After much thought and deliberation you and your family have made the decision to book a safari holiday in South Africa and you want the experience to be fun and trouble-free. Here are our tips to prepare for a trip of a lifetime.
Choose your destination wisely:
Travelling with children can be challenging and the choice of destination is key. If you have been on a long-haul flight or even a domestic trip you will want to get to your destination as quickly and easily as possible. Morukuru Family is situated in the Madikwe Reserve which is easily accessible from OR Tambo international airport either by road transfer or via priavte charter.
Find a lodge that’s great for kids:
Morukuru Family Madikwe is in a malaria-free zone which makes it extremely appealing to families with children and infants. Many lodges don’t accommodate children under fourteen but Morukuru Family Madikwe is totally different as our philosophy is to welcome children of all ages and believe a holiday spent in the bush is a great opportunity for families to connect. (Multi-Generational Travel)
Manage expectations:
When preparing your kids for the upcoming trip, explain the difference between a zoo and the bush. Let them know that it is important to be patient—and quiet—while they wait to spot the animals. Your children also need to understand that the ranger and tracker are in charge and their instructions need to be listened too.
Small stuff counts too:
Sometime the big animals are elusive but smaller animals and birds can be equally interesting. The bush is a complex eco-system full of delightful attractions from the dung beetle to the lion. Morukuru Family Madikwe is designed to be child-friendly and the rangers are able to share the wonder of the bush with a combination of education and entertainment. (Read our blog: The Road Less Travelled)
Encourage conservation:
Explain the importance of preserving nature and protecting wildlife. Your family can get involved and make a difference to rhino protection by supporting our Goodwill Foundation.
Take a gadget break:
A safari is a great time to break the habit of tech addiction and take a digital diversion but for those kids who simply can’t live without technology, there is always access to free Wi-Fi, computer stations, DVDs and Playstation.
Be free to set your own agenda:
Morukuru Family Madikwe allows each family group to set their own agenda and you are not tied into any formal schedule. Families are unique and can choose their own activities with or without their children. Enjoyment is the priority and this can take many forms including child-specific activities like tracking lessons or bush walks.
Think about indoor activities too:
Sometimes the weather doesn’t play along and you need a plan B. On arrival, children get a ‘Morukuru Kidz’ backpack filled with interesting and practical supplies to entertain and educate. These include educational wildlife cards, beads, activity books, epitomising a fun, interactive learning experience about wildlife, game, birdlife and Africa in general.
Child Care:
Morukuru Family Madikwe offers on-site child care which means parents can have break too! Our experienced babysitting staff are available to accommodate your daily needs with hands on help and entertainment like tracking lessons, baking classes, scrapbooking, beading or bush walks. Parents can enjoy a bit of down time confident that their children are being well looked after and occupied with stimulating activities.
Pack smart:
Fussy parent travellers make fussy children travellers. Pack only the essentials including a small first-aid kit as a precaution. Pack for your kids the way
you would pack for yourself and don’t sweat the small stuff. No need to pack snacks as the chefs will take care of that as well as any special dietary requirements. (What to pack when going on safari)
Make Memories:
Give your kids an inexpensive camera or phone and encourage them to keep journals of their experiences. Our knowledgeable staff are on hand to share stories and experiences which will inspire children to develop an interest in nature and the environment. (How to take great shots in the bush – with tips from our rangers)
