TRAVEL & LODGES

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While an overnight stay almost always makes the most sense, sometimes you're simply passing through an area, short on time, or working within a tighter budget. The good news is that many National Parks and Game Reserves welcome day visitors, and with the right approach, you can still have an incredible experience. The key is knowing how to make the most of limited time.

One of the best strategies is to join a sightings group for the specific Park or Reserve you plan to visit. Spend at least a week tracking predator sightings before your visit. Big cats and other predators tend to stay within the same general area or nearby territory, so patterns do emerge. Build a list of where they've been spotted, identify the hotspots, and make that your focus on the day. A little preparation goes a long way, turning a simple visit into an adventure all in a day’s worth.

• Sun Protection: Nobody wants sunburned, miserable kids cutting the safari short. Lather up with a good SPF before you head out, pack wide-brimmed hats for the whole crew, and don't forget to reapply sunscreen, especially on longer guided game drives where you're out in the open for hours. 
• Insect Repellent: There are only so many times you can hear “Mommy, I got bitten” before it becomes a full safari meltdown. Mosquitoes, ticks, bugs, the bush has them all. Pack a good kid-friendly repellent and apply it generously before every drive. 
• Binoculars: Get the kids their very own pair of binoculars and watch them transform into fearless little explorers. Fair warning, you may hear “I see a lion!” only to discover it’s a rock. And that’s perfectly okay. The excitement, the curiosity, the wide eyes scanning the bush, that’s where the love for wildlife begins.

• Check entry and exit gate times. 
• Fill up on fuel. There’s no guarantee fuel will be available inside the Park, and the nearest petrol station could be far away. 
• Pack enough snacks for the trip and stay hydrated, especially when driving for long hours.