Travelling with kids can be taxing and expensive, but with a little planning and budgeting, you can experience an unforgettable holiday! Check out our tips for holidaying on a budget plus four fun family-friendly resorts to explore.
Travel during off-peak season
Travelling during school holidays makes the most sense, but accommodation rates are higher during these times. One way to get around that is to take advantage of mid-week specials and winter rates – you can still have fun without a hole in your pocket.
Opt for self-catering accommodation
Self-catering is not only cheaper than hotels and bed-and-breakfast accommodation, but it also gives you more freedom and flexibility around cooking and preparing snacks since you'll have access to a fully-equipped kitchen.
Research free activities in the area
Most large resorts have child-friendly facilities free of charge. There may also be other fun activities in
the area that won’t require you to fork out money; do your research and ask around when you arrive. Alternatively, tap into the latest trend and give ChatGPT a go – you never know what options you’re presented with.
Places to See
1. Wilgewandel Family Farm
Where: Western Cape
Check it out: wilgewandel.co.za
Just two kilometres from Oudtshoorn's biggest attraction, the Cango Caves, this resort boasts a myriad of activities for the little ones, including camel and tractor train rides, trampolining, animal feeding and water slides. Older kids can look forward to 18-hole mini golf, target shooting and biking the surrounding adventure trails. Guests can choose between self-catering or bed and breakfast accommodation, and the on-site restaurant will keep tummies full with a special kids' menu featuring tasty traditional South African dishes and gourmet milkshakes.
2. Cheerio Trout Fishing and Holiday Resort
Where: Limpopo
Check it out: cheerio.co.za
Cheerio Resort is based in the beautiful Magoebaskloof area, making it the ideal stopover to the Kruger National Park and other private game parks. Families looking for home comforts will appreciate the cosy self-catering chalets, which are equipped with a TV, braai facilities, and free WiFi. On-site activities include trout fishing, guided birding, and hiking. A swimming pool, jungle gym and games room will ensure there's always something for the kids to do, and adventure activities such as zip-lining, white-water tubing, kloofing and abseiling are available nearby.
3. The Kingdom Resort
North West
If your family has always wanted to visit Sun City but the accommodation prices make your eyes water, The Kingdom Resort is a great alternative as it's located five minutes from the popular entertainment destination. Guests can choose from a host of different accommodation options, ranging from modest chalets to larger villas for bigger families. The resort offers a free shuttle service to Sun City, where you can experience attractions such as Zip 2000, the world's longest zipline, the famous Valley of the Waves waterpark, and two Gary Player-designed championship golf courses.
4. Dolphin Holiday Resort
Where: KwaZulu-Natal
Check it out: dolphinholidayresort.co.za
If a coastal getaway is more your scene, look no further than Dolphin Holiday Resort on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast. Aside from fully equipped self-catering cottages, the resort houses a campsite for tents, caravans, and motorhomes, which is a more cost-effective option for families on a tighter budget. Kids will be kept busy by the swimming pool (heated in winter), jungle gym, beach-sand volleyball court, trampolines, outdoor chess, and games room. Willard Beach, a popular spot for swimming and surfing, is just a short 90m walk away.
4 KID-FRIENDLY HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS AROUND SA
Reviewed by Amaarah
on
May 03, 2023
Rating:
Reviewed by Amaarah
on
May 03, 2023
Rating:
