My top picks for a Family Friendly vacation

With summer just around the corner, family travel is at the top of everybody’s mind. At Tailored Ventures we understand the importance of family travel, and having little ones myself, I know it can sometimes be daunting choosing a “family friendly” vacation, because is it really “family friendly”?

Well, here are a few of my top picks, most of which I have personally visited. I hope to set your mind at ease with the information in this post, when booking a family vacation. These are just a few South African options. There are so many other amazing options from which to choose. So, if you are looking at destinations not listed below, please let us know and we will point you in the right direction.

CAPE TOWN

Cape Town, as many travelers know, has so much to offer in terms of cuisine, activities, and scenery. Your itinerary can be tailored according to your requirements. There are so many child friendly restaurants in and around Cape Town that offer something special for the little ones—as well as outstanding meals for the adults! We have this information at our finger tips and can share this with you. The same is true for the activities available. Peninsula Tour? No problem! We can adjust this to include fun things that the kids can enjoy. It does not have to be a “run of the mill” tour that bores them.

Where to stay? There are so many options, but More Quarters, located in the centre of Cape Town, offers something very special. (Part of the More Portfolio, they have lodges in the Madikwe Game Reserve, Marakele Game Reserve, Sabi Sand Reserve, as well as Victoria Falls Zimbabwe.) At More Quarters, children are given little welcome gifts on arrival, snacks, and even gowns and slippers that will fit their little bodies. In addition there are toys, play mats and books to keep them occupied. Located about 10 minutes from the Waterfront, this property offers complimentary shuttles to and from this waterside attraction, so some of the fun activities based there are easily accessible. More Quarters is apartment style accommodation; however, breakfast is included in the daily rate. Having a kitchen at your disposal allows you just that extra bit of flexibility sometimes required when traveling with young children. Multi-generational families are also catered for here, as you can book a few apartments next to one another that all vary in size, according to your requirements.

FRANSCHHOEK

When in Cape Town, most people want to travel to the Winelands. A day tour is more than possible and once again, fun things can be included for the little ones—such as a visit to the Cheetah Sanctuary, horse riding, quad biking (depending on ages)—and so many wine farms do children’s “wine tastings” too, which are loads of fun! Earlier this month, I blogged about Le Quatier Francais which is a very good option for families. While I was in Franschhoek, I quickly popped in at Franschhoek’s Virgin Limited Edition property: Mont Rochelle. Located just outside town, but close enough to enjoy the quant elegance of Franschhoek Main Road, this hotel focuses on families, with their child friendly “Little Corkers” programme. This is not a fixed programme, but rather a tailor-made service for your little ones. Activities for the kids can be arranged, meals that the kids will enjoy are catered for, and the hotel can facilitate babysitting arrangements with qualified staff. Just gorgeous and with breathtaking views, Mont Rochelle offers special rates for children up to the age of 16 years, which is a plus.

GANSBAAI

Fancy a little road trip? About 2.5 hours from Cape Town we have the seaside town of Gansbaai, well known for its aquatic activities such as seasonal shark cage diving and whale watching. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve offers a different experience: an array of adventurous activities from which to select including horse-riding, nature walks, children’s activities, nature drives, seasonal whale watching, and even a trip to explore ancient caves in and around the area. Grootbos offers two lodges, and Garden Lodge is the family friendly option. Grootbos also now has spacious villa accommodation—perfect for small groups travelling together. We visited this property when we had a nine-month-old and we felt totally at home. For evenings where we wanted some “down time”, we were able to arrange an exceptional babysitter, which gave us peace of mind to enjoy dinner at our leisure. The rooms are gorgeous with views of the forest and then the ocean beyond. Such a peaceful and lovely way to spend a few nights!

EASTERN CAPE MALARIA FREE SAFARI

From here, the Cape Garden Route is on your doorstep and you could embark on a road trip, ending up in Port Elizabeth. For those who prefer not to drive the Garden Route, you can easily fly from either Cape Town or George to Port Elizabeth in order to visit Kwandwe Private Game Reserve. This malaria-free reserve is located just outside Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape and is well known for its “big-five” safari experience. Special care and attention is given to all guests and little ones are warmly welcomed at Ecca Lodge. For the ultimate family safari experience, Fort House, Uplands Homestead and Melton Manor are their exclusive-use villas each offering a private safari vehicle and guide, private pool, garden, living spaces, personal chef and a completely tailored, intimate stay.

Whichever option you select, your whole family will feel utterly spoilt every step of the way.

Let us assist you in tailoring your next family vacation. Wherever you choose to go, we can suggest the best possible child friendly hotels and lodges.