Summary: 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.
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.
Part 1, 2, 3, 4
