South Africa: Shamwari Game Reserve - Kids on Safari. The world famous Shamwari Game Reserve introduces a unique and rewarding vacation for the whole family. Their “Kids on Safari” package includes action-packed days at Shamwari, a private game reserve in the malaria-free zone in the Eastern Cape, where, for the first time, kids aged four and older have the chance of a lifetime to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and Cape buffalo), view a special educational film, visit the Born Free Foundation and Shamwari’s Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Center, stay at a traditional African lodge, and much more.

Families are accommodated in the colonial-style Riverdene Lodge, which has nine interconnecting air conditioned rooms with an authentic African feel.  Upon arrival, the children’s coordinator will discuss activity options, taking into consideration the family’s size, children’s ages and weather conditions.  (While children under four are welcome, they are too young to go on the game drives.)

The fun and learning never stop!  In addition to the excitement of game drives for the whole family, children receive special treatment, including a sneak preview of Animal Planet’s “Shamwari—a wild life” series and a private screening of a new film about animals. They’ll enjoy an exclusive visit to the Born Free Foundation Big Cat Rescue Center for an up close and personal look at lions and leopards that have been rescued from zoos and circuses around the world and brought to the Center to be rehabilitated, as well as learn about animal welfare and conservation.  They will also experience an instructive tour of the Shamwari Wildlife Hospital to observe different types of wild animals being treated prior to being released into the wild.  Families who make advanced bookings can arrange to have a Shamwari Film Crew member film and produce a DVD of their personal family safari experience at an extra cost.  And there are lots of other supervised social, sporting and arts and cultural activities to keep kids happy, too, including African bead making, working with clay, face painting, star-gazing, African story telling… 

The price varies according to the age and number of children and the time of year.  Children aged four years through 11 who share the adults’ room pay one-half the adult rate. Children aged three years and younger stay in parents’ room at no charge. The package includes accommodation, all meals, game drives, selected beverages, entry to and film viewing in the Shamwari Film Studio, visit to the Born Free Foundation, visit to the Shamwari Rehab Center, supervision of children by children’s coordinator, and a gift pack for each child with a cuddly toy, activity workbook and other surprises.   Qualified child minder service, imported beverages, and the family DVD are available at an additional cost.

Ideal for families, rooms at Riverdene Lodge have television, a small lounge area, en-suite sandstone bathrooms with double sinks, and private balconies.  In addition, the lodge features a rim flow swimming pool, supervised playroom, spacious green lawns with an outdoor barbeque area and jungle gym.  For information and reservations, please visit reservations@mantiscollection.com, www.mantiscollection.com or www.shamwari.com