Parents should take advantage of the long weekends we have this year and plan a fun-filled weekend with their children.
KwaZulu-Natal
aha Alpine Heath Resort
Where: D119, Jagersrust, Northern Drakensberg
Contact: 087 075 0864
There is simply no place better than the Drakensberg mountains to spend a family holiday.
Ideally situated midway between Durban and Johannesburg, aha Alpine Heath Resort allows families and nature-lovers the opportunity to explore their surroundings in a 4-star setting.
The award winning spot offers 18 standard chalets and 71 deluxe chalets. Each self-catering chalet has a telephone, satellite TV and braai facilities.
The activities offered include hiking, fishing, miniature golf and pool facilities. For those who do not want to cook, the hotel has restaurant options.
Gauteng
Southern Sun Gold Reef City Hotel
Where: Northern Pkwy & Data Crescent, Ormonde, Johannesburg
Contact: 011 248 5152
Southern Sun Gold Reef City Hotel is definitely one of those hotels that can fuel your love for adventure.
The hotel is located in Johannesburg South and provides easy access to Gold Reef City Casino. The four-star hotel offers free entry to the Gold Reef theme park.
The 38 room hotel mixes history with a dose of modern charm. Hotel amenities include complimentary wifi, satellite television, tea and coffee station and wheelchair-enabled access.
Western Cape
Old Mac Daddy
Where: Elgin Valley Rd, Elgin, 7160
Contact: 021 844 0241
Travelling families looking for an unconventional getaway should visit Old Mac Daddy in Elgin. Inspired to create a 50’s caravan holiday feel, each trailer is decorated according to a different theme.
All accommodation is equipped with coffee station, air conditioning, bathroom and shower facilities. Self-catering houses offer kitted kitchenette. The family-friendly property offers designer children’s play area with indoor play room and outdoor jungle gym, archery, wine-tasting tours, paddle boarding and kayaking.
North West
Sun City
Where: R556, Sun City, 0316
Contact: 014 557 1000
Known as South Africa’s best loved resorts, Sun City provides something for everyone. Whether it is for families, couples or adrenalin-seekers.
Home to the Valley of Waves and sprawled along the border of the Pilanesberg National Park, Sun City Resort is a surf-and-safari destination within a two-hour drive of Johannesburg. Travellers can also enjoy The Maze of the Lost City, Forest of Lights, Crocodile Village, mini golf and quad biking or head out for a safari at a nearby game reserve.
Eastern Cape
The Royal
Where: 8 Beach Cres, Port Alfred
Contact: 046 624 5137
This hotel is ideally located close to East Beach in Port Alfred. The Royal has 12 rooms with private balconies. Travellers can splash around the pool, have a night braai or indulge in a spa treatment. There are many day trips that can be arranged at an extra cost, including game drives at Mansield Game Reserve, boat cruises and beach walks.
Mpumalanga
Forest Creek Lodge & Spa
Where: Lydenburg, Dullstroom, 1120
Contact: 013 235 8925
Those hoping to escape the city should give Forest Creek Lodge and Spa a try. This private spot offers luxury, tranquility and peace. Families can either spend a night at their Luxury Lodge Suites or one of the self catering accommodation options available.
Some of their activities include bird watching, mountain biking, horse riding, hiking trails and the stargazing platform where you can enjoy the constellations and shooting stars. For those who want a pamper session can visit their onsite spa.