Luxury Travel Advisor - August 2007 - (Page 52) FAMILY TRAVEL South Africa Unlimited adventures and lavish lodges ensure fun for the whole family. BY MACKENZIE ALLISON If your client is looking to reconnect with family members in a setting other than a mega resort or jam-packed theme park, we suggest a trip to South Africa. This majestic country knows all about the bonds of family and offers thrilling entertainment in the way of game reserves and African safaris, which are sure to keep even the most hard-to-please teen entertained. (And if that’s not enough, there are drop-dead sunsets and breathtaking scenery for parents who can only think of relaxing at the end of the day.) Here are some options to stake out for clients looking for an experience to remember for years to come. At Thanda Private Game Reserve (www.thanda.com) in northern Zululand, we suggest a stay in one of the villas at the main lodge, which are labeled 1 through 9. These quarters offer guests the ultimate in privacy, thanks to their bomas (private eating areas), salas (outdoor game-viewing decks) and private pools and outdoor showers. (Hint: Their hilltop location offers up amazing views of the reserve.) Each villa also has a master bedroom and a fireplace— perfect for the clan to gather around after a fun-filled day of exploring. Note: The villas can’t be booked over the GDS. What we like: When your young clients arrive at Thanda, they’ll be invited to join the Thanda Bucks & Bugs Club, receiving a bag filled with a special beaded broach, a coloring book, animal and bird checklist, a beading or gaming kit and info on the Thanda Junior Rangers Course. But there’s more to it than that; kids in the program will go out in the wild with their own ranger and tracker, who are definitely in the know about Zulu myths, legends and how the Zulu people use plants as medicine. Kids can opt to complete the Junior Ranger Training Course— they just need to give their ranger the heads-up before their first game drive. Those who are up to the challenge and ace most of the questions will receive a certificate and a small graduation gift. MICATO SAFARIS allows clients to connect with nature and enjoy thrilling experiences they will remember for years to come. 52 LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR | August 2007 http://www.thanda.com
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