Gondwana Family Lodge

Unfortunately, not. When on a game drive, it’s important to remain still and
quiet, so as not to disturb the animals, which can be difficult for young children to do. And, as safety is our primary concern, no children under the age of four years old are permitted on game drives.

But, we do have childminding services available on request, in addition to a host of kid’s activities to keep the little ones occupied while you enjoy your safari.

There are four sets [8 suites] of interleading rooms at Gondwana Family Lodge. Should you require interleading rooms, please advise when making your booking. Please note that these rooms are subject to availability.

Rooms can accommodate a maximum of one cot and one sleeper couch only. Each cot and sleeper couch can accommodate a maximum of one child.

Upon arrival at Sanbona, kids can expect to have the time of their life through our Kids on Safari packages and the Kiddies Eco Explorers programme. With exciting activities planned, interactive welcome packs, and even child minding services on request, mom and dad won’t have to worry about a thing.

In South Africa, tipping is discretionary and entirely up to the guest’s satisfaction with the service received. It is customary to show appreciation for excellent service through a gratuity, especially in the hospitality and tourism sectors. At our lodges, gratuities are shared among the general staff to recognise their collective efforts in creating a memorable experiences, while the guides are addressed separately. Should you wish to leave a gratuity, our team is happy to guide you on the local customs and practices.

In a unique departure from the traditional conservation levies commonly implemented across reserves in South Africa, Sanbona introduced a Community Levy. This levy is dedicated exclusively to our community upliftment and enrichment through our “Strive To” programmes. It is managed by our Community Initiatives Coordinator, who works closely within surrounding rural areas to identify opportunities for collaboration, support, and creating meaningful impact.

• Sanbona’s Strive to Educate programme

  • Strive to Educate is an environmental education initiative aimed at inspiring children in surrounding communities to become passionate Eco-Warriors and future conservationists. The programme focuses on raising awareness about conservation and environmental issues through engaging, age-appropriate experiences. These include interactive school presentations, holiday talks, incentive-based nature drives for specific grades, environmental art exhibitions, and various school support projects. Through these diverse avenues, Strive to Educate nurtures a deeper connection between young minds and the natural world.

  • Effective as of 1 February 2025, Sanbona’s Strive to Educate programme has assisted Barrydale High School in appointing an Inclusive Teacher. Barrydale High School has introduced a new Inclusive Learning Class designed to improve outcomes for learners struggling with reading, writing, and numeracy. This class will be available from Grade 4, bridging the gap between the foundation and intermediate phases. It will provide a platform for targeted intervention strategies, implemented collaboratively by the School-Based Support Team and the District Support Team.

• Sanbona’s Strive to Feed programme

  • Strive to Feed supports local feeding schemes that play a vital role in enhancing food security within the community. Through financial and produce donations, the programme assists in the purchase of essential supplies such as food and gas. These feeding schemes provide a warm, nutritious meal and a safe space for over 100 children every day after school and in other spaces. The need becomes even more critical during school holidays, when children from underprivileged backgrounds no longer have access to daily school meals.

• Sanbona’s Strive to Care programme

  • Strive to Care partners with a variety of established community projects to help uplift and support individuals within our surrounding communities. Currently, we have five active partnerships in the region, offering services that range from counselling and skills development to school holiday centres and ongoing personal development programmes. Strive to Care supports these initiatives through monetary donations, as well as sponsorships in the form of clothing, personal hygiene products, and materials that help improve and enhance their facilities and infrastructure.