohhhh yes, they’re really cute 🙂 I’m happy you had such a great time!

February 27, 2014 at 11:43 AM

Definitely one of our favorite trips we’ve been on Stef!

Angela Travels says

February 27, 2014 at 12:00 AM

Love the photos. I really want to go on an African Safari photo tour!

February 27, 2014 at 10:40 PM

You will love going on safari Angela! We’re barely home from this safari and now I am absolutely dying to go to Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia!

Samantha @mytanfeet says

February 27, 2014 at 3:51 AM

the baby zebra is adorable!! I had no idea they were born fuzzy and born, every animal is so cute when miniature size, even the crocodile. Great pics!

February 27, 2014 at 10:45 PM

Thanks Samantha! Yes the wee ones are just too adorable. I think even a baby hyena might be cute.

February 27, 2014 at 4:40 AM

Oh Mahh gahhd. All of them. Yes please. Can’t wait to do a safari. Not on this RTW trip but the next for sure. Thanks for sharing.

You will love it when you do go on safari, Shaun! This was one of our all time favorite trips.

February 27, 2014 at 3:50 PM

Awwwwm this post is the perfect thing for a Thursday afternoon… or for any afternoon 🙂

February 27, 2014 at 10:46 PM

Hard to feel blue with so much cuteness to look at here!

February 28, 2014 at 9:57 AM

The Zebra, the giraffe! I had to come back and have a look this morning!

February 27, 2014 at 5:51 PM

Nice pics – never heard of a Hyrax! Interesting looking animal. Frank (bbqboy)

February 27, 2014 at 10:48 PM

We’d never heard of one until about two weeks ago either, Frank. They’re pretty cute!

Devlin @ Marginal Boundaries says

February 28, 2014 at 8:43 PM

Those Hyrax are deviously cute, they just look like they’re up to no good, hatching some plan to steal your treats.

March 1, 2014 at 2:59 PM

LOL! We had a family of them that just loved to sun themselves on the wooden platform surrounding our tent.

Cheryl Howard says

March 3, 2014 at 12:14 AM

Awww, each and every photo is so so cute! 🙂

March 5, 2014 at 8:04 AM

Oh how I would love to go on safari! It would be even better to get to see all these baby animals. They’re all so cute, especially the Hyrax!

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Fun Facts About Africa's Baby Safari Animals

Baby animals are heart-warmingly cute, and the offspring of Africa's safari animals are no exception. From elephant calves covered in ginger fuzz to playful lion and cheetah cubs, spotting baby animals is a highlight of any safari.

However, there's more to these tiny creatures than their adorable appearance. Unlike human infants, wild babies have to adapt quickly to life in the bush. Prey animals like Wildebeest and Impala have to be able to run within a few hours of being born, and even predator cubs have to learn quickly how to avoid danger. 

In this article, we look at a few African safari animals and the adaptations that they have developed to help them through their vulnerable infancy. Most animals are born at the start of the rainy season when food is plentiful and life is relatively easy. If you want to see baby animals on safari, this is the best time to go. 

Andy Rouse / Stone / Getty Images

Lion cubs are usually born as part of a litter of up to four siblings. Female lions often synchronize births so that all of the pride's cubs are born around the same time. In this way, females can take turns caring for the cubs, which will suckle indiscriminately from any of the mothers as they get older.

Lion cubs are blind for the first week but can crawl within a few days. They learn to walk at around 3 weeks old and are fully weaned by the age of 7 months.

The first weeks are the most vulnerable, and during this time the mother lion hides her cubs in patches of long grass to avoid detection by other predators. As they become more stable, cubs play with each other, instinctively mimicking behaviors and strategies useful for hunting.

The two biggest threats to lion cubs are starvation and infanticide. The latter happens when a new male takes over the pride and kills the offspring of his predecessor.

The best places to see lion cubs in the wild include South Africa's Kruger National Park,​ Serengeti National Park  in Tanzania, and the  Maasai Mara National Reserve  in Kenya. 

Elephant Calf

Arno Meintjes Wildlife / Getty Images

Elephant calves may be small compared to their parents, but they still weigh around 260 pounds (150 kilograms) at birth. Thanks to an incredible 22 month gestation period, baby elephants are well developed when they finally arrive and can walk within a few hours of being born.

