On Safari with Kids
Africa
Safaris are on the bucket lists of many luxury travelers. But what do you do if you have small children? Take them with you, of course! Contrary to popular belief, children can also go on game drives. LuxuryWise has compiled a few lodges that welcome kids with more than just open arms.
On Safari with Kids
Africa
Safaris are on the bucket lists of many luxury travelers. But what do you do if you have small children? Take them with you, of course! Contrary to popular belief, children can also go on game drives. LuxuryWise has compiled a few lodges that welcome kids with more than just open arms.
andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge, South Africa
andBeyond makes the wild side of Africa accessible to families. In South Africa, the DMC and operator of luxury lodges has designated four of these as particularly family-friendly, including Phinda Mountain Lodge. The 17 suites include a family suite, and the lodges' six cottages can be converted into three connected family accommodations. The other lodges that welcome young and old alike are Phinda Homestead, Ngala Safari Lodge, and Kirkman's Kamp. The family safaris at andBeyond are run under the "Wild Child" program. It is aimed at children between the ages of three and twelve, and focuses on wildlife education with game drives that will leave them as wide-eyed as they will be open-mouthed. All younger and older participants receive a special Wild Child backpack filled with tools, information for tracking, and more. The rangers take the kids on nature walks, collect insects or frogs, read tracks, and try to track down animals based on what they've left behind, all with education at the forefront. Interactions with indigenous tribes (pictured) are also part of the program. Good to know: The chefs also have the wellbeing of the little ones in mind, which is why there are special menus for them. For anyone with wanderlust, Wild Child TV is also available at home.
Trade Contact: Your relevant andBeyond Sales Representative
Onguma Bush Camp, Namibia
At Onguma Bush Camp in Etosha National Park, the safety of the kids is paramount – it's the only fenced camp in the Onguma Nature Reserve. The safari program for families makes it possible for the youngsters to go on tour with the guides and rangers, and learn a lot about the Big Five and Namibia's nature. Young rangers aged five to twelve can take part in the Young Explorers Walk at Bush Camp and are provided with water and a backpack. On the safari walk, they discover animals, their tracks, bones, and the local plant life. Depending on availability, Onguma Bush Camp also offers private game drives for families. Whether it's possible can be requested on a daily basis. Children are allowed in the open vehicles ages seven and up. In terms of accommodation, the Namibian camp offers various categories among the 18 rooms. The three loft rooms have a separate sleeping area for children, and there are also three family units. They are each equipped with four beds, and are also particularly practical for families. The family-friendliness of Onguma Bush Camp also extends to the meals, as special dishes and snacks are served for the kids. If necessary due to sudden "hangriness" or impending fatigue, the snacks are sometimes served earlier than usual.
Trade Contact: Bronwyn Cloete, Onguma Nature Reserve
ANZEIGE – Fancourt, Südafrikas preisgekröntes Golfresort, liegt im Herzen der spektakulären Garden Route, nur sieben Kilometer vom Flughafen George (GRJ) entfernt. Am Fuße der Outeniqua-Berge erstreckt sich das Resort auf 613 Hektar und bietet ein unvergleichliches Erlebnis. Es verfügt über zwei Fünf-Sterne-Hotels: das Fancourt Hotel und das Manor House Boutique Hotel, die höchsten Luxus und erstklassige Gastfreundschaft bieten. Das Anwesen von Fancourt umfasst ein Spa mit römischem Bad, drei von Gary Player gestaltete Golfplätze, vier einzigartige Restaurants und viel Platz für die ganze Familie.
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, South Africa
Ele-what? That's right, Ele Fun is the name of the huge Kids Club at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, Sabi Sabi's oldest, newly-renovated amenity. It's the only one in the portfolio that also welcomes children, but it does it with open arms. Ele Fun offers a program for children from morning to evening – from outdoor games to handicrafts and ranger programs for kids aged nine to twelve. Unlike many other providers, safaris are offered for children starting at the age of six. Even younger children can come along by request (and with special arrangements). And when hunger strikes? Then it's off to the children's restaurant in the Ele Fun Center. The main restaurant is also geared towards kids and boasts its own breakfast corner for them. There are three categories of accommodation at the South African lodge, which is located in the middle of the Greater Kruger Area south of its famous namesake national park. Children can be accommodated in two of them: the Luxury Suite and the luxury villas Mahlatini and Tumbela Luxury Villas. Each can accommodate two children and two adults, and the bathrooms are also fully equipped for children. Extra bubbles in the bathtub and a safari care box ensure bathing fun after a day in the African wilderness.
