Where to go in SA for a family vacation

Destination 1: Teniqua Treetops – Sedgefield, Garden Route

The most awesome thing about this destination in my opinion is that you sleep in a tree house. Yes, you read that right! You and your family literally sleep in a tree house, surrounded by a magical forest with lovely woodland trails and even a fairy or two. The uniqueness of this experience and the safety of your surroundings allow your children to explore the forest, swimming pool and games rooms with outside braais on their own, while you bask in the beauty around you. You are also right on the Garden Route and Sedgefield offers local markets and beaches.

 

Destination 2: Cathedral Peak Hotel – Drakensberg, KwaZulu Natal

This is a no-brainer. Just take a look at pictures of this place and you will be phoning in your booking. This is not just one of the most beautiful places in SA, but also a World Heritage Site. The expansiveness of the majestic mountains will not be lost on you and there is plenty activities for your children – whether you participate or not. There are planned activities during peak holiday season, a separate children’s dining room as well as babysitters! Five course meals for the adults will have you begging for more and the frenzy of so many people (the hotel has 104 rooms) is absorbed by the beauty of your surroundings. Enjoy walks, views, the amphitheatre and rest up!

 

Destination 3: Sparkling Waters Hotel – Rustenburg, North West Province

This 3 star hotel is highly recommended by the AA and is a graded Hotel & Spa situated in the heart of the Magaliesberg Range – a mere 90 minutes’ drive from Johannesburg. With more than 16 on site sport, recreation and outdoor activities, this caters for the whole family. Your options include tennis, volleyball, mini golf, mountain bikes, hiking trails, outdoor action cricket, paintball war games, very well equipped games room, playpark, heated splash pool, cold pool, the spectacular Magaliesberg Canopy tours, Sparkling Health Spa and more. The Health Spa even includes treatment for kids in their own salon when numbers allow!

 

What other spots have become your family favourite? Share with us in the comments below!

Why you should choose Cape Town for your spring break

1.Robben Island

When you are in Caep Town, Robben Island is an absolute must! This half-day tour will take you to the former prison where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years behind bars, fighting for freedom. Many other members of political parties were jailed alsongside him and one of your guides will most likely be an ex-political prisoner, which gives you a beautifully coloured picture of what it was like. The tour includes the prison and the whole island, which is fascinating. Traveling to the island by ferry should also not be dismissed!

 

2.The penguins at Boulder Beach

Swimming with the penguins at Boulders Beach on the Cape Peninsula near Cape Town is a real thrill, especially if you have kids traveling with you. A small portion of the beach has been allocated to the public and it’s separated from the mail penguin colony. However, the penguins pay no mind to this separation and you will often find a penguin sitting next to you on your towel or darting around your legs while you cool off in the ocean. Make sure you get there early in spring, as it can get quite crowded.

 

3.Table Mountain

Obviously this is a must. Table Mountain is one of the 7 wonders of the world and you simply cannot be in Cape Town and not visit this huge slab of stone that it 1086m high and 3km long. The mountain houses more than 1400 unique species of plants as well as several mountains. If you take food up with you, you will find that the dassie rats are quite eager to share your food! You can either climb the mountain (if you’re fit enough for this 3 hour climb) or go up via cable car. The view is astonishing and you can even see Robben Island from the top!

 

What else have you done in Cape Town that is a no-miss opportunity? Share with us in the comments below or on social media!