Overview

Kruger Park family safari packages are all about getting together and sharing a special adventure.In this biggest national park in South Africa, visitors can enjoy a variety of accommodation options, an abundance of wildlife sightings and a gorgeous African bushveld setting.

Kruger provides visitors with an intriguing variety of activities that are geared toward bringing them into closer contact with nature. Guests have the option of embarking on a self-drive private vacation or hiring seasoned and knowledgeable guides to take them on a private safari to learn about the breathtaking landscape.

Accommodations at Kruger National Park is spread over a number of rest camps, each featuring its own collection of rooms.Safari accommodations range from basic tented camps to family chalets and a luxury lodge or hotel with en suite bathrooms, depending on the type of trip you prefer. While a self-catering, family-friendly stay with evenings around your own campfire may be the choice of some, an all-inclusive holiday with catered boma dinners under the stars may be the choice of others.

A modern day ‘African safari’ entails an excursion or tour where you can spend time enjoying game drives or enjoy other activities like walking through the wilderness or driving in custom-built game drive vehicles which allow you to get intimate with the landscape and scenery.

Kruger National Park offers several types of game drives, guided walks, 4×4 trails, mountain biking, backpacking trails, eco-trails, birding and even golf.

Going on safari with children

Taking children on safari in South Africa can be an unforgettable experience for both the children and the parents. Safari vacations are excellent choices for families with young children for the following reasons:

• Going on safari with your children is undoubtedly one of the most educationally rewarding and enjoyable experiences you can have.
• Seeing African animals up close in their natural habitat on safari is a thrilling experience.
• Watching an African sunset and sleeping to the sound of a lion roar is unlike any other family camping trip you have ever taken.
• It is critical to help children gain a better understanding of animal conservation by taking them on safari to see these magnificent animals.
• One of the most significant and important benefits of family travel is involving children in educational experiences while travelling and learning through travel.

Can children be too young to go on Safari?

When selecting a safari, simply ensure that the lodge you like,accommodates young children.

If they do not allow children on game drives and do not provide babysitting, you will not be going on one yourself.

Look for lodges that have a kid’s club, child-friendly game drives, and/or babysitting.

There is no official age limit for taking children on safari, so you must ultimately make the decision based on your knowledge of your children.

Some places do not allow children under a certain age, either for safety reasons or to accommodate their other, child-free guests, but there are plenty of options that do.

Children under the age of six are not permitted on public open safari vehicles.

Highlights of a Family Kruger Getaway

Kruger National Park has it all, from the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo) to more than 147 species of mammals and 508 species of birds, making it an ideal destination for a family safari.

With South Africa being one of Africa’s most family-friendly countries, a safari experience is one of the best ways to cap off any family vacation and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Kruger National Park is possibly the best place in Africa for a self-drive safari, which is ideal for families because you can stay in the comfort of your own car and travel at your own pace.A self-drive safari will also significantly reduce safari costs.

Apart from self-drive safaris, there are numerous guided safaris and small-group trips to choose from, especially if this is your first time on safari or you simply want to sit back and relax.

Most rest camps have lovely family accommodations, and some even have kids’ clubs or other forms of childcare.

Although it can be difficult to keep children entertained on long game drives, the exciting aspect of a Kruger holiday is that you never know what you might see on a game drive, which provides an opportunity for exciting family fun such as “treasure hunts.”

Children can compete with their parents to spot elusive animals while learning more about what they see, such as bird and tree species, watering holes names, and points of interest. While the game element will keep children entertained, it will also teach them a lot about the country’s natural heritage and history.

Family accommodation options in Kruger National Park

There are several classic accommodation types in the Greater Kruger National Park, including:

Camping – sites are available for caravans or tents. Some sites have defined boundaries and their own water taps, and at some camps, a perimeter site can now be reserved specifically.

Safari Tents – Several camps offer permanent canvas tent accommodations. Some have communal kitchens and restrooms, while others are fully equipped for greater luxury.

Bungalows- Most camps offer single bedroom units with a bathroom, some with their own kitchenettes equipped with basic kitchen equipment, and others with access to communal kitchens. Some bungalows have river or perimeter views, while others have been upgraded to luxury status.

Family Cottages – Camps provide multiple bedroom units with a living room, bathroom, and kitchen for families.

Guest cottages have fully equipped kitchens and multiple bedrooms with at least two bathrooms, one of which is usually en suite.

Guest Houses – These multi-bedroom and bathroom units, often with lounge areas and an exclusive view, provide the ultimate classic accommodation for families at an affordable price.

It can be difficult to find the ideal Kruger National Park family accommodation. There are so many options available, and this could be a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, so you want to get it right.

Make your selection based on the following criteria:

• Does it provide spacious family accommodation
• Is there a pool
• Does it offer a Kids’ club or child-friendly activities
• Can you view game from the lodge if you don’t want to take a game drive

Activities the whole family may enjoy

You just can’t beat a Kruger National Park safari with a family.

Not only is it one of the best places in the world to go on safari, it’s possibly the best place in Africa to do a self-drive safari. This is ideal when travelling with little ones as you’re in the comfort of your own car and can do it at your own pace.

Doing a self-drive safari will also bring down the cost of the safari significantly. Still, if you don’t feel like doing a self-drive safari, there are plenty of guided safaris to choose from.

Other activities you and your family may enjoy, are:

Hot air balloon flights

Hot air balloon safari flights are available over a few lodges and game reserves in the Greater Kruger Park area that have suitable terrain. Children should however be tall enough to be able to see over the top of the basket to enjoy a flight.

