“Mom, I’m bored”; three words you will never hear at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge! Here your kids will be spoilt and pampered within an inch of their lives.
First and foremost, the Elefun Center which is open between game drive times. Kids between 4 and 12 years are kept busy with games, activities and of course learning about the bush. I was hard-pressed to drag my son away from the Elefun Center for game drives.
In the morning session, kids have activities based on the bush and what it takes to qualify as a junior ranger. This is followed by a late morning session where a ranger will take older kids out into the bush for a short walk or drive, to learn interesting facts about the bugs and the birds. For those kids that are less excited about animals, there are arts and crafts sessions and space to run around and play games.
The afternoon is spent getting some exercise and playing fun games like soccer or obstacle courses. This also gets rid of all the pent-up energy before the afternoon game drive. There is method to their madness!
Families will be allocated to specialized child-oriented safari rangers. From the ages of 3-6 years, children can join you on safari if you take a private vehicle. From 6 years and up, children are allowed on normal game drives, but honestly, I highly recommend getting your own vehicle. It enhances the safari experience so much when the ranger is dedicated solely to your family.
We were left breathless on our game drive at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge. Our tracker and ranger spotted some leopard tracks which we followed for a few minutes. Suddenly we came upon a young male leopard with a kill. As we watched a larger, older leopard approached. A massive fight ensued, ending with the younger male slinking off with his tail between his legs. Mark had jumped onto my lap during the roaring and hissing, our hearts pumping wildly. What an adventure!
