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HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS
Identifying animal tracks > Specialised kids’ safaris > Whales & dolphins off the Cape Coast > Gourmet cuisine > Cub’s Club at Ulusaba > Pony riding at Ant’s > Exclusive-use camps

Do you have some feral children who could benefit from being released back into the wild? If so, a journey to the great outdoors of South Africa is highly recommendable. Original Travel has selected a handful of the best family-friendly lodges in South Africa’s prime game reserves and along the Cape coast, which between them will allow you to take in
the highlights of this beautiful and varied country.

To start at the beginning, A is for Ant’s Nest. This is a wonderful home-from-home on a private reserve, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the malaria-free Waterberg plateau. Booked on an exclusive basis, it sleeps up to 12 and is ideal for families. Ant’s Nest specialises in horseback safaris. No riding experience is required – many guests learn to ride here – and there are ponies for children. Other activities at Ant’s include mountain biking, night drives to see nocturnal animals like aardvarks and porcupines, and even riding elephants.

Moving west towards the border with Botswana and the edge of the Kalahari Desert is Jaci’s Safari Lodge. Set amid the 75,000-hectares of the Madikwe Reserve (also malaria-free) the main part of the lodge is built around an ancient termite mound. For families, Jaci’s has a bush retreat with a private guide, vehicle and chef, and a ‘safari cottage’ with a loft room where kids can roost. Specialized kids’ safaris are available where children can learn bushcraft and animal tracking.

Over on the western fringes of the famous Kruger Park are several private reserves that offer some of the best game viewing in Africa. Choose from Little Garonga or Ulusaba. The former is an exclusive-use camp, again with its own guide, vehicle and chef, where activities include sleep-outs in a treehouse. Ulusaba Rock Lodge, perched on a hilltop with spectacular views towards the Drakensberg Mountains, has a ‘Cub’s Club’ providing a range of great activities to keep children entertained.

All of these lodges offer an exceptional wildlife experience, have swimming pools and will give children a wonderful introduction to the African bush, with all its extraordinary animal and plant life.

Combine a safari with a few days on the Cape coast. Kurland is a country hotel on a 700-hectare polo estate near Plettenberg Bay, part of South Africa’s famous ‘Garden Route’. Most rooms come with private pools and adjoining loft rooms specifically designed for children. Activities here include pony rides, tennis and mountain biking, and there are fine sandy beaches just minutes away.

Last but by no means least, Grootbos is private nature reserve overlooking Walker Bay, near Hermanus. The cottages of its Garden Lodge are ideally suited to families. Children’s activities here include riding lessons, nature trails, feeding farm animals and exploring the rock pools and caves along the beaches with expert guides. Best of all though is a marine safari to see whales, dolphins, seals and African penguins.

For more detailed information on each of the lodges, please contact us…

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PRICE
Based on a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 children aged between 2 and 12). £1800 per adult sharing, £900 per child, £430 per infant. Price includes: International flights in Economy Class and internal flights, accommodation on a full board basis, all transfers and game drives and child minding.

ADDITIONAL PARENT RELEVANT INFORMATION
Ant’s Nest: Horse rides are led by two competent guides and the emphasis is on safety at all times. The horses are well trained, and there are ponies for children. Toys and games are available at the lodge to keep young ones occupied between activities. Special food and meal times can be arranged.

Ulusaba:
Children of all ages welcome at Rock Lodge.
On arrival at Ulusaba, all children are given a Cub's Club Backpack which contains lots of little goodies.
Children under 6 are not able to participate in the regular game viewing activities, but are kept entertained at the Ulusaba Cub's Club. Activities include board games, children’s books, treasure hunts, nature trails in the vicinity of the lodge and a range of new and classic children's DVDs.
Children’s menus available.
Babysitting available at no extra cost.
Ulusaba has security guards on duty all night who will pay particular attention to rooms occupied by children.

Little Garonga:
Accepts children from the age of six.

Kurland: Each children’s loft room has its own play area, toys and en suite bathroom. Children can dine in their own children’s conservatory
Experienced nannies available.

Grootbos:Babysitting and special children’s menus available. Southern Right whales make Walker Bay their home from June to December. Dolphins, seals and penguins are present year-round.