As spring descends upon the Northern Hemisphere, thoughts invariably turn to the long summer holiday looming just around the corner.
With wallets thinning due to the global recession, many families are looking for cost-cutting getaways, preferably without skimping on luxury.
South Africa is a veritable holiday paradise for families with children. And even though Northern Hemisphere summer holidays occur during the Southern Hemisphere winter, the South African winter climate is mostly mild and pleasant.
Most game reserves and lodges offer safe game drives where kids can view wild animals in their natural environment. It is also an ideal gateway to exotic Africa for families who do not want to do without European or North American standards.
According to Stephan Gotta, who works for South African Tourism in Frankfurt, Germany, an increasing number of South African tour operators offer safaris (and other South African activities) tailor-made for families with children.
“Hotels and restauranteurs have reacted to rising demand and geared accommodation and prices to families with children.”
South Africa is an extremely child-friendly destination. Almost all hotels, lodges and restaurants welcome children – children’s beds and highchairs are standard equipment. Self-catering holiday homes are common, and most places have playgrounds. Many lodges and hotels provide a baby-sitting service so that parents can occasionally go out without their offspring without worrying about their well-being.
Now that’s what we call an all-round, ideal family vacation!
