Latest news with #ShandorLarenty
The South African
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Little Rangers Program ignites passion for Wildlife
The Lion & Safari Park is turning young visitors into wildlife champions with its exciting Little Rangers Adventure Club. This hands-on programme, designed for children aged 5 to 12, offers a thrilling mix of adventure, education, and conservation. It's quickly becoming a hit among South African families eager to swap screen time for real safari experiences. Just 13 kilometres from Lanseria Airport, the Lion & Safari Park invites children to step into the shoes of real rangers, according to IOL. Kids get to track animals, feed giraffes, attend lion talks, and take part in conservation activities—all in a safe and engaging setting. It's a chance to learn about South Africa's incredible wildlife up close. 'At Lion & Safari Park, we believe that a love for wildlife starts young,' says Shandor Larenty, Group Wildlife and Conservation Manager. 'We've seen how the Little Rangers programme sparks curiosity and passion in children. It's our way of nurturing the next generation of conservationists through unforgettable, hands-on experiences.' The programme runs every weekend throughout the year, making it easy for families to enjoy the great outdoors together. Each session lasts 90 minutes, from 9:00 to 10:30 am, and costs R130. To join, parents pay a one-time sign-up fee of R300, which includes a safari vest, a field guide, and the first Cub Scout badge. Children earn badges by completing fun, conservation-themed activities. These include art in the park, paw and spoor tracking, and age-appropriate bush survival skills. Each badge brings them closer to becoming a Little Game Ranger, the highest tier in the programme. Along the way, kids move through levels from Cub Scout to Safari Star, Wildlife Warrior, and finally Little Game Ranger. Each level unlocks exclusive discounts and benefits. The ultimate prize? A free birthday party at the park, complete with venue and setup, for those who reach the Little Game Ranger level. This unique reward motivates kids to learn and engage with nature actively. 'The badges and tiers give children a sense of achievement,' Larenty explains. 'They build knowledge, confidence, and excitement about wildlife and conservation. It's inspiring to see young faces light up when they earn a new badge.' The Little Rangers Adventure Club offers South African families a wonderful way to connect with nature and instil a lifelong respect for wildlife. It's a perfect blend of fun and learning, encouraging children to become true ambassadors for the environment. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
5 days ago
- IOL News
Discover the Little Rangers Adventure Club at Lion & Safari Park
Located just 13 km from Lanseria Airport, the Lion & Safari Park gives children the rare opportunity to walk in the footsteps of real rangers: exploring animal tracking, feeding giraffes, attending lion talks, and completing conservation-themed activities in a safe and engaging environment. Image: Supplied Adventure, education, and conservation come together in an unforgettable experience for children at the Lion & Safari Park, thanks to the park's much-loved Little Rangers Adventure Club. This exciting program, designed for children aged 5 to 12, has quickly gained popularity among families seeking to nurture a deeper connection to nature and wildlife through fun, hands-on learning, effectively swapping screen time for safari time. Located just 13 km from Lanseria Airport, the Lion & Safari Park offers children the rare chance to walk in the footsteps of real rangers. Activities include exploring animal tracking, feeding giraffes, attending interactive lion talks, and completing conservation-themed activities—all within a safe and engaging environment. 'At Lion & Safari Park, we believe that fostering a love for wildlife starts at a young age,' remarked Shandor Larenty, the Group Wildlife and Conservation Manager at the park. 'We've seen just how much this program sparks curiosity and passion in the children who take part in it. 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.' Children are actively encouraged to engage in conservation activities that not only support their natural curiosity but also promote the safety and care of the wild at large. With engaging weekend sessions such as art in the park, paw and spoor tracking, and safe, age-appropriate bush survival skills, every moment is both educational and thrilling. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ As part of the adventure, children earn badges for each activity completed, requiring them to collect three badges to progress to the next tier. These tiers range from Cub Scout to Safari Star, and Wildlife Warrior, ultimately culminating in the coveted title of Little Game Ranger. Each tier offers exclusive discounts and benefits, with the ultimate reward being a free birthday party (venue and setup included) when graduating as a Little Game Ranger (Level 4). This structure encourages children to build knowledge, confidence, and excitement as they engage with the programme. From tracking paw prints to learning about endangered species, each badge earned brings kids closer to becoming true wildlife ambassadors. The program runs on weekends throughout the year, showcasing a unique way for families to enjoy the outdoors while inspiring young conservationists. Sign-up costs R300, which includes a safari vest, a field guide, and the first Cub Scout badge, while individual activity sessions are priced at R130. Sessions take place every Saturday and Sunday from 09:00 to 10:30. To learn more about the Little Rangers Adventure Club or to sign up your child, visit
The South African
25-04-2025
- The South African
Explore Africa's big cats at the Lion and Safari Park
If you're searching for the ultimate day out, look no further than the Lion & Safari Park. Just a short drive from both Johannesburg and Pretoria, this wildlife haven promises thrilling encounters and learning for the whole family. The park offers both guided game drives and self-drive routes, so you can explore the environment at your own pace, according to Trip Advisor. 'The holidays are the perfect time for families to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the beauty of South Africa's wildlife,' says Shandor Larenty, Group Wildlife and Conservation Manager. 'The park offers a unique opportunity for visitors of all ages to connect with nature and create lasting memories together'. On weekends and public holidays, don't miss the predator feeding sessions at midday and 3 pm. Visitors can watch as powerful lions leap for their lunch, a spectacle that will leave kids and adults wide-eyed. As one recent visitor shared, 'We were lucky to see the lions feeding at 3 pm, it was an awesome experience and highly recommended outing for the family'. The Lion & Safari Park is designed with families in mind. Children can run wild in the outdoor play areas, have their faces painted, or hop onto a kiddie horse ride. Budding conservationists will also love the Little Rangers educational programme, while animal lovers can hand-feed giraffes and even ostriches. If you're after more adventure, try quad biking, guided 4×4 game drives, or horseback safaris. There's no shortage of excitement. After a morning of exploring, families can also unwind at one of the park's restaurants. Whether you're after a quick bite or a sit-down meal, there's something for every taste and budget. Browse the Dome Shopping Experience before you head home, and you'll find it packed with local crafts, souvenirs, and gifts for every pocket The Lion & Safari Park is open every day, including public holidays. Tickets can be booked online, and prices start from as little as R195 for adults and R120 for children. So, pack your sense of adventure and set your GPS for the Lion & Safari Park, Joburg's wildest family outing right on your doorstep. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
