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Africa
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Free: £10 Hippychick voucher! Reasons to book via/quoting babygoes2.....
Quote babygoes2 when enquiring about any of the properties/hotels featured on the site*, and if you then make a booking and confirm it back to us (booking@babygoes2.com) we'll send you a £10 Hippychick voucher (great for holiday essentials as well as unique nursery products) completely FREE . You'll also benefit from exclusive giveaways and discounts. AND you'll also gain babycame2 points for each booking which will give you discounts of up to £150 off your next holiday. More points available for insurance, car hire and for referring friends.
Click here for more info on Hippychick and for full conditions. |
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Why go to Egypt?
- Without doubt, towards the top of the premier league in terms of sightseeing destinations, Egypt boasts a land rich in contrasts from Cairo and the ancient glory of the Pyramids, to the modern Red Sea resorts
- Range of reasonably priced, family-friendly hotels
- Shortish flight (Cairo 4hrs, Luxor 5hrs 30mins) and no jet-lag
Things to think about:
- Risk of public disturbances/isolated terrorist incidents - check with Foreign Office before you travel (www.fco.gov.uk/travel)
- Medical treatment can be expensive and standards vary
- Very hot: dehydration often a problem
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Babygoes2 recommends properties which are suitable for babies or toddlers for a variety of reasons (go to first stop). None of these properties however is 100% child-safe. All of the property descriptions are the opinion of BabyGoes2 and not the individual property owner or tour operator. Prices, while as accurate as possible, are for guidance only. Check late deals and members offers for any price reductions or offers.
Egypt with childcare
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Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, Egypt |
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Family Diving, www.familydiving.co.uk |
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Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada, Egypt
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Family Diving are offering two locations in Egypt; Sharm El Sheikh for its wonderful diving opportunities and Hurghada for its proximity to Luxor enabling trips to the Valley of the Kings and its many temples including the famous Karnak temple making a wonderful holiday with two destinations to visit. Family Diving offers childcare from October through to April from the Emperor Dive Center in, Sharm El Sheikh. The crèche team is run by a qualified NVQ Level 3 British Nursery Manager.
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A choice of hotels and apartments in Sharm el Sheikh all offering luxurious accommodation of a very high standard and all are family friendly. In Hurghada Family Diving offer the Intercontinental Abu Soma Hotel, which is a newly built resort, and of an exceptionally high standard. Family Diving can also offer a number of live-aboards with their chosen dive centre departing from Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Marsa Ghalib. Prices start from as little as £360 per adult per week on a Bronze class live-aboard up to £765 per adult per week on a Platinum class live-aboard. Short mini boat safaris of 3 nights also available.
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| The Dives: |
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Sharm El Sheikh is undoubtedly one of the world's best diving areas. Ras Mohammed was declared a marine reserve in1983 and became Egypt's first national park in 1989. Inside the park are some of the world's most spectacular coral reef ecosystems. The most ancient of these are fossil reefs dating back some 2 million years.
There are 20 dive sites within the park, including Shark Observatory, Stingray Station and Eel Garden. Also within are a number of wrecks, the Thistlegorm and the Dunraven being probably the most infamous.
The Thistlegorm - This is by far the Sinai's most prized wreck. It was discovered by Jacques Cousteau in the early 1950's. However, its position was not re-discovered until the early 1990's. It was a huge British war ship (approx. 415 feet long) carrying a full consignment of war supplies including tanks, jeeps, guns, bikes, trucks, train engines etc. It was bombed by the Germans in October 1941 causing the ammunition chamber to explode. The Thistlegorm rapidly sunk taking down 9 of the 49 crew members with her. It lies at a depth of 17m to 35m. Although a lot of this wreck has been stripped it is still an amazing dive with guns, bikes, trucks etc. still sitting there like a museum at the bottom of the sea.
This trip is a very early start as it takes approx. 4 hours by boat to get there.
The Dunraven - This was a British vessel carrying a cargo of spices, timber and cotton and went down in 1876 on a voyage from Bombay to Newcastle. It lies upside down on the sea bed and is broken half way along. If entered by the stern at approx. 30 m, you can then swim the entire length of the boat inside to the bow, which is on the reef at 18m. The exit is usually filled with glass fish in their thousands. This dive can be ended by swimming along the reef where you will see lots of sea life.
