Generations sharing the same view at The Royal Madikwe

Families at The Royal Madikwe

A baby elephant raising its trunk beside its mother at a waterhole in Madikwe

Multigenerational travel

The magic of different generations sharing the same view

At The Royal Madikwe we welcome families and enjoy the particular magic that happens when different generations share the same extraordinary experience, each seeing it through entirely different eyes.

Our team holds every age with equal care, enthusiasm, and intention. This is multigenerational travel at its most considered.

Spaces designed for families

Room for everyone, space for each generation

Our Private Villa Collection was designed with exactly this kind of gathering in mind. Multiple bedrooms, generous open-plan living areas, private decks, plunge pools, upstairs snugs, and fully equipped kitchens mean that a family can spread out, come together, and move between independence and togetherness entirely on their own terms. There is room here for everyone, and space for each generation to find their own rhythm within the shared adventure.

Within the Clubhouse, dedicated family spaces offer children’s tables, soft seating, books, and games; a relaxed, welcoming haven where little ones can unwind between safaris and the adults can exhale knowing that every detail has been thought of.

For extended families, milestone celebrations, or groups, The Royal Madikwe is available for exclusive use, reserved for your family or group alone with our passionate team that brings it all to life.

Exclusive use transforms an already extraordinary experience into something altogether more personal. It is the ultimate way to mark a reunion, a landmark birthday, an anniversary, or simply the decision to finally bring everyone together somewhere truly unforgettable.

To enquire about exclusive use availability and pricing, please contact our reservations team directly.

Children at the pool deck at The Royal Madikwe

Children at Royal Madikwe

A safari through a child’s eyes

We believe that a safari through a child’s eyes is full of wonder, curiosity, and a boundless imagination that adults spend years trying to recapture.

Rather than following a fixed daily programme, our children’s activities are thoughtfully adapted each day to suit individual interests, energy levels, and ages. Because just as no two cheetahs share the same spots, no two children are alike, and the experiences we create for them reflect that. From hands-on learning to playful adventure, every activity is designed to spark genuine curiosity, encourage questions, and build a deep and lasting connection to the natural world.

A beautifully illustrated children’s sightings book is given to every young explorer on arrival, a personal field journal to record wildlife discoveries, collect memories, and take home as a keepsake of their very own African adventure.

For special occasions, bespoke birthday celebrations can be arranged for younger guests, because there are very few places on earth where turning another year older feels quite as magical as this.

The Junior Guide Challenge

For explorers aged 5 to 15

Ages 5 — 15

The Junior Guide Challenge is Royal Madikwe’s signature children’s experience, and for many young guests, the highlight of their entire stay. Led by our resident guide Ernie, whose lifelong connection to Madikwe and infectious enthusiasm for the bush makes every session feel like a genuine adventure, the Junior Guide Challenge introduces children to the art and science of guiding in a way that is engaging, age-appropriate, and genuinely unforgettable.

From reading animal tracks and understanding predator behaviour to identifying birds by call, young guides develop real skills, real knowledge, and a real sense of pride in what they are learning.

A note to parents

Every requirement thought of

We understand that travelling with children, however wonderful, comes with its own particular set of requirements. Child-minding services are available on request, menus can be adapted for younger palates, and every member of our team has a genuine warmth toward children.

A child on the deck watching an elephant at the waterhole

Children’s activity menu

Every day brings something new

Activities are selected and adapted daily based on age, energy, and interest, but here is a taste of what awaits.

Track, sign & spoor casting

Learn to read the stories animals leave behind, then cast a spoor in plaster of paris to take home as a trophy.

Archery

Focus, patience, and (hopefully) a bull’s eye.

Beading lessons

Hands-on craft inspired by the rich cultural traditions of the region.

Nature walks around camp

Discovering the smaller wonders.

Nature-centred arts & crafts

Creative sessions inspired by the colours, textures, and creatures of the bush.

African stories with hot chocolate & cookies

As the evening cools and the fire crackles, a storytelling session that captures young imaginations and older ones too.

Seasonal movie night under the stars

Because sometimes the best ending to a day in the bush is a film beneath an African sky.

Impala dung spitting competitions

Not for the faint-hearted, and an absolute favourite without exception.

African hair braiding

Children can experience the timeless art of African hair braiding, where skilled hands create intricate patterns in a slow, meditative ritual that has connected women across the continent for centuries.