Malaria-Free Game Reserves For Families

Wondering what to do with young kids on a bush holiday and not keen on the hassles of malaria medication? LAUREN MCSHANE suggests child-friendly stays at malaria-free game reserves throughout South Africa.

- Lauren Mcshane

ANT’S NEST WATERBERG

Start your mornings on horseback in this private reserve, spend hot days in the pool spotting rhinos, enlist the kids on a bug and spoor walk or pop your toddler onto a pony for a hand-led ride. Ant’s Nest offers the rare opportunity for young kids to join you on game drives. The kids will enjoy spotting a zebra or giraffe. Childminding is available for parents yearning to relax with sundowners on the hill or for those who wish to steal away for a lengthy, romantic dinner.

HIGHLIGHT: horseback safaris and the luxury Sable Suite for families. www.waterberg.net

GONDWANA FAMILY LODGE SANBONA WILDLIFE RESERVE

Enjoy this Big Five reserve in the heart of the Karoo. Applause goes to childminders dedicated to families for the duration of the family holiday. Designed to inspire future conservationists, the Kids on Safari Programme takes children on an exploration through a skull garden to collect the dung of various animals and record findings in their activity booklets. On rainy days, there’s an indoor play area set with DVDs, books, puzzles, crafts and movies.

HIGHLIGHT: the complimentary childminding during game drive hours. www.sanbona.com

MHONDORO SAFARI LODGE AND VILLA, WELGEVONDEN GAME RESERVE

You’ll find five-star luxury coupled with child-friendly staff and spaces. Kids can bake cookies with the chef, go on insect walks, play in outdoor or indoor playgrounds or try animal track moulding. Kids under six years can join special Bumble drives outside of regular game drive hours and get the chance to observe creatures big and small.