School holidays are around the corner – make sure that your holiday is always valuable time spent with the whole family where everyone feels like they’ve had a break, with these 6 sensational destinations scattered around SA.

Western Cape

Wild Clover Farm

Only half an hour from Cape Town, Wild Clover is a quick and easy break away from city life. This family-owned estate boasts a number of activities for adults and children alike, making it the ideal destination for families who are looking to spend valuable time together.

The ultimate attraction is no doubt The Kids Zone. Parents are able to let their little ones run wild (under their own watchful eyes and those of the professional staff) and immerse themselves in a long list of awesome activities; including an 80m push bike track, a high-tech jungle gym and communal sand pits.

Parents can join in the fun with archery (beginners welcome), a “pops and tots” 4km cycle track, game viewing in the Villiera Wildlife Sanctuary and clay pigeon shooting (accommodates beginners and experts, with maxi- or mini-clay pigeons used).

To be “in the clover” is to be carefree, to live a life of comfort and without the stresses that tend to take over. This is the philosophy embraced by Wild Clover, something they want each of their guests to walk away feeling.

Find out more by visiting Wild Clover Farm.

Arolela Farm

Travel under an hour and a half out of Cape Town to the sleepy town of Caledon, where Arolela Guest Farm awaits you and your family for an intimate, rural experience. The guest farm coexists with a working farm that produces wheat, barley, oats and sheep.

Operating under the beautiful Overberg mountain range, life on the farm will introduce the family to the a typical day in the life of a farmer, from freshly baked farm bread and vetkoek in the morning to feeding the animals and afternoon mountain strolls.

The farm is a haven for anyone who enjoys the outdoors, and enjoys spending their time being active. Hikers, cyclists or just those looking to breathe in fresh air with the family can take advantage of the mountain trails and passes, as well as cool off in the De Vlei and Klipfontein dams during the summer heat.

The guest farm is self-catering and close to Caledon, Botrivier and Hermanus.

Find out more by visiting Arolela Farm.

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Gauteng

Bon Vaal Hotel

The Bon Hotel Riviera on the Vaal is a short 45-minute drive from Johannesburg (meaning no more “are we there yet” moments). The hotel has 91 rooms, and has been converted from a farmhouse that was built in the 1800s. Activities include boat cruises along the Vaal (from sunrise to sunset), a Kids Club (which includes activities for families to do together – speed boating for instance – or just letting them be with kayaking and face painting, while parents get some R&R by the pool).

Watersports season starts in September and includes activities like wake boarding, skiing, tubing, speedboat cruises and jet boarding. And after a day on the water two restaurants and picnicking facilities make for the perfect unwinding and relaxing family mealtime.

To find out more visit Bon Hotel Vaal.

Irene Farm

It is no wonder why Irene Dairy Farm has quickly turned into one of the favourite destinations for Joburg and Pretoria dwellers. This fairytale farm has been through five-generations of ownership by the van der Byl family, dating back to 1895.

The functioning dairy farm is the perfect day out for anyone in the area. The Dairy Shop and Deli sells certified raw milk, as well as other farm-made confectionaries. Visitors can take advantage of home-style cooking for breakfast and lunch, with buffets being served over the weekend, with a special note to the traditional South African braai buffet that takes place on Saturday afternoons. Kids can run free with hens and chicks, climb the antique tractors, and play underneath the 120 year-old oaks trees while parents happily watch from the restaurant.

To find out more visit Irene Farm.

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Kwa-Zulu Natal

Alpine Heath Resort

Take the family into a world of four-star seclusion with the Alpine Heath Resort. This self-catering mountain village lies mid-way between Durban and Johannesburg, and is surrounded by all the splendors that only natural beauty can bring. Crystal clear streams, mountain trails and rolling hills set the scene for an ideal family getaway.

But don’t underestimate this quiet getaway, the list of activities is long and diverse: horse riding, mountain biking, tennis and squash are all there for the energetic, while putt-putt, table tennis, pool darts are perfect family activities. Children (and parents) can take advantage of the Kids WOW Zone, with 7-day programs crafted especially for children. Some of the unique highlights: bug hunting, bush collage-making, biscuit decorating and treasure hunts.

To find out more visit Alpine Heath Resort. 

Babyete Zulu Game Lodge

 The Babyete Zulu Game is the perfect safari lodge for families with children older than 4 years. The incredible game viewing in the Zululand Rhino Reserve is just the tip of the iceberg of activities to do. The Pumba Club for kids is equipped with jungle gyms, slides, trampolines, tree houses and seesaws ideal for kids. A highlight of the holiday has to be the Elephant Sanctuary where guests can interact with resident elephants Rambo, Rachel and Jabulani.

Other activities include bush dinners, game drives and guided walks, horse riding, snorkeling and scuba diving, dolphin trips, butterfly walks and more! The Bayete Zulu lodge is self-catering with a large kitchen well equipped for families. Staff is also available to cook and tidy if needed.

For more information visit Babyete Zulu Game Lodge.

Book your special family time without delay!