South Africa has a fabulous variety of favourite family getaways – places that offer a winning combination of super-comfy family accommodation, value for money and a supreme outdoor lifestyle in magnificent settings. For families wanting a holiday of fun-in-the-sun, spiced with a good dash of luxury, at a lodge that caters well for the whole troop, these are our recommendations:
GARDEN ROUTE
In Knysna: Belvidere Manor has a marvelous position overlooking the Knysna Lagoon, with a variety of equipped cottage types to choose from. A Garden Route family holiday par excellence!
Between Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn: Eight Bells Mountain Inn is one of South Africa’s best loved resorts. It’s a four-star mountain resort on the Garden Route, with family units available and a playpark and dedicated dining room for children.
In Knysna: Under Milkwood Self-Catering Chalets have a majestic position on the shores of the Knysna Lagoon, set amid Milkwood trees. Each timber chalet has a double and twin room, fully equipped kitchen, sundeck and barbeque facilities. The chalets have access to a private beach.
EASTERN CAPE
In St Francis Bay: Sandals Guest House is a chic, palm-fringed resort in one of the Eastern Cape’s prettiest holiday spots, St Francis Bay – a fabulous base for a family holiday, with accommodation in triple or family rooms.
At Port St Johns: Umngazi River Bungalows is a much-loved holiday resort beautifully set at a river mouth on the Wild Coast, accommodating families in thatched bungalows and offering a variety of outdoor activities.
Miarestate Hotel & Spa is a 5-star boutique hotel and spa destination located on a beautiful wildlife estate in the nature conservancy of Haga Haga on the Wild Coast. Providing child-friendly accommodation and an in-house programme of activities for young travellers, Miarestate is an excellent choice for luxury family holidays.
Crawfords Beach Lodge is a wonderful Wild Coast destination off the beaten track – ideal for a family beach holiday in an unspoiled and uncrowded area. Situated 42km from East London, this 4-star beach resort offers a great combination of family-friendly accommodation, idyllic scenery and beach activities on the doorstep.
WESTERN CAPE
In Stanford: Blue Gum Country Estate is an appealing retreat on a working wine and olive farm at Stanford. Family accommodation options are available and there are outdoor play spaces for the kids.
In Calitzdorp area: The Retreat at Groenfontein is a divinely tranquil getaway-from-it-all in a spectacular piece of the country near Calitzdorp, where families can enjoy suite-accommodation and the great outdoors in abundance. Take the pooches too if you like.
In Arniston: The Arniston Spa Hotel is an old coastal favourite with families, providing convenient accommodation configurations for families and plenty to keep the young ones entertained, indoors and out.
KWAZULU-NATAL
In the Drakensberg: old family favourite Cathedral Peak Hotel is an excellent choice for families, with interleading rooms and an outdoor lifestyle second to none. Mail us.
Isimangaliso Wetland Park Area: Hluhluwe River Lodge offers a fantastic four-star nature experience to families, consisting of forest accommodation and magnificent nature activities for the whole family.
NORTH-WEST
At the Vaalkop Dam: Mziki Lodge is a great safari option for families, about two hours from Johannesburg North. The lodge has a children’s playground and activities for the young set.
LIMPOPO
Tzaneen Country Lodge is situated amid forests and farmlands on the Eastern Lowveld of Limpopo. There is much for families to enjoy, including an animal farm.
Mail us for information and bookings, or book online using the links above, or call us on +27 21 797-7122 (international) or 0860 102 907 (local).
