The 10 Best Family Lodges in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve

A family safari in the Sabi Sands is a dream come true, offering an unforgettable adventure that will leave every family member in awe. From incredible wildlife encounters to luxurious lodges, it’s the perfect way to create lifelong memories together in the heart of Africa.

The Sabi Sands is home to some of the world’s most exceptional family-friendly safari lodges, tailored to meet the needs of families with children of all ages. These lodges offer more than just comfort, they provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere where African hospitality shines, paired with top-tier accommodation and modern amenities. But the real magic happens on the game drives, where you’ll track the legendary Big Five and discover the rich diversity of wildlife.

There’s no shortage of activities to keep everyone entertained. Families can join morning and afternoon game drives that allow you to experience the wonders of the African bush together. For the kids, many lodges offer specialized activities, such as Junior Ranger programs where young explorers can learn about the wildlife, track animal prints, go on treasure hunts, and even create their own crafts. Some lodges feature dedicated kids’ clubs, filled with activities like guided walks, rock painting, and more to keep the little ones engaged between adventures.

Essential Tips for Planning Your Family Safari in Sabi Sands

Children aged 6 and older can usually join regular game drives. Families with younger children can opt for a private vehicle, which can be tailored to your family’s pace and interests.
Family lodges offer babysitting services, so parents can enjoy the evenings or head out on a game drive while the little ones are cared for.
Family units at lodges are limited, so booking ahead is crucial to secure the best accommodation options.
Pricing varies by lodge, generally children under 12 years are charged at 50% of the adult rate, and children under 6 stay for free. Some lodges may have a more age specific rates.
Choose from interconnecting rooms, two-bedroom suites, or private villas for a more intimate and personalized experience.
Lodges are happy to accommodate any specific dietary requirement, but it’s essential to inform them well in advance so they can prepare.

When planning your safari in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, keep in mind that child policies differ across lodges. While some lodges welcome children of all ages, others have age restrictions, often starting from 6, 8, 10, or 12 years old. This makes it important to choose the right lodge that suits your family’s needs.

Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge

Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge is a renowned family-friendly lodge located in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. As the oldest lodge in the Sabi Sabi collection, it boasts a rich history inspired by the adventures of its owners and their deep love for Africa.

Bush Lodge welcomes young children, offering a rare family-friendly safari experience. Every detail is carefully designed to ensure that all family members, regardless of age, have an unforgettable stay in the African bush. The lodge offers a variety of accommodations, including 25 luxury suites and two-bedroom villas. The luxury suites feature separate lounge areas with day beds, perfect for families with small children. The Mahlatini and Tumbela Villas each have two ensuite bedrooms and a spacious communal lounge, opening onto a patio with a private swimming pool and views of the waterhole.

Bush Lodge’s facilities include a main swimming pool, a dedicated kids’ pool, the Amani Spa, a fitness center, and a stunning viewing deck overlooking the reserve. An open-air African Boma provides a unique space for dining under the stars in true safari style. The lodge’s EleFun Children’s Centre is a vibrant, caring, and educational environment designed by childcare experts, offering age-appropriate programs for children aged 4-12. These programs foster a love of nature, giving parents peace of mind while their children enjoy their own special bush experiences. Babysitting services are also available for younger children.

Highlights

Children of all ages are welcome
Luxury suites have lounge areas with 2 extra beds
2-bedroom villas accommodate 6 guests
EleFun Children’s Centre

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MalaMala Camp

Expansive viewing deck with stunning view of the MalaMala Reserve

MalaMala Camp is a premier family-friendly safari camp located in the renowned Sabi Sands Game Reserve. As the largest of the three camps in the MalaMala Game Reserve, MalaMala Camp serves as the family-friendly and entry-level option, steeped in history and tradition. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the Sand River from the expansive wooden safari deck and an African-themed dining room. Additional camp facilities include an infinity pool with stunning river views, a fitness center, relaxation lounge, open-air boma, library, boma and safari boutique.

At MalaMala Game Reserve, the ranger will tailor activities to each child’s age, enthusiasm, and independence in consultation with parents or guardians. Children can track animals by their spoor, learn basic survival skills like finding water and identifying edible plants, and understand safety signs for dangerous animals along with first aid. Children under the age of five are not permitted in the boma for dinner or on game drives unless a private vehicle is booked.

For families there are two sets of interleading rooms with a sleeper couch for an extra person. Select luxury suites can accommodate an extra person with an additional single bed. All accommodations options are ensuite and have with private decks that offer scenic views of the Sand River or nearby waterholes.