The Gardens - Near, Middle and Far - The Far Reef is a colourful reef with a slope to 25m. At the top of the drop off are a few pinnacles frequently visited by pelagic. Glass fish caves are in the reef at 12m. Look out for Napoleons, blue spotted stingrays and the odd grey reef shark. The Far Reef is the most popular site in the area for spotting Manta Ray. Middle Reef is an ideal site for having a relaxing cruise over the reef. Sometimes this site can surprise you with the sighting of turtles, whale sharks or mantas.
Woodhouse Reef - This reef is usually dived as a drift dive from south to north. Jumping in at the southern part of the reef is a wall to about 30m. It is worth looking onto the sand patches below to try and spot sleeping sharks. The coral covers all the way from the surface down the wall which becomes more of a slope as the dive progresses. Half way through the dive there is a canyon going along the reef at about 25m which spreads out into a coral garden with sand alleys. This is usually where the current starts to pick up. If the conditions on the west side of the reef are rough the dive has to be ended at the end of the coral garden, which is usually reached after about 50 minutes. If weather conditions allow it is sometimes possible to continue the dive beyond this point. Where the reef leaves the surface and funnels down towards Jackson reef. This area is referred to as the washing machine due to the VERY strong currents going in all directions.
Diving courses are available through Emperor Dive in Sharm el Sheikh.
In Hurghada Family Diving has an arrangement with the Barrakuda Diving Center which is based in The Intercontinental Abu Soma Resort. This is a large PADI training facility and situated at the bottom of the resort close to the beach. It offers a wide range of PADI scuba diving courses, from open water all the way through to instructor development courses.
There are classrooms equipped with full audio/visual training aids and the use of The Intercontinental's pool for confined water training. |
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Family Diving are able to offer their own British Qualified childcare (from 6 months up) to run alongside the dive times of the Emperor Divers Dive Centre in Sharm El Eheikh. The crèche is based at the dive centre.
The crèche is run by a NVQ Level 3 Nursery Manager employed from the UK and any additional help required is employed locally. This care is for children from 6 months upwards and exclusively for Family Diving customers (although they do accept sessions for walk-ins, but these are not pre-bookable).
The crèche is available 6 days a week (Sunday through to Friday - Saturday it is closed) and offering either full days (enabling parents to go out on all day boat dives), long mornings (enabling parents to go out on morning half day boat dives) and long afternoon sessions (enabling parents to go out on afternoon half day boat dives).
Childcare hours (Sunday through to Friday):-
Long mornings - 8.00 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. (for half day boat trips - 2 dives)
Long afternoons - 12.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. (for half day boat trips - 2 dives)
Full days - 8.00 a.m. to 5.30 a.m. (for full day boat trips - 2 dives)
Lunch is included in all the above sessions.
Saturday it is closed.
Family Diving Prices (these sessions are for Family Diving customers only and are pre-bookable):
Under 2's: Long mornings/afternoons - £32 per session per child. Full days - £45 per full day per child
2-4 years: Long mornings/afternoons - £26 per session per child. Full days - £40 per full day per child
Over 4 years: Long mornings - £23 per session per child. Full days - £35 per full day per child
An evening babysitting service can be arranged through the Nursery Manager.
Child to staff ratio. Under 2 years the ratio is 2 children: 1 staff member. 2-4 years the ratio is 4 children : 1 staff member. Over 4 the ratio is 6 children: 1 staff member
Sleeping areas are available in the crèche.
In Hurghada there is a Kid's Club within the hotel for children from 4 years upto 12 years. It is free of charge to guests and is open daily from 09:00-17:00 hrs. Babysitting is also available.
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Flight from UK to Egypt (approx. 5 hours) and transfer (between 10 - 25 mins depending on which hotel).
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Price of dive packs/courses vary depending on which hotel/live-aboard you are staying at.
Accommodation prices start from as little as £126 per adult a week up to £889 per week.
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Abu Soma |
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Mark Warner
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Abu Soma, Egypt
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5 star Intercontinental Abu Soma Hotel on the shores of the Red sea just 35kms south of Hurghada airport. The Abu Soma boasts its own 1km pristine white sandy beach, turquoise waters and stunning desert scenery. The resort is set amongst landscaped gardens and waterfalls and rests on a prime beachfront location with magnificent views of the sea and mountains of the Sinai.
