Pack the Whole Pride: A Family Safari at Letamo Lodge

Pack the Whole Pride: A Family Safari at Letamo Lodge

Just three hours from Johannesburg, Letamo Lodge at Qwabi Private Game Reserve brings the idea of a family safari within easy reach. It’s where the freedom of the bush meets comfort and care in equal measure, a place designed for time together, shared discovery, and a genuine connection with nature.

The Pack the Whole Pride offer is tailored for South African residents looking to make that happen. Kids under 12 stay free, while those aged 13 to 16 enjoy half-price rates when sharing a second room. It’s an easy way to turn a family getaway into something memorable, without the long drive or complicated planning, an invitation for parents to turn “someday” into “this year.”

A Lodge That Knows Families

Letamo is Qwabi’s largest lodge and naturally lends itself to family stays. Its 58 rooms and suites balance relaxed luxury with practical comfort, featuring interleading layouts for parents and children, modern amenities, and views that open directly onto the bush. Interiors blend clean, contemporary lines with African textures and detailing, the kind of design that feels both sophisticated and easy to live in.

Days begin early with coffee on the deck before heading out on a guided game drive across the 11,000-hectare reserve, home to the Big Five and an incredible variety of wildlife. Expert guides bring the bush to life, turning every sighting into a story and every drive into an adventure. For children, it’s often the small moments that stay with them, the quiet awe of an elephant passing close by or the excitement of spotting giraffes in the morning light.

Afternoons are made for choice, a family swim, a padel match, an hour at the spa, or quiet time spent together watching the landscape shift through the day. Between game drives and shared meals, Letamo becomes a playground for every age.

For Younger Explorers

Families with children will find that Letamo makes it easy for everyone to enjoy the experience. The Junior Conservationists Club turns curiosity into discovery with a full programme of nature-inspired activities, from craft sessions and tracking lessons to storytelling and wildlife exploration that feels more like adventure than education.

There’s also a kids’ pool, jungle gym, and shaded play areas for downtime, along with babysitting services for parents wanting a quiet hour at the spa or a sundowner by the pool.

It’s not a kids’ club in the traditional sense, but an introduction to the living classroom of the bush, an environment that encourages curiosity, appreciation, and connection with nature. For many families, these are the moments that linger long after the journey ends.

Evenings Around the Fire

As the day cools, guests gather around the boma fire while the culinary team prepares dishes inspired by South African favourites. Meals at Letamo are generous and unpretentious, built around quality ingredients, relaxed dining, and a genuine sense of togetherness. A dedicated kids’ menu ensures younger travellers are well catered for, while adults can enjoy an excellent selection of local wines.

Each dining experience, whether breakfast overlooking the plains or dinner beneath the stars, reflects Qwabi’s approach to hospitality: thoughtful, attentive, and warm. The culinary

philosophy celebrates authenticity and abundance, honouring the flavours of Africa with a modern, unfussy touch.

The Qwabi Way

Letamo forms part of Qwabi Private Game Reserve by Newmark Hotels & Reserves, a sanctuary of 11,000 hectares set within the UNESCO-declared Waterberg Biosphere. This malaria-free reserve is defined by its wide plains, rolling hills, and water-rich terrain that supports an incredible diversity of life.

Game drives often reveal elephants at waterholes, lions resting in the shade, and herds of antelope moving quietly through the bush. It’s a part of South Africa that still feels undiscovered, wild yet welcoming, with a sense of space that invites you to slow down and take it in.

A Safari Worth Sharing

For South African residents, Pack the Whole Pride makes a full-board family safari both effortless and exceptional. Letamo Lodge combines the comfort of a family resort with the thrill of a true wilderness experience, everything you need for meaningful time spent together.

It’s an opportunity to watch the next generation fall in love with the bush. Family time, without compromise, and an open invitation to pack the whole pride.

Rates start from R9 330 per room per night on a full-board basis, including all meals, beverages, and twice-daily game drives. A second room for kids under 12 is complimentary, while teens aged 13–16 pay half price. The offer is valid until 31 January 2026, and available exclusively to South African residents.

For bookings and enquiries, contact [email protected] or call +27 21 427 5901.

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