Family Safari South Africa

Garden Route Game Lodge: Western Cape, South Africa

Property
“Ellie! Ellie!” A toddler spots an elephant from his perch in the Land Rover while an older child identifies springbok, giraffe and… there! A rhinoceros! African safaris are famous but perhaps a bit too wild for families with small children. The Garden Route Game Lodge makes it happen, perfectly combining rustic luxury, parenting and spectacular wildlife.

Location
Just east of Albertinia, about four hours drive from Cape Town, the game lodge is surrounded by misty mountains and the unique plants of the fynbos ecosystem. One to two hours further east are the popular tourist towns of the Garden Route with stretching beaches, craft markets, game parks and an authentic steam train journey.

Sleeps
Families stay in hotel rooms at the lodge. Up to three children under 12 years old can fit into one room (with their parents) using roll-away beds. For a more romantic getaway, book a secluded chalet.

Highlights
This resort really caters to children, from thoughtful small details to big adventure. Rooms are equipped with kiddie toilet seats and a box of toys. The restaurant has plenty of highchairs and plastic dishes. There are two playgrounds and a reptile center with snakes, alligators and touchable tortoises. Best of all, Africa’s storybook animals are roaming free – and there’s no malaria.

Good to know
Game drives are two hours long, leaving in early morning and early evening. Buffet meals are served after the drives. If this doesn’t suit your family, shorter game drives and other kid’s activities begin mid-afternoon, and child-friendly meals can be arranged in advance.

Contact
www.grgamelodge.co.za

Written by Katherine Barrett