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108 luxurious beach front rooms in a separate wing. The rooms are all air-conditioned and furnished to a very high standard with three types of room available: spacious standard twin rooms, all of which can take an extra child bed and cot; 12 Junior Suites with kingsize bed and separate sitting room and 12 Panorama Suites with kingsize bed and a large separate living area. For families, the suites can comfortably take two extra child beds and a cot. All rooms have balconies with sea views and are equipped with modern ensuite bathrooms, cable and satellite TV, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, minibar, safe, internet access and 24 hour room service.
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- Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
- Children's paddling pool
- Health and Beauty Club (at extra cost)
- Tennis (lessons at extra cost)
- Waterskiing (lessons at extra cost)
- Sailing and Windsurfing (lessons at extra cost)
- Gym
- 5 restaurants
- 4 bars
- 2 local 18 hole golf courses
- Beach Volleyball
- Table Tennis
- Squash
- Horse Riding (at extra cost)
- Camel Riding (at extra cost)
Children's Playground
The area is a mecca for scuba divers with an outstanding selection of nearby dive sites for both beginner and experienced divers. Just offshore from the hotel is Ras Abu Soma, a peninsular surrounded by a coral reef offering some of the best diving in the Red Sea. Clear and shallow waters full of tropical fish, make this the ultimate destination for anyone who wants to dive or snorkel.
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Children's Clubs:
Mark Warner's childcare facilities are second to none and have been an integral part of both the summer and winter holidays for over 15 years now. There is an organised daily programme of activities for the children ensuring that they are kept entertained and occupied throughout their stay. The children's clubs at the Abu Soma are open all year round and run 6 days per week from 9am to 5.30pm with a break from 1pm until 3pm when the children rejoin their parents for lunch.
Mark Warner work hand in hand with the UK's leading childcare company, Tinies Childcare to help find and recruit nannies. All nannies are English speaking, the majority with an NNEB, NVQ, Cache Level 3 or equivalent qualifications, and are trained by Mark Warner either in the UK or in resort.
The kids clubs are operated from an air-conditioned childcare centre which has been designed and built to Mark Warner's own specification. There is a children's paddling pool integrated into the main swimming pool and an outdoor children's play area.
Toddler Club (from 2 years) included in holiday cost
In the Toddler Club there is a ratio of one nanny to every four children. Mark Warner provides an indoor and outdoor play area and plenty of stimulating games.
Mini Club (3 years to 5 years) included in holiday cost.
Mini Club members are based within indoor crèches which are well equipped with games, toys plus arts and crafts facilities. Much of the time the children are out and about involved in walks, swimming, playing games on the beach and sailing trips on the water.
Junior Club (6 years to 9 years) included in holiday cost.
The supervised Junior Club programme includes an introduction to windsurfing, sailing and water-skiing using equipment suitable for junior enthusiasts.
Kidz Club (10 years to 13 years) included in holiday cost.
The Kidz Club has a lively programme of watersports and activities throughout the day, with expert tuition on offer in windsurfing, sailing and water-skiing, six days a week. Children in Kidz Club are slightly more independent than the younger children and therefore can sign themselves in and out of the club.
Indy Club (14 – 17 years) Open in school holidays only
Indy Club encourages social interaction through beach parties, sailing expeditions and excursions, running alongside the usual action packed programme of sporting activities. The emphasis is less on supervision, more on breaking the ice and creating a great social club for young people.
Child Listening (free of charge)
Guests can relax over dinner with the Mark Warner nannies touring the rooms to check the children.
Baby Sitting
Baby-sitting can be arranged through the Resort Childcare Manager at extra cost.
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Excel Airways charter flight from Gatwick on Fridays. Manchester departures at a £35 supplement. Flying time is approximately 5 hrs from Gatwick and 5 hrs 20 mins from Manchester. 45 minute transfer.
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Adults from £725 - £1049 per week, child share from £429 - £559, infants £100 per week.
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Babygoes2 recommends properties which are suitable for babies or toddlers for a variety of reasons (go to first stop). None of these properties however is 100% child-safe. All of the property descriptions are the opinion of BabyGoes2 and not the individual property owner or tour operator. Prices, while as accurate as possible, are for guidance only. Check late deals and members offers for any price reductions or offers.
