Its not always easy to get away for a vacation with the kids, and it can be challenging to find a family friendly destination where there is a little something for everyone to enjoy. Here are our top 10 family friendly resorts, where you are guaranteed a great time and are likely only to hear from your children if they are hungry or its bed time.
Our top 10 family friendly resorts in South Africa are ideal over the school holidays and are brimming with exciting activities including super tubes, horse or camel rides, zip-lining, climbing walls, jungle gyms, play rooms and much more.
Top 10 Family Friendly Resorts
Wilgewandel Holiday Farm
This holiday farm in Oudtshoorn promises hours of fun for the young and young-at-heart in the Karoo. Wilgewandel has family rooms for up to seven guests; but its real appeal is in its water slides, swimming pool, zipline, farm animals, mini golf, and trampolines. The Cango Caves are nearby, and itโs a treat for the family to explore these massive caves on guided tours. The Garden Route and its beaches are a little over an hour away.
Diaz Hotel And Resort
A family holiday in Mossel Bay is fabulous because this little Garden Route town is all about lovely beaches, plenty of history, and a laid-back vibe. There are large self-catering units for the whole family, accommodating four to six guests each. Of course, the beaches are irresistible on summer holidays. But, families can also visit the Dias Museum Complex, the Shell Museum and Aquarium, or go on a boat trip around Seal Island.
Shamwari Riverdene Family Lodge
A family safari is a brilliant way to make the most out of the school holidays, and the Shamwari Riverdene Family Lodge in the Eastern Cape is just the place to enjoy one (or more). Game drives are perfect for little ones over the age of four years, while the swimming pool is guaranteed to keep you all cool and entertained for hours. Spotting zebra, giraffe, and even the magnificent rhinoceros in its natural habitat is something youโll never forget.
The Cavern Drakensberg Resort & Spa
The Drakensberg is a stunning destination for a school holiday getaway. Itโs quiet, spectacularly beautiful, and full of things to do and see. This Drakensberg hotel has a number of suites, including three superior family suites, eight family rooms, and 10 inter-leading rooms. So, families have plenty of variety when it comes to their accommodation. The whole family will love the many walking, hiking, and horse riding trails. Or, opt to play a game of tennis or head down to the Adventure Centre for endless fun.
The Cradle Rest
The Cradleโs Rest is perfect for families spending the holidays in the Magaliesberg, just over an hour from Johannesburg. The Family Cottage sleeps four, and the Family Suites sleep between four and six people. So, there is plenty of space for parents and little ones. During the day, head out for cycling, hiking and hot-air ballooning around these pretty parts. Or, take the kids to the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve in Krugersdorp, Lesedi Cultural Village, or the Sterkfontein Caves. Families that are hankering after some adrenalin should definitely try the canopy tours.
Cheerio Trout Fishing & Holiday Resort
There are chalets at Cheerio that can sleep two, four and six people; making this holiday resort a great option for the school holidays. This Magoebaskloof accommodation is right in the heart of the action too; and families can choose to go quad biking, ziplining on a canopy tour, paintballing, kloofing, tubing, walking, hiking and mountain biking. There are also stunning waterfalls, gorges, and forests to explore.
Misty Mountain
For a relaxed retreat in Sabie in the heart of the beautiful Panorama Route, Misty Mountain is just perfect. There are family units for between four and six people, as well as a farmhouse for up to 10 guests. There is a swimming pool, games room, kiddiesโ playground and outdoor chess set on site. Families also enjoy going hiking, walking, cycling and quad biking during their stay.
Alpine Heath Resort
The Alpine Heath Resort is the ideal family retreat because the chalets have three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and the resort offers plenty to do for every member of the family. This includes a visit to the kiddiesโ playground, walking, hiking, horse riding, outdoor chess, putt-putt, swimming pools, and volleyball courts. There are also baby cots available, as well as a babysitting service for parents that need a date night.
Pine Lodge Resort
For a holiday along the coast of Port Elizabeth, families will enjoy their stay at Pine Lodge Resort. In addition to the campsite, there are cabins that sleep up to eight guests. During their time here, families can go bird-watching, fishing, golfing, swimming, or walking along the beach. The Boardwalk Casino & Entertainment World is less than 10 minutesโ drive away, while Bayworld (the aquarium) is only slightly further away.
Merry Pebbles Resort
This family-friendly holiday resort is on the banks of the Sabie River and has a number of self-catering chalets, each with up to four bedrooms. Facilities at the resort include swimming pools (cold and heated), water slides, tennis courts, a play park (with a jungle gym, trampolines and swings), and an indoor entertainment hall with a tennis table, pool tables, video games and DStv for rainy days. Tubing and canoeing on the river is always a massive hit too.
