family travel in the bush
Camping with Kids
The Park is one of the most rewarding family adventures you can experience in South Africa and, with the right preparation, it will be a trip that your littles will never forget.
Taking your kids into the bush might feel daunting - especially when they're under the age of 8 - but The Park is genuinely family-friendly. From fenced rest camps with swimming pools to slow game drives that double as living classrooms, The Park has a way of turning even the most reluctant little traveller into a wide-eyed wildlife enthusiast.
on the road
Game Drives with Kids
Game drives with kids are a completely different experience to adult-only trips - in the best possible way. A little planning makes all the difference between a magical morning and a meltdown at the 90-minute mark. Here's how to prevent defcon 1 -
timing is everything
While it is early, heading out at gate opening, before the heat sets in, gives littles the opportunity to spot game when animals are most active. Plan to be back at camp by 10am for breakfast and a rest. Afternoon drives from 3:30pm are equally rewarding.
pack the snacks
Hunger is the enemy of patience. Pack a small cooler bag with fruit, biltong, rusks, juice boxes, and water for regular snacking. Avoid anything too sugary that will spike and crash energy levels mid-drive. Keep in mind that distances between bathrooms are quite long.
give them a job
Kids engage far better when they have a role. Assign one child as the official spotter, another as the identify-er, and another as the map reader. Rotate every hour to keep everyone invested.
use a sighting checklist
Pack a few crayons, and print or download a checklist, a bird list, or a general wildlife tracker before you leave. Kids love ticking off sightings - it turns the drive into a game with a goal.
play the quiet game
Explain before you leave camp that quiet voices mean more animals. Children who understand the 'why' are far more likely to comply than those who are simply told to be quiet. Because of the nature of The Park, quiet is appreciated... even if there are kiddies around.
keep drives short
Two to three hours is plenty for littles, especially if a scheduled nap time is coming up. Rather do two shorter drives than one exhausting all-day trip. The Park rewards patience, not endurance. Thankfully, the routes around the most child-friendly camps are short and sweet.
don't forget to pack these
Books to Read in the Bush
A good wildlife book transforms down time in camp, especially if you're hoping to nurture a love for the bush. These are the titles we recommend -
Folktales from Africa by Dianne Stewart
This collection of 20 folktales has been retold today’s youngsters. The stories originate from countries as diverse as Swaziland, Angola, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Zanzibar and South Africa.
The South African Alphabet by Alex Latimer
This is not your typical ‘ABC’ book - it has been splendidly illustrated by Alex Latimer with illustrations on subjects unique to South Africa.
The World of African Wildlife: A Safari Guide For Young Explorers by Owen Hendry
Why should you never pick up a bullfrog? Which predators have the cleverest hunting techniques? The answers to these and many other questions can be found in this informative and entertaining book for young nature lovers.
Mahlangeni: Stories of a Game Ranger's Family by Kobie Kruger
A beloved South African classic for older kids and adults alike, this heartwarming book follows Park rangers, and their colourful lives in The Kruger National Park.
My First Book of Southern African Animal Tracks by Chris Stuart & Mathilde Stuart
Introducing 55 different types of animals and the footprints they leave behind. The animals and birds included are those that you are likely to find on visits to nature reserves or game parks.
Safari & Me Activity Book by Outdoor Warehouse
A reusable interactive book to help children learn about the wonders of the African bush in a fun and sustainable way. Ideal for locals who can shop at their closest Outdoor Warehouse.
keeping busy
Games & Activities
Between drives, camps offer more than you might expect. And for the inevitable quiet stretches in the car, a few simple games go a very long way. Here are our favourite -
something for everyone
- ✓Bananagrams - a family favourite. Need I say more?
- ✓30 Seconds - fun for families with older kiddies.
- ✓Game Count - whoever has the highest number of sightings wins something... maybe another trip to The Park?
- ✓Wildlife & Conservation Films - if you're lucky, and depending on where you've booked, some camps still use their outdoor cinema to show wildlife and conservation films during the evening.
at camp
- ✓Star Gazing - use the lack of light to look up.
- ✓Tree Identification - we understand that this is niche but if you love the bush and want to pass it on, it's a great way for littles to learn about trees and plants.
- ✓Track Identification - small critters can be found in camp. Use their footprints to learn about small game.
- ✓Bush TV - another niche activity and not ideal if your kids need a screen. Just sit back, watch the flames of the fire, and chat... it's that simple.
stay safe
Pool Safety at Camps
A swim after a hot morning drive is wonderful. But pools in the bush come with their own considerations. Please pay attention -
pool safety rules
- ✓First and foremost, there are no lifeguards in The Park camps. Never leave children unattended at the pool.
- ✓Check pool hours before heading over - most camps have set opening and closing times.
- ✓Apply waterproof sunscreen before swimming and reapply every two hours, especially in summer.
- ✓In some camps, the pools are unfenced (no safety fence) - keep toddlers within arm's reach at all times.
- ✓Watch for vervet monkeys near the pool area - they are opportunistic and will take unattended snacks or bags.
- ✓Insect repellent degrades quickly in water and needs reapplying afterwards. Don't forget, especially in summer.
- ✓Ssometimes, our slithery and 8-legged friends fall into the water. Keep an eye out for snakes and scorpions.
camps with pools
the practical stuff
Bathrooms & Ablutions
Ablution blocks in The Park are generally clean and well-maintained, but they are shared communal facilities - and that takes a little adjustment for families used to an en-suite.
what to expect
Main rest camps have communal ablution blocks with hot showers, toilets, and basins. They are cleaned regularly and are generally in good condition. Bushveld camps and satellite camps may have more basic facilities.
night-time trips
Ablution blocks are a short walk from most campsites. Always carry a torch at night - not just for the path, but because wildlife occasionally wanders through camp after dark. Never let young children walk alone.
bring your own supplies
Camp shops stock basics, but bring your own toiletries, hand sanitiser, and wet wipes. These are invaluable when little ones need a quick clean between drives. An extra roll of loo roll also comes in handy.
peak times
Ablution blocks get busy just before gate opening and just after gate closing. Plan bath and shower times around these rushes - mid-morning or mid-afternoon is usually quiet.
watch for monkeys
Vervet monkeys and baboons are bold around ablution blocks. Keep toiletry bags zipped and never leave items unattended.
chalets & cottages
If communal ablutions are a concern, book a chalet or cottage with an en-suite bathroom. Most main camps offer these - they do cost more but make a significant difference with young children if you're worried about how to make it work.
where to stay
Best Camps for Families
Not all camps are equal when it comes to family travel. These five consistently deliver the combination of facilities, wildlife, and atmosphere that makes a family trip work.
Skukuza
South- —largest camp in the park
- —pool, restaurants & shop
- —easy access from Joburg & Nelspruit
- —excellent Big Five sightings
Pretoriuskop
South- —beloved family pool
- —relaxed pace and good birding
- —close to Numbi Gate
- —great for first-time visitors
Berg-en-Dal
South- —kid-friendly in all the best ways
- —beautiful pool with bush views
- —great sightings due to location
- —accessible and well-equipped
Satara
Central- —best lion territory in the park
- —large camp with good facilities
- —central location for exploring
- —excellent predator sightings
Letaba
North- —elephant museum on site
- —beautiful river setting
- —quieter and less crowded
- —excellent elephant sightings