"Not just five stars,” Big Five Stars". The children’s amenity and activity packs, coupled with the high tempo of sightings are superb for keeping the younger safari travellers engaged. Certainly among the most child friendly and engaging children’s safari programs on the continent today. I look forward to returning many times with my own children."                                                Malaka Hilton, Admiral Travel ( USA)

MalaMala Main Camp is the ideal family destination. Welcoming children of all ages, youngsters are able to participate in a holistic programme tailored to suit their needs.

With this program we intend to entertain children, but at the same time to educate them about the bush and the wildlife we share our lives with. Children will always be under the supervision of a responsible ranger while on the program, whether within the confines of the camp, or out in the bush.

The program is geared towards children aged 12 years and under. Activities will depend on the time of the year, and the number of days the children are with us in camp.

On arrival, the ranger looking after the family will assess the enthusiasm and level of independence of the children, and in collaboration with the parents and guardians, various activities will be designed to fill their next few days in the bush.

The Kiddies “Kit”

A MalaMala backpack is given to each junior ranger (between the ages of 4 and 12).

Each bag includes:

• An interactive animal check-list
• Bird and mammal colouring books
• A compass
• A thermometer
• Lip-Ice
• Water

Sample menu of Junior ranger activities

Animal Tracking

For the curious and adventurous junior ranger. Rangers will teach their charges to follow and identify various animals out in the wild by sheer virtue of their spoor markings.

Survivor Challenge

Junior rangers are taught basic survival skills, such as where to find water, what plants are good to eat, medicinal and practical uses of plants (e.g. the toothbrush and loo paper trees!). This experience is great fun – hands on and educational, while arming juniors with interesting skills to take home to envious friends!

“Read” the Bush

Juniors are taught the warning signs of dangerous animals, and first aid skills for emergency situations in the bush.

A short walk is conducted around the bustling Main Camp area. This is ideal for kids to learn more about the different rocks, trees, birds and nests in the wild. Children will also be taught how to track animals and identify the different spoor and droppings in the bush. Children will be escorted by an armed ranger.

Junior Chefs in the Wild

A bush breakfast enables children to learn how to make fire, and to participate in a sumptuous outdoor meal preparation.

Radio Communication

Children are able to learn the skills and etiquette of radio communication, as practiced on drives and out in the bush by the MalaMala rangers. This activity is enjoyed outside of game drive times.

Kiddies Cuisine

Special meals and “ration packs” are prepared for children both in the bush, and in camp.

Movies and More

In camp there are a range of entertaining children’s movies, wildlife movies (all filmed on MalaMala) and board games.

After Hours

Babysitters are available in the evenings if required.