Kids, a camper and South Africa

Are we mad?

First I booked flights to Jo'burg for the whole family (thats two parents
and 3 kids - aged 11, 8, 5 years old).
Next I booked a camper van and intend to travel around for two weeks in
early July.

So far the our route could include Blythe Canyon, Kruger (for a short time
only), Swaziland, St Lucia (wetland park), then some time chilling out on
the coast or looking for more wildlife -which ever appeals at the time.

Anyone out there with any (helpful!) suggestions? What would the kids really
enjoy?

Phil
(UK)

On Wed, 28 Jan 2004 23:06:06 -0000, "Philip Burgess"
wrote:

Are we mad?
Possibly

First I booked flights to Jo'burg for the whole family (thats two parents
and 3 kids - aged 11, 8, 5 years old).
Next I booked a camper van and intend to travel around for two weeks in
early July.

So far the our route could include Blythe Canyon, Kruger (for a short time
only), Swaziland, St Lucia (wetland park), then some time chilling out on
the coast or looking for more wildlife -which ever appeals at the time.

Anyone out there with any (helpful!) suggestions? What would the kids really
enjoy?

Buy them all GameBoys. It'll give them something to do while mom and
dad gasp over the scenery.

Phil
(UK)

On Wed, 28 Jan 2004 23:06:06 -0000, "Philip Burgess"
wrote:

Are we mad?

First I booked flights to Jo'burg for the whole family (thats two parents
and 3 kids - aged 11, 8, 5 years old).
Next I booked a camper van and intend to travel around for two weeks in
early July.

So far the our route could include Blythe Canyon, Kruger (for a short time
only), Swaziland, St Lucia (wetland park), then some time chilling out on
the coast or looking for more wildlife -which ever appeals at the time.

Anyone out there with any (helpful!) suggestions? What would the kids really
enjoy?

My son (7 years) really enjoyed the wildlife parks (Pilanesberg,
Witsand, Karoo) and the animal spotting. He thought it was almost
like a treasure hunt, had his own binoculars and camera and recorded
all the animals we spotted in a book.
However, the day spent at the huge water park at Sun City was
probably even more popular...
I think your children are the perfect age to travel - old enough to
understand that seing wild elephants etc. is something special, and
not yet sulky teenagers. I would buy them books of SA wildlife,
binoculars and cameras (disposables are OK), and prepare them for what
they are about to see.

(The Gameboy advice is not bad, though - it gives them something to do
on driving days. However, books will do that, too.)

Regards,
Helle Moen

Be aware that the South African (public) school holidays are from 1 July to
20 July and 26 June to 18 July depending on province. You may need to book
well in advance, for example at Kruger and St Lucia.

I'm sure the children will enjoy the game parks, the beach (it will be
winter here but you can probably still have a quick swim on the Zululand
coast), and a view of the Swazi and Zulu cultures.

Regards,
Clive Reid



"Philip Burgess" wrote in message
...
Are we mad?

First I booked flights to Jo'burg for the whole family (thats two parents
and 3 kids - aged 11, 8, 5 years old).
Next I booked a camper van and intend to travel around for two weeks in
early July.

So far the our route could include Blythe Canyon, Kruger (for a short time
only), Swaziland, St Lucia (wetland park), then some time chilling out on
the coast or looking for more wildlife -which ever appeals at the time.

Anyone out there with any (helpful!) suggestions? What would the kids
really
enjoy?

Phil
(UK)

You are going to have a ball! I have done this since my 5 chilren where
babies and they love the excitement and time out with their parents. Just
keep them happy on the road.

Philip Burgess wrote in message
...
Are we mad?

First I booked flights to Jo'burg for the whole family (thats two parents
and 3 kids - aged 11, 8, 5 years old).
Next I booked a camper van and intend to travel around for two weeks in
early July.

So far the our route could include Blythe Canyon, Kruger (for a short time
only), Swaziland, St Lucia (wetland park), then some time chilling out on
the coast or looking for more wildlife -which ever appeals at the time.

Anyone out there with any (helpful!) suggestions? What would the kids
really
enjoy?

Phil
(UK)

"Philip Burgess" wrote:

Are we mad?

First I booked flights to Jo'burg for the whole family (thats two parents
and 3 kids - aged 11, 8, 5 years old).
Next I booked a camper van and intend to travel around for two weeks in
early July.

So far the our route could include Blythe Canyon, Kruger (for a short time
only), Swaziland, St Lucia (wetland park), then some time chilling out on
the coast or looking for more wildlife -which ever appeals at the time.

Anyone out there with any (helpful!) suggestions? What would the kids really
enjoy?

Phil,

don't expect much enthusiasm from kids that age. To be honest,
you'd be better off leaving them at home.

That said, I've also travelled quite a bit in Africa and had my
kids with me when they were even younger than yours. The reason?
I didn't know where to leave them.

Today the begin to enjoy Africa and want to go there, but now
they're older already. :-)

Please read http://www.michna.com/kenya.htm and look
particularly for the chapter on children. It gives you some very
important hints, particularly about heat. One of the biggest
problems for children travelling in Africa is heat. On the other
hand, this problem is quite easy to solve if only you know how.

Hans-Georg

--
No mail, please.

"Koos Greeff" wrote in message ...
You are going to have a ball! I have done this since my 5 chilren where
babies and they love the excitement and time out with their parents. Just
keep them happy on the road.

Philip Burgess wrote in message
...
Are we mad?

First I booked flights to Jo'burg for the whole family (thats two parents
and 3 kids - aged 11, 8, 5 years old).
Next I booked a camper van and intend to travel around for two weeks in
early July.

So far the our route could include Blythe Canyon, Kruger (for a short time
only), Swaziland, St Lucia (wetland park), then some time chilling out on
the coast or looking for more wildlife -which ever appeals at the time.

Anyone out there with any (helpful!) suggestions? What would the kids
really
enjoy?

Phil
(UK)






I think you'll all enjoy it. South Africa is a beautiful country and
especially Kruger is very close to my heart. I you intend to visit
Kruger between April and September, it is a very good idea to book
ahead as it is very popular - especially over weekends and school
holidays. Please visit www.parks-sa.co.za for all the info you need
on KNP and also contact details, booking info, prices, what to expect,
what you need, etc.

Enjoy the trip!
Regards
Danie
South Africa