BUDGET BREAKS FOR THE FAMILY

Sacha van Niekerk

KWAZULU-NATAL

Snorkelling

Where: uShaka Marine World

Cost: R111 for 30 minutes

Book: tickets.ushakamarineworld.co.za

Snorkelling is a fun activity for all ages. From the colourful coral to the vibrant fish and the glimmering water, at uShaka, you can get friendly with the fishes at Snorkel Lagoon, part of Sea Animal Encounters Island. Discover the exquisite creatures beneath the ocean. The activity is ideal for water lovers.

Putt putt

Where: Sugar Rush Park, Esenembe Road in Ballito

Cost: R90 for adults and R60 for children

Book: www.sugarrush.co.za/contact

Fun is unlimited at Sugar Rush Park in Ballito, a short drive from Durban. The putt putt course is a full 18 holes with paddling pools, water fountains, waterfalls, beaches, island greens, ramps and tunnels. It is a fun challenge for all ages and all recreational needs.

Piggly wiggly

Where: R103 Midlands Meander

Cost: Free entry. The cost of individual activities vary

Visit: www.pigglywiggly.co.za

From the range of restaurants, boutique sweet and chocolate shops and artisanal clothing to the thrilling kiddies’ activities, Piggly Wiggly is a must stop destination on the R103. Situated in the centre of the Highgate Wine Estate, it boasts a variety of local shops, as well as various activities for families and friends to enjoy. Whether it’s riding the mini train around the little oasis of fun, getting creative with sand art, or playing on the jungle gym, Piggly Wiggly is a lovely environment for families, friends or couples as there is always something to suit everyone.

Crocworld

Where: Old Main Road, Scottburgh

Cost: R90 for adults and R60 for children

Contact: 039 976 1103

Snake demonstrations, bird watching, crocodile feeds, an animal farm, playground and restaurant, escape into a world of natural beauty and wonder at Crocworld, a 40-minute drive from Durban. Here, you can get up close and personal with wonderful creatures, relax in indigenous landscaped gardens and take in their beautiful sea views.

GAUTENG

Honeydew Mazes

Where: 82 Boland Road, Zandspruit 191-Iq, Johannesburg

Cost: R150 for adults and R100 for children

Book: 073 795 2174

Honeydew’s giant mazes are the perfect outdoor activity with the added element of adventure and surprise. In a team of up to five people, you’ll challenge yourself with their general knowledge quizzes while winding through pathways, avoiding dead ends and tracking your every move as you race against others to solve the secrets of the maze. The maze takes 90 minutes to solve. Once your answer sheet has been marked, each team member will receive a free refreshing ice-cream.

Roll Egoli

Where: 296 Main Road, Bryanston, Sandton

Cost: Entry is R95 per person and R40 for skate hire

Book: 083 232 9861

Visit a skatepark for a day of retro fun and action. Roll Egoli also boasts a wooden jungle gym with a huge trampoline surrounded by a smooth scooter track in the garden. Connecting 2 large trees 3m above the ground is their “Bridge of Courage”. Access to it is up a climbing wall on the one side and at the other end of the bridge is a fireman’s pole for the kids to slide down onto a soft mat, allowing them to conquer their fear of heights.

Tour of the Sterkfontein Caves

Where: Kromdraai Rd, Johannesburg

Cost: R100 for visitors over 6 years

Call: 014 577 9000

Sterkfontein is a set of limestone caves in Gauteng, about 40km north-west of Johannesburg. Famous for their fossil finds, this is the site at which Australopithecus africanus fossils were unearthed. You can spend the day venturing through the caves on walkways and a boardwalk past the excavation site where globally acclaimed fossils have been discovered. With so much natural beauty to soak up, grab a bite at the Sterkfontein restaurant and enjoy the views while you wait for your slot.

CAPE TOWN

Canal and harbour cruises

Where: V&A Waterfront - behind the One & Only Hotel

Cost: R49 for adults and R30 for children

Book: www.citysightseeing.co.za

Cruise along the serene waters between the V&A and the Cape Town Convention Center. With on-board commentary in 15 languages, as well as a special audio channel for kids to tune in on, the whole family can learn the secrets of the canals through stories that will keep you hooked as you pass by key attractions. If you opt for the harbour cruise, expect to see icons of maritime history as well as epic views of the city’s natural landscape. Keep an eye out for seals and international ships visiting our shores.

Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome

Where: 25 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town city centre

Cost: R60 for adults and R30 for children.

Book: 021 481 3900

If gazing up at the night sky enchants you, a visit to the planetarium is a must. The world-class facility brings digital technology to Cape Town creating a space of innovation and discovery where art, science and entertainment meet. The Planetarium and Digital Dome present three shows from Tuesdays to Sundays. The morning show is fun for the family and lighthearted for the little ones. The afternoon shows are astronomical adventures for space enthusiasts.

Oranjezicht City Farm Market

Where: V&A Waterfront

Cost: Free entry.

Visit: ozcf.co.za

Nutella and banana stuffed crepes, freshly baked bread and pastries, fruit and veggies, a nursery boasting beautifully potted plants and bouquets and boutique stalls with racks of locally made clothing there is so much to do, see and taste at the Oranjezicht City Farm Market. Open on weekends and Wednesday mornings, the market boasts breath-taking sea views. Dogs on leashes are welcome.