Thanda Main Lodge

Children Policy

Children of any age are welcome. Rates available on request. Children under the age of 6 will not be allowed on game drives. Children between the ages of 3 and 6 may accompany their parents on game drive if exclusive use of a Land Rover has been reserved - this is subject to availability and a surcharge per game drive (price on request). Children under the age of 3 will not be permitted on game drives at any time. Children under the age of 12 will not be allowed on bush walks, but special bush walks around the vicinity of the lodge can be arranged for younger children with their ranger. Baby sitters are available at a nominal rate and must be arranged prior arrival. Children under the age of 16 are not allowed in the Wellness Centre. Children under the age of 3 are not allowed in the boma, dining room or decks for dinner - a private boma experience will be arranged for families traveling with children under the age of 3. Alternatively, room service dinner and a baby sitter can be arranged for children of this age. A children’s menu is available at all times.

Children's Programme

Children of all ages are welcome at Thanda Main Lodge, and when they arrive at the lodge, they will be invited to join the Thanda Bucks & Bugs Club.

Bucks & Bugs is a great club for kids. On arrival, kids will be given a cool Bucks & Bugs bag. In it, they will find a special beaded broach which they’ll wear while they’re at Thanda so everyone will know they’re members of the club. Kids will also receive a welcome letter telling them where everything is, like the library and the swimming pool, as well as a colouring in book, a animal and bird check list, a beading or gaming kit, modelling clay and information on the Thanda Junior Rangers Course.

The Junior Rangers course is really exciting. Kids will be invited to complete the course during their stay by the ranger. During game drives with their ranger and tracker, kids will be taught about different mammals, birds, trees, spoor and even stars, and at the end of the their stay, they will be asked questions by their ranger. If they pass, they will be given a special certificate identifying them as a junior ranger, as well as a small graduation present.

In the library, kids will find a selection of books, both educational and fun, as well as story books full of animal tales and African folk stories. There is also a selection of videos and DVDs, animal puzzles and games.

When Bucks & Bugs kids go to sleep, they’ll find a goodnight story waiting for them, as well as milk and the chef’s favourite cookies. The chef also has special Bucks & Bugs fodder available, like toasted sandwiches, hamburgers, fish and chips, spaghetti Bolognese, and ice cream with chocolate sauce.

Lastly, a baby sitting service is available at a nominal cost. Due to the location of the lodge, off-duty staff are used to care for kids.

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Selection of other lodges that offer a children's programme.