South Africa is a well known as a safari destination and rightfully so because visitors have the opportunity to see the Big 5 at almost every game reserve in South Africa. However, it does get a bit tricky when you’re travelling with kids as most game reserves are four and five star rated and mostly focused on adults. But if you’re a travelling family with young children, to get more bang for your buck, you could plan a trip to Cape Town and tick off numerous bucket-list activities – one of them being a stay at one of the family friendly Western Cape Game Lodges and everyone will be happy. Here’s our top four child-friendly Western Cape game reserves.
Garden Route Game Lodge, Albertinia
Garden Route Game Lodge is one of the family friendly Western Cape Game Lodges that have a number of activities for kids.
The game lodge offers an amazing Kids Bushwise Activity program which is led by a game ranger and includes activities such as a kids game drive, where children can enjoy the experience of getting up close to some of the wildlife on the game reserve, a guided bush walk and insect walk or fishing at the nearby waterhole.
Our boy absolutely loves splashing in water so the family pool came in handy and put our minds at ease while allowing us to fully relax and enjoy the glorious valley views. The family pool is 1,2 meters deep and adjacent to it is a 300mm deep paddling pool for toddlers. Both pools are heated so the kids can swim to their hearts content. The game lodge also has a games room and lounge where the kids can play table tennis, foosball, board games or catch up on their favourite Netflix programmes. This will be particularly helpful if you’re planning on having a winter Western Cape safari.
I they don’t feel like being cooped up inside, there’s also the Reptile Center (home to a variety of snakes and crocodiles) and the Skull Garden which they can explore. Our little guy had a keen interest in the various snakes’ names and the unique patterns on their bodies. They also have child minders available should you want to enjoy a particular game lodge activity without the kids. Please note, kids activities are only for children aged between 6 – 12 years.
The Serengeti’s Restaurant has a kiddies menu and accommodates early meal times for breakfast and dinner. Room service is also available and child minders are available if needed to take care of the little ones if you wish to enjoy a relaxed dinner.
www.grgamelodge.co.za | + 27 28 735 1200 | reservations@grgamelodge.co.za
Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, Mossel Bay
This is without a doubt the most stunning Western Cape game reserve we’ve stayed at. When we visited the first time back in 2014, we knew we had to return once we had a little one. The Village Lodge is perfect for families and offers a wide variety of kids activities. These include the Junior Ranger Program, a Kid’s club, an exciting playground, pony rides, as well as guided game drives and adventurous bush walks. There’s also a cold water pool with fountain sprinkler for smaller children. A babysitter is available via prebooking.
We stayed at one of the luxurious tented suites with our 7 year old boy and he enjoyed every minute of it especially the private jacuzzi, outdoor daybed and the cosy bean bag next to the fireplace. He also braved his very first horse riding experience and did very well if I do say so myself! As always, spotting the majestic animals will always be a spellbounding experience however, our midway drinks stop was particularly special as our guide gave us a much deeper insight to the area which made us all the more appreciative for being so fortunate.
Botlierskop is also in the process of introducing once in a lifetime Veterinary Safaris where you’ll get the chance to observe and assist in administering medical care and routine wildlife procedures to the majestic animals of this game reserve! More details will be posted on their website and social media channels.
www.botlierskop.co.za | +27 44 333 0021 | info@botlierskop.co.za
Aquila Private Game Reserve, Touws River
One of the biggest Touws River attractions is undoubtedly Aquila Private Game Reserve. Aquila offers half day, full day or overnight safari packages including discounted children’s rates, which makes them the ideal family-friendly game reserve to visit in the Western Cape. Day trips include a welcome drink, light meal and of course, the Big 5 game drive. The overnight safari package comprises of accommodation, two Big 5 game drives, all meals and a Karoo stargazing experience by the fire with toasted marshmallows. Aquila has loads of activities for the kids including a junior ranger’s programme, indoor and outdoor children’s activity areas with a mini-golf course as well as a child-minding service available by pre-arrangement.
Thali Thali Game Lodge, Langebaan
If you’re looking for a smaller and less busy Western Cape game reserve, then Thali Thali Game lodge is definitely the perfect fit for your family. This Cape West Coast game lodge has three accommodation options to choose from; B&B glamping tents, self-catering chalets and a self-catering farm house that can accommodate up to eight persons. We opted for the glamping tent and needless to say, our boy was presently surprised when the buck walked right up to the porch to say hello!
Thali Thali is home to a wide range of game like buffalo, kudu, oryx, giraffe, wildebeest, eland, zebra, springbok, bontebok and steenbok and we spotted all of them on our game drive. The game lodge also offers 3D archery courses that simulates real life hunting situations and has 23 life sized 3D rubber animal targets. Thereafter you can cool off in the splash pool and have lunch at the quaint little restaurant. There’s also a play are to keep the kids entertained even more.
www.thalithali.co.za | info@thalithali.co.za
Family Friendly Western Cape Game Lodges to Visit – Things to Consider
Traveling to a 4-star game lodge with a toddler can be challenging, but when you have super friendly and helpful staff who go out of their way to make your stay as stress-free as possible, half of the battle is won.
When planning a stay at one of the kid friendly Western Cape game lodges, planning is everything. If you have an inkling that you might need a child-minder during your stay then definitely book the service in advice with the game reserve – you can always cancel later.
This goes for all other child activities at game lodges as well. The child ranger promgrammes and horse riding safaris usually fill up very fast and you might be left in the lurch if you leave the booking to when you’ve arrived at your Western Cape safari destination. As the age old saying goes, failing to plan is planning to fail – however, in this case it will be be for a once in a lifetime trip!
