3 tips for taking teenagers on a (successful) bush holiday
With the school holidays around the corner, it’s time to book the family in for an adventurous break to the remarkable and exquisite northern Kruger Park! Bushveld holidays are the best kind of family holidays but it’s important to keep those screen-agers entertained; and here are our top three tips on just how to do that!
1. Choose your destination wisely
Although all teenagers aren’t all (exactly) the same, I’m hungry and I’m bored are universal teenager-speak, right up there with the eye-rolling and wanting their own space …
So it is paramount that you choose a holiday destination that accommodates all your needs, including some R&R for the parents to! Our spacious and contemporary self-catering Guesthouse is the place to be. Everyone has their own individual space including an ensuite bathroom, there’s a modern pool, large open outdoor living area with an expansive lawn and fire pit, Bushveld Terrace Restaurant is right next door and you are only 200m away from the Phalaborwa gate into the Kruger – entertainment has never been easier, and we believe even your teenager will be impressed!
2. Make them part of the plan
This is a step we highly suggest all parents take! Be prepared, look into what activities are offered where you are staying at, as well as in the surrounding/ nearby area. Gather a list of all the activities available and then sit down with your family choosing what everyone would like to do. We recommend every family member gets to pick an activity, that way all is fair. By organising your days, it becomes easier to mix up your activities (preventing that dreaded “Mom, I’m bored”), and it also allows you to include some much-needed downtime.
3. Mix it up
Game drives in the Kruger can be such fun adventures for the family, but teens like to keep it fresh with new experiences. So make sure to take a different route each time, set out at a different time each day and even take a guided drive as a treat for everyone. We are able to book these in advance for you. We also suggest including other adventures that’ll still give those safari feels. The town of Phalaborwa is filled with fun activities for all ages; like a boat cruise along the Olifants River, a visit to the wildlife rehabilitation centre or going back in time at the restored Masorini Village.
Most of all, focus on the special and limited time you have left with your teenagers, they may be difficult at times but remember in a few years’ time, they will have flown the coop and you may very well find yourself longing for those very times with your grumpy teen!
There is so much to do in the northern Kruger for families to make memories of a lifetime.
Ready to book your next great and memorable family adventure? Contact us on re*@bu*************.za or (015) 781 3447
