There’s no better way to end the year than with one last hurrah with the family, so pack the kids and their cozzies, leave your worries at home and head out to one of these fabulous family resorts

1. Dream Hotels & Resorts: Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort

• Western Cape

A gentle meander along the winding curves of Piekenierskloof Pass will bring you to the welcoming sight of Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort. This resort is modern yet cosy, with lush rolling lawns, a sparkling outdoor pool and exceptional views over the Cederberg. Kids will play for hours at the playground area, with a jungle gym, trampolines and an outdoor chess set. Adventurous families can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, archery, zip-lining and volleyball.

From R1 635 per room per night, including breakfast | 022 921 3574 | N7 Piekenierskloof Pass, Citrusdal | piekenierskloof.co.za

2. Sun city resorts

• North West

Nothing beats a Sun City getaway. They cater for everyone in the family at this North-West playground. Here you can experience surf and safari without hassle – something tired moms and dads will appreciate. They have different accommodation options to suit every budget and taste, so don’t hesitate to book your December escape now. Your family will love days out at the Valley of Waves, and you might even get in a couple of rounds of golf.

SunScapes rates from R1 725 per standard twin room per night and R2 615 for a standard family room per night | 011 780 7855 | R556, Sun City, North West | suninternational.com

3. ANEW Resort Ingeli Forest

• KwaZulu-Natal

This resort is a favourite amongst families, and no wonder – there is plenty on offer! Surrounded by breathtaking indigenous forests, this is the perfect place for you to chill and unwind at your own pace. Moms who need some R&R after a crazy year can check into the Seruga spa for pampering while dad keeps the kids busy with mountain biking, hiking, nature walks, trail running, mini-adventure golf and birding. 

From R1 599 per family (max two adults and two children sharing in one room on a bed and breakfast basis). This rate is available if you book through the website using the code ‘ESCAPE’ and is valid from 19 November 2021 to 12 December 2021 | 039 553 0600 3792 Mackton Farm, R56 Weza, Off N2 between Kokstad and Harding | anewhotels.com

4. ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe

• KwaZulu-Natal

Hluhluwe is always a good idea! The hotel is a comfortable home away from home for families, and their rates mean you won’t break the bank to spoil your loved ones with a getaway. This idyllic, African-inspired hotel is nestled between the Hluhluwe Game Reserve – home to the big five and the world heritage site iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Kids can look forward to spotting  the big five on game drives and enjoy exploring everything the KwaZulu-Natal Elephant Coast has to offer.

From R1 599 per family (max two adults and two children sharing in one room on a bed and breakfast basis). This rate is only available if you book through the website using the code ‘ESCAPE’ and is valid from 19 November 2021 to 12 December 2021 | 035 562 4000 | 104 Main Road, Hluhluwe | anewhotels.com

5. Dream Hotels & Resorts: Blue Marlin Hotel Scottburgh

• Kwazulu-Natal

The Blue Marlin Hotel is aptly called the hidden gem of the South Coast. Location is everything, especially for a December holiday, and it doesn’t get much better than having the ocean on your doorstep. Here families can while away their days next to the pool, enjoy activities catered explicitly to young ones and spend hours sunbathing on the beach. 

From R2 700 for two people, sharing. Includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and a selection of drinks | 039 978 3361 | 192 Scott Street, Scottburgh | bluemarlinhotel.co.za

6. Kgalagadi Lifestyle Lodge, Kalahari

• Northern cape

Kgalagadi Lifestyle Lodge is situated in the Northern Cape, 250 km away from Upington Airport and only 5 km from the popular Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, so try something different for December and head out to explore the Kalahari. You can spend early mornings and late afternoons in the park, then rest in the pool with an ice-cold Kalahari Craft Beer in hand. Kids will enjoy the vast open spaces and there’s plenty of sand to play with. The restaurant also has top-notch food, so expect to return home a couple of kilos heavier!

From R650 pps in a standard chalet | 054 325 0935 | R360 Kalahari Mier, Askham | kgalagadi-lodge.co.za Special offer Get a special discount when booking at Kgalagadi Lifestyle Lodge between 15 November and 15 December 2021. Use the code ‘ESCAPE’ when booking directly with the lodge to qualify for a 25% discount.

Words by Mart-marie du Toit
Photography: Anena Burger, courtesy images