Luxury Safari for Families: Cheetah Plains Lodge in South Africa Welcomes Children

Published on November 22, 2025

Cheetah Plains is a luxurious safari lodge that is located in Sabi Sand Nature Reserve in South Africa. In the safari travel industry, they have made a name for themselves, and now, they are going to avoid attracting travelers with the new offering, the first family offer, which provides children under 12 the opportunity to stay for free with their parents in their exclusive-use private villas. This offer, which is available until May 2026, is a game-changer in the world of safari lodges where children are often not permitted. This is the first safari lodge to offer this initiative.

The additional offering and policy revolve a form of safari aimed at parents and children. This offering now provides a unique opportunity for parents to share the magic of the African bush with their children, as the lodge becomes one of the first in the safari travel industry to cater for families.

A Shift in High-End Safari Travel: Children Now Welcome at Cheetah Plains

Traditionally, luxury safari lodges have had strict age limits due to the nature of safari activities and safety concerns. However, Cheetah Plains is leading the way in redefining what a luxury safari can look like for families. “Safari is one of the most enriching experiences for children,” says NJ van der Merwe, the general manager of Cheetah Plains. “We wanted to create an opportunity that ensures families can share this transformative journey together.”

By eliminating age restrictions and offering a tailored family experience, Cheetah Plains is making luxury safaris more family-friendly and inviting, allowing children to experience the African wilderness in a safe, engaging, and comfortable environment.

The lodge’s exclusive-use villas provide the perfect setting for families to enjoy their safari in privacy and comfort. These spacious, well-appointed villas are designed for multigenerational travel, offering inter-leading suites, private pools, and dedicated staff to meet the specific needs of families. Whether it’s a group of grandparents, parents, and children or multiple families traveling together, these villas are ideal for creating lasting memories in the heart of the South African bush.

Immersive Family Activities: Junior Ranger Programs and More

At Cheetah Plains, the family-focused experience goes beyond just accommodations. The lodge has designed an array of activities that allow children to engage with nature and wildlife in a fun and educational way. One of the highlights is the Junior Ranger program, where young guests get the opportunity to learn essential safari skills such as tracking animal footprints, identifying bird calls, and participating in hands-on bush activities.

These interactive experiences are perfect for children who have an innate curiosity about the natural world. Led by experienced Cheetah Plains guides, children will gain a deeper understanding of the delicate ecosystem surrounding them. The program aims to instill a sense of responsibility towards conservation and nature, helping foster the next generation of environmental stewards.

Safari game drives, often the cornerstone of any safari experience, have also been tailored to accommodate younger visitors. The lodge offers game drives in the property’s solar-powered Land Cruiser Electric Safari Vehicles. These game drives are more flexible and can be shortened or modified based on children’s attention spans, ensuring that the safari experience remains fun and engaging without overwhelming younger guests.

Additional Family-Friendly Experiences: Stargazing, Cooking, and Wildlife Photography

In addition to the Junior Ranger program, Cheetah Plains offers a range of other family-oriented activities to ensure that all members of the family are entertained and engaged throughout their stay. Stargazing sessions allow families to marvel at the African night sky, while wildlife photography workshops give budding photographers the chance to capture stunning images of the bush and its inhabitants.

For those looking for more hands-on experiences, the lodge provides interactive cooking sessions with its private chef, allowing families to prepare and enjoy meals together. Young guests can even participate in catch-and-release fishing, a delightful activity that brings the family together while offering the chance to experience the local aquatic life.

The lodge’s commitment to accommodating families is evident in its comprehensive services, which include child-minding services. This ensures that parents can enjoy some time alone, whether they want to relax by the pool or embark on an adult-only safari activity. In addition, nightly children’s hampers are provided, filled with safari-themed treats that are sure to delight young visitors.

Customizable Meals and Special Attention to Children’s Needs

Cheetah Plains is also mindful of children’s dietary needs, offering a variety of meal options that cater to young palates. Meals are customizable to accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions, ensuring that every guest is well taken care of. Children can enjoy kid-friendly options such as wood-fired pizzas and mini-biltong platters (a South African dried cured meat snack, similar to jerky), giving them a taste of local culture in a way that suits their preferences.

For families, the lodge provides a level of service that ensures both comfort and luxury while allowing children to feel engaged and excited by the safari experience. The combination of thoughtful programming, comfortable accommodations, and a wide range of family-friendly activities makes Cheetah Plains an ideal destination for those looking to share the thrill of the African safari with their children.

A Sustainable Safari Experience: Eco-Friendly Practices at Cheetah Plains

In addition to providing a family-friendly atmosphere, Cheetah Plains is committed to sustainability. The lodge’s solar-powered Land Cruiser Electric Safari Vehicles and eco-friendly practices reflect a deep respect for the environment. As part of a larger commitment to sustainable tourism, Cheetah Plains uses zero plastic, emphasizing the importance of responsible tourism in preserving the natural beauty of the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve.

The lodge’s emphasis on sustainability not only benefits the environment but also enhances the guest experience, allowing families to enjoy their safari knowing that they are supporting eco-conscious travel.

A Family Safari Adventure Like No Other

Since they now allow families with children under 12 to stay for free at their exclusive-use villas, Cheetah Plains, has transformed luxury safari travel for families with children. The unique combination of Cheetah Plains wildlife sparked safari adventures, countless educational opportunities with wildlife, and family-centric facilities, and family safari safari lodges. Educational safari lodges with a family-centric focus make family wildlife vacations unforgettable.. Cheetah Plains, has now transformed safari travel for families with children. attains the unique combination of wildlife sparked adventures and safari educational lodges, centering on families. Family wildlife vacations, offered at Cheetah Plains, have now transformed safari travel for families with children to travel with children. family wildlife vacations. Love for travel is now transformed. family wildlife vacations with a sense of environmental responsibility, the lion and the plains safari.

With the family policies, safari lodges and family adventures, Cheetah Plains has become the icon of multi-generational travel. The destination of choice for multi-generational travel. Cheetah Plains is the destination of choice for multi-generational travel.