Baby elephants are unsure what to do with their trunks at first and will often suck on them in the same way that a human baby sucks their thumb. Elephants grow quickly, drinking around three gallons of milk every day. Their family unit is so strong that if a mother dies or is unable to care for her baby, the calf will be taken care of and nursed by a surrogate mother. Calves are usually weaned by the time they reach their first birthday, although they still depend on the herd for protection for at least another year after that.

Female elephants stay with the herd for the rest of their lives, while males will eventually leave to form their own herd. Great places to see elephants in Africa include Botswana's Chobe National Park , South Africa's Addo Elephant Park, and Tarangire National Park in Tanzania.

Gorilla Infant

Fabian von Poser / Getty Images

Like human babies, baby gorillas are called infants—and with only around 880 mountain gorillas left in the world, it's a real privilege to see them in the wild. Gorillas are also similar to humans in that gestation takes around eight and a half months, and female gorillas have an average of three offspring during their lifetime. Twins do occur but are relatively rare.

Newborns typically weigh in at around 4.5 pounds (2 kilograms)​ and are entirely dependent on their mothers until they learn to crawl at about 2 months old. Baby gorillas can walk by the time they're 9 months old, but are only truly independent of their parents at around 3 years old.

For the first few months, baby gorillas ride on their mother's back, using their powerful fingers to grip tightly onto her long hair. Unlike most other African animals, mountain gorillas do not have a specific breeding season—which means that if you join a gorilla trek in Rwanda, Uganda or the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DMC), you stand a chance of seeing infants all year round. 

Cheetah Cub

Tom Applegate / Getty Images

Cheetahs are usually born in litters of three to five cubs. Cubs can weigh as little as 5.3 ounces (150 grams) at birth, although newborns are already capable of crawling and spitting. It takes up to 11 days for the cubs' eyes to open, and two weeks for them to start walking. 

In the wild, cheetah cubs are extremely vulnerable to predation by larger cats, so their mothers keep them well hidden for the first few weeks. They also have a mantle of long, bluish fur that disappears over time. It is thought that this acts as a deterrent to would-be predators, by helping the cubs resemble the fierce honey badger. 

Cheetah cubs are weaned by 6 months and start attempting to chase small animals around the same time. It usually takes over a year for juvenile cheetahs to make their first successful kill, however. In the meantime, they remain dependent on their mothers for meat. It's a rare treat to see baby cheetahs on safari, but your best bet is in the Serengeti, the Maasai Mara, and South Africa's Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park . 

Giraffe Calf

Kenneth Canning / Getty Images

Giraffe calves are usually born singly, or more rarely, as twins. Female giraffes give birth standing up—so that the calf starts its life by falling several feet to the ground. Newborn giraffes are already over an astonishing six feet (2 meters) tall and are able to walk and even run within a few hours of being born. ​Co-ordination takes a little longer to achieve, however!

The giraffe's small horns, or ossicones, are flattened in the womb to make birth easier, but become erect within a few days. These horns help the calf to regulate its body temperature, and if it's a male, it will one day be used in fights with other giraffes.

Calves are typically weaned at around 18 months but will start to try vegetation as early as 2 months. Despite their impressive height, baby giraffes are a target for hungry lions. They depend on their mother's powerful kick for defense. Like gorillas, giraffes have no set breeding season. They are easily spotted at most private and national reserves in Southern and East Africa . 

Spotted Hyena Cub

Spotted hyena cubs are almost always born in pairs. They are well developed and are the largest of all carnivore offspring in relation to the weight of their mothers. Spotted hyena cubs are also unique in that they are born with their eyes open, and with sharp canine teeth that can measure up to a quarter-inch (7 millimeters) in length. It is common for hyena cubs to attack their siblings, and often the weaker will be killed.

Despite their teeth, spotted hyena cubs suckle their mothers for up to 16 months, growing strong on milk that has the highest protein content of any terrestrial carnivore. Spotted hyenas are quick to develop, displaying territorial and even sexual behavior before they are even a month old.

After just one year, they are already adept hunters and can start producing their own young at 3 years of age. Spotted hyenas are widespread throughout the top safari destinations  of sub-Saharan Africa. Often, night safari drives offer the best sightings. 

