If you’re scanning the map for destinations suitable for a family-friendly safari, South Africa should be at the top of your list. With plenty of easy to reach, malaria-free reserves, family-ready suites and villas, and tailored activities to suit all ages, South Africa is a fantastic option for a worry-free family safari. So, that’s decided – but which reserve is best? Read on more about the low-down on our family favourites…
Madikwe
A thrilling and dramatic landscape of rich red earth, acacia woodland and towering crags, Madikwe is one of the best locations for a family safari in South Africa. For starters, it’s malaria-free meaning there’s no need for medication (although precautions are still recommended to protect from those pesky mosquitoes) and, secondly, it’s an easy four-hour drive or 30-minute flight from South Africa’s central hub, Johannesburg. Located in the north of the country, Madikwe combines a variety of habitats that offer up the chance to not only the Big Five but the ‘Madikwe Super Seven’, which adds on African painted dog and cheetah to the iconic five, as well as incredibly rare species like bat-eared foxes and aardwolf. The reserve also has a selection of top-tier lodges with family-friendly facilities including specialised activities like shorter kiddies drives and staff who are pros at keeping little ones entertained.
Where to stay
One of the most child-friendly lodges in South Africa, Jaci’s Safari Lodge has two exclusive suites, each with their own plunge pool and vehicle. Reaching the property via a swing bridge and the hide at the centre of a nearby waterhole (accessed by an underwater tunnel) add to the sense of fun and adventure. We also love the Morukuru Collection lodges, where game drives take place whenever and as often as you wish and expert guides answer eager questions with passion and patience. Set within a private section of the reserve, the completely exclusive Little Tuningi offers a wonderful children’s programme, allowing parents to sneak off for a spa treatment.
Eastern Cape
At the end of the Garden Route, South Africa’s Eastern Cape region has a generous collection of reserves where you can enjoy Big Five safaris. With no need for anti-malarial medication and easily accessible from major airports, you can take your pick of reserves and be scooting along on a game drive in no time at all. One of the most famous in the area is Addo Elephant Park, just 40km away from Port Elizabeth (now known as Gqeberha) and home to mind-boggling numbers of elephants as well as rhinos. Other fantastic options include Shamwari Game Reserve, Kwandwe Game Reserve and Kariega Game Reserve, all of which offer Big Five sightings, beautiful accommodations and wonderful kids programmes.
Where to stay
Set in a private concession within Addo Elephant Park, the River Bend Lodge is superb for families with a fenced main lodge, no age limit on game drives and a wonderful mini rangers programme as well as mobile playrooms that change location every day. Children’s tastes are well catered to on the menu and kids can even try baking with the chef. One of five lodges inside the Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, Kwandwe Fort House is a four-bedroom villa, perfectly suited for families with a host, chef, butler and a private ranger, tracker and vehicle for all your safaris. Kwandwe’s ‘Eco-nect’ programme offers an array of fun and adventurous activities for families too.
Waterberg
A scenic 4-hour drive from Johannesburg will see you arriving in the soaring landscape of the Waterberg, a region watched over by over 5,000 square kilometres of rugged mountain. Many areas within the reserve remain unexplored, and it’s a treat to marvel at Stone Age rock paintings whilst searching for the coveted Big Five. The Waterberg also offers families the opportunity to enjoy a slower, more easygoing safari experience, catered entirely to your own needs and wants. This region is low in malaria risk but extra care needs to be taken during the wet season (November to April).
Where to stay
At the Ant’s Nest, there are no fixed itineraries so your time is entirely your own, and tailored family game drives are also available. There’s also plenty to keep young ones amused back at the lodge including a heated swimming pool, badminton, volleyball, a trampoline and sandpit. One of only two lodges in its concession, the Marataba Residence is perfect for families too; it has just four suites and fabulous activities for kids including nature treasure hunts, spoor identification and arts and crafts.
Tswalu Kalahari
The largest privately-owned reserve in South Africa, Tswalu Kalahari has the lowest number of guests for its size and every booking gets a private vehicle, offering an exclusive safari experience for all. The unique, semi-arid landscape is home to an amazing collection of creatures including desert black rhinos, cheetahs, Kalahari black-maned lions, habituated meerkats, aardvarks and even the most endangered animal on Earth, the pangolin. Across the board, there are fantastic activities for families and you’ll rarely see another soul whilst out on drives. Being malaria-free is just the cherry on top, Tswalu Kalahari really is a stellar destination for a family safari in South Africa.
Where to stay
Any of the Tswalu properties certainly fit the bill but, the fully-stocked and staffed ‘homes’ at Tswalu Loapi are among our favourites. Each comes with its own kitchen and living areas, an outdoor firepit and plunge pool, as well as a private tracker and guide. On the other hand, Tswalu Motse Lodge has a fantastic junior ranger programme, while parents can enjoy walking or horseback safaris.
Phinda & the Elephant Coast
Situated in the lush, subtropical northern KwaZulu-Natal province, the reserves inland from the Elephant Coast are home to incredible numbers of wildlife (including the Big Five, giraffe and plenty of playful warthogs) and a selection of family-ready properties. Our favourite is definitely the famous Phinda Reserve, which is also within driving distance of Sodwana Bay if you would like to add on a little beach time. The best of both worlds! It is worth noting that the region does have a low risk of malaria – especially during the rainy summer season – so it may not be suitable for very young children.
Where to stay
Phinda has an array of high-end yet family-friendly properties including &Beyond Phinda Zuka Lodge, which is centred around a busy waterhole and enjoys exclusive use of a safari vehicle and the services of a chef, butler, host and tracker. Set within the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge has a real family feel and views to die for.
Kruger & Surrounds
It wouldn’t be a blog about safari-ing in South Africa without mentioning the world-renowned Kruger. However, we won’t be focusing on the national park itself, but rather the private reserves lying to the west. This area promises some of the best wildlife viewing in South Africa and staying within a private reserve will have you feeling like the only people around to see it all – many reserves share an unfenced border with the national park. You’ll have the chance to see the Big Five as well as smaller critters and a surreal amount of birdlife. Of course, it’s worth noting that a visit to the Kruger or any of its surrounding reserves will likely require taking anti-malarial medication.
Where to stay
Sitting within the private Manyeleti Game Reserve, Tintswalo Manor House is an ideal choice for families with the utmost privacy, its own personal team, a private game vehicle, and plenty of space to spread out. Parents can truly relax at the family-friendly Kambaku Safari Lodge, which is fenced and offers an extensive programme of activities for kids including spoor tracking and star gazing. Overlooking the wildlife-lined Sand River, Londolozi Varty Camp has so much to offer families including a fantastic kids club, cultural activities and down-to-Earth feel.
