Kruger with kids: 5 ways to make safari fun for youngsters

Hey there! So, I’ve got some pretty cool tips for you if you’re planning on taking the kiddos to the Kruger. Trust me, it’s an epic way to show them the wonders of the wild while having an absolute blast. Just one thing though – those drives can be pretty long, and let’s face it, family adventures don’t always go as smoothly as we hope. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Here are five awesome ways to keep the little ones happy and entertained during your Kruger visit.

1) Let’s turn game drives into exciting games!

Hey there! I’ve got some awesome ideas to make game drives super fun for kids of all ages. How about turning it into a game where we give points to different animals? For example, you could assign 1 point to impalas and a whopping 100 points to a leopard! At the end of each day, we can tally up the points and the winner gets a delicious ice cream treat!

Another cool game idea is to make a list of things we’re likely to see, like trees, birds, and animals. Whoever correctly identifies them first gets points! And for older kids, we can give them extra points for identifying whether an animal is a herbivore or carnivore, or if it’s active during the day or night. It’s a great way to learn about different species and have a blast!

2) Let’s learn how to read the Kruger map together!

When I was younger, I used to have so much fun exploring the Kruger National Park map. I loved reading the extra fun facts and looking at all the pictures of the amazing animals and birds. You can even get the kids involved by giving them a map and asking for their help in finding certain waterholes or picnic sites. And for the little ones, you can point at the pictures and teach them how to recognize different animals and birds.

3) Make a fun treasure map for camping

Here’s a quick idea to beat the afternoon fatigue that often sets in during a drive in the middle of the day at Kruger. Sometimes, all you want to do is take a nap, but the kids are full of energy and eager to play. So why not create a treasure map for them to follow? It’s a simple and fun activity that will keep them engaged and entertained.

When you arrive at the camp, make sure to pick up a map from reception. They usually give them to you when you check in. Take this opportunity to create a fun treasure hunt for your child. For instance, you can have them find a leaf from the tree closest to the swimming pool or write down five things they see from the bird hide. While you catch some rest, they can check off each activity on their list and then come back to tell you all about it.

4) Have some fun with photography

If your child is old enough to handle a camera or a phone, let them go wild and take pictures everywhere. You can even give them a list of things to photograph, such as clouds, leaves, or flowers. It’s a great way for them to explore their surroundings and capture memories.

5) Write it down

Encourage your child to keep a diary during their time at camp. They can write about their adventures, the friends they make, and the things they learn. It’s a wonderful way for them to reflect on their experiences and create a lasting memento of their time at camp.

If your kids are old enough to write, why not give them a diary? They can fill it with all their sightings, thoughts, and memories. And if they’re not quite there yet, a drawing book will work just fine. Encourage them to draw their sightings until they’re ready to write. These special books can be used for all your future trips to Kruger, and each time you go, you’ll see how much they’ve learned! While a regular notebook will do the job, you can also find diaries made specifically for Kruger and the Lowveld at https://kikipops.co.za/.

Cape Town offers a wealth of kid-friendly activities. You can visit the zoo, the aquarium, or the planetarium. Explore the many beautiful parks and nature reserves in the area by going for a hike or a bike ride. And of course, there’s no shortage of shopping and dining options to keep everyone entertained.

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