With a variety of activities combining fun and cultural interests, Camille Sevestre reveals how children can experience the best of South Africa in relative safety.
Theme parks & animals
When travelling throughout South Africa with children, one of the best ways to begin or end your journey is to visit Johannesburg, the provincial capital of Gauteng. Gold Reef City's (www.goldreefcity.co.za) theme park offers a wide variety of activities for both adults and children. Constructed on the site of an old gold mine, visit the once-working mines and learn gold mining techniques - sure to delight children, who are then allowed to keep small pieces of gold. Stay at Hyatt Regency Johannesburg (www.johannesburg.regency.hyatt.com) and shop at Sandton City Shopping Centre (www.sandton-city.co.za).
Sun City (www.sun-city-south-africa.com) is a two-hour drive from Johannesburg and offers both comfort and fun at a wide choice of hotels - ranging from budget to luxury - situated around a gigantic water park. Less than 15 minutes away is malaria-free Pilanesberg (www.pilanesberg-game-reserve.co.za) - one of South Africa's finest, yet least known, game reserves. Smaller than the famous Kruger National Park, it is home to a wide range of wild animals, including the Big Five. The Pilanesberg game reserve also offers a variety of activities for children in its many different lodges. Manyane Lodge (www.pilanesbergaccommodation.com/Manyane.asp) has a spacious camping area and comfortable family chalets surrounded by two swimming pools, a typical South African restaurant and a variety of activities to occupy children - such as mini golf and trampolines. The Pilanesberg also has a restaurant within the reserve with visiting giraffes providing endless amusement.
Located further north in the province of Limpopo, Tshukudu Bush Camp, (www.tshukudubushcamp.co.za) - which means ''rhino'' in the South African language of Sotho - will make you feel closer to South African wildlife than ever. Offering a cosy boma - 
Nature & culture
400 kilometres from Johannesburg, the Drakensberg (www.drakensberg.org.za) is the highest mountain range in Southern Africa and is located in the east. A World Heritage Site, it rises 3,482 metres above sea level and offers a series of hiking trails - perfect for a family outdoor activity. A helicopter tour is one of the experiences not to miss. It brings you to one of the highest mountains in the Drakensberg, giving you an amazing view of the surroundings. Stay at the luxurious Didima Camp or Cathedral Peak Hotel (www.cathedralpeak.co.za) - both provide comfortable accommodation with magnificent scenery and activities such as horse-riding, biking, climbing and fishing - a paradise for all nature-lovers.
Located in the province of Mpumalanga, the small town of Pilgrim's Rest (www.pilgrimsrest.org.za) was once a gold field and declared national monument in 1986. Through its museums and historic sites, this colonial village presents a unique and fascinating window to the past, sure to fascinate both children and adults. Situated in the majestic mountains of South Africa's north, Pilgrim's Rest and its surroundings are a paradise for children and hikers. Families will enjoy a stay at Crystal Spring Mountain Lodge (www.pilgrims-rest.co.za). Located on the top of Robber's Pass Mountain, it offers tranquil family chalets of all sizes, which benefit from exquisite views of gorges, cliffs and the surrounding forest. Dine at the restaurant and enjoy the lodge's many activities - including tennis, mini-golf and a wide range of walking trails in the mountains.
Named after the legendary Zulu king Shaka the Shakaland Zulu Cultural Village (www.shakaland.com), north of Durban, provides a good insight South Africa's largest ethnic group. Explore Zulu life through dancing and a visit to a traditional village for cultural facts presented in a fun and engaging way. Sleep in a Zulu hut overnight and visit Kwabonamanzi restaurant and U Kamba Bar to experience South African cuisine.
INSIDER'S FIND
The Coull Family
Residents of Plumstead, Cape Town
You must see Maropeng in the Cradle of Humankind, Gauteng. (www.maropeng.co.za) Begin by riding in a coracle on an underground river through the "fire and ice" signifying the creation of earth. Enjoy amazing displays of life-like Neanderthals and even old Bakelite phones where kids can Dial a Dodo or chat to a Mammoth!
Our top tip Try something to take your breath away
- from ballooning over the origins of humankind to walking with the elephants.
Posted Aug 09
