When I saw that Kragga Kamma Game Park was running a kiddie’s photo competition over the school holidays, I knew this outing would be a winner for us. Our blogging travel adventures have been somewhat limited of late, with Ralph out of action recovering from a shoulder op, and we are suffering from a chronic case of cabin fever.
We have three kids, loads of photographic equipment, and a collective keen love of nature – the perfect ingredients for a successful kid’s photo safari. So we were thrilled to be back on the road again, this time with the kids in charge of taking the photos, mom being the driver, and dad capturing the moment with his good arm.
It was incredible to watch how whole-heartedly the kids embraced their mission. After starting out with a sprint of our usual sibling arguments – “Cian your head’s in the way!”, “How come Jacob gets the best camera?”, “I’m sitting on the wrong side!”, we settled into a more amicable pace, with the car stopping at each and every photographer’s whim, and everyone getting a turn to move to the best window and take their shot.
We encouraged the kids to look past the big things, and notice and capture all the little natural miracles too. After snapping away at the graceful giraffes, grumpy zebras, lazy rhino and plethora of antelope, the kids focused on some birdlife and flowering plants.
When we arrived at the bush café, the kids wobbled over the suspension bridge to the cheetahs on the other side. These spotty giant cats did not disappoint – they gave us such an incredible model display, which the kids captured with glee.
After admiring our catch over a cup of tea and slice or two of cake, we mosied our way to the exit, capturing the field of rhinos and giraffe silhouettes along the way.
For Luke it was his close encounter with all eight cheetah, which resulted in his unanimously voted “photo of the day” (See the final photo entries below).
For Jacob and Cian, although they loved the entire experience, their highlight was when mom rather embarrassingly got the Kombi stuck half on half off the verge with two wheels in the air, making a giant automotive seesaw.
For me, it was the close up moment with a mommy warthog and her cute little newborn nestled at her side, twitching its little snout and batting its eyelids at us.
Ralph’s highlight was seeing the kids enjoying themselves and having so much fun. We expected they would enjoy the outing, but were surprised by what a massive hit it ended up being.
So, if you live in Port Elizabeth or surrounds, and have a kid and a camera, head off to Kragga Kamma Game Reserve before 30 April to take part in their Kiddies Photo Competition. Remember to empower your kids and let them do all the work by themselves – you may be surprised with how well it turns out.
Click here to watch on YouTube if it does not display correctly on your device
Here are our boys’ entries (3 each) for the competition:
Luke’s “Photo of the day”
Luke’s giraffe silhouette
Luke’s fluffy waterbuck
Cian’s ostriches
Cian loves taking close ups
Cian’s Bontebok
Jacob’s mommy and baby warthogs
Jacob’s Heron taking flight
Jacob’s pregnant zebra
What do you think of the photos? The boys would love some encouragement, so please share in the comments section below.
We used our fabulous 5-in-1 Nelson Mandela Bay Passes to gain entrance to Kragga Kamma Reserve.
Buy your pass from www.nelsonmandelabaypass.co.za
Kragga Kamma Game Reserve – www.kraggakamma.co.za
Enter the competition by uploading your kid’s 3 best photos onto Kragga Kamma’s Facebook page
The photos must be taken by a child aged 18 and under during the duration of the competition, 18 March – 30 April
The prize is a two night stay for the winner and his/her immediate family, in one of Kragga Kamma’s self-catering lodges, and includes a guided game drive on one of their safari vehicles.
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