Overview
This family safari package offers a 4 day stay in the heart of the wild, at Thornybush Game Lodge, adjacent to the Kruger National Park, followed by a cosmopolitan getaway to Cape Town. This family getaway benefits from direct air transfers and avoids long drives with the constant “Are we there yet?” question from the children.
Safari Highlights
- Adjacent to the Kruger National Park
- Interactive children's programme
- Big Five wildlife sightings
- Private plunge pool and viewing deck
Family Holiday Safari Experience
Offering an escape for the family, as well as individual activities for children and their parents, the lodge succeeds in fulfilling all travellers' desires. Indulge in the tranquil ambience that the wild creates as your children enjoy the freedom of the wild under expert staff supervision. The babysitting options and the specially-designed children's programme create the perfect setting for a family safari.
Wildlife in the Thornybush Game Reserve includes the famous Big Five - lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino. Game drives take safari-goers straight into the bush for unfiltered encounters with these, and an abundance of other species.
A family suite, adorned with a private viewing deck and plunge pool, is the epitome of unity as it creates an oasis in the vast wilderness. Quality time can be spent with your loved ones, away from the other guests, making Thornybush Game Lodge feel like your home away from home.
Children on Safari in Thornybush
Avoiding long, exhausting roads, this safari option delivers you and your family to the lodge via an air transfer. Children between the ages of 2 and 5 years old are not permitted on the game drives, however, babysitting facilities are available at an additional cost. The lodge also has a programme of activities for children staying at the lodge.
Day 1: Johannesburg - Thornybush Game Reserve
Upon your arrival at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport, you and your family will board a one-hour flight in a light aircraft to a bush strip where a lodge representative will welcome you and escort you to Thornybush Game Lodge. A short game drive will deliver you and your family to an unforgettable experience - the first game sightings of your family safari.
After you have settled into you Family Suite you can go on your first exciting game drive - your kids can look out for their favourite wild animal! Return to the lodge for a delicious dinner.
Day 2 - 3: Safari in Thornybush Game Reserve
Your family safari starts early in the morning, with a wake-up call and a warm cup of coffee. Rise with the African sun as you prepare for your game drive into the Thornybush Game Reserve. Accompanied by experienced trackers and rangers, follow the spoor deeper into the bush.
While the grown-ups are out exploring the wilderness, the children will be entertained by the lodge's friendly staff. The younger ones can be looked after by a babysitter, while the older children participate in a specially-designed programme that consists of interactive games and activities.
Tailored game drives and activities appeal directly to your children's needs, and menus are specially prepared to treat their taste buds. Activities include educational walks alongside the experienced rangers who will teach them how to track spoor and encounter the flora and smaller facets of the bush.
Picnics next to the pool will allow them to relax while enjoying the tranquillity of the lodge. Treasure hunts and a 'Ranger in Training' pack will keep the children occupied, and an optional visit to the Amani Spa will pamper the little safari-goers after a long day of adventure.
After a day of adventures, families can reunite by taking a dip in their private plunge pool. After spending a few hours at your own leisure, enjoy a magical evening under a canopy of stars before returning to your family suite.
Day 4: Thornybush Game Reserve to Cape Town
On the final day of your family safari, you can enjoy a hearty breakfast before being transferred to Hoedspruit for your onward flight to Cape Town. You will be welcomed at the airport by one of our representatives and driven from the Cape Town International Airport to the world-famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
Widely acknowledged as Cape Town’s premier shopping and tourist destination and a well-known entertainment hotspot. There is no shortage of upmarket shopping, excellent restaurants, museums and entertainment.
You will be staying in a luxury self-catering apartment which is situated on the water’s edge in the picturesque V&A Waterfront Marina in Cape Town’s harbour. Your serviced holiday apartment offers all the freedom of an apartment with the luxuries of a hotel. It is fully equipped with satellite television and a DVD player, Wi-Fi, washing machine, tumble dryer and a dishwasher.
You will enjoy access to swimming pools and a state-of-the-art gym and personal trainers on request. There are many shops and restaurants within a short walking distance.
Day 5 - 7: Explore the Beauty of Cape Town
Explore Cape Town at your leisure. With over 50 top attractions and special offers to choose from, the Cape Town Unlimited Pass showcases the best that Cape Town has to offer. There's something for everyone to enjoy! The Cape Town Unlimited Pass is a comprehensive pass which offers exceptional value with free entry fees to tours, museums, cruises, cultural experiences, and much more.
Take a trip up Table Mountain, see the Mother City from the Cape Wheel or explore Cape Town’s rich heritage by visiting museums or enjoy its cultural cuisine. Visit the Groot Constantia Wine Estate, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the beauty of the coast on the Hop on Hop Off Citi Sightseeing bus.
Your base at the V&A Waterfront also has a plethora of entertainment for the whole family. Sunset cruises to Clifton, visit the Cape Town Aquarium, shop for local arts, crafts and clothing, see an Imax movie in 3D, visit the seals on the docks or just shop up a storm.
There are restaurants to suit everyone's taste from fine dining to fast food and everything in between. Or you can whip up meals in the kitchen of your apartment. The choice is yours.
Day 8: Bid Cape Town Farewell
Enjoy your final glimpse of the iconic Table Mountain as you get driven to Cape Town International Airport for your onward travel arrangements.
Included
- Scheduled flight from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit
- Private return road transfers between airports, lodge and apartment
- 3 nights’ accommodation in a family suite at Thornybush Game Lodge
- Scheduled flight from Hoedspruit to Cape Town
- 4 nights’ accommodation in a two-bedroom self-catering apartment in the Waterfront
- A selection of drinks including local beers, house wines with meals, bottled water, juices, soft drinks, teas and coffees during your stay at Thornybush Game Lodge
- Breakfast from day 2 to day 4
- Lunch, snacks and dinner from day 1 to day 3
- Morning and afternoon off-road game drives that take place in an open 4x4 safari vehicle with a ranger and tracker team (no children under 6 years)
- Walking safaris with an expert guide to accompany you as you track wildlife on foot through the African bush (no children under 16 years)
- Kids receive a “Ranger in Training” activity backpack
- 3-day City Pass with unlimited entrance to most of Cape Towns highlights
- 3-day Bus ticket on the Cape Town City Sighting Seeing bus (Hop-on/ Hop-off)
- Park and conservation fees for Thornybush Game Reserve
Not Included
- Optional activities, drinks and meals not mentioned
- Babysitting and all other extras to be settled direct
