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Family Safari Lodges
Family-friendly safaris in Southern and East Africa
Taking your children on a safari for the first time, and watching their faces as they see their first giraffe or zebra, is something that many parents dream about.
Whilst just about every safari lodge is suitable for older children, kids under the age of 12 are not catered for at many lodges and so families do need to make sure that they pick a lodge that will suit the whole family.
Each lodge has their own rules, particularly with regards to the age that children can join the adults on a game drive, and you should check exactly what your children will be able to do at your chosen lodge when booking - finding out that your 8 year old cannot go out to see the animals at the lodge you have chosen when you arrive can ruin your whole family's stay if you did not know this in advance!
Lodges Offering Children's Programmes
A growing number of safari lodges, particularly in South Africa, offer children's programmes for their younger guests.
These obviously vary from lodge to lodge, but in general the majority of the programmes will include 'bush bumbles' - a shortened version of the adults game drive, plus the vehicle will not get as close to the larger animals of the African bush (such as elephants, lions, buffalo and rhino); short bush walks in search of insects and animal spoor (what child wouldn't just LOVE the opportunity to be able to pick up some zebra dung !!), traditional story-telling about 'Why the Elephant has a Trunk' and 'Why the Warthog is so Ugly'.
Some lodges will offer kiddies bush picnics or special 'themed' meal times, some will even invite the children into the kitchen where the chef will help them bake cookies.
And all this goes on while the parents either enjoy their own game drives or relax around the pool !
If you would like to see a full listing of Children's programmes in South Africa, then follow this link: South African Lodges that offer a Children's Programme.
Other Child-Friendly Lodges
Even if you want to go to a lodge that doesn't offer a bespoke children's programme, there will always be babysitters on hand to look after the really young children during game drives. In general, the majority of lodges will not allow children younger than 5 to go on the long adult game drives (but the age restriction does vary from lodge to lodge).
If you really do want to share the safari experience with your little ones, you can ask the lodge if you can hire a Land Rover for a day, and the ranger will only take you and your family out on your own game drives. This will be an extra cost over and above the rate that you would normally pay, and whilst the lodge will do everything they can to accommodate this, they all do state that they cannot guarantee this service - purely for the reason that each lodge will normally have just one 'spare' Land Rover - and if one of the vehicles that is due to take out the other guests breaks down, then the spare vehicle has to be used !
Safaris in Malaria-Free Areas
For families with younger children, a malaria-free safari destination may also be preferable, and South Africa offers a wide choice of lodges across the Eastern Cape, Waterberg, Madikwe or Pilanesberg.
Search these Properties
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Kwara Camp, Kwara Concession ( Botswana )
Safari Lodge
The 8 luxury safari-style tents are built on raised decks, within a grove of huge and ancient African ebony trees. Resident hippos will generally serenade you year round from the water on the floodplain in front of the camp.
Ilkeliani Camp, Masai Mara National Reserve ( Kenya )
Safari Lodge
The camp can accommodate a maximum of 30 guests at any one time. The tented rooms are raised up slightly on earth mounds, overlooking the river and the plains.
Eagle Tented Lodge & Spa, Epacha Private Game Reserve ( Namibia )
Safari Lodge
This luxury lodge, built from natural rock with thatch roofs boasts 8 luxury canvas tents all with spacious en-suite facilities. All tents have their private raised wooden balcony with breath taking view over the valley amongst the mountains.
Bushlands Game Lodge, St Lucia ( South Africa )
Safari Lodge
Fully air-conditioned, en-suite accommodation blends seamlessly with the African bush. The rooms are connected by raised wooden walkways which lead to the main dining room, bar, swimming pool and boma.
Etosha Safari Lodge, Etosha National Park (Andersson Gate) ( Namibia )
Safari Lodge
Etosha Safari Lodge is situated on a hillock, offering magnificent views of the African bush savannah. All of the 65 double room chalets have air conditioning and mosquito nets, and a choice of 3 swimming pools between them.
Satao Camp, Tsavo East ( Kenya )
Safari Lodge
Nestled amongst trees and surrounding a central water-hole, the semi-circular layout of the camp provides an excellent viewing point for each guest. Satao Camp has 20 tents in total, thoughtfully positioned to ensure a full view of the camps "own" watering hole.
Garden Route Game Lodge, Albertinia ( South Africa )
Safari Lodge
The main lodge rooms combine luxury and comfort with an African theme. Complete with en-suite bathrooms, the rooms lead onto a West facing balcony which offers breathtaking African sunsets all within steps of the pool.
Mushara Bush Camp, Etosha National Park (Von Lindequist Gate) ( Namibia )
Safari Lodge
The Mushara Bush Camp offers a down-to-earth tented bush camp experience, and can accommodate up to 32 guests as well as 8 children in 16 custom made en-suite tents (4 which have a double sleeper couch for children), which are built from a combination of canvas, wood and local limestone. With their own private verandah and roof to floor windows, these tents are spacious and airy.
Wildside Safari Camp, Entabeni Safari Conservancy ( South Africa )
Safari Lodge
A true African bush experience awaits you at Wildside Safari Camp, nestled against the cliffs of the Waterberg Mountain. The 20 luxury en-suite tents have an authentic safari feel.
Galdessa Camp, Tsavo East ( Kenya )
Safari Lodge
The accommodation consists of 11 comfortable and spacious thatched and semi-tented bungalows on wooden platforms, each with an en-suite bathroom and private veranda. Guests are ensured their privacy as all of the bungalows are situated a good distance apart and natural foliage is used to subtly conceal neighbouring bandas.
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