Unwind with these family outings
School holidays get under way tomorrow and with three weeks on your hands you may want to consider seeing a bit of our country. Marchelle Abrahams asked three parents to share their favourite outdoor places to visit in South Africa
SO YOU haven’t planned a thrilling trip abroad – guess what, neither have a lot of other cash-strapped families!
In fact, many working parents find it difficult to take a long holiday from work at this busy time of year.
And when you do get a few days with your children, you don’t necessarily want to spend it at a mall, casino or on costly, contrived activities.
Which is why we asked a few dads where they took their kids to unwind and have some good, old-fashioned fun.
FAMILY COMES FIRST
John Aritho knows this all too well. General manager of Tsogo Sun’s Garden Court Marine Parade Hotel, he has carved out a notable career – but his first love will always be his family.
Dad to Sophia and husband to Janine, Aritho always makes the time to be present for his family. “Being a good and available father is very important to me as it makes me a more patient, tolerant and understanding person and this assists me in decisions that I make at work,” he says.
“I have to say that living in KwaZulu-Natal, and particularly in Durban, we are spoilt for choice on outdoor places to spend time with my family.”
These are some of the places he and his family go to to get away:
WINE TASTING IN THE KZN MIDLANDS
Abingdon Wines has got to be one of the best places we love to visit for a meal in the vineyard, with lots of great wine while Sophia runs around with the dogs.
PIGGLY WIGGLY
It has a great kids play area, as well as boutique shops for the adults and a beautiful well-kept mini steam and electric train to ride around. Being in the Midlands, the fresh clean air and the fresh farm food makes it a perfect weekend getaway.
DURBAN PROMENADE
Without doubt, the Durban Promenade is a great place that we enjoy going for bicycle rides as a family and keeping fit on a weekend. There are also a variety of great eating spots like California Dreaming, The Joint and Surf Riders on the beachfront – Durban is transforming into the Miami of Africa indeed.
BEACHWOOD MANGROVE BEACH RESERVE
A hidden gem in Durban that we love a lot is the Beachwood Mangrove Beach Reserve which is a well-kept piece of paradise that offers kayaking, as well as walks on the boardwalks. The large variety of bird life, KZN dwarf chameleons and red mangrove chameleons make it a great place to visit for both adults and kids.
HIKING IN THE DRAKENSBERG
We are so lucky to have a World Heritage Site at our doorstep, so visiting and hiking in the magnificent Drakensberg is definitely one of the best locations to visit any time of the year.
BALANCE IS REALLY ABOUT MANAGING STRESS
Becoming a father later in life, Sastri Ramiah has found the transition to parenthood an easy one. The Gold Reef City Hotel general manager believes that balance is based on managing stress levels.
“Having values that are aligned at home and work allows for me to focus totally .on my wife and kid. I have found fatherhood to be so rewarding,” says Ramiah.
He takes time to enjoy the simple pleasures in life like visiting destinations that are off the beaten track.
LANGEBAAN AND PATERNOSTER
A definite must because the towns are so quiet and laid back – perfect places to unwind.
ST. LUCIA
One word: Fishing!
BIRD GARDENS AT MONTECASINO
This was a hit for my daughter and we will be going back.
THEME PARK AT GOLD REEF CITY
The sights and sounds were just a great stimulus for my daughter Tatum.
JOHANNESBURG ZOO
We enjoy Johannesburg Zoo as Tatum is currently into the Animal Planet channel.
STRUGGLE FOR DADDY DUTIES IS REAL
“I try my best!”
Terence Mentor, AKA AfroDaddy, is a popular radio personality and blogger. The struggle is real when it comes to juggling daddy duties with his job. But his first priority will always be his children.
“Keeping my boys healthy is obviously my top priority, so diet and exercise is a real focus. But I am also concerned about the kind of people they will be one day – I’d love for them to be curious and caring men who want to make the world better, so a lot of the decisions we make have that as a goal,” he says.
Mentor’s top 5 places for family time:
KEURBOOM PARK
A Capetonian by heart, Mentor lists Keurboom Park as his top place to relax and spend time with the family. Situated in a residential part of the city, the park offers a safe escape for runners and cyclists.
BOULDERS BEACH
Visitors to Cape Town flock to Boulders Beach to experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of getting up close with penguins in their natural habitat.
GREEN POINT PARK
Pack a picnic basket and make a day of it. Green Point urban park is magic for kids who love fresh air and running wild.
FISH HOEK BEACH
If you are going to be tripping around the Atlantic Seaboard, then include Fish Hoek Beach on your list. Its Blue Flag status means safety and cleanliness is of utmost importance.
SEA POINT PROMENADE
This part of Sea Point has undergone massive regeneration over the years. Think quaint café stalls and playground areas – perfect for families to enjoy.