| Author |
Message |
    
ina
Citizen
Username: Ina
Post Number: 187
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, March 26, 2005 - 9:58 am: |     |
We're two women and a 3 year old travelling to Cape Town and Durban for 3 weeks from late August to early September 2005. Hermansburg (whalewatching, according to a recent NYT article) is looking good, otherwise we're open. Our South African friend tells us kids under 12 can't go on safari (too much of a risk they'd be lunch for the wild animals) but we're thinking animal sanctuaries. We all love the beach, outdoors, and I love African music. Any suggestions? |
eliz
Supporter
Username: Eliz
Post Number: 1020
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, March 26, 2005 - 3:22 pm: | |
I love South Africa - it's so beautiful. Your friends are right - kids can't go on safari - mostly because they can't sit still/quietly for 3 hours which is the length of most game drives. The usual minimum age I've heard is 8 but I think 12 is probably better.
If by chance you end up in Johannesburg there is a game reserve called Pilanesburg (I think that's the name) near Sun City that you can drive through in a closed vehicle and for sure you'll at least see a giraffe or 2. It's about an hour or 2 from Joburg.
Cape Town is absolutely beautiful - one of the world's prettiest cities. Aug/sept is not great beach time though. There is the usual stuff - Table Mountain and Kirstenbosch Gardens which are spectacular. If you are in to wine a trip to Stellenbosch is great. Not sure what your budget is but if you can spring for it or get a great deal the Cape Grace hotel is beautiful and right on the V&A waterfront. Actually I just checked their website and there is whole list of things to do with kids in Capetown.http://www.capegrace.com
From Durban if you go north (not sure if you are renting a car) there is a beautiful place called the St Lucia Wetland Park. I stayed at a beautiful game lodge near there called Phinda but there are resorts right on the ocean in that area that are really nice. The weather should be warmer around here. There is also a Zulu traditional village where you can see the homes, handicrafts, learn about the culture and see a dance performance that would be cool for a kid I think.
I'm jealous. I can't wait to go back but I'm waiting until my 6 year old is older. |
Heather Marvell
Citizen
Username: Saltbagel
Post Number: 7
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Monday, March 28, 2005 - 12:35 pm: | |
Do you plan to travel along the Garden Route? My husband and I did that in January, and he insisted on taking me to see the Canga Caves and ostrich farms just over the mountains to the north of George. It was fantastic -- a great day trip if you have time, and the ostriches are surprisingly beautiful.
Otherwise, there is lots to do in and around Cape Town: hiking, boat trips to Seal Island, etc. You will have a great time. Many of the vineyards in the Stellenbosch area also do catered pinics. We had a picnic a few years ago at a vineyard that had a mini-cheetah rescue, so we got to see some cheetah cubs.
I also agree about the Cape Grace, but I would add that there are really lovely guest houses that cost much less.
|
ina
Citizen
Username: Ina
Post Number: 188
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 29, 2005 - 9:57 am: | |
That cheetah rescue/vineyard (cubs!!!!) sounds great - can you dig out name, approximate location?
Thanks for your suggestions. We're all psyched. |
mjh
Supporter
Username: Mjh
Post Number: 71
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 29, 2005 - 10:56 am: | |
I'm glad you posted this, as we're hoping to take my 9-year old with us to South Africa at the end of July when I will need to return there for my work. I've been to Cape Town and Jo'burg several times, but haven't had a lot of time for sight-seeing and travel, and haven't been able to take the family, so we're hoping to do it all this trip.
I agree with all that has been said about beautiful Cape Town and urge you not to miss it. Please keep this conversation going as you (and we) do our research, as I'd love to share info.
Please be extra cautious about using ATM machines. A group scam is quite common (machine doesn't seem to work and several "helpful" people come to your "rescue", all of whom are operating the scam together and will try to get you to put in your PIN #). Just use common sense (go together, preferrably inside a bank or other facility that seems less exposed and has a guard). I wouldn't even mention it, but it's happened to fellow travelers three times in as many trips, with the exact same MO each time....both in Jo'burg and Cape Town.
Best wishes for a wonderful trip to an (otherwise) lovely place. |
eliz
Supporter
Username: Eliz
Post Number: 1026
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 29, 2005 - 12:01 pm: | |
Mjh - check out http://www.ccafrica.com
I have been to a few of their game lodges - they are one of the most reputable companies in Africa and also one of the most responsible (ecologically and culturally). There is a whole section on family safaris on the website as well as other tourist info.
When I was there last year they were talking about a Rhino darting adventure - kids 6 and over are permitted. You track the Rhino, they dart it for conservation purposes and you get up close and personal. Pretty cool. |
Heather Marvell
Citizen
Username: Saltbagel
Post Number: 8
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 29, 2005 - 12:40 pm: | |
Yes, it was Spier. You can get information about it at this link: http://www.spier.co.za/sagribusiness.asp.
We did not stay there, though. Since it is not too far from Cape Town, we stayed in the city and drove out. |
mjh
Supporter
Username: Mjh
Post Number: 72
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 30, 2005 - 6:31 am: | |
Ohhhhhhhh we went out to Spier at night for dinner....didn't get to see much else in the dark, but the atmosphere and food were lovely. Eliz and Heather, thanks for the links, I will definitely check these out.
|
Closed: New threads not accepted on this page