Outdoor Family Activities and Attractions in South Africa

South Africa is a popular destination with beautiful landscapes filled with abundant wildlife. This makes it the ultimate destination for family-friendly adventures. Whether you're seeking thrilling outdoor experiences or tranquil escapes, there is something for everyone, young and old alike. This post will focus on the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal regions, guiding you through a select few must-visit outdoor family activities and attractions.

Outdoor Family Activities and Attractions: Western Cape

Exploring the Western Cape hiking trails can offer amazing adventure-filled family experiences. The Western Cape is a hiker’s paradise, boasting some of the most breathtaking trails in South Africa. You can experience anything from rugged coastal paths to serene mountain routes, this region offers hiking experiences that suit every level of adventurer. Whether you are looking for panoramic views, lush fynbos landscapes, or opportunities to spot unique wildlife, the Western Cape's trails promise to help create lasting memories.

Western Cape Hiking Trails: Jonkershoek

The Jonkershoek hiking trails are situated close to the Stellenbosch wine region, forming part of the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. Here you will find a variety of plant species, especially several endemic species of fynbos. The majestic Jonkershoek mountains are also a part of the landscape, creating more challenging hiking trails.

There are five hiking trails, offering various levels of difficulty. These trails lead off the Jonkershoek circular drive, which then takes you through the forestry-owned plantations and forests

Hiking trails:

1. Swartboskloof: 18 km
2. Panorama Hiking Circuit Trail: 17 km
3. Tweede Waterval: 6 km
4. Yellow Trail: 3.5 km
5. Swartboskloof to Sosyskloof Trail: 6.6 km

Western Cape Mountain Biking and Running Routes: Jonkershoek

The Jonkershoek Mountain bike trails offer a variety of challenges that are geared toward the novice as well as those with more experience and can last from 90 minutes to five hours. There is a daily or annual permit you need to purchase before you can ride on the bike trails. The biking trails are identified by colour, black being your expert trail, blue (intermediate), and green (beginner).

The Jonkershoek trail running routes also follow some of the biking trails, depending on which trail you choose. During your run, you will find variable surfaces that will suit any skill level. The running trails are also colour-coded, with red being expert, blue (intermediate), and green (beginner).

Website: Jonkershoek Nature Reserve

Outdoor Family Activities and Attractions: KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, offers a variety of activities for kids and families, combining adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Families can explore uShaka Marine World in Durban, a thrilling water park and aquarium, or nature-loving kids can enjoy hiking in the Drakensberg mountains. There are many other outdoor family activities you can enjoy. Many of these activities can be found within the forest and timber plantations open to the public. Below are a few ideas for biking trails, picnic spots, and popular accommodation sites.

KwaZulu-Natal Accommodation

Anew Hotel Ingeli Forest & Spa

There are a number of Anew Hotels in the Kwazulu-Natal region, however, the Anew Hotel Ingeli Forest and Spa is close to the Ingeli Mountain range, near Kokstad. The hotel is a mere one-hour drive from Port Shepstone and only 2 and a half hours from the city of Durban. Here you will find luxurious accommodation, which individuals, families, and corporate guests can use. You have event and meeting room venues available for weddings and corporate functions. The entire area is surrounded by beautiful indigenous forests, which creates a wonderfully tranquil setting.

There are plenty of activities also available, including hiking, mountain biking, swimming, adventure golf course, bird watching, tennis court, and much more. The Kids Zone offers a mini animal farm and putt-putt course, perfect for smaller kiddies. You will also find a fully equipped playroom for guests (unsupervised). During the school holidays, there will be a childminder available and a holiday programme for the kiddies.

Available at the hotel, are 44 inviting country-type rooms, with all the modern and luxurious amenities to make you comfortable. The hotel also offers a fine dining experience at the onsite restaurant.

Need a bit of relaxation? Consider booking yourself into La Vita Spa Ingeli, where you can enjoy a relaxing massage, among other treatments and pamper services offered. They even offer kiddies pamper sessions.

Enjoy the outdoors by choosing one of the mountain biking trails in the area that cater to the beginner and more experienced rider. There are a few trails to choose from, from 3 km to 15km, all of which create a circuit route that runs through the forest, taking you past waterfalls and streams. If you do not have your own bike, you can easily rent one from the hotel.

There are also running and walking trails that stretch from 1.8 km to 30 km. One of the trails will take you through to a lovely dam area, where you can enjoy a family picnic. No extra charges are applied to guests of the hotel for the biking and walking trails.

Website: https://anewhotels.com

iNsingizi Game Lodge and Spa

The iNsingizi Game Lodge and Spa is located in Pietermaritzburg, in the rolling hills of the Mid Illovo District, Kwazulu-Natal. The game lodge provides thatches on-suit chalets, a wellness retreat spa, and plenty of fun outdoor activities like biking and hiking trails. Perfect for weddings and corporate events.

Website: iNsingizi Game Lodge and Spa

Myddelton Farm

The Myddelton Farm is a beautiful haven located on the water's edge of the Myddelton Dam, 10 minutes from the Creighton Village, and 90 minutes from Pietermaritzburg. Towering cliffs and forests form an amazing backdrop to the Estate, the beauty of which has captured all who have visited the area. The Estate is the perfect outdoor escape venue, with a variety of activities from mountain biking and hiking to trail running, water sports, birding, and much more.