Warthog Piglet

Alison Langevad /  Getty Images

Warthog mothers have litters of up to eight piglets and form a family group known as a sounder with other moms and babies. The mother gives birth to her piglets in a hole, where she suckles them for a week or so before rejoining the sounder. It is thought that individual piglets each have their own teat, which they suckle from exclusively for around six months. Although. babies often start rooting for bulbs at a few weeks old. If a mother pig loses her litter, she will often adopt piglets from another litter, helping those that remain to get the nutrition they need.

Piglets become mobile quickly and are known for their playful nature. All warthogs have a thin, tufted tail that they hold erect like a television aerial. It's thought that this characteristic makes it easy for piglets and mothers to spot each other when running through long grass. Warthog piglets are usually born at the beginning of the rainy season and are a common sight throughout sub-Saharan Africa. 

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I Brought My Baby on an African Safari — Here's What I Learned on the Adventure of a Lifetime

It turns out a 10-month-old baby makes an incredible companion on a safari in South Africa — if only for the reminder to slow down and savor the wild moments.

When I imagined our first family safari , our 10-month-old daughter in tow, I never pictured releasing her onto the wild red Kalahari Desert sand to join a mob of 15 meerkats. (And yes, that's the proper term.) But there we were, watching Indah crawl curiously toward a trio of the diminutive mammals, reaching out her chubby hand in a choppy wave as they stared, frozen in myriad meerkat poses — one standing, leaned back on its kickstand-like tail, another crouched. With a longtime researcher overseeing the adorable interaction, she was so excited and they, too, were interested. This was the first human baby the clan had ever seen. We know this for a fact since they're habituated in Tswalu, a 111,000-hectare private reserve with a maximum of 28 guests.

I thought our guide, OB Medupe, was joking when he first mentioned we sit Indah amid all these funny little not-quite-foot-tall creatures. But he delivered, on that and so many more stunning moments while we lived our best lives at Tswalu, The Motse in January, followed by Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge — both in South Africa, a place with a seemingly universal love for babies. The adventure was planned in flawless detail by Extraordinary Journeys ' CEO, Elizabeth Gordon , and her team — several of them moms — using their encyclopedic knowledge of the most kid-friendly (not to mention low-malaria-risk) safari destinations on the African continent.

Before I continue, I'm aware that taking an infant on safari sounds out there. My past exploits were always hyper focused on wildlife photography, but I was eager to be more present and soak up the bush through fresh eyes. My husband, Keith, and I are adventurous travelers and wildlife lovers, and we want to expose our daughter, Indah, to the world early, layering in typical baby experiences with extraordinary ones, too. We feel it's important for her to hear other languages and accents, and be loved by others who are not her family. She won't remember waving at giraffes and jabbering at elephants, having her diaper changed 20 feet from a leopard, or eating biltong in the bush during sundowners, but I'm confident those experiences will wiggle into her subconscious and positively affect her world view and sense of connection.

In contrast to her small COVID bubble at home, Indah's safari sphere was infinite. The magic began the moment we touched down in Tswalu's sleek eight-seat aircraft and stepped into The Nest, living architecture where hundreds of sociable weaver birds flitted between their homes woven into the thatched roof. (The Fireblade Aviation hangar in Johannesburg was a lovely prelude, with a large kids' playroom, snacks, and wine.) They captivated our baby birder, her eyes dancing trying to follow them. We hopped into a Land Cruiser with OB and our tracker, Piet, who laughed when I joked that Indah had been waiting her whole life for this. "Her whole 10 months," cracked Keith. And with that, our safari — a Swahili word meaning journey — began, filled with rare species signature to the Kalahari Desert.

There, amid iconic orange sand with painterly layers of green, pink, and blue adding depth to the landscapes, we saw pygmy antelopes called steenbok, a slick black sable running like a mythical creature, and cheetah brothers, fur wet from the morning dew, walking coolly and sniffing around before stretching out on their backs in typical cat style. Our first giraffe sighting made a major impact, and Indah waved maniacally, pointed, and talked up a storm. These giant animals full of grace seemed to notice our tiny Dr. Dolittle, who spoke to them exuberantly.

