After witnessing many multigenerational families keep returning to Africa – we have notice an incredible bond form between this wild continent and children. In many ways it’s an obvious pairing. Daily adventures into the reserve; seeing first hand Africa’s extraordinary animals; frequent storytelling and camp fires, are just some of the usual safari activities that would be up most children’s ally. A fascination for nature, a passion for conservation and an abundance of knowledge, will imprint a love for safari and Africa in your children from an early age.

With this being said, planning a vacation across the globe to an unfamiliar country with your children can be a daunting process. We realise, coming from a family-run lodge, that the safety of your children is a priority. While we know that bringing your little ones on safari will be one of the most rewarding experiences, we also realise that those living far away might need more information about our family safaris. Here are 6 useful things to know before bringing your family on a kid friendly safari:

Disconnect from the world and reconnect with your family around an ancient fire

1.  Accessibility

Many of you will attest to this – the amount of time spent on the road is something to consider when traveling with children. The quicker the journey – the easier. Londolozi has its own airstrip and so you can eliminate the thought of long hours in a vehicle to get to us. From the Johannesburg International Airport, hop onto a short, one hour, direct flight into the reserve and be greeted by your ranger and tracker who will welcome you and get you to your respective camp.

Those traveling from London, have the option of a direct flight to the Johannesburg International Airport. Recently there is also a direct flight from Frankfurt.

2. Inter-Leading Suites

Having younger children or other family members close to your accommodation is important. It’s due to this that three of our camps have options of inter-leading suites, making the world of difference and giving peace of mind to parents after an exciting day. Londolozi’s Varty, Founders and Pioneer Camp have several inter-leading suites to suit multigenerational families.

The sky-walk connecting our Pioneer Camp Suites.

Interconnecting doors in our Varty Camp Chalets.

Founders Camp skywalk to connect suites.

Our superior chalets in Founders Camp have rooms which can be converted to a children’s room with their own bathroom.

3. Age Limit

After hosting families for many years now, we have come to believe that children above 6 years are old enough to make the most of a safari. From 6 and up kids are able to enjoy game drives, learn about the wildlife and have enough maturity to listen to a ranger’s instructions. With three kid friendly safari camps, your children will have the opportunity to meet with young people from all corners of the world and exchange stories from their safari adventure.

Pioneer Camp has 3 inter-leading suites which can ​​be converted into a bush homestead for private multi-generational families of between 6 and 12 people. Pioneer’s intimate family lounge area, fast fibre internet connections, full length lap pool and private interactive kitchen make this camp the ultimate luxury family homestead for shorter visits or long stay family safaris.

Founders Camp has a young and vibrant energy that appeals to modern day families, welcoming children. Founders Camp has customised different rooms types for families. The Superior Family chalet allows families of 3 to stay in one room. The Founders Family Suites have interconnecting skywalks, allowing parents quick and safe access to their children in rooms next to each other.

Varty Camp is at the heart of Londolozi and is kid friendly. The accommodation consists of chalets which are inter-leading, allowing parents and their children easy access to each other.

4. Food and Snacking for a Kid friendly Safari

Superb cuisine is a vital component of our all-inclusive safari philosophy – and this certainly applies to your children too. Bearing this in mind, much of the day on safari revolves around culinary delights. There are plenty of opportunities for your children to snack throughout the day. At meal times there is a selection of mains for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Snacks and beverages before and during game drives are always provided to make sure any appetite is satisfied. We kindly ask that you let us know about your families dietaries and preference before arriving and we will be sure to take these into account.

Pioneer Camp’s interactive kitchen makes you feel right at home.

Pioneer Chefs, Virginia and Petunia, lay out platters for lunch.

5. Game Drives

Children’s storybooks come to life as your family experiences the Big 5 only a few metres away. Londolozi is found in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, an area high with leopard density and spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities. It goes without saying, that precautions and safety, when out on game drive, is every ranger’s priority. The point of a game drive is to take in the experience, to capture unique moments and to share these with loved ones. And of course, the purpose is to have FUN, while keeping safe!  There are 2 daily game drives, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. When a family comes on a safari, we believe that it is necessary to aim the game drive experience at the kids. The time spent in the Land Rover looking for wildlife becomes an adventurous learning experience for your children.

Our experienced ranger and tracker teams have an excess of 250 years collective experience among them. The team are therefore well equipped to ensure that an experience is enjoyed comfortably and safely. With training and experience, Londolozi’s rangers and trackers make decisions throughout a drive to ensure safety. Each member of our team approaches wildlife with caution and with respect and in a way which is not invasive. Rangers and trackers closely monitor the behaviour of the wildlife and make sure to allow for space when necessary.

6. Entertainment to ensure a Kid Friendly Safari

We know that children can have a limitless supply of energy. After a morning game drive you may want some time to relax but they be looking for more adventure. Between game drive kids join in on the exciting activities at the Londolozi Cub’s Den. This leaves the rest of the family to choose their morning/afternoon activities. The options are countless for children of different ages to enjoy. From tree climbing, archery, track moulding and baking to fishing, soccer matches, boule, smore making and dung spitting contests, there is plenty to choose from. There are also the options for movie nights, photographic walks, family yoga, making sand castles in the riverbed, sling-shot competitions and maybe even a Masterchef.

Bringing your family on safari will be one of the most rewarding vacations you take together. Witnessing Africa’s most spectacular animals with each other is an experience you will reminisce on for years to come. Many families who have visited us, will attest to the fact that this probably won’t be a once-off trip. Your family will ultimately fall in love with Africa, feel connected to nature, and yearn for the pace of the wilderness. For any more questions about bringing along your family on safari – get in touch with us here.