A growing number of families are turning to the Lion & Safari Park’s Little Rangers Adventure Club as a hands-on educational alternative for children aged 5 to 12. Located just 13 kilometres from Lanseria Airport, the park’s initiative combines conservation education, outdoor adventure, and wildlife appreciation in a structured weekend program designed to inspire the next generation of nature guardians.
Operating throughout the year on Saturdays and Sundays, the program introduces young participants to the fundamentals of conservation through a series of age-appropriate activities. These include animal tracking, giraffe feeding, interactive talks on predators such as lions, and bush survival skills. The sessions run from 09:00 to 10:30 and are supervised in a secure, engaging environment.
Shandor Larenty, Group Wildlife and Conservation Manager at Lion & Safari Park, notes the positive impact the initiative is already having. “We believe that fostering a love for wildlife starts at a young age,” says Larenty. “The Little Rangers program is our way of nurturing the next generation of conservationists by providing them with unforgettable, hands-on experiences that connect them to nature.”
The program’s structure encourages ongoing participation through a tiered badge system. Children earn badges for completed activities and progress through four levels: Cub Scout, Safari Star, Wildlife Warrior, and Little Game Ranger. Each tier introduces new challenges and educational content, culminating in a complimentary birthday party (including venue and setup) for those who achieve the final level.
The cost to join the program is R300, which includes a safari vest, field guide, and the first Cub Scout badge. Each weekend activity session is priced at R130. The initiative aims to provide an accessible and enriching alternative to screen time, while reinforcing the importance of wildlife conservation in a tangible, memorable way.
With activities such as “art in the park,” spoor identification, and guided bush exploration, the Little Rangers Adventure Club offers families a structured opportunity to enjoy nature while promoting environmental awareness in young children. The park positions the program as a meaningful way to blend leisure with learning, supporting both child development and conservation education in the process.