The nickname stuck at Sabi Sabi, where our soft-spoken yet knowledgeable guide, Andries Ndlovu, responded to Indah's evocative chatter aimed at a sea of impalas with, "Who knows, they might understand you!" As a soon-to-be first-time dad, he loved her enthusiasm. But Indah's spirited full-body communication made us nervous at times, too, like while watching a thick-maned male lion nurse a fresh forehead wound. Andries knew from experience that this cat had no interest in us, but my heart nearly jumped out of my chest when he sat up just as Indah started voicing her hangry cues. I quickly begin nursing her as he walked past, a few nail-biting feet away. In contrast, I didn't worry at all when we rolled up on a maternal lioness that Andries called "a tough cookie" as she dozed in a sandy riverbed with her two girls.

Be prepared for your child to occasionally scare off wildlife, like when Indah's excited yelp frightened a beautiful cheetah before I could lift my camera. Overwhelmingly, however, she seemed to have little impact on the wild, though she made an impression on visitors surprised to spot a human baby. Animal babies weren't a rarity, though, like when we saw an elephant family of mamas, daughters, aunties, and sisters, the little ones running playfully and adults using their trunks to bathe in sand that looked like shimmering gold in the morning sun. I'd typically be all over that moment with my telephoto lens, but Indah was still waking up and I happily tended to her. A bonus? I got to take the magnificent parade in with my eyes instead of through a camera.

Our protective instincts flared up again amid an idyllic scene of dazzling zebras, wildebeest, a spectacular saddle-billed stork, and more elephants, including the animal world's version of a six-ton bodybuilder on steroids: a male musth. The strong earthy smell washed over us in the breeze, signaling an aggressive guy who moments later charged, looking positively ginormous beside another vehicle. In the excitement, Indah fell asleep, soothed somehow by the deafening cacophony of birds. She was still out when we met a leopard, legs and tail dangling from a high tree branch — the picture of chill yet amazingly alert with yellow eyes.

A monumental mama white rhino with her precious baby most engaged Indah as they grazed their way closer to us, munching on grass and clearly curious about this outrageously loud yet petite creature gesticulating and calling in a tiny Sabi Sabi safari hat. Rhinoceroses balance bad eyesight with superior smell and hearing, so when Indah did what babies do best, she played right into their senses. Mama, a mere 15 feet from our vehicle, actually jumped, turned, and trotted away. Yes, our child's number two ended this most intimate rhino encounter.

Fortunately, she didn't frighten away Tswalu's full-time baby whisperer (a.k.a. child minder), Sanna, a sweet South African Mary Poppins who Indah immediately hopped to like a lemur. It was a trip to have someone swing by and snag our baby, then return her smiling and clutching a flower or seed pod. On one occasion, when looking for our daughter, I was told, "Indah's in the spa having a treatment and Sanna says she's not done yet." I laughed and headed over to find Indah sitting on Sanna's lap eating a cookie, her feet being lovingly rubbed by a masseuse. Sanna's fun watch enabled Keith and I to get a massage, and also have the culinary adventure of a lifetime at Klein Jan , the surprising restaurant by Michelin-starred South African chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen. A fellow diner aptly described it as the "James Bond of dining experiences."

At Sabi Sabi, our housekeeper, Busi, doubled as a babysitter. When we returned one night to our stunning suite — a two-bedroom with three bathtubs, including a pair in the glorious glass-encased primary bathroom — at 9 p.m., we were shocked and amused to find a dazed-looking baby tied around Busi's back. It was a hilarious cultural exchange moment for Indah, who'd apparently woken up hours earlier and didn't want to go back to sleep. (The concept of letting a baby fall back asleep unassisted does not seem to translate.)

Gordon had promised these properties would cater well to Indah, and she was spot on. Sabi Sabi has a vibrant, vast kids' camp, dubbed EleFun Centre. Chefs at both camps happily prepared special meals for Indah at the odd times we needed them — say 4 p.m. so she could eat dinner on the road. Our first attempt was somehow smoother than in a high chair, despite bumping along corduroy roads. (Pediatricians recommend babies have good head and neck stability for these rough rides, and sit in a rear-facing car seat.) We also stashed croissants and rusks for a mid-drive snack to keep Indah occupied.