Morning, sunset, night or full day open vehicle safari drives

You can enjoy the tranquillity of the Kruger National Park at sunrise during a guided morning drive. Morning drives depart a half hour before official gate opening times, and last 3 to 3.5 hours during which you can see the sunrise over unspoiled bush.

The three-hour sunset drives leave the camp before dusk and return after sunset. Sunset is when night animals emerge, and a drive during this time allows you to see the beauty of the bush as it transitions from day to night.

Guided night drives are the only way to see Kruger’s nocturnal creatures and their secretive activities. They depart at 19:30 or 20:00 and last approximately two hours. It is also a great chance to see our starry sky away from the city lights.

Full day open vehicle safari excursions are extensions of a morning drive and may include a bush breakfast along the way, as well as visits to some of the main Kruger camps for an opportunity to buy lunch or drinks.

Guided bush walks

Walking through the Kruger National Park accompanied by experienced armed guides will teach you much about and help you appreciate the intricate details of the natural world around you because it allows you to get up close and personal with the animals.

You will be able to tune into the sights, sounds, and smells more than when travelling in a vehicle once your senses have been activated.

This activity is not suited for very young children.

Mountain bike trails

Olifants Camp is the only camp that offers this kind of excursion and provides you with all of the necessary equipment. There are multiple trails to choose from, depending on your degree of expertise and physical preparedness.

These paths provide the best opportunity for family members to take in the views and sounds of the park while remaining outside of your car.

Bird watching

This is one of the best-liked things to do in the Kruger National Park and can be enjoyed by all ages. Birds can be seen in great numbers throughout the park, but the northern half of the park is especially desirable for birdwatchers.

There are several bird hides available for use in Kruger National Park, many of them in camps, and park rangers have identified over 226 distinct species of birds.

4×4 Trails

4×4 trails allow self-driving families to get off the beaten track and explore areas of the park that are rarely seen.

The trails are self-guided and must be completed at one’s own risk. Participants should be aware that no facilities are available along the routes.

Tips for travelling as a family

Preparing and packing the right clothes and equipment for your Kruger safari is essential to save you lots of heartache later. Keep the following in mind:

• A high SPF or sun protection factor of 30 to 50 will protect you and your children from sunburn or sunstroke.
• Sunglasses will shield you from the sun’s glare in the middle of the day.
• Do not forget to bring your camera, charger, and extra memory cards.
• It is always a good idea to bring a small flashlight with you.
• A small medical kit containing pain relievers, enough chronic medications for the trip, insect repellent, vitamins, lip balm, and a small bottle of moisturiser can help you save time.
• Eco-friendly toiletries, mosquito repellent, and bugspray containing DEET are a plus, particularly if you camp in a tent.
• A good book can help pass the time in the middle of the day or while waiting for a game drive.
• Remember that Kruger’s weather is typically warm to oppressively hot, but winter mornings and evenings can be quite cold.
• Choose clothing items that can be easily mixed and matched in terms of colours, accessories, and functionality.
• The main criteria for your selection must be comfort, ease, and temperature.
• Choose clothing made of breathable, neutral fabrics that can adapt to changing temperatures.
• Pack items that can be washed by hand and dried quickly, especially for the children.
• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers are essential for keeping mosquitoes and other insects at bay on chilly evenings.
• A good pair of sneakers or hiking boots or pair of sandals in summer will suffice.
• A wide-brimmed hat is required.
• Pack clothes that you can wear in layers and remove or add as needed.
• In private game reserves, game drives typically begin shortly after sunrise and end late in the afternoon, lasting until after dark. A few sweaters and a light jacket, along with a scarf, hat, and gloves, will help you stay warm.

Malaria

The best time to visit Kruger National Park is at the beginning or end of the region’s dry season, which falls between April and September.

The rainy season (from October to March) may bring subtropical rainstorms and with many safari vehicles being open to the elements, bush walks and game drives may be a bit uncomfortable.

Mosquitoes are also more prevalent during wet periods.

Because the Kruger National Park is located in a malarial area, consult your doctor about malaria prophylaxis before travelling and remember to pack it.Babies may not be able to take malaria prophylactics.

You might also like our Kruger National Park Couples Packages or Kruger Park Fly-in Packages.

FAQ

Is it safe to travel to Kruger National Park with small children?

Yes, it is safe to travel to Kruger with small children, as long as you as parent respect local wildlife laws and follow park regulations and advice from rangers and guides.

Are kids allowed in Kruger National Park?

Yes, children are allowed,and the Kruger National Park is quite child-friendly. Distances between points where one may alight from your vehicleare never too far and picnic spots are good to stop for lunch and to use the facilities if you are self-driving. Most rest camps provide a child-friendly safari environment with large family accommodation, pools and well-stocked shops.

How old do you need to be to go on safari?

For their own safety, children under the age of six are not permitted to participate on official game drives or bush walks offered by the Kruger National Park.

Some private game reserves allow children on game drives, but they may prefer that a family book a private drive in a vehicle that is exclusively reserved for them.

What clothes should you pack for your kids on safari?

Washing facilities may be limited, so bring plenty of their favourite outfits.Make sure your children are dressed appropriately for a safari, in light, loose-fitting clothing.In a hot climate, light cotton clothing in light neutral tones works best. Avoid using bright colours that attract animals, such as red. Bring your swimming gear because most rest stops and picnic areas have swimming pools.