Wild Wonders for Children at Lion Sands

Instilling a love for nature at an early age has a profound impact on the child and quite possibly the world. “Children see magic because they look for it,” said author Christopher Moore, and there is so much magic to be found on safari…

Embarking on a safari is a journey into the heart of nature, a thrilling experience that can ignite the spark of curiosity in the youngest of hearts. Children on safari discover the wonders of the wild in a way that captivates their imagination.

Mack & Madi

Our Mack & Madi Kids Adventure Programme across our properties offers either dedicated on-site experiences or advice on a selection of the best children’s activities our destinations offer. The programme was inspired by Mack and Madi, the twin children of our custodian and CEO Robert More, and launched in 2017. “Travelling as a family created lifelong precious memories for us, and we wanted to encourage families to spend time together by sharing life enriching experiences.”

Tinga Lodge

So, what lies in store for your Lion Sands family safari? Lion Sands Tinga Lodge offers the classic safari experience plus a lot of fun for the young ones (age 6+ welcome). Tinga has nine luxurious Suites, each with its own private deck and plunge pool. There is a children’s playroom supervised by a dedicated Mack & Madi co-ordinator. Arts and crafts, reading, movies, baking, sports and more will keep them entertained for those times when you need a moment to catch your breath.

Our two exclusive-use Residences, Hinkwenu and Fish Eagle (near Ivory Lodge) are perfect for families (all ages welcome) looking to enjoy their own space. With your own private safari vehicle and dedicated field guide team, your adventures together will create those unforgettable memories.

Special gifts are included for all our young visitors, such as a backpack or cap or perhaps a plush toy for the littlest ones.

Wild Wonders

The heart of any safari lies in the encounters with wildlife. For children, seeing majestic elephants, playful lion cubs, or graceful giraffes in their natural habitat is an experience that transcends any storybook or documentary. Safaris offer a front-row seat to the fascinating world of animals, teaching children about the diversity of life on our planet and the importance of conservation.

Our Field Guides play a crucial role in turning a safari into an educational and entertaining experience for children. With a wealth of knowledge, field guides become storytellers, weaving tales of animal behaviour, survival strategies, and the delicate balance of ecosystems. Through these stories, children gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of nature. They will also have fun learning to track animals and making moulds of the ‘spoor’ they find.

Future Stewards for Nature

Safaris provide an invaluable opportunity to instil a sense of responsibility in young minds. Children learn firsthand the challenges faced by wildlife and the ecosystems they inhabit. Understanding the impact of human activities on these environments fosters a sense of responsibility, creating future stewards of our planet.

Sounds in the Night

The safari adventure continues to unfold with the setting of the sun, as a symphony of crickets, frogs, and distant calls of predators awakens the children’s senses to a world that comes alive after dark. Bedtime on safari is a chance for children to drift off to sleep accompanied by the lullabies of the wilderness. Even better if it’s under the open sky and alongside the river in our luxury Tinyeleti Treehouse. Watch wildlife by the water while enjoying a moonlit picnic, and when bedtime comes, count the stars.

Fun Food Too

Meals bring families together, whether around the dining table, in the outdoor boma, or a fun, hot chocolate breakfast stop on safari. Our chefs prepare delicious meals to tempt the pickiest of eaters, while minimising refined sugar and preservatives, and sneaking in plenty of fresh fruit and veg. The menu includes burgers and treats like toasted marshmallows, and other tasty nibbles.

A Safari Beyond Wildlife

Safaris are not only about wildlife but also about immersing children in the rich tapestry of local cultures. Interacting with communities near safari destinations introduces children to diverse traditions, languages, and lifestyles that broaden their horizons and foster cultural awareness and empathy. Our More Community Foundation ‘Get Your Hands Dirty’ Community Experiences entails visiting Henna Pre-school and Jabez Pre-school. Here, you can chat with the teachers, spend time with the children, and understand ongoing efforts and challenges. You’ll visit the Huntington Digital Learning Campus, a collaborative venture with The Good Work Foundation. This facility creates opportunities for local learners and adults, bolstering employability and self-sufficiency.

Memories to Last a Lifetime

As the safari adventure comes to an end, children leave with more than just photographs and souvenirs. They carry with them memories like the smell of the African dust, the roar of a lion, the warmth of the sun on their faces, and the sense of awe that only nature's wonders can inspire.

A safari is not just a vacation; it's an educational and transformative experience, opening children’s eyes to the beauty of the natural world.

So, pack your bags, bring your little explorers, and set out on a safari adventure that promises to ignite the spirit of curiosity and wonder in their hearts.

More information: https://www.more.co.za/experiences/mack-and-madi-family-adventure/