South Africa is a worthwhile destination for those travelling with kids. While children can do most things adults can do on safari, long game drives and bush walks can get a bit tedious. Here are two family friendly lodges that offer tailored kids’ programmes to ensure your precious little ones are having the time of their lives, allowing you to enjoy your time off as you please.
- Shamwari Game Reserve, Eastern Cape
Shamwari Game Reserve, located between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown, boasts the exquisite Riverdene Lodge with inter-leading luxury rooms, a rim-flow swimming pool, supervised playroom, spacious lawns, and a jungle gym. Upon arrival, you will be met by the children’s coordinator who will discuss the activity options with you, taking into account your family size, kids’ ages, and the weather; to tie together a package tailor made for you. Babysitting services are available for kids under 4 years who are too young for the game drives. Each child will receive an age-appropriate gift pack.
Kids’ programme
- Visit the Born Free Foundation Big Cat Rescue Centre: activities are focused on promoting the conservation of species and their habitat.
- Shamwari Animal Rehabilitation Centre: check out the different types of wild animals and raptors being cared for at the centre.
- Riverdene Lodge: take part in various social, sports, arts, and cultural activities under supervision of the children’s coordinator, including scrapbooking, puzzles, documentary DVDs, children’s books, board games, bead and clay making, star gazing, and African storytelling.
- Babysitting service
- Kiddies’ menu
Other activities
- Game drives
- Birding
- Spa treatments
- Ian Player Rhino Awareness Centre
- Field guide training
Emdoneni Lodge, KwaZulu-Natal
Emdoneni Lodge in Hluhluwe prides itself on actively welcoming children of all ages. The Kids Programme is well structured and run by experienced guides who are passionate about both kids and nature, with each activity tailored to suit the children’s interest and attention span. With chalets and rondavels for families with inter-leading rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and patios, Emdoneni Lodge offers the ideal family escape.
Kids’ Programme
- Animal Adventure Game Drive: learn about the animals at Emdoneni. (1 hour)
- Kids’ Night Drive: search for nocturnal animals such as the resident bush babies. (1 hour)
- Short guided afternoon walks: discover insects, animal tracks, trees, vegetation, and learn fascinating facts. (1 hour)
- Picnic and Bush Art: enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush and make a card for mom and dad using the goodies you have collected on your picnic. (2 hours)
- Spot the Poop: your ranger will point out the different types of animal poop. (1 hour per child)
- Animal Tracks: learn how our ancestors used to find their dinner by tracking the various animals. (1. 5 hours)
- Target Shooting: learn how to shoot with a bow and arrow like the ancient hunters. (1 hour)
- Star Gazing: enjoy an evening of star gazing with your guide. (1 hour)
- Educational Bug Scouting: fill your bug containers with a wide range of fascinating creatures. (1 hour)
- Katty Shooting: practise your aim while shooting different targets with a catapult. (1 hour)
- Junior Ranger Course (4 – 12 years): train to become a Junior Game Ranger. You will learn about big cats; resident animals like antelope, birds, and insects; tree identification; animal tracking; and direction. Each child will receive a canvas backpack, colouring book or notebook, cap, and a completion certificate. (3 hours).
- Babysitting service
- Kiddies’ menu
Other activities:
- Game drives in nearby Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Park (3, 6, 8, or 10 hours)
- Guided walking trails at Emdoneni
- Agricultural experience: visit to pineapple and sugar cane farms
- Deep sea game fishing, snorkelling and sunset tours at Cape Vidal or Sodwana Bay
- Boat trips to view hippos and crocodiles at Lake St Lucia
- Zulu cultural experience at DumaZulu Cultural Village and Reptile Park
- Quad biking, target shooting, and horse riding
- Cape Vidal and Sodwana Bay beaches
Which game lodge would you like to visit with your family? When planning your safari, check out these tips on what to pack, what NOT to do on safari, what to expect and planning your trip, and other tips on safaris.