The Estate is a popular country wedding venue, and as a working farm, it offers a great experience for kids and families. Accommodation includes a self-catering house and cottages as well as a camping area.

Website: Myddelton Farm

Family Activities and Attractions

Baynersfield Estate

Baynesfield Estate is located in Kwazulu-Natal near Richmond and was founded by the agricultural pioneer Joseph Baynes. The estate encompasses a large and diverse 3.600ha agricultural land that farms cattle, and pigs and produces cane, grains, and avocados.

There is also a Heritage Centre that consists of museums that preserve and showcase the Estate's agricultural history. The museum showcases wood crafting tools, machinery, tractors, and more. All of this is housed in historical buildings that are surrounded by the beautiful Heritage Garden. Visitors are always welcome to come and enjoy the tours available to the public.

The Estate is well known for its yearly Country Fair, which celebrates the charm and simplicity of country living. The day is filled with fun kid-friendly activities, and you can browse the many local crafts, farm fresh produce, and delicious food available. The fair is set in beautiful gardens and usually has exciting activities and live entertainment available.

Some of the other outdoor activities include a dam and fishing in the area. The Estate welcomes school groups and offers a range of fun organized activities. Accommodation also seems to be the next offering of the Estate, so keep an eye on their website for more information.

Website: Baynesfield

Karkloof Conservation Centre

The Centre itself is located at the entrance to the Gartmore Farm, the area has the Karkloof Range of Hills as its backdrop. However, the Karkloof Conservancy is made up of a group of local landowners, farmers, and foresters, who have come together to protect the biodiversity of the area. Original funding was provided by the SAPPI/WWF Tree Routes partnership, together with the Wildlands Conservation Trust.

The Range of surrounding hills consists mostly of unspoiled natural land that produces an abundance of wildlife, including many bird species, insects, and antelope. You are welcome to visit the Conservation centre itself, enjoy the bountiful bird watching in the area, take self-guided walks, and hiking trails.

Website: Karkloof Conservation

Kwazulu-Natal Mountain Bike Routes

Baynesfield Mountain Bike Park

The Baynesfield Mountain Bike and Recreational Park caters for all levels of mountain bikers as well as trail runners. Great for families, as they offer a variety of trail distances from 10 km to 60 km. Riders and runners must register at the Baynesfield Club, which is at the Baynesfiled Estate in Richmond. The trails will take you through beautiful forests, and open grasslands, providing a great outdoor experience for the whole family.

Website: Baynesfield Club

Cathkin Trails Club

The Cathkin Trails Club offers 30 km of mountain biking and trail running routes in the Cathkin Park area in Central Drakensberg. The different trails can be accessed from various points along the route. Along the route, there are also various venues you can stop over at, including, The Ardmore Guest Farm, The Valley Bakery, The Nest Hotel, and the Drakensberg Brewery. All riders are required to pay a fee and sign an indemnity form, and you will then receive an identifying wristband.

Website: Cathkin Trails Club

Sappi Howick Mountain Bike Trails and Trail Running

The SAPPI Trails Programme was initiated in 2011, to promote economic development and encourage a healthy lifestyle, using the surrounding landscape. The Howick Mountain Bike Club has an amazing 45 km track that meanders through the Sappi Shafton plantations, offering both experienced riders and beginners a chance to ride and enjoy the scenery. There are a few trail signs and entry points, however, it is much easier to navigate the various routes available through the Trail Forks App.

You can also check out the Karkloof Mountain Bike Trails in Howick, which has over 100 km of single track in the Sappi trail programme. Not only bike riding, but this is also a popular location for trail runners. You can easily park at the Karkloof Country Club, where you can pay and then ride on the various marked routes. Again, the trails are marked for easy and intermediate riders, green being the easier routes.

Website: Howick MTB / Karkloof Club

Kwazulu-Natal: Natural attractions

Karkloof Falls

The Karkloof Falls is a beautiful waterfall that is located along the Karkloof road when travelling out of Howick. Public access to the falls is free on a moderately challenging trail. However, you can also access the falls via the Karkloof Country Club, where there is an entrance fee (please refer to the website for prices).

This trail is an easy 8 km walk along the river to the waterfall and can be done with smaller children. The waterfall is a great place for family picnics and for those who wish to take a quick dip to cool off. The Karkloof Falls is open or closed, depending on various factors, like road maintenance or harvesting times.

The Karkloof Falls does offer picnic spots, however, just a little further up the road is Woodhouse Falls, which is a popular picnic spot, with the river nearby for swimming.

Website: Karkloof Club

Picnic sites

The Beaulieu Dam Recreational Club can be found in Richmond and was founded in 2015. The club manages access to the dam for recreational activities like canoeing, boating, fishing, picnicking, jet skiing, and swimming. Families or anybody can join the club with an annual membership. However, there are also day passes available.

Website: Beaulieu Dam Recreational Club

All information published in this blog serves as a guide only

References: Forestry South Africa /Forestry Explained Recreational Map: activities & attractions 92019) / www.forestryexplained.co.za