“ OVERALL, WHAT THIS COMBINATION OF CITY AND SAFARI TAUGHT ME IS THAT CALM AND CHAOS NEED NOT BE OPPOSING FORCES.”
LOCAL TRAVEL swimming pools. That said, kids under six aren’ t allowed on game drives so you would need to book a private vehicle, arrange for a babysitter or be content with the one-hour family drive offered daily. For me, and I’ m sure many families, this distinction matters. It’ s all about choosing a lodge that conforms with how you want to enjoy your safari. Tau is a great choice for older children, extended groups, or first-time safari-goers who benefit from visible wildlife and social energy. Royal Madikwe on the other hand appeals to families seeking quiet and restoration, restraint and calm, and a level of personalisation bigger lodges simply cannot offer. Together, and alongside the multitude of other accommodation options available in Madikwe, they illustrate that there is no single way to‘ do’ a safari with children.
for your family. For those looking for uber luxury, we found that Royal Madikwe and its Royal Villa deliver in spades. It is quiet with an emphasis on privacy and personalisation. The result is a slower rhythm where you can tailor your day to naps, children’ s desires, and your own. Game drives are done at your own pace and meals tailored to your tastes. Having your own private villa with plunge pool and mini bar, game vehicle and guide, and a super attentive child minder on hand is also game changing.
For those after a more traditional, curated and energetic safari experience, Tau Game Lodge was a good choice. Its scale feels generous. Its spaces feel communal. It works for families who need room to move, children who need freedom, and parents who need infrastructure. Set on a large waterhole, its layout encourages constant visual engagement with the bush. You almost don’ t need to go on a game drive as from the main lodge areas, wildlife activity becomes part of the background of the day. Elephants were a constant feature in front of our room while one lunch was enjoyed with three members of the Big Five.
There’ s also a large colourful jungle gym and a play house with a range of toys and two
“ OVERALL, WHAT THIS COMBINATION OF CITY AND SAFARI TAUGHT ME IS THAT CALM AND CHAOS NEED NOT BE OPPOSING FORCES.”
WHEN OPPOSITES ATTRACT
Overall, what this combination of city and safari taught me is that calm and chaos need not be opposing forces. They can complement each other to create a holistic itinerary. Because, as much as I have been pushing against this, raising children is not about eliminating chaos. It’ s about finding a way to navigate through it, and how to appreciate the pockets of calm.
For us, the city built resilience and encouraged fun. While nature stimulated growth and taught our kids about a world bigger than oneself.
As parents, we often feel pressure to choose: urban or rural, stimulation or serenity, energy or stillness. But children need both. This is what made the Johannesburg – Madikwe pairing so powerful to me. It wasn’ t about contradiction, but balance. And it was about recognising that family travel is not about perfection, it is about presence. IB
76 INBOUND SA / APRIL 2026