CFT Featured Article / June 2007

HOLIDAYS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Not for the faint hearted and those with young children? Rubbish, have children will travel - the child friendly way of course. The memories from a trip to South Africa will last a lifetime and a well planned trip will ensure that all the family definitely enjoy an adventure of a lifetime. We visited Cape Town with two very young children and we then went on to explore the Winelands. The whole trip was incredible and I can't wait to take our now three children back to visit a Game Reserve.

Our thanks go to Abigail Shaw at Bushbaby Travel who after traveling to South Africa with her husband before she had their son William, was then keen to return after he was born, but discovered that little information was available in regards to which hotels not only provided good facilities for families, but more so those that would allow them to stay with a child! This inspired them to set up Bushbaby Travel, to offer parents wishing to visit South Africa, a personalised and informed service leading to the creation of an imaginative, tailor-made holiday.

She is more than happy to answer any queries you may have and to assist you with your trip. Visit their website for more information: Bush Baby Travel

We hope that you enjoy reading this monthís article and it encourages you to consider traveling that bit further a field for that bit bigger adventure...

A World in one Country

It's easy to fall in love with South Africa, as few countries can offer so much for visitors including magnificent wildlife, breathtaking scenic beauty, award-winning cuisine and wine and cosmopolitan shopping and entertainment. However, the heartbeat of this 'Rainbow Nation' is her inspirational and diverse people, who will provide the warmest of welcomes for your family. Tourism provides employment and expands conservation efforts, so your visit will be appreciated!

A Realistic Family Adventure

An overnight flight, with little time difference from Europe, will cause minimum disruption to routines and there is no need for any health precautions to be taken when visiting most regions in the country (all the Lodges below are in malaria free regions). Self-drive is an excellent option with good road infrastructure and giving you the freedom to travel at your own pace. English is widely spoken, making issues such as travel and childcare straightforward. South Africa is also great value for money and with a big family in tow, this can be a relief!

South Africa is now home to an increasing number of family friendly Hotels and Lodges which offer excellent facilities for both parents and children. These may include a play room, family suites, childrenís menu and occasionally a childrenís club or supervised activities but the most important point is that guests of all ages will be truly welcomed.

Classic Itinerary

A classic itinerary for a first time family visit to South Africa would generally include 4 or 5 days in Cape Town, a similar period in the Garden Route (a 5 hour drive East) and then a malaria-free safari for 3 days in a Reserve in Eastern Cape (a 3 hour drive East of Cape Town) before flying home from Port Elizabeth via Johannesburg. Alternatively you can choose a safari more off the beaten track, in the North of the Country, necessitating a flight from George on the Garden Route to Johannesburg and then a 2 hour plus road journey or flight to your chosen Park.

You may also wish to add in a stay in the Winelands for a few nights or Hermanus for whale watching during the Season (June to November). It is also easy to combine a trip to a Game Reserve in the North with Sun City Resort.

Parent Friendly Properties: Below are some Bushbaby Travel favorites, a combination of 4 and 5 star hotels and lodges with character.

Cape Town

Cape Town is not just a City but a stunning Peninsula. Highlights include traveling to the top of Table Mountain in the rotating Cable car, visiting the Penguins at Boulders Bay, a trip to Cape Point (the most south-westerly point in Africa) and exploring the Kirstenbosch Gardens. We also recommend a visit to Robben Island for school-age children and the excellent V&A Aquarium. Of course there are many stunning beaches but beware the chilly Atlantic Ocean waters!

Recommended Hotels:

Cape Grace

A beautiful hotel in a central Waterfont location offering family rooms with sofa beds, interconnecting rooms or apartments. Children are presented with a gift on arrival and milk and cookies at bedtime when African stories can also be arranged! Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa: Set near Camps Bay with stunning Ocean views, the hotel also has family rooms or suites with sofa beds. Children are also offered gifts and evening treats and will love the swimming pool hewn in to the mountainside, picnic trails amongst the fynbos and private cinema for rainy days.

The Vineyard

For those looking for a beautiful garden setting and indoor swimming pool in cooler weather, the Vineyard is a good option. A variety of family accommodation options includes interconnecting rooms, suites and also cottages for those wishing to combine self catering with the facilities of an excellent hotel.

Mount Nelson

Set back from the Waterfront, the Mount Nelson effortlessly combines old with new. Wonderful gardens and excellent facilities for active children are offered with a large swimming pool and tennis courts with organized activities provided during Peak Season. Families are accommodated in interconnecting rooms and suites.

Winchester Mansions

This hotel offers character and charm in a central location between the Waterfront and Camps Bay. A very popular hotel due to its friendly staff and affordable suites with one or two bedrooms for families.

Hout Bay Manor

Re-opening in Autumn 2007, this boutique hotel will have family rooms with sofa bed as well as interleading rooms. It is likely to be very popular with families as it is one of the few hotels in Cape Town that welcome children within a short walking distance from the beach.

Winelands

The Winelands offers more than just wine tasting for grown-ups, although even this can be done with imagination to increase appeal to all the family e.g. on horseback! We recommend a visit to Spier Village to see the various projects there (see below), Fairview Estate to see the Goat Tower and taste wines and cheeses and a walk around the pretty French Hugenot Village of Franschhoek, perhaps to include a visit to the Chocolate Factory!

Recommended Hotels:

Spier Village

Comfortable and spacious accommodation is provided for families with second interconnecting rooms only charged at 50% for children under 18. Spier offers a wide range of restaurants and attractions including ëEagle Encounterí and a Cheetah Outreach Project. Le Franschhoek: Situated just outside the Franschhoek with pretty valley views, the hotel offers family rooms with childrenís loft area as well as self catering chalets with 2-bedrooms.

