About Jaci's Safari Lodge
The Safari Suite
The Safari Suite looks fabulous - with 2 double bedrooms and 2 children's rooms this is the ideal family suite. Beautifully positioned overlooking the Marico River with a private pool and wrap around decks, the newest addition to Jaci's Safari Lodge is a must for families wanting to stay close in close proximity to each other but not necessarily in the same room. Overlooking your private plunge pool and the Marico River.
With Jaci's trademark shaggy thatch roof's, and sliding doors and canvas all opening to the magnificent views you can enjoy the privacy afforded by the Safari Suite whilst enjoying the privilege of planning your own itinerary.
Accommodating 5 to a maximum of 8 guests - combined with the flexibility of your own game drive vehicle and private guide - the Safari Suite is an ideal option for a family traveling together on a family safari. Reflecting the design and interiors of Jaci's, Jan and Jaci have converted the Safari Suite into a comfortable and authentic family unit.
The Nare-Suite
The Nare-Suite is a luxurious 4 sleeper suite, that has a self contained kitchen (for our chefs to prepare meals for you in the comfort of your own retreat), lounge and outdoor dining area.
Children sharing with their parents are comfortably accommodated on camping stretchers in the rooms. Maximum 3 children per room.
The generous Main Lodge consists of a spacious lounge and open planned dining area with uninterrupted views of the bush. Enjoy fire cooked meals in our enclosed boma, or under the stars at a bush braai.
Between the early morning and evening game drives and walks, there is a cool swimming pool overlooking the river. Lie in a hammock, sip an ice-cold drink, watch the birds, the butterflies and beasts, relax, and unwind.
Children on Safari
Jaci’s provides the opportunity for the perfect family safari as well as introducing children to the wonders and enjoyment of the African bushveld. Children of all ages are welcome at Jaci's and are especially catered for.
Family Safaris: Our family safaris have evolved from the specialized children’s safaris, as there was a demand from parents to see and enjoy their children’s wild experiences first hand rather than when they returned to the Lodge, so we had more parents on the specialized safaris than children!! The family safari vehicles are only available at Jaci’s Safari Lodge – this now enables us to put families with children aged 5 – 12 yrs on the game drive with their parents for the morning and evening game drives.
Jungle Drives: “Jungle Drives” are provided for children 4yrs and younger and go out once a day, between the morning and evening game drives. Parents are welcome to join, but they must behave like children! On the “jungle drive” things of interest to children are pointed out, e.g. toothbrush plants, beetles, etc. The information on the drive is aimed at the age/s of the children on the drive. (The “jungle drive” is included in the children’s special rate.)
Sleeping arrangements: Children sleeping in the room with their parents, camp beds/ stretchers made up at the foot of the parents' bed for each child. We can easily accommodate up to 3 children in a room.
(The special children’s rate is for children 12 yrs and younger sharing a room with their parents.)
Children's Meals
Children 12 yrs and younger will enjoy dinner in the dining room and enjoy a child oriented menu with things that they prefer, like spaghetti bolognaise, hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and lots of vegetables(to keep Mom happy) etc. Children 12 yrs and under sharing with their parents will not be allowed to eat dinner in the boma (the earlier children’s dinner is provided instead.)
On arrival the chef will ask the children specifically what they like and dislike and use this as a guideline when preparing the children’s menu. All meals are prepared fresh at the Lodge - so no fast food – and dessert is always served!
All children 12 years and younger have dinner as soon as their game drives are back in the evening and the little little ones eat around 6 pm – so when the parents get back from game drive they are bathed, dressed and fed – bliss indeed!
Children’s dinner works really well, as the evening meal is usually served late and by then they are starving – and would much rather be playing with the other children in the playroom. This also gives Mom and Dad time to have a romantic pre-dinner drink and a leisurely evening meal together – what a treat.
All children on adult rates will eat with the adults at night. Breakfast and lunch are eaten together as a family.
General
Child minding is provided free of charge while the parents are on game drive and during dinner.
Children love Jaci’s Safari Lodge – they especially love the idea of “camping” in a tent! One of the things they comment most about are the bugs, they love the variety and are enthralled by these creepy crawlies.
Children love the space at Jaci’s Safari Lodge as well as feeling part of the Jaci’s staff family – this sets the pace for how their experience on Safari turns out for them.
Jaci’s is fenced off from the Reserve - but it is still the responsibility of the parents to be mindful of potential dangers as Jaci’s is in a wildlife area.
The most attractive feature for parents looking for a place to go on Safari with their children is that Jaci’s WELCOMES children. We do not merely tolerate them. Our staff are fantastic with children, including them in their daily duties - which is fun as there is always something to be done - as well as going go out of their way to accommodate the needs and wishes of both parents and children at all times.
