Sure Travel Journey 6.1 Summer 2020 | Page 27

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S A F A R I
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© MECNAROWSKI/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
© COURTESY SHAMWARI
© OLGYSHA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
Clockwise from above:
When done right, a safari
holiday can ignite a love
of nature in youngsters
that will provide them
with a source of pleasure
for life. Zebra crossing
(above) and kid-friendly
facilities (below) come
together at Shamwari.
Palitza suggests. Picking a good base and
limiting transfers between different lodges
is also likely to make for a more relaxing
holiday for families with littlies. “Or choose
a game lodge that has a childcare facility,
so you can take your kids on some game
drives but leave them behind on others.”
Many lodges have excellent childcare
programmes, from mini bush walks in
camp to activities like baking and such
delights as dung-spitting competitions.
For most South Africans, safaris are
traditionally budget-based, self-drive affairs
to reserves such as Kruger. Self-driving
allows for flexibility as well as adventure,
and a family can follow its own rhythms
and interests (and deal with picky eaters).
Self-drivers in big five reserves should
be comfortable navigating obstacles like
elephants and maintaining safe distances
at all times. Plan drives with picnic spots,
viewpoints, waterholes, meals and hides in
mind for essential stretching – and know
that at 30km per hour, any drive takes
longer than expected.
However, when tackling a self-drive
mega-adventure in the wilderness of
Botswana or Mozambique, families should
be a little more prepared – and experts
recommend that your child be at least
eight to ten years old. Here are some other
points to consider:
• Many lodges do not allow children under
a certain age on game drives; the average
age seems to be between six and eight,
but some camps don’t take children under
the age of 12. Some will allow a family to
book their own vehicle and guide, but this
is pricey.
MAKE MEMORIES FOR LIFE // 27