Paradise in the bushveld!
When the staff at Jaci's told us that our five-year-old daughter's participation on game drives was subject to an onsite interview we were more than a bit perplexed. We were flying half way round the world and had no guarantee that our daughter would be allowed in the jeep let alone see a single wild animal! With promises that any children staying behind would be well looked after, we crossed our fingers and booked 4 nights. We're so glad we did. It was a trip of a lifetime. The following made the lodge special for us: The lodge is harmoniously integrated into the bush and is exquisitely decorated with local arts and cra ... Read More
When the staff at Jaci's told us that our five-year-old daughter's participation on game drives was subject to an onsite interview we were more than a bit perplexed. We were flying half way round the world and had no guarantee that our daughter would be allowed in the jeep let alone see a single wild animal! With promises that any children staying behind would be well looked after, we crossed our fingers and booked 4 nights. We're so glad we did. It was a trip of a lifetime. The following made the lodge special for us: The lodge is harmoniously integrated into the bush and is exquisitely decorated with local arts and crafts. The food was excellent and while children aren't allowed in the boma (an early children's meal is served on that day) they aren't relegated to chicken strips either. The children's meal is balanced adult food in a child's portion. The guides are knowledgeable and informed and go out of their way to make game drives fun for both adults and kids. Our daughter talks as much about the animals she saw as learning to identify animal tracks and making a bush brush out of a twig. The onsite interview was sensible and focused on the child's interest as well as their capacity to sit still. And while we were glad our daughter passed we would have understood if they said no. Yet the best thing about our trip was the wildlife. Aside from the leopard, we spotted all of the African big 5 and saw a plethora of other animals (including the wild dog) and oftentimes had the luxury of being the only jeep at a sighting.