A few more practical tips: Pack lots of layers for multiple seasons in one day. (We'd also sprayed Indah's clothes with permethrin in advance, and none of us got a single mosquito bite.) Give yourselves a few days before starting the safari to adjust to South Africa time. Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg — wonderful with baby amenities — makes a lovely first stop for resetting internal clocks and circadian rhythms plus spending relaxed days at the pool and lush grounds.

Above all, be comfortable with flexibility. It's amazing how a little one's enthusiasm for exciting newness can trump exhaustion. Our guides were adaptable to our timing, plus we had a private vehicle. And we alternated nights keeping Indah up later with ones where we put her down early with a sitter so we could have adults-only drives. The first evening, I tried putting her to sleep in the car seat while we spotted wildlife and a nest of sweet just-hatched birds, but she cried so loudly that OB said she sounded like a distressed cob. So, defeated, we stopped for gin and tonics as Indah sat in the tracker seat, jubilant despite her tired red eyes.

Even at 10 months, Indah seemed to come into her own in Africa, as so many adults do. Observing her being as social, trusting, and fearless toward animals, as she was with all the guides, trackers, hosts, servers, and housekeepers, was a pure joy. Her beautiful unbridled energy rubbed off on everyone, especially me — I actually found myself waving to a group of impalas when she wasn't around. "When you stop looking and just enjoy, it's like the animals come to you," Andries said at one point, enjoying our baby-led pace, too. It was a wonderfully chill vibe with less pressure than on previous safaris. I felt connected: to the wildlife, to the landscapes, to Africa, and to Indah, who nursed a ton and took incredible naps, including one for nearly two hours in my arms as we cruised through the Kalahari calmly looking for rhino tracks.

Being outside all day long in fresh air helped lull Indah into slumbers I know had to be filled with the fantastical wildlife we were seeing. And no, she won't recall actually seeing them, but I believe those memories will infiltrate her dreams for a long time to come. Mine, too.

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Africa Geographic Editorial

Friday, 26 July 2019

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We're an eclectic pack of safari experts, storytellers, admin and tech nerds and digital natives whose sole mission is celebrating Africa and doing good. We do this by creating life-changing, responsible safaris just for you, publishing informative, factual articles about Africa's incredible natural wonders and raising donations for worthy causes. This MANIFESTO explains our approach to travel and conservation.

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• Pregnancy Weeks
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• White Noise

17 Safari Nursery Ideas for Your Little Wild Thing

Expecting a baby? Life’s about to get wild. If an animal-themed safari nursery is on your mind, consider stepping things up a bit with these adorable safari nursery details. Whether you’re going all-out with the safari nursery theme or are making subtle nods with, for example a giraffe-print crib sheet or elephant wall art, there are so many ways to create a beautiful safari-themed space for your little one. Here are some of our favorites safari nursery ideas. 

Dancing Animals Rug Safari Nursery Decor

Photo and where to buy: Pottery Barn Kids

A mid-century modern safari animal rug is the perfect choice for an upscale nursery—it’s on-theme and yet not cheesy. 

Monochrome Safari Nursery Wallpaper

Photo: Happiest Baby

A busy safari-print nursery wallpaper will bring elegance and timelessness to the space, especially if you opt for a black-and-white version like this one from Cole & Son . 

Black & White Safari Nursery Prints 

Photo: @thenomadicbaby  

Sure, safari animals are usually a vibrant bunch, but sometimes black-and-white plays so nicely in a baby’s jungle-themed room. This monochrome animal wall art pops on a tribal-print background. 

Flower Crown Safari Nursery Prints and Decor

Photo: @busybeingsasha

There are so many unique safari theme wall art options on Etsy and Amazon , but if you’re designing a girly nursery, these flower-crown-wearing jungle animals are too cute to pass up. 

Faux Taxidermy Safari Nursery Decor

The modern trend of taxidermy-inspired decor is a fun one to pull into any nursery; a plush giraffe head adds whimsy to your safari-themed baby room .  

Giraffe Safari Nursery Decor

What safari nursery is complete without a giraffe? SNOO Zoo would fit right in with this nursery theme, while amping up the style with its elegant design. Plus, nature-lovers can feel good about adding this gentle giant to their decor because a portion of all proceeds goes to the World Resources Institute—an organization that's helping to restore and conserve natural habitats!

