See the world through your children’s eyes

Children draw us closer to nature: to that little bug walking along a stick, the bird in the tree, and the prettiness of a flower. All things we may have stopped noticing in the busyness of our lives. Parents know that one of the best aspects of having children is being reminded of the wonders of the world.

Travelling with children and showing them an even bigger world is the joy we provide them in return. Children have an innate curiosity about the natural world, summed up in a quote we love by nature-book author Terry Krautwurst: “Our challenge isn’t so much to teach children about the natural world, but to find ways to sustain the instinctive connections they already carry.”

Our pledge with the Mack & Madi Kids’ Adventure Programme is to show your children the wonders of our beautiful world and to introduce them to fascinating people – encouraging them to discover and learn through having FUN! With families of our own, we appreciate that each child is unique – shy or outgoing, creative, sporty or adventurous – but we promise them all the time of their lives!

Why Mack & Madi?

“Our twins, Mack and Madi, were the inspiration behind this programme launched in 2017,” says Robert More, CEO of MORE Family Collection. “Travelling together and discovering new destinations as a family created lifelong precious memories for us.”

As our properties are unique, we have two aspects to the programme. The Mack & Madi Safari Club offers a wide variety of activities on-site that keep children entertained and encourage them to discover, learn, create, and express themselves.

Mack & Madi Explorers offers a choice of offsite adventures for children to go exploring the surrounding area. Our staff members are on hand to recommend and arrange exciting and educational family outings and kids’ activities, such as tree top adventures, meeting alpacas, or visiting penguins on the beach.

Nurturing childminders are available at selected lodges, hotels and residences, where we also have child-friendly rooms, meals, games, and gifts. On arrival, children aged 12 and younger are given a Mack & Madi branded peak cap and backpack. They also receive Mack & Madi bathroom amenities and on their last evening, they’ll find a little farewell note and a gift on their beds.

Safari story time

A child who spends time outdoors will be happier, stronger, more confident, and their imagination will be stimulated. Marataba Safari Lodge has a dedicated eco garden play area. Days here are filled with nature treasure hunts, like looking for heart-shaped rocks and leaves, or doing a bug CSI. Family game drives may involve bush orientation, a basic bush survival course, animal spoor identification and mould-making. There is other fun stuff as well, like making pizzas or decorating a cupcake, arts and crafts, science projects, movie nights, and dress-up plays. This might leave you wondering where the kids are for so long! Why not join them for star gazing and make a wish or two? And for fun that carries on until bedtime, Lion Sands Tinga Lodge has a dedicated playroom.

Kids’ appetites are catered for too with our chefs preparing delicious meals to tempt even the fussiest little one, while cutting down on the refined sugar and preservatives, and sneaking in plenty of fresh fruit and veg. Treats between mealtimes include burgers during an outdoor movie, and toasted marshmallows or hot chocolate to end the day.

With the holidays approaching, book your stay with the little ones in mind. Contact our concierge team for family travel advice.