Picture yourself landing in the South African bush after a long flight, your excited children beside you. At check-in, a ranger tells you the youngest cannot join the game drives. Age restrictions differ by lodge, drive type and vehicle, and lodge photographs rarely show them.
This guide lists child friendly game lodges with their age policies, suites and children’s activities. Every detail comes from our own lodge pages, so you can build a shortlist with confidence.
Start planning your next family holiday by contacting us to discuss your different options.
What Are Child Friendly Game Lodges?
These lodges accept children and publish clear age rules for game drives and walks. Many also offer family suites, child-minders and activities for younger guests.
Minimum drive ages start at 4 at Shamwari Riverdene Family Lodge and reach 6 at Madikwe Safari Lodge, Impodimo Game Lodge and Serondella. Each of these three arranges shorter or private drives for younger children. Here are some benefits to expect from a family lodge.
Key Benefits of Staying at a Family Lodge
- Malaria-free reserves: Madikwe Game Reserve and Shamwari Private Game Reserve are non-malaria areas.
- Child-minding: Some lodges employ experienced child-minders so you can rest.
- Separate sleeping space: Bunk-bed children’s rooms and interleading suites give each age group privacy.
- Activities for children: Programmes keep children busy between drives and teach conservation.
The four lodges below appear on our Family Safaris page. Each one publishes its own child policy.
Lodge Age Policies and Children’s Suites
Shamwari Riverdene Family Lodge, Eastern Cape
Shamwari Riverdene welcomes children of all ages. Children from age 4 join every drive, while children aged 3 and under cannot join drives. The Kids on Safari programme includes a kids club and an adventure playground with supervised zip lines and climbing walls. Children aged 0 to 3 share a room free of charge. Children aged 4 to 11 pay 50% of the adult sharing rate. Walking safaris admit guests aged 16 and over.
Madikwe Safari Lodge, North West Province
Lelapa Camp welcomes all ages. Its four family suites each have a children’s room with bunk beds, toys, games and books. The Kids Eco House provides experienced child-minders. Drives start at age 6. Younger children join a family drive after breakfast, or a private vehicle at extra cost, subject to availability. Children aged 0 to 5 stay free, and ages 6 to 15 pay 50%. Kopano and Dithaba camps admit guests aged 16 and over unless you book them exclusively.
Impodimo Game Lodge, Madikwe
Impodimo welcomes children of all ages and gives each child a welcome pack of activities. Children under 6 cannot join standard drives and enjoy a shorter “kiddies bumble” instead. Children aged 6 and over join drives at the ranger’s discretion, unless you book a private vehicle. The Deluxe Safari Suite includes a private pool with a safety net, plus a private vehicle and ranger. Babysitting costs extra. Children under 2 stay free, and ages 3 to 12 pay 50% when sharing a Luxury Suite with two adults.
Serondella, Thornybush Game Reserve
Serondella has two family suites with private plunge pools. Children under 12 share these suites with adults. Children aged 6 and over join daily drives at management’s discretion, and families with younger children can arrange a private vehicle at extra cost. A children’s programme runs at set times each day. Babysitting runs from 19:00 to 22:00 at a cost, with two children per babysitter. Children aged 0 to 5 stay free, and ages 6 to 11 pay 50% when at least two children share.
Booking Tips for Game Drives With Children
Check these points before you confirm a stay:
- Confirm the minimum age for every drive type before you compare prices.
- Ask whether a private vehicle is available and what it costs.
- Check walking safari limits.
- Ask about babysitting hours and fees.
- Request an itemised price for each child’s age.
African Inspired Safaris: Owner-Run Family Safari Planning
We are an intimate owner-run company with expert knowledge of the destinations we sell. Our team has guided travellers from all over the world through Southern Africa for many years.
Each package is bespoke and built around your dates, preferred experiences and safari requirements. You receive a personalised quote, including access to some of our specials.
Start Planning Your Safari Today
Contact us today on WhatsApp at +27 82 829 7366 or email info@africaninspiredsafaris.com and receive your own quote for a bush holiday your whole family can never forget.