Family experiences

Gazing over the edge of the glorious Victoria Falls, it's no surprise to learn that its local name means, 'the smoke that thunders'. Spend the morning or afternoon exploring one of the Seven Wonders of the World, meander along the walking trails and stop off at each of the 4 view points to see the falls from every angle. As one of the world's largest waterfalls, there is no bad time to be there but it reaches a roaring zenith in May when 10 million litres of water cascades into Batoka Gorge. If you want to have a more involved experience then this can be booked as a guided activity and you can easily pop over to the Zimbabwean side to experience the falls from a different angle for an additional cost.

It’s usually Hermanus that steals the show when it comes to whale-watching, but the drive along the picture-perfect coastal road from Cape Town through Gordon’s Bay, Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay is just as spectacular. Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic creatures as you go and when you reach Hermanus, stretch your legs with a stroll through the galleries, bookstores and boutiques. After a lazy lunch, head into the hills of the Hemel-en-Aarde for a taste of the grapes from a cool-climate region, in particular the South African speciality, Pinot Noir.

Being on horseback allows you to get close to animals like the endangered roan and sable antelope or the usually skittish Hartmann’s mountain zebra without disturbing them. Beginners and advanced riders alike can ride across the grassy plains and red dunes, drink in the beauty of the Kalahari landscape and enjoy its stillness.

When you hear Sossusvlei, we'd bet there's one word in your mind, dunes! Meet your expert guide in the early morning (when the heat is still bareable) to explore Dune Alley where ridges of rust-coloured dunes rise above the stark landscape. Summit to the peak of millenia-old dunes that rise to over 200 metres. Quest to the top of Dune 45, Sossusvlei's most photographed dune or conquer Big Daddy where you'll be rewarded with views over surreal Deadvlei. Spot the tracks of a tiny toktokkie beetle on your way up and don't worry, any footprints you leave behind will be swept away by noon. After much-deserved refreshments, head back to camp.

Feel like a cowboy from the region, horse riding a nature reserve near Hacienda Bambusa. There amidst beautiful landscapes, an experienced rider will guide you through a wide forest reforested with native tree species, a pineapple crop and some streams, along the way you will also find cattle and impressive buffaloes. This experience will ensure very funny moments during calm landscapes and narrow paths surrounded by lush trees. Al fresco rustic lunch at the end of the activity. Round trip transfer to Hacienda Bambusa included (around 25min each way)

It can be tricky to find activities that suit both little and old(er) minds, but dig a little deeper under the surface of the Cape Winelands and you’ll find a variety of activities behind the grape vines. At Spier Wine Estate, the kids will meet rare birds and enjoy a custom-juice tasting (wine tasting for the adults), before heading to the famous Fairview estate to nibble on cheese and meet the resident goats. In the afternoon, there are visits to an artisan chocolatier, glass blowing studio, brewery and distillery to keep everyone entertained – really, there isn’t a moment to get bored!

It can be tricky to find activities that suit both little and old(er) minds, but dig a little deeper under the surface of the Cape Winelands and you’ll find a variety of activities behind the grape vines. At Spier Wine Estate, the kids will meet rare birds and enjoy a custom-juice tasting (wine tasting for the adults), before heading to the famous Fairview estate to nibble on cheese and meet the resident goats. In the afternoon, there are visits to an artisan chocolatier, glass blowing studio, brewery and distillery to keep everyone entertained – really, there isn’t a moment to get bored!

As one of our all-time favourite days out in Cape Town, a tour down the coast to the Cape Peninsula is always top of the list. Join your seasoned guide for a drive down Chapman's Peak, one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the world, where you'll make as many photo stops as you like. Journey on to Cape Point, climb the steps to the lighthouse and feel the rush of the wind at what feels like the end of the world, stroll along the beach or hike through the reserve before marvelling at the African penguins of Boulders Beach.