Tourism Update rounds up some unique options for families that will appeal to all ages and diverse interests.

Cradle of Humankind

The Cradle of Humankind is not only a World Heritage Site, it is also home to an exciting array of activities, many of which have an educational edge and are ideally suited to family groups looking to leave a destination having gained knowledge and insight into the world.

Families can start the day getting a unique perspective and general overview of the Cradle of Humankind and its surrounds with Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris. Departing at the crack of dawn when the air is at its most still, the biggest hot-air balloon can take a maximum of 18 guests from the age of seven and upwards. Flights last about an hour and are followed by a champagne breakfast.

During afternoons, there are a range of educational activities to choose from, including the opportunity to explore the Sterkfontein Caves, where scientists have discovered many hominid and animal fossils, some dating back more than four million years to the birth of humanity. The Maropeng Visitor Centre is in the same area and houses a range of exhibits and, for enthusiasts, tours conducted by scientists can be arranged at an additional cost.

Lindsay Marshall, Acting GM and Marketing and Communications Manager at Maropeng, says there are different levels of information at Maropeng to appeal to all age groups, ranging from interactive displays to detailed scientific information. “Even if children are too young to fully understand what the guide is saying, the awe and excitement of going into a cave captures their imagination,” she says.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is the ideal destination for combining a safari with other experiences, such as cultural tours and adventure activities. Several lodges are situated within, or nearby nature reserves, which means that game drives and safari walks are easily accessible. Ross Kennedy, CEO of Africa Albida Tourism, says properties can cater for special interests through hands-on experiences, from being able to spend time at a hide with a professional guide, to tracking sessions with anti-poaching scouts, and visits to conservation centres that house injured animals.

This extends to children too, with activity programmes that not only teach them more about the natural environment but extend to learning about different cultures. “Children can attend cultural learning sessions, sharing local foods and their preparations with a chef, or musical interactions with villagers on traditional instruments,” says Kennedy. “Families can spend a day in a local school or village, or perhaps even a night, with no mod-cons or power,” says Kennedy.

Of course, no visit to the area is complete without a tour of the Victoria Falls, and specialist, experienced guides can enhance this experience by relaying info that relates to the interests of the group, including the history, cultural context and mythology about the mighty Zambezi River. “Our region is blessed with guides and specialists who can impart enormous knowledge and facts in an educational and entertaining manner, now known as ‘edutainment’, that engages the mixed ages in family groups,” adds Kennedy.

Kapama Private Game Reserve

While some families are happy to spend as much time as possible relaxing at camp, others are keen to keep busy throughout the day. Kapama caters well for both types of groups and has a range of entertaining options available from morning through to the night.

While most groups go on early-morning game drives, there are a range of activities to fill the afternoons. These range from game walks where guides can explain the art of tracking, to traditional fishing experiences on the Klaserie River. The reserve also houses the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, where families can learn about cheetah, wild dog, caracal and various other species.

For those who prefer to spend their day relaxing, the Kapama Wellness Centre offers a range of therapies, from body wraps to massages and beauty treatments, and includes a range of treatments for younger generations, such as pedicures, manicures and facials.

Rocktail

Located in the Maputaland Coastal Forest of northern KwaZulu Natal, Rocktail is a 20-minute walk from the beach – and one of only a handful of places in Africa where people can see Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles nesting.

Along with the annual turtle experiences (from October to March), children can enjoy safe snorkelling at Lala Nek, guided forest walks, shell collecting, dune boarding and the exploration of tidal rock pools. Adults can join in these activities or leave the children to be entertained by the trained staff while they go on other activities. An accredited diving centre is adjacent to the camp, where guests can learn how to scuba dive, as well as hire all the required equipment and be taken on diving excursions on one or more of the 16 offshore reefs.