MalaMala has a global reputation for its incredible Big Five wildlife experience. The density of game on one of the largest and most pristine land areas in South Africa is truly breathtaking. As if this wasn’t enough, MalaMala are trailblazing the community ownership model for generations to come. This makes MalaMala the ideal place for families to come together to really understand the African bush, the wildlife and the importance to the local community. We must educate our children now – Instill a passion and a sense of responsibility in them – for the long term survival of our planet’s many natural wonders.
MalaMala have thought through all aspects of how families can relax and enjoy making memories in the bush both together as a family and separately as children and parents enjoying different pursuits.
So let’s start with the basics. MalaMala Camp allows children of all ages. They have both luxury rooms and suites that can accommodate a third person and they have 2 bedroomed family units that can accommodate a family of up to 5. Children aged 4 years and under are not allowed on game drives or in the boma however babysitting can be arranged (at an additional cost) as can private dining.
However, what makes it truly special is how they have given thought and care to the Junior Ranger Programme that they offer. A programme whereby children can go off on their own adventure, bringing back their own stories of the bush to tell their parents. Meanwhile parents can enjoy some R&R either by the pool, in the gym or at the spa, knowing that the children are in expert hands.
This programme is generally aimed at youngsters aged 4 – 12. Children are always under strict supervision of a responsible ranger, whether within the confines of the camp, or out in the bush and the activities will depend on the time of the year, their interests and how long the children are staying.
On arrival, the ranger looking after the family will assess the enthusiasm and level of independence of the children, and in collaboration with the parents, various activities will be designed to fill their few days in the bush. Each junior ranger gets his/her own MalaMala backpack is with an interactive animal check-list, bird and mammal colouring books, a compass, thermometer, lip balm and bottle of water.
To give you a taster of some of the activities children and parents can choose from please read on…
SOME OF THE JUNIOR RANGER ACTIVITIES
Animal Tracking
For the curious and adventurous junior ranger. Rangers will teach their charges to follow and identify various animals out in the wild by sheer virtue of their spoor markings.
Survivor Challenge
Junior rangers are taught basic survival skills, such as where to find water, what plants are good to eat, medicinal and practical uses of plants (e.g. the toothbrush and loo paper trees!). This experience is great fun – hands on and educational, while arming juniors with interesting skills to take home to envious friends!
“Read” the Bush
Juniors are taught the warning signs of dangerous animals, and first aid skills for emergency situations in the bush.
Game Walk
A short walk is conducted around the bustling Main Camp area. This is ideal for kids to learn more about the different rocks, trees, birds and nests in the wild. Children will also be taught how to track animals and identify the different spoor and droppings in the bush. Children will be escorted by an armed ranger.
Junior Chefs in the Wild
A bush breakfast enables children to learn how to make fire, and to participate in a sumptuous outdoor meal preparation.
Radio Communication
Children are able to learn the skills and etiquette of radio communication, as practiced on drives and out in the bush by the MalaMala rangers. This activity is enjoyed outside of game drive times.
Kiddies Cuisine
Special meals and “ration packs” are prepared for children both in the bush, and in camp.
Movies and More
In camp there are a range of entertaining children’s movies, wildlife movies (all filmed on MalaMala) and board games
MalaMala camp has set the bar high – they aim to ensure that all guests, particularly the younger ones, leave with a greater understanding of the importance of conservation and community upliftment. In this they have succeeded.