ULTRA KIDS’ STUFF
Claire Keeton recommends adrenaline-pumping family activities, none of which requires a smartphone or tablet
The Christmas presents are unwrapped and the mince pies eaten. Now parents are wondering what to do with their elves for the rest of the holidays. Wherever you are, you can try a family adventure to make memories that last longer than the batteries of your new drone. Here are nine activities for children — one from each province.
GAUTENG: CARLETONVILLE, SKYDIVING
For her 12th birthday, my son’s friend went skydiving and the video shows her euphoria. I felt the same way somersaulting out of a plane attached to an instructor: skydiving was an effortless rush. I jumped at Skydive Joburg near Carletonville from an aircraft specially designed for jumpers. This is not a run-of-the-mill kids’ thrill but, for the brave child — or adult — it’s a win.
● CONTACT:
info@skydivejoburg.co.za; www.skydivejoburg.co.za ● RATES:
WESTERN CAPE: CAPE TOWN, SEA KAYAKING
Paddling in double kayaks to see the penguins of Simon’s Town in rough seas started well. My son loved the motion of the swell and the excitement. The penguins were their usual charming selves. But, if you’re going with children, choose better conditions. Being drenched on the way back did not impress my young son. On a calm day, it must be idyllic. Or paddle to the seals below the Sentinel in Hout Bay.
● CONTACT: seakayak.co.za;
info@kayakcapetown.co.za ● RATES:
LIMPOPO: MAGOEBASKLOOF, CANOPY TOUR
Magoebaskloof has crystal rivers and lakes in mountains that are often shrouded in mist. George’s Valley has the most spectacular canopy tour I’ve done in South Africa. Zip lining over the waterfalls and rapids of the Groot Letaba River is mesmerising. The 11 slides are high so this tour is an adrenaline trip. Children can slide in tandem with a guide; the recommended minimum age is seven.
● CONTACT: adventures@thabametsi.com, magoebaskloofcanopytour.co.za.
● RATES:
MPUMALANGA: WATERVAL BOVEN, ROCK CLIMBING
Waterval Boven, about 100km west of Nelspruit, is an adventure playground where children can run wild. On the outskirts of this old railway town is a green and shady campsite, known as Tranquilitas, which is a perfect place to start rock climbing (as I did, light years ago). Short hikes lead to some of the best sport climbing — safe bolted routes — in the country. Nine great mountain bike routes have been cut and mapped around Tranquilitas.
● CONTACT:
climb@rocrope.com; rocrope.com tranquilitas.com/mountain-biking. ● RATES:
FREE STATE: CLARENS, MOUNTAIN BIKES & RAFTING
The golden hills of Clarens offer great bike rides for families, particularly a 10km slick rock route overlooking the town and valley. For serious mountain bikers there are longer routes. Rafting on the nearby Ash River is the right antidote to the heat of summer and Clarens Xtreme has taken children as young as six on its boats. Their oldest rafter was 106. The cold river is fed by the Katze Dam in Lesotho, so the water level doesn’t depend on rainfall.
● CONTACT:
www.clarensxtreme.co.za ● RATES:
KWAZULU-NATAL: UNDERBERG, HORSE RIDING
If you want a wild family getaway try
Khotso Horse Trails. Our overnight horse trip included packing a passport — we crossed into Lesotho at Bushman’s Nek border post. We followed an old donkey trail up and into the Sehlabathebe National Park. Our Basotho ponies were rock solid as they climbed narrow paths steeply into the mountains. We slept soundly in a cosy lodge built originally for King Jonathan. ● CONTACT:
khotsotrails@futurenet.co.za. ● RATES:
EASTERN CAPE: CINTSA, SURFING
The coastal resorts of the Jikeleza Route have endless beaches, dune forests and, of course, waves. Easy beach breaks like Cintsa, 50km from East London, or Nahoon in East London, are ideal for beginner surfers. For lessons, try Buccaneers Lodge and Backpackers, which offers surfing and horse riding.
● CONTACT:
buccaneers@cintsa.com; cintsa.com;
jonginenge@gmail.com; jonginenge.co.za
NORTH WEST: MAGALIESBERG HIKING
The Magaliesberg is one of South Africa’s natural wonders. In pristine gorges where the water is clean enough to drink, families can hike for a day and hardly see another person. Mountain Sanctuary Park has enjoyable day walks and camping. To go deeper into the kloofs you need permits from the Mountain Club of South Africa — and maps if you don’t want to get lost.
● CONTACT:
mcsa.org.za.
www.mountainsanctuary.co.za.
NORTHERN CAPE/NAMIBIA: ORANGE RIVER RAFTING
Families can do easy day trips on the Orange — 90% of people who paddle here have never been in boats before. If possible, go for a multi-day trip through the Richtersveld. Be warned, in summer temperatures soar to over 40°C.
● CONTACT: marketing@experiencenortherncape.com; For multi-day trips, Felix Unite at
087 354 0578 or reservations@felix.com. ● RATES: