• Guests love the hands-on eco experience at Gondwana

Gondwana Game Reserve’s very popular Junior Ranger Programme threads through every aspect of a family stay, from eco activities while on game drives, to custom-made educational books children complete during their stay, to fun menu items and cooking activities. 

“We are now offering guests extra conservation activities that allow families to get involved in Gondwana’s conservation efforts, including our cheetah rewilding programme and rhino monitoring,” says Director, Wendy Rutherfoord.

• Walk and cycle among plains game

A new 3 000ha piece of land adjacent to Lalibela Game Reserve’s Big Five section, is now available to families who want to walk and cycle. The land is currently being used as a breeding area for non-dangerous plains game like giraffe and zebra, and guests have the opportunity to hike and bike here, and enjoy close sightings.

The reserve is also blessed with two very large freshwater dams teeming with fish. Guests can now fish and canoe on these dams.

• Value for money in the winelands

“The family cottages at La Cotte Farm are ideal for parents travelling with kids in a self-drive or family group environment,” says Sue Howells, Sales & Marketing Manager of African Synergy, which markets the property.

For multi-generational travel for up to 14 passengers, La Cotte House offers excellent value for money and a perfect base to explore the winelands. For smaller families of up to four, the Forest Cottages provide a homely setting.

In 2018 the accommodation options will expand to include one-, two- and three-bedroom chalets with their own private pools.

• Creepy crawlies and other hidden treasure for kids to discover

In September, the Ghost Mountain Inn in Mkuze will open its new, larger pool area.  Set at the bottom of the garden overlooking a stretch of water towards the Lebombo mountains, adults will be able to relax here, while kids are occupied by suitable pastimes supervised by the property’s safari guides. 

“Activities include a Grubby Nature walk where kids discover the creepy crawlies, frogs and other hidden treasures in the garden and around the dam, with their own guide,” says MD, Craig Rutherfoord.  Other favourites include nature treasure hunts, Zulu craft-making, fishing and pizza baking.