Highlights

Children of all ages are welcome
Inter-leading luxury rooms
Ranger will tailor activities to each child’s age
Stunning river views

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Ulusaba Rock Lodge

Ulusaba Rock Lodge, an exclusive family friendly retreat within Ulusaba Game Reserve in the Sabi Sands, is one of three luxury lodges owned by Sir Richard Branson under the Virgin Limited Edition. Rock Lodge offers eight luxurious rooms and suites, each designed with comfort and elegance in mind. The Rock Suite, ideal for families, includes flexible two-bedroom arrangements and private balconies. The Master Suite and Makwela Suites provide serene retreats with private balconies, infinity pools and plush interiors.

Ulusaba Rock lodge accommodate children of all ages and is a top pick for families, featuring the ‘Ulusaba Cubs Club’ for kids aged 0-11. Upon arrival, children receive a backpack with safari-themed educational goodies and a cap. Rock Lodge, known for its intimate setting, has no set programs and rather offers a range of great activities to choose from which are age appropriate. Kids can explore the bush on guided walks, learn to track animals in a mini Ranger’s course, or take part in fun experiences like treasure hunts, arts and crafts, rock painting, and pool games.

Highlights

Children of all ages are welcome
Ulusaba Cubs Club
1-bed and 2-bed family suites
Located on a hill with panoramic views

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Londolozi Varty Camp

Londolozi Varty Camp, located within the renowned Londolozi Game Reserve, offers a luxurious safari experience in the heart of the prestigious Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Londolozi is famous for family safaris, and its Lions Den kids club offers an exciting range of activities. Children can take part in the junior ranger program, where they learn about wildlife and the reserve. They can also express their creativity through arts and crafts, build sandcastles along the riverbanks, and immerse themselves in the rich traditions of Shangaan culture. The activities are thoughtfully designed to educate and inspire young explorers while keeping them engaged in the wonders of the African wilderness.

Accommodation at Varty Camp includes eight Standard Chalets and two Superior Chalets. Each chalet is designed for privacy and comfort, featuring private decks and swimming pools. Varty Camp is family-friendly, welcoming children over the age of six and offering chalets with interleading rooms, making it an ideal choice for families.

Highlights

Children from 6 years are welcome
Lions Den kids club
Inter-leading chalets for families
Private decks and swimming pools

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Londolozi Founders Camp

Founders Camp is located in the heart of the Sabi Sand within the renowned Londolozi Private Game Reserve, widely recognized as one of Africa’s premier safari destinations. Offering a high-end experience in a stunning natural setting, Founders Camp provides guests with an authentic yet luxurious family retreat deep within the reserve.

The Londolozi family is celebrated for their warmth, creativity, and care. Renowned for family safaris, Londolozi offers the Lions Den kids club, where children can enjoy activities like the junior ranger program, arts and crafts, sandcastle building, and learning about Shangaan culture. These activities are designed to entertain and educate, helping kids connect with nature and local traditions in a fun, engaging way.

Founders Camp offers a range of family accommodation options in three large Family chalets, two inter-leading Superior chalets and one 2-bedroom Superior family chalet. All of these family chalets can accommodate two adults and two children. The chalets feature a large viewing deck, private pool, and a shaded sala with seating.

Highlights

Children from 6 years are welcome
Lions Den kids club
Family chalets accommodate 4 guests
Positioned along the Sand River

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Singita Ebony Lodge

Ebony Lodge is a luxury safari lodge located within the Singita Private Game Reserve in the Sabi Sand. As part of the prestigious Singita Collection, renowned for its exceptional standards and attention to detail, the lodge promises guests a world-class family safari experience.

A family safari at Singita Ebony Lodge offers a life-changing opportunity to connect with Africa’s wildlife in an unforgettable way. Activities are tailored to each family’s interests, ensuring a personalized experience for everyone, while childminding services and a variety of engaging activities keep younger guests entertained. The Mini Rangers Course introduces them to tracking animals, bush survival, astronomy, and more. Additional activities include cooking classes, arts and crafts, stargazing, and even board games.

Family accommodation options include two 2-bderoom Lewis suites, two 2-bedroom family suites and the exclusive 4-bedroom Ebony Villa for larger groups or complete privacy. For families with children aged 10 years and older, Singita Boulders Lodge in the Sabi Sands is another exceptional option.