Overberg

To do:The highlight is whale watching season, when the Southern Rights and Humpbacks migrate along the shores (June ñ November) but the region is home to some stunning beaches at all time of year and the De Hoop Nature Reserve. It also makes a convenient stop between Cape Town and the Garden Route.

Recommended Hotels:

Grootbos Nature Reserve

South Africaís premier Marine & Flora destination has won many accolades for the exciting range of activities offered for guests of all ages from horse riding in the Milkwood Forests to exploring ancient caves on the white sandy beaches. Supervised childrenís supervised programmes can be arranged whilst families stay in beautiful cottages at Forest Lodge with views over Walker Bay, playground to the whales in Season. Blue Gum Country Estate: In a tranquil setting encompassing vineyards, pastures and river frontage, this personal hotel offers a lovely base from which to explore the region. Nic and Nicole, parents themselves, welcome families in special family suites and provide a range of touches such as childrenís bikes and fishing rods.

Garden Route

This stunning stretch of coastline runs from Mossel Bay to Tsitsikamma in the East includes unspoilt forests and lagoons and the sophisticated resorts of Plettenberg Bay and Knysna. Activities include a trip on the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe stram train, walking trails, boating and of course swimming. Excellent wildlife parks such as the Elephant Sanctuary, Monkeyland and Birds of Eden, the largest free flight bird sanctuary in the world.

Recommended Hotels:

The Kurland

As host to international polo tournaments, the Kurland is surrounded by immaculate emerald pastures with grazing ponies. This exclusive boutique hotel offers wonderful family suites with bespoke childrenís bedrooms in the loft areas as well as a large playroom, heated childrenís pool and supervised activities during the Holidays.

Hunters Country House

Families are accommodated in a range of thatched and cape colonial style cottages, nestled in the beautiful gardens surrounding the original homestead. Cubís Corner, a wonderful play area for young children, makes this an excellent choice for parents seeking a luxurious retreat welcoming all ages.

Hog Hollow

This eco-friendly Lodge is set in a private nature reserve with panoramic views over the indigenous forests of Tsitsikamma. Whilst there are no particular facilities for children, families can enjoy comfortable Loft Suites providing comfortable accommodation on 2 levels and the staff will be delighted to help plan outings including the provision of picnics, beach towels and boogie boards!

Eastern Cape Safari

The Eastern Cape, a 3 to 4 hour drive from the Garden Route, offers some excellent private game reserves along side the Addo Elephant National Park, home to the densest population of elephant in the world!

Recommended Lodges:

Kwandwe Game Reserve

This large reserve offers excellent game viewing in the company of highly trained and experienced guides. Families are welcomed at Ecca Lodge or can book their own exclusive villa, Uplands or Melton Manor, which provide ideal accommodation for larger or extended families. Children age 6 plus welcome on adult game drives (shorter ëbumblesí are arranged for younger children after breakfast) and take part on the special ëPlanet Managerí programme.

Riverbend

Set in the Addo Elephant National Park, this fenced Lodge is an ideal safari setting for children of all ages. They can explore the pretty gardens, well equipped playroom or accompany adults on game drives in to this private part of the Park (no age limites on drives). Riverbend now also now has an exclusive use Villa for larger parties or those seeking exclusivity.

North West Safari

The Waterberg is home to a number of excellent safari lodges where an active safari experience can be enjoyed e.g. horse riding or walking with the game as these Reserves are not home to Lion or Elephant. Pilanesburg National Park, a short drive from Sun City offers several ëBush Hotelsí ideal for a family on a budget as up to 2 children under 18 share free whilst Madikwe Game Reserve, on the Botswana border, offers excellent game viewing which can be experienced from a number of luxurious family-friendly Lodges.

Recommended Lodges:

Ants Nest and Ants Hill

These wonderful Lodges offer the opportunity to horse ride with game such as giraffe, white rhino and zebra. Antís Nest is generally booked on an exclusive use basis whilst Antís Hill has a number of Family Suites and Rooms.

Kwa Maritane

This comfortable Bush Hotel in Pilanesburg National Park offers excellent value, close to Sun City Resort.

Jaci's Lodges

Jaciís has been pioneering family safari in Madikwe for many years. Families are accommodated in excellent accommodation at Jaciís Safari Lodge (semi-canvas suites) or Tree Lodge (up in the tree canopy) whilst those seeking exclusivity can book the 3-bedroomed Nare Suite complete with its own vehicle. A specialized childrenís safari programme is also offered for children age 3 to 12 years.

Thakadu

This new Lodge is already proving popular with families with accommodation in luxurious tents on stilts overlooking the River. The Lodge is also owned and staffed by the local community who welcome visitors to the nearby village.

Sun City Resort

Only 2 hours from Johannesburg, located in the crater of an extinct volcano, lies one of the most unique resorts. Sun City offers a compete world of entertainment, leisure and sports activities, wrapped in some astonishing architecture! The proximity to Pilanesburg National Park also means a stay here can be combined with some game drives and Kamp Kwena offers supervised activities for children age 4 plus.

Recommended Hotels:

Cascades

This comfortable hotel is located in the heart of the resort, next to the Entertainment Centre, amongst a network of spectacular waterfalls, weirs and lagoons. The new swimming pool (including heated section) and beach area will appeal to younger guests who can be accommodated with their parents in a Family Room.

Cabanas

The most relaxed and casual of the hotels in the Resort, Cabanas offers informal yet comfortable accommodation, set amongst landscaped gardens leading down to the lake and Waterworld. Young children will appreciate the location next to Kamp Kwena, an adventure playground and Animal World and are accommodated in Family Rooms.

Happy Holidays!