WHERE TO TAKE THE KIDS?
Planning the perfect family getaway can be both exciting and challenging, especially when aiming to satisfy everyone, from the youngest adventurers to the fussiest of teens. Finding a destination that combines fun, education, relaxation, and a touch of magic is key.
Whether you’re dreaming of safari adventures, or city fun there are countless options in Southern Africa that promise unforgettable experiences for the whole family.
These recommended partners offer just that!
Nestled in the heart of Cape Town, Mount Nelson is the go-to spot for families looking to mix luxury with kid-friendly fun. Picture this: a kid’s club with an array of organized activities, sprawling lawns where the little ones can run wild, a refreshing swimming pool where they can make a splash and for those with a passion for sports, the tennis courts, with a skilled tennis coach available for private lessons to hone budding talents.
After a day of adventure, families can gather for a delightful afternoon tea, complete with a specially crafted kids menu to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Meanwhile, older children can retreat to the Lord Nelson Room, a room filled with board games and a pool table, perfect for friendly competitions and bonding moments.
Did you know?
The Mount Nelson Kid’s Club caters for children aged 4yrs to 12yrs and is open all year round on Saturday and Sunday from 10h00 – 17h00 closing only from 13h00 to 14h00 to allow the children to have a bite to eat with their parents at one of the Mount Nelson restaurants.
Marataba is a 23,000-hectare privately managed section within the malaria-free Marakele National Park in South Africa, offering the perfect destination for families with children. Their Mack & Madi Kids Adventure Safari Club offering is every kid’s idea of safari fun! At their Safari Club Eco Garden, they have a dedicated space for children’s entertainment and education. Here, young guests can delve into the wonders of the natural world through various sporting and creative activities during their stay. The fun includes family morning game drives, ‘spoor’ identification and mold making, pool games, rock painting, cookie baking in the kitchen, kids’ picnic, toasting marshmallows, stargazing, and outdoor cinema for kids. Parents are welcome to join in on the fun or take a few hours for themselves.
Did you know?
The kids under 5 years old stay for free and all the Mack & Madi in-house experiences are complimentary.
Shamwari Riverdene, located in the Eastern Cape on Shamwari Private Game Reserve, is malaria-free and is a great choice for a Southern Africa Big Five safari for families with young children. We particularly love their Kids Club and Safari Adventure Centre, which offers kids access to indoor and outdoor activities including a zipline, rock climbing walls, a network of treehouses connected with suspended bridges, an adventure slide, and more. As Shamwari is passionate about the conservation of nature and the animals within the reserve, their Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is a crucial part of what they stand for. This centre helps rehabilitate injured, abandoned, or orphaned animals under the supervision of their professional veterinary team, preparing them for release back into the wild.
Did you know?
Shamwari Riverdene will be undergoing a refurb that will make it even more of a family friendly destination. Watch this space!
“I was recently privileged to visit Mashatu in Botswana, the “Land of the Giants” as it was often referred to during our stay. What and who are these Giants you may ask? Offering some of the most diverse landscapes, sunsets and sunrises, Mashatu is also home to some of the biggest animals and vegetation namely; the elephant, the giraffe, the Eiland, the ostrich, the Kori Bustard, the Mashatu Tree and the majestic Baobab.
I was lucky enough to spend time at their lodge called Euphorbia Villas and enjoyed all the creature comforts (especially my private plunge pool in the heat of the day). We were spoilt with the most beautiful sundowner spots and incredible bush dinners under starlit African skies. The highlight of my trip was the incredible landscape and game viewing. The abundance of game at any sighting was astounding and I often found myself rattling off about 10 species at any given sighting. The predator encounters where numerous and some of the best I have seen. If you are a keen photographer, the hide at Mashatu Tent Camp is the place to be, if sleeping out on a rocky outcrop with the feeling of being surrounded by the ancients, then Tuli Safari Lodge is the spot. Mashatu Lodge will keep kids happy for days in their Discovery Room and Kolokolo is a safari home for a more intimate Mashatu experience. Situated on private land with up to 42000ha of unfenced traversing, Mashatu is a unique offering with something for everyone including, game drives, walking, cycling and horseback safaris (not to mention their amazing Night under the Stars which comprises of sleeping in their uniquely designed tents positioned in surprise locations). A special thank you to Robyn and the Mashatu team for hosting such an unforgettable experience”
Hot Tip: Mashatu are offering free flying packages with flights being included to and from Lanseria in Johannesburg South Africa! A min 3 nights are required.
Please contact our Safari Designers for any information on our preferred partners in this
Collective edition.
Keeping the dream alive,
Eluisa Di Benedetto | Product Manager
