A trip to the Kruger National Park is always fun, and there are numerous attractions in this beloved area that’ll appeal to young ones. These are some of our favourite spots and activities for the whole family to enjoy
Tshokwane Trading Post and Picnic Site
Tshokwane Picnic Road
This spot is a wonderful place for families to rest a little during their journey through the Kruger. Not only is there a shop where numerous refreshments are on offer, but there’s also a picnic site with food galore, from toasted sandwiches to burgers. Here, you and your loved ones can bask in the glory of one of South Africa’s most treasured national parks while having a bite to eat. There are also gas skottel braais for hire at Tshokwane Picnic Site for those who feel like doing their own cooking.
sanparks.org/parks/kruger/tourism/picnicspots.php
Nkuhlu Picnic Site
Skukuza, Lower Sabie Road
Nkuhlu Picnic Site is located on the banks of the Sabie River and is a wonderfully tranquil spot for you to break your journey. There is a shop nearby where you can purchase food and beverages, as well as curios such as hats, T-shirts, and key rings. There’s also an on-site eatery with a menu that includes waffles, as well as gas skottel braais for hire.
sanparks.org/parks/kruger/tourism/picnicspots.php
Thornybush Family Safaris
Thornybush Game Lodge is an ideal place for the whole family to have an African adventure. There are activities here that are specifically aimed at children. They’ll be taken on walks with experienced rangers who will teach them about the various plants, as well as insects that fill the lodge’s environs. They’ll also be taught how to create bush art. This will bring the kids closer to nature and they will leave with a memento of their experiences, too.
thornybush.com
Chitwa Chitwa
Gowrie main, Sabi Sands
Chitwa Chitwa is a wonderful lodge that accommodates children of all ages. Upon approval of a guide, kids of six years and older will be permitted to ride along with their parents on a game drive, while younger children will be entertained with other on-site activities. Note that there are also discounts available for children celebrating a birthday while staying at Chitwa Chitwa, while kids under three can stay free of charge. Children under six can only go on game drives if their parents have exclusive use of the vehicle in question.
chitwa.co.za
Nhongo Safaris Kid’s Corner
Nhongo Safaris offers an abundance of adventures, from day-long game drives to week-long safaris. While adults might be able to concentrate on these journeys, it’s likely that the kiddies might get a bit impatient. This is why Nhongo Safaris has put upa series of child-friendly activities that you can download beforehand from their website. These activities include images for colouring in, word searches and maze puzzles, as well as some word and picture matches. With these activities in tow, you’re sure to keep the young ones occupied on a long trip.
nhongosafaris.com/kid-s-corner
Phalaborwa Gate Game Viewing
R71
There are two routes you can take from Phalaborwa Gate, both of which will give you and the family stunning views of the northern part of the Kruger National Park. You can either head north to Mopani Camp, or east towards Letaba. Whichever option you choose, you’re bound to spot a diverse selection of game. It will be an adventure for the kids.
krugerpark.co.za
Kurt Safaris
Kurt Safaris guarantees adventuresin abundance for travellers of all ages. Their Morning, Afternoon, Sunset and Full Day Safaris, as well as their Full Day Panorama Tours, are all for people as young as eight years old. Meanwhile, their Full Day Birding Safaris and Photographic Safaris are available for people younger than eight. Simply put, thanks to Kurt Safaris, visitors of all ages can experience the wonders of the Kruger.
063 718 5590
kurtsafari.com
Words by Joshua Craig White
Photography: Pexels, Courtesy
