CLINTON Moodley suggests a few cool spots for families to visit during the school holidays:
KwaZulu-Natal
Krantzkloof Nature Reserve
Where: 152 Kloof Falls Road, Kranskloof, Kloof
Price: R30 for adults. R15 for children
Call: 0317643515
An adventure awaits at Krantzkloof Nature Reserve where there’s a range of activities to suit all ages. The reserve is known for its beautiful waterfalls and range of animals like zebra, bushbuck and duiker. The reserve offers 21km of trails. Braai and picnic sites are available.
uShaka Marine World
Where: 1 King Shaka Avenue, Point
Price: From R25
Contact: 031 328 8000
uShaka Marine Worldis undoubtedly one of the most popular family activities in Durban. Parents can sit under umbrellas while their children splash at Wet ‘n Wild and Sea World. Other activities include snorkelling, ocean walking and shark-cage diving.
Gauteng
Cradle of Humankind
Where: R400, just off the R563 Hekpoort Road
Price: Admission to Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves: R175 for adults, R102 for children from 4 to 14 and children under
4 enter free
Contact: 014 577 9000
Known as one of the eight World Heritage Sites in South Africa, the Cradle of Humankind tells the story of humankind.
The visitor centres, Maropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves, offer an insightful look at the discovery of the world’s most famous fossils. These include Mrs Ples, a 2.15 million-year-old Australopithecus skull, and Little Foot, an almost complete Australopithecus skeleton, more than 3 million years old. The fossils are the precursors of modern humans.
Gold Reef City
Where: Northern Parkway and Data Crescent, Ormonde
Price: Prices start from R130 for children 1.3m and shorter and R210 for adults
Contact: 011 248 5000
No visit to Johannesburg is complete without a stop at Gold Reef City. Known as one of the biggest theme parks in South Africa, it boasts Africa’s tallest, biggest and fastest thrill rides.
It is situated on an old gold mine that closed in 1971.
Some of the attractions include the Anaconda, Dream Boat, Golden Loop, Miner’s revenge and the Tower of Terror.
Western Cape
Hout Bay
Hout Bay, a suburb in Cape Town, is the perfect place for travellers to soak up the sun and enjoy the fresh air.
Families can bond over their mouthwatering fish and chips or get their adventure going with a range of other activities. These include boat rides, bird parks and charters to Seal Island. This seaside neighbourhood is perfect for young and old.
Signal Hill
There are no words to describe Signal Hill, travellers have to experience it themselves. One can either take a walk or drive. Tourists from all over the world spend their evenings up the hill to witness its glorious sunset. Travellers can follow the trails or take a selfie at the giant frame.
See the city by bus
Families wanting more than one experience can try the city sightseeing bus that is available in Cape Town and Johannesburg. In Cape Town, travellers get to see more than 50 attractions, including Kirstenbosch, Hout Bay and select wine routes. In Johannesburg, try the Green Tour that showcases Zoo Lake, Military Museum and Constitution Hill.
The City Tour links from Constitution Hill, drives to the Mining District, Carlton Centre, Gold Reef City Casino Hotel and Braamfontein. Visit www.citysightseeing.co.za for more information.
While there is no city sightseeing bus in Durban, the rickshaw bus is just as effective. Travellers get to see the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Emmanuel Cathedral and Victoria Street Market. Visit www.visitdurban.travel.