Safari Nursery Blushing Bears Rug

Photo & Where to Buy: Rugs USA

Another pop of pretty for your girly safari nursery! The soft pink tone is charming and neutral, and the friendly bears enhance the animal-themed nursery so sweetly.   

Safari Nursery Animal Nameplate

Photo & where to buy: Miller Kyle Studios vis Etsy

What baby’s room would be complete without a name or monogram sign? This handmade giraffe nameplate is the perfect touch to create a modern safari-themed nursery.

Safari Nursery Mat

Photo & where to buy: deeranddot via Etsy

Baby will love a soft and cozy tummy time and play mat with a cheerful safari animal print. Add fringe for boho flair!

Jungle Safari Nursery Neutral Wall Art

Photo & where to buy: Buy Buy Baby

Earthy tones and simple shapes like the ones in this series make for a beautiful, gender-neutral addition to any safari theme baby room.  

Safari Nursery Crib Sheet

Photo & Where to Buy: AGreatBaby via Etsy  

Personalized baby bedding is always a nice touch, but these animals on safari are an extra-special way to infuse your safari nursery theme in every aspect of the room. Plus, it’ll be the perfect backdrop for adorable snoozy baby pictures.  

Safari Nursery Animal Mobile

Photo & where to buy: NicoandMaddie via Etsy  

Baby will drift right to Dreamland while watching dainty safari animals dance above the crib with this great baby room accessory.

Safari Nursery Growth Chart 

Photo & where to buy: ThereseDekkerDesigns

Rather than scribbling baby’s height on the wall, consider a moveable, oversized ruler that can go anywhere—and it matches your safari nursery theme! 

Safari Nursery Giraffe  

Photo:  @augustaj

Tie the jungle safari theme together with an oversized, standing stuffed animal that will create interest and add humor to the space. Taking Baby’s photo next to this guy as he or she grows would be a cute way to mark milestones, too!

Nursery Safari Paper Art

Photo: @MittyandWilf  

Add charm and happiness with a bright splash of color. Nursery wall art can be so many different things, and these paper cut out pieces from Mitty and Wilf are just precious. 

Safari Nursery Hippo Rocker

Photo & where to buy: Pottery Barn Kids

The Pottery Barn Kids animal rocker has become a modern classic. Available in so many styles and colors, there’s one for every baby’s room—but the hippo is our top pick for your baby’s animal safari nursery.  

… Or Just Go All Out With Your Safari Nursery Theme!

Photo: @lust_life_designs  

This mama didn’t spare a single detail when creating her safari nursery, and we’re here for it! From banana leaf wallpaper and potted plants, to tons of rattan and wicker, and felt animal heads… every inch of this nursery pulls off the safari nursery theme flawlessly. Check the original post on Instagram for where-to-shop.

Final Thoughts on Safari Nursery Ideas 

No safari nursery is complete without an amazing baby bed that can complement any decor...no matter how wild! Enter: The SNOO baby bassinet  which is perfect for every baby room. Plus, SNOO actually helps promote healthy sleep and keeps baby's safely sleeping in their back!

About Jenny Studenroth Gerson

Jenny Studenroth Gerson is an Atlanta-based lifestyle journalist and novelist ( Let Me Let You Go , 2020). Her work can be seen in publications including HuffPost, Cosmo, and WSJ, among many others. Jenny has researched thousands of baby names, combed through hundreds of nursery designs, and curated dozens of baby shower guides, making her absolutely the mom—and writer—you want to talk to when planning for Baby. When not meeting deadlines, she is chasing toddlers or chugging coffee—or both! Find her on Instagram @ourlifeinrosegold for mom hacks and more.

View more posts tagged, nursery themes

Have questions about a Happiest Baby product? Our consultants would be happy to help! Submit your questions here.

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.