Morocco
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Riad Fawakay |
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Riad Fawakay, Marrakech
Email:dawnboysstones@hotmail.com
Website: www.riadfawakay.com
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Riad Fawakay is a beautiful, traditional 300 year old Moroccan riad, built around a sunny central courtyard. Perfectly located in the heart of the old city (medina), down the cool Derbs of traditional Marrakech, this is real Morocco, seemingly unchanged for generations. The Riad is only a few short minutes walk from the main square (Djemaa El Fna) and very close to the Marrakech Museum and Medersa, within one of the oldest quarters (Ben Sallah). This lovely riad is owned by British couple, Dawn and Francis Boys-Stones, who live permanently in Marrakech, with their three children, and are on hand every day for any queries or information. They are also always contactable by telephone, day and night, which is a huge benefit.
The Riad is very central for bargain hunting in the souks and the many historical sights that the medina has to offer. There are many excellent restaurants offering traditional Moroccan as well as modern international cuisine within the medina walls. With 3 championship golf courses within 15 minutes drive, day trips to the surrounding countryside or coast, horseriding, and waterparks available, Marrakech offers its visitor a diverse and perfect holiday for children and adults alike. |
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Riad Fawakay is rented out as an entire property, offering you the freedom of a home away from home. There are 2 double bedrooms and one twin, sleeping up to 6 people, all are furnished in Moroccan style, air-conditioned and have en suite shower rooms off the bedrooms. Two of the 3 bedrooms are located on the ground floor off the large sunny courtyard, which houses a fountain and 12” plunge pool (1m deep in the middle with integral seating, all around just perfect for sipping a cool glass of wine after a hard days shopping!?) The Pool can be securely covered if required and there is a 6 inch “lip” surrounding it. Both flights of stairs are enclosed on both sides.
On the second floor is a grand salon with safety glass, open fireplace and a Juliet balcony with 41” ironwork wall. Dining facilities can be found here in the salon, or in the open-air gallery adjacent to the third bedroom. The sunny terraces are well-planted, secure, with 42” tall walls and sunbeds, additional seating and a traditional Berber tent on one side. (We had the walls on the terraces and in the house made taller than the norm during renovations specifically with children in mind, especially as our youngest was only 3 when we moved in!) There is also a shaded pergola here with dining facilities for 6 people and wonderful views of the Medina rooftops and mosques.
We would be delighted to make any restaurant reservations for you prior to your arrival, should you require. Guide services and personal shopping trips can also be arranged with English speaking guides, to help you make the very most of your Marrakech experience. |
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- Handmade tadelakt plunge pool, (which can be securely covered if necessary) and rose-strewn fountain
- Satellite TV, including BBC and ITV channels, DVD player
- WiFi access
- Large selection of English speaking DVDs for children and adults available (no extra charge)
- Games available (no extra charge)
- Full-time housekeeper and cleaner (8:30 – 5:30 unless you have requested dinner) who will provide breakfast, but lunch and/or dinner are also available if required
- Nightwatchman after hours.
- Babysitting available at extra cost locally
- High chair and cot available if necessary (no extra charge)
- Fully stocked fridge with beers, wines, soft drinks and water available and charged at end of stay.
- Removable transparent roofing system is in use for the winter months which keeps the heat in and the rain out!
- 3 championship golf courses within 15 minute drive, (booking essential)
- Wonderful waterpark for children of all ages withing 20 minutes
- Day trips to coast approx 2 hours drive
- Day trips to mountains approx 1 hour
- Horseriding 30 minutes away
- Souk shopping on your doorstep!
- Airport transfers can be arranged.
- Car and driver available for day trips at extra charge.
- Price includes breakfast with fresh orange juice, pastries, yoghurt, fruit etc
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Not necessary, but we have a car and driver available by the day or half day, for excursions at extra cost, if required.
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3 hours 20 minutes approx from London, then 15 minutes transfer from Marrakech airport.
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180 GBP for the whole riad per night. This is for B&B based on 4 people sharing two bedrooms. There is a 20 GBP supplement per person per night for 5 or 6 people, or for the use of all three bedrooms. Slightly reduced rates may be available for smaller parties and children - please enquire via email.
