Today’s fast-paced modern world is littered with devices and technology. There’s a constant need for instant gratification and an expectation to always be online and available. Immersing yourself in nature provides an opportunity to break-free from the need to be plugged-in constantly. A safari provides the ultimate wilderness escape where you are surrounded by endless savannah, big game and mind-blowing night skies. It’s important to introduce children to the beauty of the outdoors, and let them disconnect from the pressure of the modern world. This is why you should bring your children on safari to South Africa! It’s the type of holiday designed to keep the family connected to nature, and ensure your soul follows the rhythm of nature. Today, we’re sharing 5 lodges catering for children on safari to South Africa to help you prep for the ultimate holiday to Africa.
The below 5 safari lodges cater for children and even have their own have specific programs for kids.
Madikwe Safari Lodge in Madikwe Private Game Reserve
Madikwe is located in the Malaria-free Madikwe Private Game Reserve bordering the North West Province. Madikwe Safari Lodge has a choice of a few lodges, one of which is the family-friendly Lelapa Lodge. It’s a lodge that’s luxuriously laid-back and caters for both adults and kids.
The Eco House is where all the children’s activities happen, with a highlight being the “Mack and Madi Kids’ Adventure Safari Club”.
A qualified host of childminders, field guides and excursion managers have created the perfect kids safari package. Children learn everything from identifying animal tracks, discovering plants, baking, arts and crafts, outdoor movies and interacting with the local pet – a bearded dragon.
Babysitting services are available for the young toddlers, while the older kids have the option of joining gentle meanders in the surrounding bushveld.
There are 12 suites at Lelapa Lodge ideally set-up for families. The children’s bedrooms are full to the brim with all the creature comforts from home. We’re talking hoards of toys, books and bunk beds. For the more mature family members, there is a private lounge, viewing deck and plunge pool.
Across the way is the waterhole, which makes for ideal evening entertainment. Families often sit together, observing wildlife filtering down to the water’s edge.
Londolozi in the Famous Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve
The team at Londolozi have approached the family safari with a unique mindset. Instead of a set itinerary and cast-in-stone children’s program, Londolozi have a philosophy and understanding that each child has individual needs, as do the families. There are a host of activities available, and team members are on hand to maximise children’s safari experience. When children arrive at Londolozi their needs are assessed, and from there a safari experience is tailor-made.
The highlight of a children’s safari at Londolozi? Well…that would have to be the Cub’s Den ! This is a safe and secure area, where children are encourage to run around, be free and explore their rugged environment.
A few of the activities on offer include : learning how to climb trees, archery, making moulds from tracks, cooking and baking, fishing, ball sports, dung spitting, sling-shot, making s’mores, and movie nights.
In terms of accommodation, we recommend staying at Founders’ Camp comprising 7 superior chalets and 3 superior family chalets, each with expansive wooden decks with sweeping wilderness views. There’s a bohemian bushveld ambience at Founders’ Camp, Londolozi’s original camp.
Kariega Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape
Kariega Private Game Reserve is in a Malaria-free zone in the heart of the Eastern Cape. The Main Lodge caters for families with small children, and plays host to an array of activities. There is an actual children’s programme already set-up that takes up most of the day, but the team at Kariega do allow little ones to join their parents on safari (this is at the discretion of the guide).
The children’s programme focusses on educating and inspiring young minds. Youngsters have the option of identifying insects, learning about tracks, fishing, canoeing and baking. There are even babysitting services available, which gives parents the opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved break.
Each of the 24 log chalets at Kariega offer spacious accommodation, complete with a living area and expansive deck with views of the lush wilderness beyond. Designed to fit in with its surrounds, Kariega Main Lodge is most certainly a natural extension of its environment. Families can expect the typical highlights of safari living at Kariega, which include communal relaxation areas, restaurant, bar, swimming pool and boma area.
Kapama River Lodge in Kapama Private Game Reserve
The Kapama River Lodge is a rather social lodge that draws in a gregarious crowd. It’s the perfect safari destination for families, small groups and social couples. Rooms are huge and provide enough space for families looking for expansive areas with enough privacy. Because of the extra space, it’s quite possible for the Kapama team to add in plenty of extra beds for youngsters.
Suites come complete with triple balconies, which means there’s more than enough room for families to relax and enjoy sweeping views of the reserve. Air-conditioning, huge bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities, and a minibar are just a few of the things families can expect to find in their luxurious suite.
Singita Castleton in the Sabi Sand
Singita Castleton Camp is ideal for a luxurious family safari or friends travelling together looking for a private and exclusive safari experience. Singita Castleton is an exclusive use property, comprising 6 individual cottages. There are actually 2 cottages with inter-leading doors, ideal for young families. Castleton is the old historical residence of one of the Singita’s owners, and certainly has that luxury family-feel.
There are a number of safari activities for adults and families; and there are even specific children’s activities on offer. A few kid’s activities include : baking with chefs, arts and crafts, board games, astronomy, bush bumbles, and a mini game rangers’ course.
