Savanna Lodge
Savanna Lodge is in the private Sabi Sands Nature Reserve which borders the Kruger National Park in South Africa. Located in a part of Sabi Sands with plenty of open grassland, the lodge is renowned for excellent cheetah sightings. Children from eight years and above are welcome at the lodge, with younger children welcome provided they are accommodated in the Savanna Suite.
Accommodation & Facilities
Savanna Lodge has nine elegant and luxurious suites spaced out in the lush and beautiful gardens. The air-conditioned rooms have canvas roofs on top of permanent solid walls, and have a mini bar, kettle and writing desk. The en-suite bathrooms have inside and outside showers, and big free-standing baths, and each suite also has a heated plunge pool on the large outside deck. The Savanna Suite is the best option for families and has two air conditioned suites connected via the lounge and veranda. There is a heated plunge pool with steps, outside shower and mini bar. The Savanna Suite can accommodate two adults and three children and includes a private guide and Land Rover. Private dining is also available. In addition to the Savanna Suite there are three Executive Suites that can accommodate triples on a request basis by placing an extra child’s bed in the room. The lodge has a cosy two storey main building under a thatched roof, with a lounge, bar, and dining area, and a library and photography centre upstairs. There is a lovely shared swimming pool in the gardens, and the lodge has a lovely spa.
Eating & Sleeping
Children can have separate meal times and simple meals are available and can be requested accordingly. Babysitting is available and provided by a member of staff, there is an extra cost which can be settled in camp.
Wildlife & Activities
With no boundary between the private reserves and the Kruger National Park, wildlife including lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino can come and go as it wishes. Wildlife viewing is exceptional, and takes place with highly experienced and knowledgeable rangers in open vehicles and on foot. Time is taken to enjoy the sights and sounds with the vehicle stopped and the engine off. Spa treatments and visits to local communities can also be arranged.
Specifically for children ….
All the guides are well trained and used to hosting families. Many are parents themselves so know how to entertain children. Savanna runs a Bush Baby programme for kids. Each child receives a goodie bush bag with items to add to their safari experience. All items collected from the activities during your child’s stay will be put together in a scrapbook, as a record of what they have seen and done. As children enjoy different activities and are of varying ages, a daily programme will be put together according to their interests. Among the various activities are:
• Spoor identification and tracking.
• Plant identification as well as the medicinal and practical uses of these plants.
• Bird watching and call identification.
• Fishing.
• Ant lion trapping – a test of dexterity and patience.
• Photography lessons: bring your own camera and learn from your ranger.
• Stalking giraffe – how close can you get.
• Mud baths.
• Butterfly and bug catching.
• Picnics in the bush.
• Collection and ID of wildlife – leaves, insects, dung etc and keeping of a scrap book
• Village Tour.
• Traditional hair braiding.
• Arts and crafts.
• Kitchen activities.
• Face painting.
• Star drives.
• Frogging.
• African story books and educational children’s books and games can be found in the library.
