The
family-friendly
Big 5
BY RICHARD HOLMES
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LOOKING FOR A LODGE that will keep the kids happy
and dish up sightings of the Big Five? Try these five out
for size…
EASTERN CAPE:
RIVERDENE LODGE | Situated
an easy hour’s drive from Port
Elizabeth, Shamwari Game Reserve pioneered
luxury Big Five safaris in the malaria-free Eastern Cape
and is in the midst of a US$25-million overhaul. Along with
upgrades to its respected wildlife rehabilitation centre, the
changes are most evident in the beautifully refurbished lodges.
While the swish new Eagle’s Crag will keep couples and
honeymooners happy, multi-generational travellers will want
to book into Riverdene Family Lodge. You’ll find nine spacious
suites, all inter-leading, with children accommodated on large
sleeper couches or in adjoining rooms. The impressive new
Kids Adventure Centre helps young ones burn off energy
between game drives, while the dedicated Kids on Safari
programme makes days in the bush accessible to
younger travellers. Child-minding services are
also available.
30 // MAKE MEMORIES FOR LIFE
LIMPOPO:
TINTSWALO AT
LAPALALA | Within easy
reach of Gauteng is the remarkable
Lapalala Wilderness, a 44 500 hectare stretch
of malaria-free Waterberg that’s home to just two
glorious lodges. But it’s Tintswalo at Lapalala that’s
ideal for families. Alongside spacious tented suites that
can be shared with children, there’s also an enormous
two-bedroomed Family Suite that dishes up plenty of
privacy. Each tented suite offers a private terrace and
plunge pool, and alongside the usual game drive
activities, kids will also love the opportunity to
cast a fishing line into the Palala River.
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