A local game reserve is offering an outdoor adventure programme for children that includes their own dedicated game drives.
A local game reserve is offering an outdoor adventure programme for children that includes their own dedicated game drives.
In its efforts to cater for its younger guests, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve has introduced the Hooves Stripes Wildlife Drives to overcome the usual age restrictions imposed on game drives; treasure hunts; finger-painting; complimentary child minding and a new family room policy.
The wildlife drive takes children under 5 out to spot non-dangerous animals such as giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, tortoises and warthogs at a safe distance, so they too can learn about the bush and its residents.
On arrival, children receive a Rangers in Training backpack with a bug collector's jar and magnifying glass, a booklet for identifying wildlife, colouring pencils, a sun hat and a special craft pack made by the community centre – a journal-making kit for the girls, and a door sign-making kit for the boys.
On the last day, they receive a certificate from their ranger, confirming that they have completed Kwandwe’s Kids Activities – including poo safaris and spoor-tracking adventures; minnow-fishing trips accompanied by both a ranger and tracker; Big 5 cookie baking; chocolate animal moulding and pizza-making competitions.
There are also DVDs and popcorn sessions to help children wind down after such an action-packed day and bedtime stories served up with a mug of warm milk and cookies.
Kwandwe’s Ecca Lodge is the “family” lodge with a new policy allowing two children under 16 to share with parents. The lodge also has a dedicated play area with TV and DVD player, books and puzzles, arts and crafts kits and a chalk board wall; a shared pool and an interactive kitchen, where staff help to tempt children out of the midday sun with cookery activities.
Teenagers are welcome at Great Fish River Lodge, while family members of all ages can enjoy Melton Manor (bookable either exclusive use or FIT), the exclusive-use Uplands Homestead and Ecca Lodge.
In addition to the Horns Stripes safari, children aged 6 to 11 may also join their parents on game drives at the lodge manager’s discretion. For safety reasons, children 5 years and younger may join game drives only where a sole-use vehicle is booked. When available this is provided at no charge.
A special children’s menu is presented on arrival at the lodge. Experienced and first-aid trained child-minders are available and guests staying at Uplands Homestead and Melton Manor on an exclusive use basis can design their own family safaris, with no minimum age restrictions and can schedule game drives at flexible times to suit their needs.
