Just back from a fabulous couple of days at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve staying at the family-friendly Gondwana Family Lodge. We went to shoot a family safari video to show on our website soon and so Mari and I decided to use our own kids as guinea pigs.

However this was not exactly child labour! The only instruction we gave to the kids was to act naturally. There was so much to see and do that they effortlessly produced the goods – asking questions, taking part in pop quizzes on the wildlife, looking at the curious animal & insect life, climbing the rocks to enjoy the magnificent vistas…

Sanbona Gondwana Lodge itself is fantastic for families. The kids all received a kids bag on arrival with a particularly nice safari guide full of little plastic bags for them to stuff interesting plants and stones into – much used by my kids. It also has a kids centre aimed more for younger kids.  The menu was great with a good-sized kids menu on offer ranging from the standard kids fare to more healthy options so that most kids AND their mums should be satisfied. Accommodation wise – Gondwana Lodge offers two options. A younger child can share the spacious rooms with their parents on a sofa couch. Alternatively  they can take two interlinked rooms with children under 12 paying 50% even if they have their own room and children 12 and over pay adult rates.

Unlike many other lodges, Gondwana will take children from 4 and upwards on a game drive – often putting two families together in one vehicle. Though parents need to be aware that a long game drive doesn’t suit all younger children. Have a look at my article on family safaris on our website.

Also check out my blog post on Sanbona Dwyka Tented Camp…