Design trends

Travelling with children, realistically

South African family with two young children walking together on a beach boardwalk by the sea

Plan for delays, not a perfect day, and leave at least one slow day in every week. One proper outing a day is plenty.

Pack snacks, spare clothes and medication in the bag that stays with you, and ask us whether your chosen lodge takes children on game drives.

South African family with young children walking along a sunny Garden Route coastal path

Packing for real days

Pack less than you think and leave room for what you forget, because something always gets left behind. Bring layers for cool mornings on a game drive. Keep it simple and the trip stays easy even if a bag is delayed.

The best family trips are the ones where nobody was rushing. Slow mornings and short drives make the whole week easier for everyone.

Children tire of car seats fast, so break a long drive into two shorter ones with a stop for lunch. Plan around nap times and pick a stay with a pool, so the first hour on arrival is for playing, not unpacking.

Choosing the right lodge

Ask about age limits before booking a safari lodge, since some camps do not allow young children on game drives. A family resort with a pool is often the easier choice.

Flights and Visas

Check every child's passport validity well before booking, since some countries need six months left on it. An unabridged birth certificate is often needed when travelling with one parent.

Keep a copy of every travel document on your phone and a paper copy in your bag in case a screen fails at the border. Check visas for every stop on the route, even a short layover.

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