Animals You Can See On a Safari

• Animals Living in the Mariana Trench
• Animals with Long Necks
• Ugly Animals
• Smartest Animals
• Flying Animals
• Dumbest Animals
• Biggest Animals in the World
• Animals that Hibernate
• Fastest Animals in the World
• Hoofed Animals
• Animals that are Herbivorous
• Fluffy Animals
• Extinct Animals
• Melanistic Animals
• Longest Living Animals
• Animals That Mate For Life
• Ruminant Animals
• Scary Animals
• Poisonous Animals
• Colorful Animals
• Asexual Animals
• Animals that Burrow
• Fat Animals
• Dangerous Animals
• Slow Animals
• Nocturnal Animals
• Strong Animals
• Gay Animals
• Weird Animals
• Black Birds in Florida
• Beautiful Animals
• Animals That Lay Eggs (Oviparous Animals)
• Animals Living in Death Valley
• Yellowstone National Park
• Domestic Animals
• Land Animals
• Animals That Kill the Most Humans

Arguably, the most popular destination for enthusiasts to go on a safari is Africa, notably Kenya and East Africa, due to the fauna the continent is home to. For instance, the “Big 5” was a designation given to five animals by hunters due to the difficulty involved in hunting them. However, nowadays, these animals are the species everyone wishes to see the most on a safari. They are the African elephant , the African lion, the black rhino, the Cape buffalo , and the leopard.

List of Safari Animals

• African Brush-tailed Porcupine
• African Elephant
• African Lion
• African Wild Dog
• Bat-eared Fox
• Black Rhino
• Black Wildebeest
• Black-backed Jackal
• Blue Wildebeest
• Brown Hyena
• Cape Buffalo
• Cape Mountain Leopard
• Common Warthog
• Desert Warthog
• Elephant Shrew
• Ethiopian Wolf
• Giant Pangolin
• Grévy’s Zebra
• Ground Pangolin
• Hippopotamus
• Honey Badger
• Long-tailed Pangolin
• Mountain Gorilla
• Mountain Zebra
• Northern Giraffe
• Plains Zebra
• Riverine Rabbit
• Rothschild’s Giraffe
• Side-striped Jackal
• Spotted Hyena
• Striped Hyena
• Thomson’s Gazelle
• Tree Pangolin
• White Rhino
• African Grey Hornbill
• African Penguin
• Cape Glossy Starling
• Cape Vulture
• Egyptian Vulture
• Grey Crown Crane
• Helmeted Guinea-fowl
• Kori Bustard
• Lesser Flamingo
• Lilac-Breasted Roller
• Malachite Kingfisher
• Marabou Stork
• Masai Ostrich
• Red-billed Buffalo Weaver
• Rüppell’s Vulture
• Saddle Billed Stork
• Secretary Bird
• Southern Masked Weaver Bird
• White-backed Vulture
• White-billed Buffalo Weaver
• White-headed Vulture
• Agama Lizard
• Leopard Tortoise
• Nile Crocodile

Some of the best countries that offer safaris are Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

While the animals are wild and, therefore, can exhibit unpredictable behavior, a guide will be present to provide protection and keep them safe.

Not at all. In fact, they prevent poaching by incentivizing locals to protect endangered species due to the money provided by these safaris.

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Nursery Lookbook with 100's of curated designs - industry's most coveted Lookbook

21 wild and wonderful safari nursery ideas.

• Tira Attygalla
• Updated on:
• October 13, 2023

If you're looking for a way to create a fun and engaging space for your little one, why not consider a safari-themed nursery? With its bright colors, playful animal prints, and adventurous decor, a safari theme can be the perfect choice for parents who want a design that is exciting and playful. Ahead are 21 wild and wonderful safari nursery ideas so you can introduce your little one to the wonders of the natural world. Whether you're looking for inspiration for your baby boy's nursery or your baby girl's room , these safari-themed ideas run the gamut from bold and colorful accent walls to natural wood and earthy tones with traditional animals like elephants and giraffes to playful lions, curious monkeys, and more. You'll find something special to turn your nursery into a wild and wonderful oasis.

Get ready to go on a wild and wonderful adventure as we explore the best safari nursery ideas for your baby's new space.

21 SAFARI NURSERY IDEAS

Safari-themed wall murals.

When decorating a safari-themed nursery, murals can add a sense of adventure and wonder. From lush jungle scenes to playful animal prints, there are a variety of safari-themed mural options to choose from. A safari mural can be a great way to create a focal point in the room and set the tone for the rest of the decor. Whether you choose a colorful mural or a more subtle and naturalistic one, a safari mural can inspire your little one's imagination and sense of adventure. And the best part? A mural can be a relatively easy and affordable idea to transform a nursery into a wild and wonderful oasis.

