The grandparents tutted when I declared I was taking my seven-, five- and three-year-olds on safari. “Is it safe?” “What about malaria?” “Can’t you go to Longleat?” I was warned that my kids would be too young to appreciate the experience, but that couldn’t have been further from the truth.
I struggled to find somewhere in South Africa that would accept children as young as ours, as most lodges have policies of only accepting kids over six. I discovered Hopewell Private Game Reserve after much research and liked the fact that it was a small, exclusive-use lodge and, therefore, had no stipulations on age restrictions. As we were the sole guests, we had no concerns about upsetting any neighbouring safari-goers or affecting their game experience.
I have experienced many safaris, but seeing the bush through the eyes of my children added a new dimension.