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Don’t imagine it is possible to take kids on a safari visit to the Rhino and Lion Reserve in the Cradle of Humankind and see and experience everything available in an afternoon, as one would at most small game farms near Johannesburg. A visit to this reserve is not just a simple game viewing drive to spot conspicuous animals. It’s a multi-facetted experience for all age groups and it’s not all done in a car. There are the Wonder Caves to visit as an optional extra and the kiosk area offers a variety of edutainment, not just snacks, drink and curios.

Imagine standing with your back to the wall of a snake pit while a cheetah races towards you un-tethered. The keeper warns that children should not move and distract the hunting animal. However, pure fascination voids any potential terror because the creature is obviously focused on its target as it turns in a zig-zag bound and accelerates past only to be caught by its handler as it pounces upon its elusive prey. If I hadn’t seen this happen before in June 2010, I wouldn’t have been standing there with my grandsons, aged 3 and 6 in February 2011. On the previous occasion the cheetah chased the lure of raw steaks on a catch lead and Italian tourists raced after him, trying to outstrip the magnificent beast. Pasta was no match for power!

At that time I had suspected that the Rhino and Lion Reserve (which should not be confused with the SA National Lion Park nearer to Lanseria Airport) had put on a special show for the World Cup. It hadn’t. There are still reptile and animal demonstrations ongoing throughout the day (except Mondays and Fridays). The crocodiles and snakes always fascinate the kids and there is a lot to learn from the knowledgeable keepers.

There is also the Animal Crèche close to the Kiosk. This is the place for hands-on contact with groups of lion cubs in their play areas. The kids watched the cubs at play and dodged huge storks while I paid the R30 a head fee and completed the indemnity form. Then it was time for us to enter. Last time we went into the lions’ enclosure with the tiny cubs but this time they took us to two older white lion cubs. They were bigger than my three 3-year old grandson would be on hands and knees and definitely would be much taller if they were to stand up against him.

Visit the Rhino and Lion Reserve - part 1

‘Approach from the back,’ said the guide. Looking at those teeth and huge paws, I knew why Justin was holding my hand like a vice. He was being appropriately respectful towards a wild animal. ‘Lions bite,’ he warned me. The lions clearly did not find him equally intimidating. Within a few minutes he was radiating joy – ‘He likes me,’ he crooned happily as he stroked one blue-eyed cub. When the same cub rolled over onto his back I reached out to rub his chest as I would one of our dogs. Immediately the paws grabbed my hand and the jaw flashed forward to bite. Lesson learned! Lions do bite!

The wildlife in the reserve is prolific and provides more frequent viewing than the vast Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga. The difference is that you won’t see a kill happening in this part of the Cradle of Humankind. Animals roam free and safe on these gentle hills while predators have their own dedicated encampments. There are no elephants, giraffe or most other tree eaters because such animals are sensitive to toxins from trees that aren’t in their natural habitat and would die here. The variety of other game is super and the animals are in great condition!

After the spring lambing there are abundantly more animals in the veld than we saw last June in mid-winter. The veld is lush after a hot rainy summer season. The long green grass provides a secure and comfortable place for antelope to rest. Often the only sign of their presence is a long neck or horns emerging from the grass. A tick bird on a large mound turned out to be perching on the largest of a pair of Cape buffalo. Moving grass alerted us to small families of warthogs trotting from place to place, as they foraged between bushy weeds. A big tortoise watched an ostrich take a dust bath as two mongoose trotted closer. Even the rare sable antelope was there - several stood proud and alone in the veld. There was no need to repeat my 2002 dawn game drive in Namibia to see sables and gemsbok – they were right here in all their splendour in the Cradle of Humankind

Visit the Rhino and Lion Reserve - part 2

A South African granny recounts the fun that her family had on a day trip ‘kids safari’ to the Rhino and Lion Reserve in the UNESCO Cradle of Humankind near Johannesburg, South Africa. The account indicates the variety of wildlife and educational activities suitable for kids who want to enjoy a fun safari-themed day trip or birthday party.

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