Lunch is also available at 10GBP per head, as is a 3-course dinner costing 12 GBP per head. Only fresh local produce is used. Fresh fruit is available every day, and there is also a fully stocked fridge. Bottled still water is free of charge, and other drinks are charged at the end of your stay. |
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La Mamounia |
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Magic Connoisseurs, Mediterranean Experience
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La Mamounia (5 star deluxe) |
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Originally a wedding gift from the Sultan of Morocco to his son, La Mamounia is now one of the world's most celebrated and exotic hotels. Situated within the old town's original 12th century ramparts, you need only step out of the hotel to experience the wonders of Marrakech. The hotel is surrounded by 17 acres of fragrant gardens and combines traditional Moorish architecture and Art Deco. |
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There are 171 elegant rooms, 57 suites and 3 exclusive, private garden villas. Most rooms have their own terrace and over look the impressive Koutoubia Mosque, the amazing swimming pool, the gardens with the Atlas Mountains beyond or the rich courtyard. All rooms have air-conditioning with satellite TV, telephone, bath and WC.
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Heated pool, Poolside bar, 5 restaurants and bars, Disco, Casino, French Billiard Room, Gym, Turkish bath, Sauna, Beauty salon. Tennis, Squash and Golf driving range (all payable locally). Two 18 hole golf courses nearby as well as ski slopes just 45 minutes away. Those passionate about horses can enjoy riding at the equestrian centre located near the hotel.
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Babysitting: A package for the first 4 hours is 120.00 Dirhams. 30.00 Dirhams for each extra hour. 45.00 Dirhams per hour in the evening. Children's food can be ordered through room service.
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3 hour, 40 minute flight from UK, then 10 minute transfer from Marrakech airport
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From £965 - £1385 (depending on season) pp BB based on 2 people sharing, including flights and transfers. |
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| Tunisia |
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La Residence |
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Abercrombie & Kent, Mediterranean Experience
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La Residence
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Set majestically at the gates of ancient Carthage and bordered by a beach of fine golden sand, the hotel is a splendid mix of traditional architectural splendour and sophisticated modernity.
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170 rooms and suites, each with its own private terrace. All rooms have air-conditioning and tvs. Interconnecting rooms great for families.
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Various restaurants, thalasso spa, pools, tennis, watersports, spa.
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Open 1 July-31 Aug open to 3 to 11-year-olds. Children's restaurant, children's paddling pools, and playground. Babysitting available.
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3 hr flight to Tunis; 20 mins transfer
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From £770 pp 7 nights b&b; children 2-11 years from £205
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Why go to South Africa?
South Africa offers something for everyone; its stunning mountains, glorious coastal scenery, rich wildlife spectacles, history and culture makes it a perfect destination for a family holiday. Beaches are plentiful offering exhilarating water sports, swimming, surfing or just relaxing under the warm African sun. There are many family restaurants serving delicious, uniquely South African and international dishes. It's often easy to add on a short safari option to a hotel stay, even if a long safari isn’t possible.
Cape Town: With magnificent Table Mountain as its dramatic backdrop, Cape Town is one of the world's most beautifully sited cities and the gateway to the country. The lovely setting of this cosmopolitan city has always ensured great appeal but recent development around the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront has created a very fashionable destination. Just 45 minutes drive away are the mountains and valleys of the Winelands with their gracious Cape Dutch homesteads, cask-lined cellars and pretty villages with renowned restaurants and fine country house hotels.
Garden Route: Travelling east along the southern coast from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, is the famous Garden Route, a spectacular stretch of forest, lagoon and lake with delightful coastal towns. There are some wonderful hotels in this area including the Kurland which is perfect for a luxury family holiday.
Safaris: For family friendly Safaris we recommend the malaria-free areas of The Eastern Cape, the Western Cape, the Northern Cape and parts of the Northwest Province. Of these, the best game viewing is Addo in the Eastern Cape, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the Northern Cape and Madikwe and Pilanesberg in the Northwest. These Safari holidays have become ever more child friendly with excellent tours for children (most have age limits) and brilliant babysitting facilities and planned activities for younger children who need to stay at the accommodation. Please visit our Safari section below for full details of each lodge's different activities for children.
