Sanbona Gondwana Family Lodge

Sanbona is an incredible reserve and operates under a not-for-profit organisation that is focused solely on the success of the reserve and the wellbeing of the animals in it. It’s vast in size (guests can only currently access around 10% of it), and this adds to the experience as you won't see any fences during your game drives - often no other guests! The scenery is stunning and a real selling point, especially at sunset when you can stop for sundowners and snacks from a beautiful viewpoint.

The guides are brilliant and were particularly patient with my young children as they flicked between genuine questions about wildlife to their favourite Marvel superheroes! The reserve’s strong commitment to ecology added to a feeling of authenticity when going out on game drives. Barring lions (which we saw from a distance) we managed to see elephants, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, cheetah, zebra, ostrich, and buffalo in huge numbers just a few feet from our vehicles. Being a large reserve frequented by a small number of guests mean the animals are completely unnerved by human presence and will often walk right up to the jeeps.

The lodge itself is incredible and has only just opened after a huge re-fit. It still retains its charming African lodge feel, but with 5* fixtures and fittings to go with it. Whilst advertised as a family lodge it’s not a theme park - more of an adult safari lodge that welcomes kids and treats them as equals. From their own menus, adventurer rucksacks and hats (to keep and take home), plus guidebooks to help them collect different dungs, kids are treated to the same experience as adults and engaged with throughout making this lodge THE best place in South Africa for a family safari. We loved every second of our stay here and would love to return one day.

Top tip: As a dark sky reserve the lodge offers complimentary stargazing in the evenings, which I highly recommend. This lodge is not just for families and kids either, so don't be put off sending couples (especially young couples) here as well - maybe just not during the school holidays!