Family getaways are a chance to bond with your kids without the distractions of daily life, so take the time to plan fun holiday activities. We chatted with some of our accommodations to find out what makes them a great choice for your family.
Blommekloof Country Cottage
Blommekloof Country Cottage is a charismatic self-catering accommodation in the tiny hamlet of Leeukloof, near Mossel Bay. The lovingly restored 8-sleeper cottage is spacious and oozes country charm. It consists of 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a lounge with fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, and dining room. Kids can play in the enclosed garden, which also has a braai area overlooking the farm. The main bedroom has a cot for little ones. Pets are welcome provided you bring your own dog bed.
Owner’s tip: “The attraction of Blommekloof is that it is on a farm. There is NO television and poor cell phone reception which is great for kids as they have to learn to play and explore outdoors. There are cows, geese, and chickens, as well as farm fresh eggs; an enormous space to run around in; dams to swim in or catch fish (especially for dads and sons); and there is a games cupboard and a library of books for the evenings. The cottage itself is fully fenced, so it is safe for kids and pets.”
Kredouw Olive Estate
Kredouw Olive Estate offers 3 self-catering family cottages in Prince Albert, with spectacular mountain and orchard views. Frantoia is a family cottage with 2 bedrooms, a separate bathroom, and stoep with a braai area. The other 2 guest houses on the farm, Coratina and Manzanilla, each have a double bedroom, bathroom, and a living area with a sleeper couch for 2 small children. The guest farm is perfect for family bonding with a fireplace indoors, braai outdoors, and no cell phone reception.
Owner’s tip: “Families can spend their time on the farm enjoying walking trails, mountain biking, bird watching, and exploring the beautiful pristine Karoo landscape. Guests can keep a look out for endangered Riverine rabbits.”
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat is located at the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains, less than 3 hours’ drive from Cape Town. The retreat is great all year round with hiking trails, crystal clear waterfalls, and other outdoor activities. Accepting children of all ages, the private Koro Lodge can sleep up to 4 adults and 4 children with 2 suites and a fun loft bedroom for kids. A special games room features 2 single beds and a bathroom for additional guests.
Owner’s tip: “Bushman’s Kloof offers a Family Fun package* during the Easter, winter, and summer school holidays for kids aged 6 – 12 years. The 3-night programme allows you to bond as a family with activities for kids like night walks, treasure hunts, spoor tracking, rock painting, table tennis, cricket, and archery. Family activities include nature drives, visits to ancient rock art sites, mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, and fishing. Babysitting services are available for younger children at a nominal fee.”
*Family Fun package – 1 – 4 April; 18 – 21 April; 5 – 8 July; 8 – 11 July; 12 – 15 Dec; 15 – 18 Dec 2014.
Lekkerwijn Heritage Country House
Lekkerwijn Heritage Country House is a historic Cape Dutch homestead near Franschhoek. The guest house has 5 suites in the main homestead, 2 cottages, and a Garden Room, as well as 3 lounges, a swimming pool, and expansive garden.
Owner’s tip: “Lekkerwijn has family suites where bedrooms are set up specifically for kids. We also have a play room full of toys, as well as farm animals like miniature Transkei pigs, goats, rabbits, horses, and owls. Babysitting is offered so that parents can leave their kids with us and enjoy a meal out. There are plenty of attractions nearby like Butterfly World, and as we have our own 4 year old, we are well acquainted with their needs. Harry Potter fans will enjoy the hall with family portraits which kids tell me reminds them of Hogwarts.”
Skeiding Guest Farm
Skeiding Guest Farm is a working grain, sheep, ostrich, and Nguni farm in Heidelberg, halfway between Cape Town and Knysna. With 4 and 6 sleeper family cottages, panoramic views of the Langeberg mountain, bright stars at night, farm breakfasts, 3 course dinners, and a labyrinth walk, the farm is built for a family getaway. Activities include fishing, bird watching, swimming, and a one-hole golf course.
Owner’s tip: At Skeiding, children can run free and play care free. Families can enjoy farm tours with Neels; a “hands on” experience at 07h30 every morning, feeding the ostriches and watching the farm dogs work with the sheep, ostrich, and Nguni cattle. There is also a swimming pool and small playground for children.
Eikelaan Farm Cottages
Eikelaan Farm Cottages are set on a working farm in Tulbagh. Guests can choose between 3 cottages, all equipped with kitchens, lounges, and private braai areas. The farm has 3 dams that are fantastic for fishing and swimming. Babysitting can be arranged.
Owner’s tip: Eikelaan is a child-friendly farm stay where children can interact with farm animals and enjoy the great outdoors. There is a kiddies’ playground, large lawn area, swimming pool, and undercover boma – fun for the whole family! Enjoy biking, walking, star gazing, and more. Eikelaan is conveniently set near family-friendly activities like a petting farm, horse riding, and zip line. Set just 90 minutes from Cape Town and 60 from the northern suburbs, you will be there before the kids start asking “are we there yet!”
Where are you planning your next family holiday?