When to go:
South Africa enjoys a temperate and pleasant climate, with lovely warm sunny days most of the year. The seasons of the southern hemisphere are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere so South African summers run from November to February, when most of the country is characterised by hot weather with afternoon thunderstorms. Winters are generally mild and dry. South Africa enjoys one of the world's highest average daily hours of sunshine - 8.5 compared with 3.8 in London. One of the best times to enjoy a combination of “beach and bush” is after the mad holiday rush of December and January. February and March are glorious months to make the most of a memorable family holiday. Game viewing (Safari) in the non malaria areas is good year round.
Places to Visit with Children:
Two Oceans Aquarium at V&A Waterfront; View more than 3000 animals from the ocean depths.
Ratanga Junction; More than 30 attractions including 24 rides ranging from Kids’ Rides to Family Rides and Thrill Rides, Snake Shows and Bird Shows.
Mineral World & Scratch Patch; in Simons Town, kids love to scratch for their favourite gems. This visit can be combined with an excursion to Boulders Beach to view the thriving colony of African Penguins.
Warrior Toy Museum; also in Simon’s Town this museum includes a huge display of toys, dolls, Meccano model cars, boats, trains and other toys.
Butterfly World; Butterfly World is the largest free-flying park for butterflies in Southern Africa, lying at the junction of the main wine routes of Stellenbosch and Paarl.
World of Birds & Monkey Park; largest bird park in Africa in tropically landscaped hills in the Hout Bay valley. Visitors are able to walk through the aviaries.
Winelands Tour; whilst the parents may enjoy a relaxed wine tasting session at one of the famous wine estates, the kids can be taken on walks of the estate or other attractions of the area. Chocolate Tasting; in Franschoek at Huguenot Fine Chocolates. This can be incorporated into a Winelands tour.
Monkeyland; an eco-adventure tourist driven free-roaming multi-species primate sanctuary in the Plettenberg Bay area. Offer educational tours & guided monkey safari.
Hanging Bridge over Storm’s River Mouth; in the Tsitsikamma National Park, a 15 min walk through the forest takes you to this magnificent hanging bridge – great fun for the kids.
uShaka Marine World; in Durban, includes an aquarium, freshwater amusement park, uShaka beach and a shopping precinct.
Maropeng Centre; in the Cradle of Humankind (close to Johannesburg), is an informative underground visitor attraction, with boat rides, interactive exhibits and audio visual displays.
Things to think about:
- Long flight: Cape Town (11 hours 35 mins), Johannesburg (11 hours 50mins) but only a two hour time difference.
- It can be VERY hot.
- A lot of safari options are only open to older children (over-eights). Please use our guide below for full details of which option suits your family best.
- Health risks: consult your GP before you book to discuss vaccinations etc.
Costs:
Expect to pay in the region of £2000 per adult for 7 nights in one of the better child friendly hotels and for an organised Safari. These rates include flights and various meal plans. Discounts are generally available for children. Villa accommodation starts at £900 per adult for 7 nights including flights.
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Villa Plato, Plettenberg Bay |
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Villa Plato, Plettenberg Bay |
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Beautiful Plettenberg Bay is the most fashionable destination on South Africa’s Garden Route. With fabulous beaches which stretch for miles, golf courses, surfing, hiking, dolphin and whale watching, it is not surprising it is so popular.
Step out of your front door, over the old beachfront road onto the lagoon beach, and you’re in the Keurbooms River nature reserve, perfect for picnics or ferry trips. Or walk another 5 minutes to where the river meets the warm Indian Ocean. With the background of the Tsitsikamma Mountains, you will know why the first sailors named it Bahia Formosa, the ‘beautiful bay’. |
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This provençal style villa has a stunning interior which is spread over two floors and arranged in such a way to suit an extended family or two small families. There are 3 upstairs bedrooms with balconies and wonderful views of the Tsitsikamma mountains. There is also a ground floor bedroom designed for wheelchair access. In addition, there is an adjoining flat with separate entrance. The living area is equipped with satellite TV, DVD player and stereo system.
Ground Floor
Living/dining room and well equipped kitchen. Double bedroom with en-suite shower room.
First Floor
1 double bedroom with en-suite bathroom (bath and shower). 1 double and 1 twin bedroom sharing a bathroom (bath and shower). Living area.
Adjoining Apartment
Twin bedroom with en-suite bathroom.
Within the garden is an outdoor dining area and a plunge pool. There is garage parking for two cars.
