Families with children love to be kept busy and a safari in the Kruger National Park promises to do just that. Exploring nature is not only educational but offers families the opportunity to spend quality time together without any interference. The Kruger National Park is an impressive destination whether you visit for a day, weekend, or week.
The Kruger National Park has recognized the need for suitable family accommodation and has several luxury lodges and camps scattered around the two million hectare park, equipped to cater to the needs of even multi-generational families. Planning a family safari holiday can be costly, depending on the level of luxury your family needs and whether you require a private safari vehicle and guide during your stay.
With the general age restriction of 6 years on game drives, families with younger children are forced to either leave an adult behind to supervise, or make use of a reliable babysitter who will generally charge a nominal fee. Although there are some top end lodges who offer children’s clubs, these clubs usually only operate during the course of the day and not during the schedule game drive times.
So for families with very young children and a specific budget, choosing accommodation becomes a little trickier. Sometimes the best option is booking a stay at one of the rest camps which offer large family units, fully equipped kitchens for families to prepare meals, and the option to self-drive around the park. For families not wanting to self drive, private game drives can also be arranged.
The best rest camps in the Kruger for a family getaway include Skukuza, Berg en Dal, Crocodile Bridge, Lower Sabie, Letaba, and Satara.
Each of these camps are equipped with electricity, a first-aid centre, grocery shop, braai and communal kitchen facilities, a laundromat, a restaurant and/or self-service cafeteria, public telephones,and a petrol station. These camps also have a swimming pool and Satara Rest Camp even has a huge playground area for the kids to enjoy. During the school holidays, many of these camps offer a conservation programme for the kids to enjoy, and wildlife movies are shown every evening besides a Sunday.
Taking a family safari holiday doesn’t have to be costly if planned correctly, nor should it be overlooked because of having young children. All children should experience the joy of seeing Africa’s most beloved wildlife.
