For kids, getting out into the exciting wilds of Kruger from a young age can set them on a lifelong path of relishing being in nature and supporting conservation. Family holidays to the Kruger create treasured memories as parents and kids share a unique bush adventure and the awe of seeing Africa’s incredible creatures up close.
With school holidays and the Easter weekend on the horizon, parents can take note of some these Kruger National Park guidelines for kids on safari:
Self-drive or guided safaris with kids?
Many families choose self-drive safaris so that they can manage their time out on game drives to suit their children’s needs. It’s important to note that most lodges offering guided Kruger safaris do not allow children under 6 years of age on shared open vehicle game drives. This is because it can be hard for parents to keep little ones still and quiet to ensure successful game-watching for all the participants, and to ensure that no unwanted attention from animals is drawn to the vehicle. Some, lodges do offer private guided game drives that do cater for children younger than 6 years. At Kruger Gate Hotel, our age-limit on a private safari vehicle is 3 years and we adhere to general guideline of no children under 6 years on shared game drives.
Sticking to the roads and rules
For the safety of the whole family it is essential to use maps, keep to marked roadways and to always stay in the vehicle while on the roads. The only places you are allowed out of your vehicle are at designated picnic spots and at the Rest Camps. Plan your route beforehand and schedule frequent stops at picnic sites and camps for toilet breaks and to let the kids stretch their legs. When planning your route, remember that the speed limit in the Park is 50km on tarred roads and 40km on gravel roads. Generally, you will want to travel slower than these speeds to enhance your wildlife spotting.
What’s the best gate to use for families with kids?
The southern region of the Park is regarded as best for families with children because distances between camps are shorter and picnic spots are more frequent. It is also game-rich, which means there’s plenty to see and kids are less likely to get bored. Paul Kruger Gate, which is just a minute from Kruger Gate Hotel is an ideal gate to access the south of Kruger. It’s just a 30-minute drive from Skukuza Camp, known as the “Capital of the Kruger National Park” and there are a few riverside picnic spots which are fantastic for taking a break from the car.
Choosing family-friendly accommodation
Your Kruger safari will be elevated by opting for the type of accommodation that best suits your family’s needs. At Kruger Gate Hotel we offer a range of amenities such as a family swimming pool, tennis and volleyball courts, as well as outdoor chess and putt-putt. This helps parents to balance game drives with some relaxation time at the hotel. Kids do best on safari when they also get the chance during the day to be physically active and play.
For inspiration, watch Family Time Your Way.