The Kruger National Park is a magical place and while it is a wild destination, children can get a lot of enjoyment from visiting the park.
It is one of the most commonly asked questions, “Can I bring my children on safari?”
Many park guests, and in some cases, many safari companies, are reluctant to bring children on a Kruger National Park safari. Children are not always accommodated by every safari company, but the truth is, children can really have a splendid time while in the Kruger. Children are always welcome on our Kruger Park tours and to help you with your planning, we have some great tips.
From years of working in the industry, along with doing a little online research, we’ve found the information that you need. In this blog, we can help you plan your Kruger Park safari for your family.
Which nation is the best for children?
The African continent is one of the most diverse and exciting places on earth and there is something for everyone to enjoy here. Children can learn a lot while visiting this wild place. So it goes without saying that it is very difficult to say exactly which country is the best of the best. If it is wildlife you are hoping to see, South Africa is without a doubt one of the top destinations as the country is both urban and rural, and it should be your destination of choice for the following reasons:
- The country is urban, and perhaps more developed than other nations on the continent. You will find most modern conveniences when travelling here, and things like healthcare are readily available and easy to access from most safari destinations.
- South Africa is also quite easy to travel to, and once you get to the country, there are plenty of transfer options that will take you straight to the Kruger National Park, or other nearby safari destinations. There are also plenty of fantastic lodges for travellers to enjoy, especially when they are travelling with children.
- It is certainly worth it to have a chat with your doctor about the possible threat of malaria. Children are just as susceptible as adults when it comes to contracting malaria.
What is the best age?
There is no best age or a general age limit to consider. Game drives in the Kruger are exciting for children of all ages, but sometimes travelling with children under the age of 2 can be tiresome and there is a good chance that they won’t remember much if anything at all. The best thing you can do is ask your safari provider what their children policies are, and what their experience is when it comes to the best age, and then plan around that.
How many days are ideal for safaris with children?
It depends a lot on the destination you are planning on visiting. Smaller children might quickly grow bored while on safari for too many days. Smaller children are also likely to grow tired very quickly so it is important to plan your day carefully. The Kruger is a wonderful safari destination and the perfect amount of time to spend on safari would be 2 – 5 days, with plenty of time spent playing games and cooling off in the pools.
Are there any dangers?
Anytime you enter a wildlife park, whether with a safari company or not, there are certain dangers that you need to be aware of. All of the animals living in the park are wild and pose a serious danger if you don’t follow the park rules. Interacting with the wildlife, touching or feeding, can put you and your children at risk. Make sure that you keep a close eye on your children at all times.
