Looking for something special to do with your kids these Easter holidays? Go local! South Africa is filled with incredible destinations offering a wealth of activities and experiences for the very young and the not so young… From the Big 5 of the Kruger National Park, to the beautiful beaches of the Garden Route, there are plenty of places to play and stay.
So where does Easter fall in 2023? Luckily for most moms and dads, Easter is included in the school holiday period which falls from either the 24th of March until the 12th of April (for inland schools) and from 31 March until the 12th of April for coastal schools (Private school holidays may differ). Easter Friday is on Friday the 7th, followed by Family Day on Monday the 10th of April.
Here are our top 10 picks for best places to go for family-friendly holiday activities and attractions this Easter holidays in 2023:
If you’ve ever been to the Kruger, then it is likely to be indelibly inscribed in your memories! This unforgettable park is one of the largest game reserves in Southern Africa and home to an incredible variety of wildlife. Whether you choose to go on a game drive or head out on a guided bush walk, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to observe rhinos, lions, elephants, cheetahs, wildebeest and other African animals up close. Kruger offers a variety of family-friendly accommodation, both within the park, in adjacent private reserves and concessions, and just outside.
With its picturesque scenery, lively culture and exciting attractions, Cape Town is a great place to explore during your Easter holiday. Spend your days visiting places like the District Six Museum or the National Gallery, or taking a cable car up Table Mountain or a boat trip to Robben Island. Enjoy live music performances at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens before finishing off your day with dinner at one of the city’s many fine restaurants. Kids will love spending time on the white-sand beaches of either False Bay or the Atlantic Seaboard, while the very many wine farms in Constantia provide both entertainment and enjoyment for adults and children alike.
Durban is known as “the beach capital of South Africa” thanks to its pristine sandy beaches that stretch along the Indian Ocean coastline. Spend your days swimming or surfing, or playing beach volleyball with the kids before exploring some of Durban’s other attractions such as uShaka Marine World and mini-town theme park Moses Mabhida Stadium. We also recommend a visit to The Oyster Box in Umhlanga for a fantastic evening overlooking the bay and the famous lighthouse.
Located just outside Johannesburg, Sun City Resort is one of South Africa’s most popular tourist attractions, and a popular staple among locals for it’s fun-filled, escapist atmosphere. With four luxurious hotels, two golf courses and numerous entertainment options available; it’s an ideal destination for families looking for a relaxing getaway this Easter. Make sure you enquire about any current specials that might be available!
Located along South Africa’s south-western coast; The Garden Route stretches from Mossel Bay all the way up to Storms River Mouth Nature Reserve. It offers beautiful scenery with stunning views along its entire length; making it an ideal destination for nature lovers this Easter holiday season! Families can enjoy forest hikes and ziplining, endless beaches filled with local bird and sea life, canoeing or kayaking up the many rivers between Wilderness and Storms River, sampling delicious local cuisine in Knysna and enjoying visits to animal sanctuaries near Plettenberg Bay.
For those who prefer some adventure during their holiday break; head over to the Drakensberg Mountains located in KwaZulu Natal. Explore rolling hills and valleys while enjoying scenic hikes and some rock climbing too (if you dare!). There are plenty of fantastic, family-friendly resorts offering fully equipped accommodation and plenty of facilities like swimming pools, putt putt courses, jungle gyms and more to keep the kids happy.
Located near Port Elizabeth; Addo Elephant National Park is home to hundreds of African elephants as well as other wildlife species like lion, buffalo, zebra, hyena and kudu. Spend your days exploring this park either on a self-drive, or in one of the guided game drive vehicles while learning more about these majestic creatures at one of their educational tours offered daily during peak season (which includes Easter).
For those looking to relax this Easter holiday season why not head over to Hermanus? This quaint coastal town offers spectacular views of Walker Bay coupled with plenty of activities like whale watching and wine tasting tours – making it an ideal place to unwind this April! Explore the Hemel en Aarde Valley, take a day trip to the pretty nearby town of Stanford or enjoy a visit to the local penguin colony.
A short drive from Johannesburg lies Pilanesberg Game Reserve – home to thousands of animals including lion, elephant and giraffe amongst many others! You can easily spend your days here spotting wildlife from open vehicles or even take a hot air balloon ride if you feel daring enough… plus Pilanesberg is a malaria-free safari destination, making it ideal for families with younger children.
Nestled between mountains and rivers lies Clarens – known as “The Jewel of the Free State” due to its picturesque landscape and friendly locals! Enjoy a stroll through art galleries and taste some local craft beer before heading off into nearby Golden Gate Highlands National Park where you can explore caves and hike trails leading up into nearby mountains – perfect if you want some outdoor activities during your stay here!
From safaris and sunsets in Kruger National Park to beach adventures in Durban and urban exploration in Cape Town, there are so many ways for families to make unforgettable memories this Easter 2023 holiday season in South Africa.
With our top 10 destination ideas, we hope that you find something special that suits your needs while still having fun with family members old and young alike! Happy travelling!
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