Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe
The month of September is about tourism – discovering new places and recording new memories. If you missed the travel specials last week, fortunately we have a beautiful country with lots of activities and something for everyone. Here are some family-focused places to visit around the country and create lasting memories.
Polokwane, Limpopo – Magoebaskloof Canopy Tours.
Polokwane is a melting pot of rich and colourful South African cultures in one city, and there are also as many discoveries to be made by adventurists. The canopy tour is a combination of adrenaline and nature at its best. This is a two-hour adventure that gets the blood rushing as you enjoy the foefie slide cables propelled above the river and spectacular waterfalls that make this indigenous forest seem like an ancient movie set. You zipline through the breathtaking waterfalls of the Great Letaba River Gorge at lightening speed, screaming at the top of your lungs. There are loads of opportunities to take spectacular family pictures before or after your adventure on the zip slide.
www.magoebaskloofcanopytour.co.za
Sun City, outside Rusternburg, North West
Sun City resort remains a firm favourite for the young and old. The Jump Park, located at the Sun Vacation Club, is an incredible fun family activity that will keep everyone active and also help to burn unwanted holiday calories. This giant outdoor trampoline is suitable for all ages. It is easily one of the best ways to enjoy a holiday and create a lifetime of memories. (https://www.suninternational.com/sunvacationclub/jump-park/)
Township tours, Durban in KZN
A trip to Durban is not complete without a trip to the township to soak in the cultural diversity. Inanda and KwaMashu offer cultural trips where you get to learn about the rich heritage of the Zulu people. History lovers get an opportunity to walk the same path as leaders such as John Langalibalele Dube, Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela while listening to their inspirational stories. These tours end at a traditional shisanyama for some mouth-watering braai, South African style.
MacBanana Adventure Park (KZN)
MacBanana Adventure Park is a secret located in KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast, in Port Edward. Experience three zip line courses through a banana plantation with added challenges at Zip Rope Adventure Park. For older children (10+) and adults, a paintball game in a deliberately created combat zone will drive you insane. Consider archery or air gunning. Ages 16 and up may ride 4×4 quad bike routes around the farm in seven groups. On this guided trip, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes tour of the unique banana farm. Conquer Obstacle Park is an adult course with 20 obstacles and a kids’ play area to entertain them for hours. For more information visit https://www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za/macbanana/ or call 039 319 1033.
Cape Town, Western Cape
Cape Town is mecca for international and local tourists offering lots of activities for every budget. There is plenty to keep little ones busy and entertained. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, one of the finest gardens in South Africa offers spectacular fauna and flora. One of the firm favourite is the giant trees over the Skeleton Stream, which provide lots of exciting climbing for young adventurers. Another favourite is the boardwalk which elevates visitors to over 12m above ground and dips through the trees. After all the adventure, you can relax in the immaculate gardens and enjoy a family picnic.
Visit www.sanbi.org
Cape tours in the City Sightseeing Bus
After a day in the gardens, hop on the big red City Sightseeing Bus and enjoy seeing the city from a tourist perspective. You can hop on and off at various places of interest, and learn more from the knowledgeable tour guides. There is a kid-friendly commentary that is both informative and amusing.
Visit: citysightseeing.co.za
Johannesburg
Joburg offers bucket loads of fun and family-friendly activities, you will be spoilt for choice. Science is the future and the Sci-Bono Discovery Center offers some serious fun throughout the winter holidays. Located in downtown Joburg, it is the largest science centre in Africa offering science and technology related events, with hands on activities and programmes for kids and adults alike.
Visit: sci-bono.co.za
Gorge Swing (Mpumalanga)
Feel the exhilaration of a 68-meter free-fall on a Gorge Swing as you travel from 0 -160 km/h in less than 3 seconds while enjoying the scenic Graskop Falls. The Big Swing, the highest cable gorge swing in South Africa, is situated in the quaint town of Graskop. In the Drakensberg range, it is situated. The big swing has a 12-year-old minimum age requirement and a 135-kg weight limit. If you’re in the mood for an adventure, buckle up and step into the gorge. Bookings visit Big Swing – Graskop Gorge Lift Company Panorama Route