Trade Contact: Laura Letanoczki, Senior Sales Manager at Ulli Fink Tourism Marketing
Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Rwanda
There are only eight suites at Singita Kwitonda Lodge, one of two accommodations owned by the luxury brand in Rwanda. They all have a private plunge pool. The lodge's location is ideal for animal lovers in particular, as it is situated on the edge of Volcanoes National Park. More than a third of all remaining mountain gorillas live there and can be visited on a gorilla trail. Families can participate with children aged 15 and over. If you have smaller children and still want to hike to the impressive animals, you can book childcare at Singita Kwitonda Lodge. The little ones will never get bored there, as the activities for the youngsters are extensive. Guides take them out into nature for bird watching or cycling. Nature walks are also available, where even the youngest children are familiarized with the local flora and fauna. Helping out is also possible and encouraged: in the Akarabo Nursery (pictured), children can help plant and care for new seedlings. Tours of the garden are also offered. By the way: If you are traveling with children aged twelve or older, you can register for the Golden Monkey Trek. In principle, all age groups are allowed at the lodge. Tip for South Africa fans: Singita has just renovated Ebony Lodge, which is also very suitable for families.
Trade Contact: Caroline Burke, Head of Sales & Revenue at The Singita Group
ANZEIGE – Quark Expeditions ermöglicht Ihren Kunden mehr Abenteuer als jeder andere Anbieter von Polarexpeditionen. Unter anderem können sie zwischen Kajakfahren in Spitzbergen, Stand-up-Paddling in der Antarktis und Mountainbiking in Grönland wählen. Die Polarexpedition lässt sich durch eine Vielzahl einzigartiger Exkursionen individuell und aktiv gestalten. Die Reisenden haben die freie Wahl, was sie erleben möchten.
The Royal Thanda Club by Thanda Safari, South Africa
It's pretty special and brand new: at The Royal Thanda Club by Thanda Safari, guests can now rent the Royal Residences. These are owned by influential international families who are now opening them up to safari guests for the first time. Children are allowed, and there's plenty of space. Depending on the residence, the accommodations are between 587 to 1,100 square meters (6,318 to 11,840sq. ft.) in size – good enough to host eight to ten people. Want to know what else is so exclusive about it? Its location. The Royal Residences are part of the estate, which belongs to Thanda Safari. In addition to the wide range of classes available, kids can also enjoy the Bucks & Bugs Club and the Junior Ranger Course. Both programs allow the youngsters to read animal tracks, track animals, and learn a lot about the local flora and fauna. If their stomachs start to growl, there's a large selection of child-friendly snacks and meals. Good to know: The Royal Residences are located in a fenced area within the estate. So parents don't have to worry about dangerous animals when the kids are roaming around. Pro-tip: The chic Villa iZulu, one of four accommodations at Thanda Safari, is also ideal for families.
Trade Contact: Bronwyn Smith, Head of Sales at the Thanda Group
Wilderness Vumbura Plains Camp, Botswana
Safaris at Wilderness Vumbura Plains Camp are not only popular on land, but also on water. All year round, the guides take their guests, including families with children, on nature activities. Game drives, nature walks, bird watching, fishing trips, and boat safaris around the river delta are all possible. In the flooded grasslands and island forests, young and old have the best chance of spotting animals such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and water buffalo. What's also very cool is that, during the safari, each child has a Wilderness Bush Buddy by their side. This buddy ensures the child's safety and provides exciting safari-themed activities, whether it's making plaster casts of animal tracks, insect searches, or a wild animal puzzle – these are just some of the options. If that's not enough, nature guides are on hand, and the kitchen can be visited for a food safari. There's always something tasty to steal away from the chef. Are the kids little night owls? Then the Bush Buddy will be happy to watch the stars with them. Families can enjoy overnight accommodation in two family units for up to four guests each with two bedrooms with bathrooms, an outdoor deck, and a private plunge pool.
Trade Contact: Karin Fröhlich, Regional Manager Central Europe
Let's ask the Industry:
Are luxury safari lodges actually suitable for the whole family?
"Various regions in Africa offer the best conditions to inspire children of a certain age. And families with children in particular often make special shared experiences the focus of their travel plans. So what could be more exciting than a visit to see Simba, Pumba, and Timon?! Young explorers will quickly become trackers and stargazers. When planning these trips, we recommend paying equal attention to the needs of children and parents. We also recommend planning fewer activities per day and shorter travel times. The choice of locations is also important: families love the variety of bush & beach! There are excellent, malaria-free animal reserves and resorts with activities that will delight children. In South Africa, a combination of Cape Town, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, and Grootbos Nature Reserve is currently very popular. What the appropriate age is must be determined individually. We don't want to make a general statement here, but rather follow the guidelines of the lodges. If necessary, we book a private safari vehicle for families with smaller children. With Wild Child, andBeyond offers a great safari program for children in various African countries. And the activities at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve near Hermanus are legendary for making children's eyes light up."
Beate Arnold, Airtours Private Travel