Are you a small family looking for a Christmas holiday stay? Does a vacation away from the hustle and bustle of city life sound like paradise? Here are a few places that accommodate families—with small children—at reasonable prices in and around the Western Cape and Gauteng.
Also see: Navigating family burnout and boundary setting during the holidays
African Hills Safari Lodge & Spa
African Hills Safari Lodge & Spa is a 6,800-hectare Plumari Private Reserve located in the Magaliesberg, within one hour’s drive of Johannesburg and Pretoria. They offer guests a memorable Big Game experience in a malaria-free environment.
The lodge has various experiences that one can add to the itinerary, including:
- Hiking
- Spa treatments
- Historical tours
- Big Game drives
- Elephant experiences
They offer five different room types with modern and luxurious designs.
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Mongena Private Game Lodge
Mongena Private Game Lodge is nestled within the northern region of the 18,000-hectare Dinokeng Game Reserve. It is a 40-minute drive from Pretoria and a 60-minute drive from OR Tambo Airport, by tar road.
The name Mongena derives from the Boekenhout or Transvaal beech tree (Faurea saligna), which is indigenous to the Dinokeng area.
At the reserve, guests will see all members of the Big Five (elephant, rhino, leopard, buffalo, lion) roam free across the reserve.
You can participate in activities like:
- The Jackal & Hide underground photography
- Guided safari drives
- Guided bush walks
- Boat cruises
- Bird watching
The accommodation is ideal for a small family of four, with family suites and twin-room suites available.
Misty Hills Country Hotel, Conference Centre & Spa
Nestled in the foothills of the Swartkop Mountains on the threshold of the beautiful Kromdraai Valley in Muldersdrift, Misty Hills is one of Gauteng’s most popular hotel and conference venues.
The hotel offers various activities such as:
- Quad biking
- Outdoor picnic
- Garden chess
- Spa
- Swimming
- Off-site activities
The accommodations offer two rooms best for families with small children: deluxe and deluxe superior rooms.
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Also see: How to book holiday accommodation safely and avoid scams
Aquila Private Game Reserve
Acclaimed for service excellence, renewable energy, social responsibility, and wildlife conservation, Aquila is a game reserve situated in the Western Cape. It offers luxurious African hospitality, traditional culinary delights, service excellence and the restoration of pride to the indigenous people and the land.
You can enjoy activities like:
- Big Five game drives
- Relaxing by the pool
- Great food
- Comfortable accommodation
- Dedicated play area for the kids
The reserve offers a spacious suite for the whole family, with a little privacy, in their family cottage with a balcony, ideal for two adults and kids.
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Club Mykonos Resort
Experience Greece in South Africa with whitewashed walls, boats in the marina, and a lagoon warm enough to swim in before breakfast in Langebaan, Western Cape. The Kalivas are self-catering. Built for families, a week is not quite enough.
Club Mykonos Resort is currently running a promotion for various services they offer, from accommodation to activities.
Speaking of activities, you can try:
- Spas
- Kid-friendly activities
- Mini golf
- Fishing
- Sky park and zipline
- Diving
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Featured image: Instagram/@aquilasafaris
Also see: Curating a meaningful stokvel-style holiday budgeting plan
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