Families who want to enjoy a family safari with their children can now book a tailormade safari adventure at Phinda.

Both educational and fun-filled, this safari includes a private safari vehicle, as well as a dedicated ranger specialised in guiding trips with children.

The ranger will spend time with the family on arrival, helping them to plan each thrilling day according to the children’s ages, their interests and the season. Just some of the exciting adventures on offer include:

• Animal tracking walks during which children make plaster casts of animal tracks

• Insect hunts with ultraviolet lights to learn about nocturnal insects

• Treasure hunts through the bush

• Specially planned game drives during which youngsters are given the opportunity to feel, smell, listen and see their environment

• Making animals out of clay, tree bark rubbings, painting with sand, palm frond weaving and traditional beading

• Basic astronomy

• Canoeing, boating and fishing

The cost for the family safari is currently R6,120 for a maximum of 6 guests, excluding accommodation. In addition to the dedicated family safaris, Phinda will continue to run an exciting programme of children’s activities at their child-friendly lodges.

Sibuya Tented Camp, situated in the malaria-free Eastern Cape, is a 3,000 hectare ‘sanctuary’ to an abundance of diverse wildlife from elephants to otters, and almost everything in between, including the other 4 members of the Big 5 – so lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino.

River Camp is ideal for families, as the children can be accommodated on fold-out sofa beds in the suites, and there is also a special 'entertainment tent' just for younger guests.

Rates from Travel Butlers for a stay in this camp start from just R2,130 per adult per night up until the end of August, and then increase on the 1st September to R2,420 per adult sharing. Single rooms attract a 50 supplement, and children under 3 stay free of charge, and up to 12 years pay half rate.

We are delighted to be able to offer another special offer to any guests looking for a short notice safari.

Jaci’s Safari Lodge and Jaci’s Tree Lodge are two of the best known and most popular lodges in the malaria-free Madikwe Game reserve (particularly amongst people looking for a family safari), and guests who can travel between 1 April and 30 April 2008 can now save around 24% vs the regular price.

The short notice rate of R2850 per person per night includes all meals, teas and game drives/walks, “jungle drive” and child-minding services.

The rate quoted is per person sharing and excludes any road or air transfers to and from the lodge, all airport taxes and applicable Madikwe entrance fees.

We are delighted to confirm that we will be offering 3 nights for the price of 2 at safari lodges in the Kariega Reserve for people travelling between 1 May and 30 September.

The Kariega reserve is ideal for families who are enjoying a holiday in Cape Town or the Eastern Cape who are also looking to include a safari in their trip.

The reserve is malaria free, and the main lodge has a number of 2, 3, and 4 bedroom chalets where it is possible for larger families and groups requiring a single room to stay very cost effectively.

Also as the reserve has an area without more dangerous game in it (i.e. no lions or elephants) guests are also welcome to walk, cycle, or canoe through parts of the reserve which gives a great opportunity to see giraffes, zebra, antelope and other species without being stuck in a vehicle.

The reserve is also only one of two in the area which can offer river cruises, and is also only a short drive from the coast and beaches at Kenton-on-Sea.

Children of any age are welcome. Rates available on request. Children under 5 are not allowed on normal game drives. Babysitting services are available.