Family Safari Splurges

Ever since my cancelled South African Safari some 8 years ago, the desire to one day make it there has not yet left the pit of my stomach. Having children has only made the dream stronger, although it’s definitely been pushed back until the kids are older.

But it may be not as far off as I once thought… Most game lodges actively discourage children – and rightfully so. African safaris are – for the most part – expensive, once-in-a-lifetime dream trips, and kids don’t always co-operate with strict itineraries. Plus, a long game drive with a wriggly toddler doesn’t sound like my idea of a great time. Recently I’ve learned of a couple of lodges that actually welcome children, and have itineraries and programs to suit adventurers of all ages.

Camp Jabulani (map) just outside Kruger National Park (map) in South Africa, offers a program called Team Tusker. The program is designed for children under the age of 12 staying at the Camp’s luxurious newest lodging, Zindoga Presidential Villa. Designed to blend with the surrounding bush and the existing camp, the villa is tailored to appeal to smaller groups and families, permitting for the first time, an opportunity for children to enjoy the unique Camp Jabulani elephant experience with their parents.

While parents enjoy elephant-back safaris, the kids will be immersed in workshops learning how to identify footprints of Africa’s wild game, tracking, dung throwing, camp and survival basics – how to make a tent, light a fire, basic bush cooking and baking, “tusker” tales – fascinating stories and gigantic tales of elephants, and arts & crafts using elephant dung and local flora.

The price is enough to make you gasp – starting at US $4,785 per night, but inclusive of all game-viewing, elephant-back safaris, accommodation, meals, beverages, butler and laundry service, children’s programs and transfers from the Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (map). 

For more information, call  +27 12 460 5605  +27 12 460 5605
email reservations@campjabulani.com or visit www.campjabulani.com

A little easier on the wallet are the Luangwa Lion Cubs Family Safaris, offered by Norman Carr Safaris in Zambia. Accommodations are at the Kapani Lodge (map), a great place for a Zambian safari, with the possibility of seeing elephants, giraffes, zebra, buffalo, lions, and over 400 species of birds. Located in the main Mfuwe area of the South Luangwa, Kapani Lodge’s standard suites are equipped with their own sitting area, bar fridge, overhead fans, and mosquito nets, as well as all modern facilities. The lodge offers a library and lounge with fire place, swimming pool, and spacious decks.

Norman Carr tailors your safari experience specifically for your family – including the scheduling of game drives and meal times.  Children older than 8 may even participate in an overnight camp out in the Zambian wilderness, deep inside the national park.

Prices for Norman Carr’s safaris start at $2450 for adults and $1225 for children under the age of 17. These prices are for 7 nights and include all activities, food, accommodation, laundry, airport and camp transfers and national park fees. Flights are not included.

For more information, please call ++ 260 216 246025 or ++ 260 216 246015, email kapani@normancarrsafaris.com or visit www.normancarrsafaris.com

Photos courtesy Stock Xchng, Camp Jabulani, and Norman Carr Safaris