Growing up, I always found nature to be the best playground. Whether it’s drawing pictures in the sand, climbing trees, or looking for insects – nature always offers an abundance of opportunities for exploration, adventure, and play. Not only is nature the best playground, but it is also the best teacher. This is why bringing your children on an African safari will offer them endless opportunities for observation, inspiration, learning, and most importantly fun! For those of you that have already brought your families to Londolozi, you will know the incredible impact this experience has on children.

Having grown up at Londolozi, here are 5 things that I think a safari can teach your children…

1. The Beauty In Simplicity

While seeing a lion might be at the top of your family’s safari bucket list, there is so much more beauty to discover while at Londolozi. The smaller intricacies will grab their attention, like a paw print in the sand, the texture of a chameleon’s skin, or the delicate pattern on a butterfly’s wing. These simple yet beautiful scenes can evoke curiosity within children that develop into a sense of wonder and awe for the natural world. An African safari is an excellent way to teach children to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the smaller things in nature.

2. The Power Of Observation, Curiosity, and Exploration

A trip to Londolozi will nurture your child’s natural desire to understand and discover the world. While out on safari, children will have the opportunity to ask questions, make connections, and build their understanding of the surrounding animals, and ecosystems.

With an experienced ranger and tracker team at your disposal, children will have access to a wealth of knowledge on the African wilderness. Your children will be fully engaged in the safari experience, by being able to get out of the vehicle during a game drive (with the guidance of a ranger) to see paw prints up close, feel the sand underneath their feet as well as see and feel the textures of the indigenous plants and trees. A safari can be a wonderful sensory experience for children, and I truly believe that there’s no better way to learn than by first-hand experience and exploration.

3. Creativity

Being surrounded by nature can inspire children’s creativity, as their minds are exposed to a variety of new and interesting things. While at Londolozi, your child will be immersed in diverse landscapes, striking colours, textures, and patterns that are bound to stimulate the imagination.

To put this bubbled-up creativity into action, children are encouraged to keep a journal of the different wildlife they see whilst on a game drive and are often inspired to draw or take photos of their favourite creatures. Among many other wonderful things, nature is an incredible outlet for creativity.

4. Learn About New Cultures and Traditions

Traveling to South Africa and coming on safari is a great opportunity for children to try new cuisine, hear different languages, and learn about new cultures and traditions. Family and community are at the centre of Londolozi’s core values which is why it is encouraged for children to come along on the Village Walk where they can get a behind-the-scenes look at the Londolozi way of living as well as a better understanding of the local Shangaan culture. This is such a valuable way to broaden your child’s understanding of the world and the people in it.

5. To Take A Break From Technology

It is no secret that technology is becoming more and more integrated into children’s everyday lives. This is why taking a break from electronics is vital and can have numerous benefits for your children’s physical, mental, and social well-being. Londolozi is the perfect space for children to disconnect from their devices and appreciate and experience the magic of the outdoors.

Not only will your children’s screen time decrease dramatically while they’re out exploring the African wilderness on a game drive, but also when they partake in Cubs Den, where they’ll be involved in countless outdoor activities such as fishing, star gazing, storytelling around the fire and so much more. They’ll be too busy soaking up the excitement of an African safari to even think about picking up their phone or iPad.

Although I only mentioned five, there are so many more lessons to be learned from the African wilderness. Bringing your child on safari will allow for endless unique learning opportunities, precious family time and not to mention thrilling stories to share with their friends when they arrive back home. I’m interested to know if your children learnt something while on safari with us?