Explore the best budget-friendly summer family getaways in South Africa
With summer on the horizon for the southern hemisphere and the northern hemisphere looking forward to winter, a Bookings.com May report on family travel trends found that there was an uptake in getaways in the festive season.
The digital travel platform also said that searches for accommodations by families for the summer travel season saw an 8% increase when compared to the previous year and budget-friendly destinations soared with 50% of families globally indicating good value for money as the top destination motivator.
These figures underscore a strong interest in travel this summer and if they are anything to go by, South Africa can also look forward to an uptake in travel during this summer especially since the country was ranked as the third-best family vacation destination in Africa following Seychelles and Morocco.
Some of the biggest motivators for family travel include, spending quality time together, finding the time to relax and discovering new places.
South Africa, as an adventure destination, has plenty of activities for families to enjoy from safari getaways to beach getaways. For travellers looking to explore Mzansi, here are some affordable resorts suitable for the whole family.
Blue Marlin All-inclusive Seascape, KwaZulu-Natal
For families looking for a tropical getaway at a beach destination, look no further than the south of Durban.
The Blue Marlin Hotel on the KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast in Scottsburgh is just 300 metres from the beach. The all-inclusive resort is set in sub-tropical gardens with an outdoor pool that offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
From exhilarating water sports to tranquil spa retreats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. You can spend your days lounging at the beach or allowing the kids to have fun in a designated games area with the resort’s popular kids’ entertainment programme.
The rooms at the resort have modern amenities including fans to fight off the humidity and TVs for a little entertainment. Some rooms also offer sea views.
The hotel’s facilities include both a swimming pool and a children’s pool. There’s also a children’s play area with a trampoline, swings and jungle gym. A stay at the resort starts from R 3087 a night for 2 depending on your package.
Morgan Bay Hotel, Eastern Cape
If you’re planning on visiting the Wild Coast, then the family-friendly Morgan Bay Hotel is the ideal place to stay. The hotel is a 45-minute drive from East London and nestled between a mile of unspoilt beach and breathtaking cliffs.
The Morgan Bay Hotel is on a beach and boasts comfortable and relaxing accommodations with magnificent sea views.
The hotel also features a modern wedding and conference venue, beauty spa, beach boutique and a restaurant and pub offering an à la carte menu.
Travellers will be spoilt for choice when it comes to activities to keep busy including swimming, sun tanning, hiking, canoeing, fishing, beach combing, horse riding and abseiling to name a few.
Facilities at the hotel include an outdoor swimming pool, games room, pool table, table tennis and darts. A golf course, squash courts and tennis courts are available nearby.
This makes the resort the perfect place to create long-lasting memories with friends and family. A stay at the resort starts from R2 100 a night for 2.
Piekenierskloof Mountain Lodge, Western Cape
For families looking for a mountain escape this summer, Piekenierskloof Mountain Lodge is an ideal getaway. The resort offers an outdoor pool and heated indoor pool and is located in Citrusdal within the Cederberg Mountains.
It has a children's playground and games room while it also boasts modern rooms and suites with TVs with satellite connection. Certain rooms have a seating area to relax in after a busy day and others have a patio or balcony.
Kloof restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner while guests can also enjoy the on-site bar. There is also a 2-bedroom chalet offering a lounge and a fully equipped kitchen.
You can play mini-golf at this resort, and the area is popular for cycling, bird watching and hiking. Citrusdal Golf Course is a 9-minute drive away and The Baths is located 21 km away from Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort.
A stay at the resort starts from R1 799 a night for 2.
Dinokeng Resort, Gauteng
Dinokeng Resort offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for families near Johannesburg or Pretoria.
The family-focused caravan park is located inside the Big Dinokeng Game Reserve and blends peacefully with its bushveld surroundings.
The resort has the stunning Boekenhoutspruit River flowing through it, along with a dam, for all the fishing enthusiasts. Unwind, destress, have fun and make memories.
It also offer a range of accommodation with a total of 83 caravan sites with private bathroom. There are also 8 self-catering units to book.
The resort also has a stunning 8-shaped swimming pool and big colourful super tubes, making it one of the best places for both bushveld relaxation and adrenalin-filled fun.
A stay at the resort starts from R1 950 a night for a 2 sleeper cottage, self-catering cottage.
Hazyview Cabanas, Mpumalanga
For families looking for a safari holiday, there is no place like the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga.
You can stay at Hazyview Cabanas for close access to the park. It is a beautiful and spacious lifestyle resort located on the banks of the scenic Sabie River in Big Game country, and within driving distance from KNP.
Hazyview is also a 34-minute drive from Graskop, where you can visit Graskop Gorge. For more adventures in the region you can also visit Blyde River Canyon, about 2 hours from Hazyview and tick off all your bucket list destinations in Mpumalanga.
Hazyview Cabanas offers top-class facilities, including a river front day spa, an adventure centre for thrill seekers and a restaurant and bar which serves scrumptious meals.
There is also an adults-only @Ease Lounge, where you can relax while the kids are entertained at the numerous on-site facilities.
This family-friendly resort promises an unforgettable bush holiday for all and a stay starts from R2 025 a night for 2.