Easter is a time for family
Saamrus Guest Farm, Magaliesberg Price: From R420 per person
Contact: 072 487 1733, saamrus.co.za
According to recent research, Airbnb travellers are choosing to visit smaller towns and farms are popular, with an increase of 19.87% in farm stay bookings. A passage from a recent article on Iol.co.za, read: “For travellers looking for an authentic, local experience, farm stays offer the perfect chance to meet local communities away from the typical tourist hotspots.”
Apart from the rondavels, each guest house on the 500-hectare Saamrus Guest Farm has its own fenced garden, fire pit and braai. It’s also pet-friendly. Price: From R650 per person Contact: 079 697 3039, cradlevalley.co.za
Another lovely farm-style guest house, Cradle Valley is the definition of value for money. Just 9km from the Cradle of Humankind, this lodge offers a garden (with friendly ducks), a terrace, free wi-fi and a buffet or full English/irish breakfast. On bookings.com, one reviewer wrote: “Lovely atmosphere, with beautiful setting, although it is so close to city areas you are swept away by the beautiful views and nature surrounding you.”
KWAZULU-NATAL
Price: From R725 per person Contact: 039 975 1227
When people speak of KZN’S impressive collection of holiday destinations, the small coastal town of Pennington rarely comes up. But this guest house is a standout in the region, recently placing fourth on Pippa de Bruyn’s list of the South Coast’s best beach houses. De Bruyn described it as the “best guest house and great for golfers”. The impressive Umdoni Park Golf Club and the beach are both within walking distance. The house has nine double bedrooms and caters for up to 18 guests on a B&B basis, so if you have a large family this might be just the place you’ve been looking for. Price: R500 per person sharing Contact: 082 440 3991
About 45 minutes north of Durban, this village is a favourite holiday destination for many South Africans. This oceanside cottage is great. The family can enjoy swimming, surfing and snorkelling. The kitchen is stocked with the essentials: coffee beans, local curry powders, rusks. At its price point, Tiffany’s is a great bargain.
WESTERN CAPE
Price: Self-catering from R975 for a foursleeper cabin
Contact: 021 483 0190, capenature.co.za
A 300km stretch of the south-eastern coast of South Africa, the Garden Route is among the most beautiful places in the world. Sedgefield, set on the route, has breathtaking coastal scenery.
Buffalo Valley Bush Lodges are three self-catering lodges each with a deck overlooking a scenic section of the 2500ha Goukamma Nature Reserve that envelops it. The reserve, a World Heritage Site, has a diverse array of habitats and an abundance of birds and fish. This is one for families who love experiencing nature. Price: From R900 per night for one to four people (additional R100 per person in a six sleeper)
Contact: sanparks.org
The large conservation area bordering the Goukamma River offers three fully-equipped, selfcatering timber lodges able to sleep between four and six people. Fireplaces, Jacuzzis and sundecks on the platform overlooking the forest make this a family-friendly option. “The area provides ample space for family activities and includes a 3km circular drive and an 800m bush walk up to a lookout hide, from which the coast as far as Mossel Bay is visible,” says tourism manager Erika Swanepoel.
“Down through the milkwood forest a variety of animals can be seen roaming through fynbos, grasslands and coastal forest.” Ideal for a secluded escape into nature.