Travelling with children can be a nightmare!
I know, I have a toddler and if she is not happy, then none of us are! But, at the same time, there is only so much holiday camp style vacation time you can endure!
I have found the perfect solution. Khoka Moya Camp located in the Manyeleti Conservancy on the border of the Kruger National Park, South Africa. This place has a perfect balance for both adults and children, plus it is educational and awe inspiring being up front and personal with African wildlife.
On arrival at Khoka Moya Camp the friendly staff will assist you in getting settled in and comfortable. Once you are unpacked and ready, you can join the afternoon game drive activity. Once out in the wilds of the reserve, you can feel the stress of life leaving you. Feel the breeze on your cheek, hear the birds calling, relax and witness the raw untamed African bushveld. Searching for the Big Five (Lions, Leopards, Buffalo, Rhino, Elephant) is a thrilling experience, and when you do finally get your first glimpse of natures finest… Wow! Dinners are always a gastronomic experience weather they are in the Boma (a reed enclosed area) at the camp or under the stars in the middle of the bush.
In the early mornings warm your hands with a hot drink before setting out in search of the wildlife once again. You have the choice of going on a game drive, or walking through the bush on foot with your ranger. Both are incredible experiences and allow you to truly commune with nature.
The afternoons are spent at leisure, reading, rummaging through the books in the library or drifting off into a peaceful sleep. In the late afternoon, the adventure starts all over again! The rangers are experts of the bush and really do want you to be as passionate about wildlife as them, so they are eager to share as much information and fun little facts with you as they can. They really complete the whole experience!
However, the main highlight at Khoka Moya is the children friendly attitude they have. They really have spent a lot of thought and time coming up with the ideal family solution- and to this end they have created a program whereby children can also get the same enjoyment as their parents. While parents enjoy 3 - 4 hour game drives. There are shorter game drives for the young ones fully accompanied by trained child minders and rangers. Children can go on walks around the camp with the rangers, learning about the wildlife, plants and the ecosystem of the reserve. There are also special classes whereby children learn about African bead work (making their own friendship bracelets), cookie making (using a maize meal and mortar grinding process), drawing (animals and trees that they have seen) and reading and learning about the bush. On top of that, fun menus have been created for children so that they may also enjoy their dinner times.
So, definitely some time for parents to relax and de-stress! It is probably one of the best family holidays I have been on for a while. I can't wait wait to go back.
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