Although there is so much more to experience in South Africa, the primary purpose of this trip was to go on safari. With my daughters being eight and 11, it felt like the perfect age to introduce them to South Africa’s wildlife. Experiencing the animals through their eyes for the first time was truly magical and I loved watching them eagerly jump out of the vehicle with the guide, learning how to track leopards and rhinos. One unforgettable moment came as we were bathing in the pool, overlooking a watering hole, as ten elephants came down for a drink. At their ages, they were old enough to truly understand – and hopefully remember – what they were seeing, while still being young enough to maintain a sense of child-like wonder at everything they experienced. Two Greater Kruger lodges in particular really stood out for the ultimate family experience. 

Serondella Safari Lodge, Thornybush Reserve

Serondella Safari Lodge is a beautifully intimate camp in the Thornybush Reserve, recently renovated and upgraded. Its size (with only two one-bedroom suites, one two-bedroom suite and a three-bedroom cottage) made for personal service, that was beautifully attentive while managing to keep an informal atmosphere. We stayed in their gorgeous two-bedroom suite, complete with a living room and full-width deck overlooking the watering hole. But it was the little touches that really stood out for us, like the heated pools that allowed you to watch the wildlife as it walked past, and the ‘Future Rangers’ packs waiting on the children’s beds on arrival. Returning from game drives, the team were always ready to look after the kids and bring them dinner, while my wife and I enjoyed a drink at the bar. Alfred, our ranger, was brilliant with the children, introducing them to South Africa’s wildlife in a way that constantly engaged and surprised them – ‘Who Flung Dung?’ taught them just how much there was to learn about the animals from their poo alone!

Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge

Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge is one of the originals in the heart of the Sabi Sands, and has been around for nearly 45 years! It’s the biggest lodge I’ve stayed at (with 26 suites and villas) and my one concern was how busy it could be. However, those concerns quickly disappeared as a superbly organised team looked after everything we needed. Our two-bedroom villa was beautifully appointed with lovely touches for the girls, and the location was fantastic, with buffalo, kudu and lions appearing at the watering hole. At night, we loved eating dinner as the roar of two male lions resonated around us! The Elefun Kids Club was perfect for our two, giving them fun activities in the late morning post-safari, and giving us parents a chance to rest! Meals were mainly served buffet-style, which worked well for our family compared with more formal dining in other Kruger lodges. Again though, it was our ranger, Macs, who really brought this place alive for us, taking care to stop and chat through the children’s questions as we went. He helped them experience those moments of wonder that only safari can give you – a baby elephant learning to nurse, lion cubs wrestling in the grass, a baby rhino grazing alongside its mother.

We will be returning soon to explore the Western Cape more as a family and I’d encourage everyone to add this fabulous destination to the top of your ‘must-visit’ list!

For more inspiration, have a look at our example itinerary for the perfect family safari here. Contact Steve to start planning your adventure: call 01491 575 987 or email steve@savilerowtravel.co.uk

Ask Steve, our Head of Africa!

What tips do you have when planning a family safari holiday?

• Choose the right safari company (like us) who personally understand the differing needs of families, and can recommend destinations and lodges that will suit your family perfectly.
• Think about their ages. Though many safari lodges will allow children aged six and above on game drives, think about when your children are going to be able to appreciate the experience to its fullest, and truly bring back incredible memories. My youngest was aged eight on her first safari, and for me, it was the perfect age.
• Think about your destination. For younger children especially, the non-malarial reserves of South Africa can be a great introduction. For older children, you can be far more adventurous, exploring the Serengeti in your Jeep or Botswana by boat – definitely an adventure to be remembered!
• Think about the seasons. Some months bring longer, hotter and wetter days with much earlier starts and later finishes for children. Other months bring shorter, cooler and dryer days with later starts and earlier finishes – far less exhausting and more manageable for families.
• Pick lodges that have an emphasis on family activities (not just somewhere with a kids club). Think about the safari experiences themselves. Are the guides engaging with children? Do they run a ‘junior ranger program’? Are they jumping off the vehicles to track different prints in the sand, or investing ‘Who flung dung?’ Finding a lodge that offers activities in the lull between game drives can be great to give parents a little breather. My children went on a bush walk with their guide, and ended up in the kitchen with the chef baking!
• Pick lodges that offer great family suites. There’s nothing worse than a family of four squeezing into a double suite designed for two. Instead, at least look for suites with extra kids sleeping areas or, if budget allows, a full two-bedroom unit. It’s always good to chat with us so we can recommend the right type of room for you.
• Think about how you start and end your trip. Take at least a day or two in the country before heading on safari so you can get over the long flight and allow your children time to understand where they are before diving into game drives. They will appreciate the safari experience even more. Take time after the trip as well to unwind for a couple of days, giving you space as a family to reflect and chat through an incredible experience.
• Don’t think about safari as a ‘once in a lifetime’ trip. There are so many destinations to explore – and so many wonders to experience. For many, once you start going on safari, you will want to come back! And, as your children get older, they will appreciate those wonders in completely different ways.

Is it safe to take children on a safari?

In short – yes. There are a huge variety of safari experiences that are relevant for all ages. In order to provide the safest safari experience for your family, we simply need to pair the right lodge with the age and make-up of your family. That’s why we love to start our planning process by chatting with you and hearing all about your family.

Lodges are very careful to ensure their age limits are suited to the type of camp they are, and they will be very clear with us as to what those age limits are. For example, a wild, tented, unfenced camp is unlikely to be suitable for under 12s. This is also the case for the safari experience itself. As children get older, more of the experiences will become available to them. A toddler will be able to enjoy a shorter ‘bumble’ game drive in the late morning. A child aged 6-11 should be able to take part in fuller game drives. Children aged over 12 may be able to go on a bush walk or a hot air balloon ride. We will make sure we directly advise which activities are most suitable for your family as we plan your trip.