There is no reason to let tight budgets stop you and your family from making some pretty special memories. While some would argue that travel is a luxury, we here at Travel2Africa could not disagree more. It's a necessity and just a quick scan of your best memories and experiences should remind you of its value. Whether you like to bundle up or prefer to head for warmer weather, here are 5 top winter holiday spots the whole family will enjoy.
1. Kruger National Park
Located in Mpumalanga and Limpopo, The Kruger National Park is one of the biggest game reserve in Africa. With all the available accommodation in the park, Satara Rest Camp is especially great for children, with a playground, kids educational programme and grassy areas. Further north lies Shingwedzi Rest Camp, which offers more rustic accommodation and is great for game viewing in winter. Adults will love the wildlife, game drives, guided bush walks, 4x4 adventure trails and restaurants, while their kids enjoy playgrounds, kid’s educational programmes and wild animals.
2. Lowveld
Lowveld is the warmer part of Mpumalanga province, covering towns like Nelspruit, White River and Kaapsehoop. Classy accommodation like Forever resorts, Blyde Canyon and Swadini offer loads of family entertainment, including heated kids pools. Your kids will love the motor museum, horse-riding, Mac Mac Adventure Zone and Mankele Mountain Bike Park. Adults will love the 4x4 routes, adventure sports (rafting, tubing, quad biking, abseiling, zipline, paintball, rock climbing, rock climbing, white river rating), hot air balloon trips, microlight trips, aerial cable trail, day trips to Sabie, Graskop, Pilgrim’s Rest, Blyde River Canyon and several waterfalls.
3. Golden Gate National Park
The Golden Gate National Park is located in the Free State. With a variety of family cottages, rondawels at different hotels and rest camps, including at the Basotho cultural village, the Golden Gate has just enough accommodation for you and your entire family. Main attractions for adults include walking trails, lookout points, game drives, scenery, restaurant, coffee shop and a pub. Kids can also enjoy themselves in the snow, Basotho cultural village, vulture restaurant and curio shop.
4. Southern Drakensberg
Southern Drakensburg is a beautiful place located in KwaZulu-Natal, ±209km from the famous Durban city. Bushman’s Nek Berg, Trout Resort and Sani Mountain Lodge all have family accommodation and entertainment for children. You and your kids will be mesmerized by the wellness spas, 4x4 routes, golf course, trout fishing bird watching, snow on Sani Pass (4x4 only), New England farm, adventure golf, tractor rides and horse-riding.
5. Durban and South Coast
Located in the coastal side of the kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal, running from Durban to Port Edward. Family-friendly resorts such as Cabana Beach (Umhlanga Rocks), La Cote D’Azur (Margate) and Pumula Beach Hotel (Umzumbe) offer self-catering accommodation, restaurants, shops and daily entertainment programmes for kids will leave you and your family speechless. Your kids will love, Durban Beachfront Funworld amusement park, uShaka Marine World theme park and aquarium, ice-skating, surfing, rickshaw rides, flea markets, beach holiday programmes, Segway tours of Moses Mabhida Stadium, Umgeni Bird Park and Natal Sharks Board. Adults will enjoy the blue flag beaches, sunbathing, mountain biking, quad-biking, shopping, golfing, day-trips to the North Coast (including Ballito), Oribi Gorge Swing and spas.