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| Facilities: |
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There is a maid service on request. |
| Flights: |
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Approx. 12 hour flight to Cape Town. |
| Price guide: |
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From £1,400 - £2,310 (depending on season) for 7 nights, for up to 10 people. |
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Request brochure • Read/write review
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Rocktail Bay, Maputaland Marine Reserve, South Africa |
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| Travel with: |
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Western & Oriental Travel |
| Stay: |
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Rocktail Bay, Maputaland Marine Reserve, South Africa |
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Situated in northern Natal, within the Maputaland Coastal Forest Reserve and adjoining the Maputaland Marine Reserve, is Rocktail Bay Lodge. The lodge and its chalets on stilts are among the fringe of trees, just behind a row of sand dunes. The beach is a five-minute stroll. This lodge lies within a proclaimed World Heritage Site and offers a fantastically private beach experience set in 40 kilometres of unspoilt, undeveloped and pristine coastline. The chalets were built by the KwaZulu-Natal Bureau of Natural Resources in 1991 and were designed to be as ecologically friendly as possible.
This remote stretch of coast is the breeding ground of The Leatherback and the Smaller Loggerhead Turtle. Each summer the giant turtles haul themselves from the surf and slog up the sloping sands to excavate nests and lay their eggs. Two months later hundreds of tiny turtles hatch out and begin their scramble to the shelter of the waves. The Snake-Eyed Skinks of Black Rock are the only ones of their kind in the world. Keep your eye on the sea, too, and you may catch a glimpse of a Humpback whale or dolphin. This is not "Big Game" country, although the bay has its own "Big Five": Leatherback Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, Palmnut Vulture, Buitons Skink and Zululand Cycad. The area has 2 interesting antelope species: Common Reedbuck in marshes and grasslands and Red Duiker in forest patches. Hippos are found in freshwater lakes. Whales and Dolphins are seen off shore. Birding is good and a number of rare coastal species can be found: Green Twinspot, Green Coucal, Grey Waxbill, Purplecrested and Livingstone's Louries, Natal Robin and jewel-like Emerald Cuckoo in forests, and Pinkthroated Longclaw and Rufousbellied Heron in marshy areas. |
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10 wood and thatch "treehouse" chalets and a Family Room are raised up on stilts into the forest canopy. Each has a wooden deck and private facilities. The chalets have en-suite showers and toilet facilities and an outdoor shower. 20 guests can be accommodated comfortably. A short boardwalk leads to a thatched dining room and bar-lounge and comfortable lounge area. Dine inside or under the giant mahogany trees. |
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The highlight here is the miles of pristine and undeveloped coastline. In addition to enjoying the clean golden beaches, a variety of guided activities are available. The Indian Ocean is ideal for snorkeling in search of tropical fish (flippers and snorkels may be borrowed at the lodge), while surf and fly fishing is among the best on the east coast. Nature walks through the coastal forest and grasslands, or drives in open 4x4 vehicles to Black Rock and other localities will enthrall naturalists and photographers. In summer, nocturnal walks and drives along the beach in search of egg laying sea turtles are a highlight. Scuba diving is available off shore (at extra cost). There is a new scuba operation here - the only private operation in coral areas in the whole of South Africa. There is also a swimming pool and sundeck for those who want to relax around the lodge. Other attractions include: birding, horse riding, and fly-in beach. |
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Rocktail Bay offers the following specialist activities and provisions for children:
- Classic family beach holiday with a fun-filled educational aspect
- 40 kms of coastline for children to dig in with buckets and spades, safe snorkelling and stargazing
- Shoreline walks with a guide helps children explore the rock pools
- Trips to Black Rock to find rock crabs and Hippo Pools
- Oct to Dec: Children can accompany parents to see Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles as they make their way up the beach to lay their eggs
- Jan to Mar: Children can see turtles hatching
- Other activities include: Volleyball, kite flying, beach tennis and cricket, boogie boarding, board games, colouring-in books, treasure hunts, hair braiding and toasting marshmallows around the fire
- Babysitting (available at extra cost)
- Children all ages welcome
- Special Children's menu
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| Flights: |
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UK to Johannesburg (Virgin & BA fly to South Africa). Fly Johannesburg to Richard's Bay with SA Airlink, £155 per person one way. |
| Price guide: |
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£128 per person per night (to 31 Dec 07), £19 per child 3-14 yrs sharing with adults, children under 3 go free |
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Request brochure • Read/write review
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