Safari Nursery Wallpaper 

Decorating a playful and beautiful safari-inspired nursery can be made easy with safari wallpaper designs. You can opt for all-over safari wallpaper or use it as an accent wall to create a unique and dynamic space. The key is to select a wallpaper design that complements the baby's room.

Animal Prints  

Animal prints bring playfulness and whimsy to a safari-themed nursery. From leopard spots to zebra stripes, there are a variety of animal prints to choose from, each with its unique character and charm. Animal print accents can be incorporated into nursery decor in countless ways, from bedding and curtains to pillows and wall art. Go bold with a statement animal print wallpaper, or keep it subtle with a few animal print accents scattered throughout the room.

Jungle-Inspired Wall Hangings

Jungle-inspired wall hangings can be a great way to bring the lush greenery and exotic beauty of the jungle into a safari-themed nursery. Jungle-inspired wall hangings such as woven tapestries add texture, color, and visual interest to the nursery decor while creating a sense of depth and dimensionality.

Bold and Colorful Accent Walls

An accent wall is an easy and affordable way to add personality to a safari nursery. Painting in bold, adventurous colors such as greens, oranges, and browns can inject energy and style into a safari-themed nursery. Take a more classic route with a simple solid color, painting a bold accent wall to create a focal point in the room and set the stage for the rest of the decor.

Natural Wood and Earthy Tones

Incorporating natural wood and earthy tones can be a great way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in a safari-themed nursery. From wooden cribs and dressers to woven baskets and rugs made from natural fibers, there are many ways to incorporate these elements into the decor. Natural wood furniture can add warmth and texture to the space, while earthy tones like greens, browns, and beiges can create a sense of calm and tranquility.

Tribal-Inspired Decorative Elements

Incorporating tribal-inspired decorative elements can add a sense of cultural richness and depth to a safari-themed nursery. From woven baskets and textiles to carved wooden figurines and masks, tribal-inspired decor items can work well in a nursery design.

Safari-Inspired Lighting and Lamps

Adding safari-inspired lighting and lamps can add a sense of adventure and whimsy to a safari-themed nursery. You can also incorporate lighting that mimics the warm glow of a sunset or the soft light of a campfire to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Adding dimmer switches can also be a great way to adjust the lighting to fit your little one's needs, whether for quiet-time or playtime.

Safari-Themed Storage 

Safari-themed storage solutions come in many shapes and sizes and can help elevate your nursery. From wall-mounted shelves to cute animal-shaped cubbies and animal-inspired storage bins, they provide practical storage solutions to help keep everything organized and tidy.

Safari-Inspired accessories and accents

Safari-inspired nursery accessories and accent pieces can give a playful and adventurous vibe. Add a touch of whimsy by incorporating animal-shaped pillows, plush toys, or safari-themed mobiles above the crib. Using natural materials like bamboo or rattan can add a sense of authenticity to the decor while also feeling playful. Adding a vintage safari trunk or suitcase as a decorative piece can also be a great way to add a sense of history and adventure to the room. Whether it's a roaring lion, a gentle giraffe, or a majestic elephant, safari-inspired elements can add a touch of magic to your baby's nursery, making it a space that both you and your little one will cherish.

Are you inspired to create a stunning safari nursery with a touch of the wild that is fit for an adventurous little one? Look no further- we’ve gone through our Nursery Lookbook  and are here to bring you some of our favorite safari nursery designs.

Nolan's nursery

Kiran's nursery

Morgan's nursery

Aiden's nursery

Hudson's nursery

Leo's nursery

Declan's nursery

Grady's nursery

Dominick's nursery

Baker's nursery

NURSERY EDIT- APRIL SHOPPING LIST

17 glorious spring inspired nursery designs, 17 mesmerizing girly nursery ideas, nursery edit- march shopping list, 7 beautiful japandi nursery ideas that’s all about the calm, 9 dreamy football-themed nursery ideas for your little champ, nursery lookbook, leonor’s nursery, elsie’s nursery.

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