Children at Thanda

Kids of all ages are welcome at Thanda Private Game Reserve, and when they arrive at the Lodge or the Tented Camp, they will be invited to join the Thanda Bucks & Bugs Club.

The Bucks & Bugs Club

Bucks & Bugs is a great club for kids. On arrival, kids will be given a cool Bucks & Bugs bag. In it, they will find a special beaded broach which they’ll wear while they’re at Thanda so everyone will know they’re members of the club. Kids will also receive a welcome letter telling them where everything is, like the library and the swimming pool, as well as a colouring-in book, an animal and bird check list, a beading or gaming kit, Modeling clay and information on the Thanda Junior Rangers Course.

The Junior Rangers course is really exciting. Kids will be invited to complete the course during their stay by the ranger. During game drives with their ranger and tracker, kids will be taught about different mammals, birds, trees, spoor and even stars, and at the end of the their stay, they will be asked questions by their ranger. If they pass, they will be given a special certificate identifying them as a junior ranger, as well as a small graduation present!

In the library, kids will find a selection of books, both educational and fun, as well as story books full of animal tales and African folk stories. There is also a selection of videos and DVDs, animal puzzles and games.

When Bucks & Bugs kids go to sleep, they’ll find a goodnight story waiting for them, as well as milk and the Chef’s favourite cookies. The Chef also has special Bucks & Bugs fodder available, like toasted sandwiches, hamburgers, fish and chips, spaghetti Bolognese, and ice cream with chocolate sauce.

Lastly, a baby sitting service is available at a nominal cost. Due to our location, off-duty staff are used to care for kids.

Children’s Policy

Children of all ages are welcome at Thanda Private Game Reserve, subject to the following conditions:

  • Children under the age of 16 are not permitted at the Tented Camp.
  • Children of all ages are welcome at the Main Lodge, but only children under the age of 12 can share with parents.
  • Stretcher beds are available for children under the age of 12 sharing with their parents at the Main Lodge.
  • Children under the age of 6 will not be allowed on game drives.
  • Children between the ages of 3 and 6 may accompany their parents on game drive if exclusive use of a Land Rover has been reserved. Private Land Rovers are subject to availability and a surcharge.
  • Children under the age of 3 will not be permitted on game drives at any time.
  • Children under the age of 12 will not be allowed on bush walks. Special bush walks around the vicinity of the lodge will be arranged for younger children by their guides.
  • Baby sitters are available at a nominal rate and must be reserved on arrival.
  • Children under the age of 16 are not allowed in the Wellness Centrre.
  • Children under the age of 3 are not allowed in the boma, dining room or decks for dinner. A private boma experience may be arranged for families traveling with children under the age of 3. Alternatively, room service dinner and a baby sitter can be arranged for children of this age.
  • A children’s menu is available at all times. Please speak to the lodge manager should your children have any specific dietary requests.

None of these conditions, with the exception of extra beds at the Tented Camp and game drives for children under the age of 3, apply in cases where a family or group reserve the Main Lodge or Tented Camp in their entirety.

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