Highlights

Children of all ages are welcome
Mini Rangers Course
2-bedroom family suites
Exclusive 4-bedroom Ebony Villa

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Singita Castleton

Singita Castleton offers a luxurious country farmhouse-style lodge experience in the Singita Private Game Reserve, within the Sabi Sands. This exclusive family-friendly lodge is set in a picturesque location overlooking the Castleton dam and open grasslands. The lodge’s design blends antiques with refurbished furnishings to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Spacious living areas extend to deep, covered verandas, offering sweeping views of tranquil lawns, a waterhole frequented by wildlife, and a large swimming pool.

Characterized by casual elegance and a light, airy feel, Singita Castleton includes a charming stone-walled main house and six double en-suite cottages, comfortably accommodating up to 12 guests. Exclusive amenities feature a Bocce court, trampoline, an extensive wine cellar, a country-style kitchen, and a tennis court.

At Singita Castleton, activities are tailored to suit each family’s interests, with game drives tailored by experienced Field Guides, ensuring both excitement and safety for children. The Mini Rangers Course is a highlight for young explorers, introducing them to animal tracking, astronomy, and bush survival, while other activities like cooking, arts and crafts, swimming, stargazing, and tennis ensure there’s something for everyone.

Highlights

Children of all ages are welcome
Exclusive-use country farmhouse
Mini Rangers Course
Private safari vehicle, guide and tracker

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Chitwa Chitwa Lodge

Guide and tracker waiting to go on a game drive at Chitwa Chitwa

Chitwa Chitwa is a prestigious luxury safari lodge situated in the northern sector of the Sabi Sands, 840within the Chitwa Chitwa Private Game Reserve. Strategically built overlooking the largest water body in the reserve, the lodge provides guests with breath-taking views and plentiful wildlife sightings.

Chitwa Chitwa offers uniquely decorated suites, each includes a private deck and plunge pool overlooking a waterhole frequented by wildlife. For families, the Charlsy Suite features interconnected en-suite rooms with a shared living space and a spacious deck with lake views. For families seeking an exclusive and personalized Sabi Sands safari experience, Chitwa House, a luxurious villa, comes with a dedicated butler and private ranger.

Chitwa Chitwa welcomes families with children of all ages, offering tailored activities to engage younger guests. Children aged six and older can join adults on safari adventures, while younger children can participate in special activities designed to introduce them to the wonders of the African bush. With its emphasis on luxury, conservation, and family-friendly experiences, Chitwa Chitwa provides a truly immersive African safari experience.

Highlights

Children of all ages are welcome
2-bedroom Charlsy Suite, ideal for families
Chitwa house – exclusive use villa
Overlooking the larges water body

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Cheetah Plains

Cheetah Plains offers an exclusive luxury family safari experience in the northern region of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, within its own Cheetah Plains Game Reserve. Renowned for its ultra-luxurious villa accommodations and exceptional game viewing. The lodge features three private villas—Karula, Mapogo, and Mvula—each accommodating up to eight guests, perfect for families, friends, or small groups desiring a secluded retreat. These villas boast expansive shared living spaces, including formal lounges, entertainment areas, dining rooms, pool decks, and outdoor bomas for fireside dining.

Cheetah Plains Lodge warmly welcomes families with children of all ages, ensuring an unforgettable experience for young adventurers. The lodge’s expert field guides and trackers are passionate about sharing their knowledge of the bush, engaging young minds with fascinating insights about the wilderness. Tailored game drives of suitable duration and interpretive nature walks are designed to foster a child’s connection to Africa’s wild landscapes and ignite a love for nature. The villas are thoughtfully designed with families in mind, featuring child-friendly amenities such as inter-leading suites and entertainment lounges equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual systems and a variety of games.

Highlights

Children of all ages are welcome
Exclusive exclusive-use villa experience
Inter-leading rooms
Dedicated hospitality team

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&Beyond Kirkman’s Kamp

Located in the prestigious Sabi Sand Nature Reserve within the &Beyond Private Game Reserve, Kirkman’s Kamp offers a prime location along the Sand River, providing guests with exclusive access to the riverbed for exceptional wildlife viewing.

Guests at Kirkman’s Kamp can enjoy a range of luxurious lodge amenities, including a swimming pool with stunning river views, a Safari Shop for curated gifts and souvenirs, a tennis court, a relaxing spa, and a library. Accommodations consist of 12 intimate cottages. For families, there is a spacious Family Cottage consisting of two interconnected cottages, each with its own ensuite bathroom and veranda. This setup ensures both ample space and privacy, allowing families to enjoy quality time together while still having the option for individual privacy.

Kirkman’s Kamp is well-suited for families, featuring a WILDchild program that offers a variety of engaging activities such as croquet, tennis, and cookie baking, all designed to connect young adventurers with the natural environment and cultural heritage of the region.