On Safari With Kids: Tips For Success
Kruger-National-Park-Guided-Walk

Kruger-National-Park-Guided-Walk

On Safari With Kids: Tips For Success

African Safari family vacation with children
African Safari Family vacation with children

An African Safari Family vacation with children has never been easier. With a self-catering holiday in the greater Kruger National Park, Jacana River Lodge is the ideal way to introduce young children to the African wild. But there are some things to consider before you book the trip.

We all want our children to feel a deep-rooted connection to our wonderful bushveld. And also the amazing creatures that dwell in it. But a safari holiday could go both ways. The best ever, or an exhausting, stressful affair with bored kids behaving appallingly in public. If you want to make the most of your break, here’s what you need to consider.

With Kids, Self-Catering Is The Way To Go

Many formal lodges claim to cater for children but are mainly aimed at adults hankering after peace and quiet. Noisy, active kids don’t go down well in these communal dining, swimming and living areas. So, having your own space is ideal. Always check beforehand about the suitability of the facility.

On the other hand, a self-catering home allows you to wake up when it suits you. You can prepare the food you enjoy and do activities you love most at your leisure. All that without the pressure of a fixed schedule. Neither will you have to stress about trying to keep kids quiet on a game drive when there are other guests to consider. Or during hot afternoons when everybody else is trying to catch a nap. Both you and the kids will feel more relaxed and at home in an independent setting away from other visitors.  

Kruger-National-Park-Guided-Walk
Kruger-National-Park-Guided-Walk

There’s Safety In Numbers

Gathering a group of friends (or family) with mutual interests. And children of the same age can up the enjoyment factor for everyone involved. Sharing communal costs. As well as childcare and cooking responsibilities, makes life easier on parents, and the kids will love having friends around. A multi-functional home, with ample living spaces and separate entertainment areas, is ideal.

Choose Your Accommodation Carefully

A safari holiday will usually be centered around early morning and late afternoon game drives. But children will still need something to do during the rest of the day. Stressing about them in an environment where there are real hazards to contend with is no fun. If your children are still young, make sure your lodge home has a fenced-in garden or outdoor play area. Even a safe swimming pool and sufficient activities and games geared towards children.

Go For An Area With An Abundance Of Game

As much as we would like our children to be enthralled by the trees and landscape, truth is, children like to see animals. And lots of them! Mjejane Game Reserve is situated in the perfect position for excellent viewing. As the southern part of the Kruger National Park is known for its Big-5 sightings and teeming wildlife. Daily drives will be amply rewarded.And if you have a view over the Crocodile River, the animals will come to you!

What’s the right age?

This is entirely up to parents. But if you plan on spending a fair amount of time in the car, a good age is from about seven upwards. Hours of game viewing becomes monotonous for children. So once they are old enough to follow a checklist, go through guidebooks, download a bird call app or participate in car games involving finding animals, it becomes easier. Pro-tip: get each child their own pair of binoculars.

Be Prepared On Drives

Books, games, snacks, water…. and more! Checklists and competitive games to see who can spot what first (with rewards, of course!) work well. Download apps to identify sounds and have guides on trees and animals in the car. Pack wipes, sunblock, hats and extra clothes. As well as a large supply of small, chewy snacks. Aim for treats such as popcorn, rice crackers, wine gums and dried fruit.

Self-driving gives you the freedom to plan the day around your family’s needs. But don’t pass up on the opportunity to go on a guided game drive. An informed ranger can make the veld come alive and alight young imaginations with fascinating information. Such as about creatures big and small (as well as trees, plants, rocks, tracks, stars and anything else!)

During the day, give them the chance to stretch their legs whenever possible. Especially at lookout points or picnic spots. Park under a tree at a watering hole for an hour or two if the driving gets too much. So you can teach them the gentle art of watching the world go by…  

African Safari Family vacation with children

Jacana River Lodge

The ideal breakaway for families and friends. Jacana River Lodge in Mjejane Private Game Reserve offers 5-star luxury in a child-friendly environment. Five en-suite bedrooms (one wheelchair-friendly) and high-end finishes. Spacious open-plan living areas, cleaning services and a spectacular view over the Crocodile River sets it apart.

Guests can choose between two covered braai areas and a boma. Also, to prepare food, you can use the fully equipped kitchen. A private rim-flow pool, an entertainment room with a pool table, TV, mini-gym and games, and an outdoor jungle gym area complete the picture. Mjejane Private Game Reserve is in a pristine riverside setting. And with an abundance of beautiful, indigenous trees, overlooking the Crocodile River. Known for its thrilling game drives. The game-rich southern part of the Kruger National Park, it is the ideal safari destination. Jacana River Lodge offers a range of luxury accommodation options for families, friends or larger groups.

Follow us on Facebook for the latest offers

Comments are closed.