IOL Travel - March 2023

Easter Fun-filled family

“The best education you will ever get is travelling. Nothing teaches you more than exploring the world and accumulating experiences.”

Mark Paterson

CO NT EN TS

5 bespoke familyfriendly destinations to retreat to this Easter

5 hacks to help you attract travellers to your tourism business this Easter

Fun activities for the family this Easter

Last-minute Easter destination inspiration and tips for planning the perfect getaway

Most scenic routes if you are road-tripping this Easter

Tips to help you navigate through the Easter travel period

AS THE Easter break draws closer, I’m sure everyone is looking to let their hair down and spend some quality time with loved ones.

With this in mind, this month’s IOL Travel magazine looks at your options from an accommodation, activities and road trip perspective.

And we’ve suggested places and activities that cover different budget options, too. We look at the sho’t left breaks that tick every box when it comes to amenities and experience. And don’t even get me started on those priceless panoramic views.

But not everything is about the travel experience, sometimes it is about the hospitality sector, too, and, as such, we offer a few tips on how businesses can do more to ensure they also reap the benefits of the holidays.

For those parents feeling a bit of angst over how to keep their kids entertained, there is no need to worry. We have earmarked a few activities that will keep them engaged, irrespective of the age difference.

Also, adults can also join in the fun instead of watching from the sidelines. And with the weather geared towards outdoor adventures, there is no excuse not to make the most of it.

And if foreign shores are more appealing, there are a few places that should be on your list. Aside from offering the perfect ambience to unwind, these destinations connect with the cultural and spiritual needs of travellers.

I don’t know about you but as much as I love to travel, I enjoy road trips, too. On that front, we’ve mapped out South Africa’s most picturesque routes if you have decided to drive instead of fly to your holiday spot. Or use the information for future trips if you are staying home.

And, last but not least, we offer three travel tips on ensuring you safely navigate your way through the challenges of travelling during Easter.

That said, enjoy the easter eggs, hot cross buns, family bonding and short break. And, where possible, capture those travel memories!

Easter retreats

ZAMANDOSI CELE

JUST like Christmas, the Easter holiday period is much loved and widely celebrated.

For South Africans, it’s a time to take a breath and enjoy some much-needed time with loved ones.

If you are looking for familyfriendly destinations to explore on home soil, here are five bespoke ones you and your family can retreat to this Easter.

Akademie Street

Boutique Hotel –Franschhoek, Western Cape

This 5-star hotel in quaint Franschhoek exudes a sense of

luxury with its nine suites.

There is plenty to do in South Africa’s “Valley of Dreams”, from exploring wine farms to enjoying delicious cuisine from the region’s impressive restaurants.

Some of Akademie’s suites have their own plunge pools, fireplaces, and private hot tubs for a relaxing soak.

According to the boutique hotel’s website, hospitality and comfort lie at the heart of the Akademie Street experience.

“Our luxurious property, complete with wood-fired hot tubs and fragrant landscaped gardens, is designed to be a haven of sumptuous tranquillity with

attention to detail throughout.

“The discreet, personal service is warm and welcoming, attentive and unlimited,” it said.

A stay at one of the hotel’s cottages starts from R9 000 a night.

&BeyondPhinda Game Reserve – KwaZulu Natal

When it comes to luxury, &Beyond is not small-scale: &Beyond’s Phinda Private Game Reserve is an impressive 29 866ha of protected wildlife land between Mkuze Game Reserve and the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park.

It’s home to Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), and 436 bird species.

A ROOM with a beach view at Cape St Francis Resorts. | Instagram

The reserve is particularly well known for close-up sightings of the elegant yet elusive cheetah, as well as the rare black rhino.

Often described as “Seven Worlds of Wonder”, Phinda is a magnificent tapestry of woodland, grassland, wetland and forest, interspersed with mountain ranges, rivers, marshes and pans.

The reserve is also close to the unspoiled beaches and spectacular coral reefs of the Indian Ocean, offering an unmatched combination of bush and beach adventures.

Guests can experience interpretive game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles, led by professionally trained &Beyond rangers and Zulu trackers, as well as a wide range of optional adventures at the beach, such as snorkelling and scuba diving.

Phinda is home to six magnificent lodges, each with its own individual charm and character: Mountain Lodge, Rock Lodge, Forest Lodge, Vlei Lodge, Zuka Lodge and Phinda Homestead.

A stay at &Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge family cottage starts from R46 800 a night.

Cape St Francis Resort, St Francis Bay – Eastern Cape

Cape St Francis, and its sister town, the canal-side “Little Venice” of St Francis Bay, are among the most inspiring places to spend downtime in on the Eastern Cape coastline.

Swimming is one of its major attractions as the sea remains warm for most of the year and the wide beaches stretch from Seal Point to Shark Point, with a sheltered tidal pool for kids.

Bordering the beach at Cape St Francis and just 90 minutes from Port Elizabeth airport, Cape St Francis Resort ticks all the boxes as a perfect beach holiday destination.

The resort’s setting and selection of accommodation options, from conventional hotel rooms to three and four-bedroom cottages or luxury beach villas, appeal to

PHINDA Vlei Lodge, a secluded, plantation-style hideaway on the edge of a rare sand forest. | Instagram

A ROMANTIC and intimate room at Phinda Vlei Lodge. | Instagram

A BEDROOM with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean at Amalfi Coves. | Airbnb

couples, families and anyone who loves a beach holiday. All offer a bed and breakfast choice or a self-catering option.

The region is renowned for being a water sports paradise with surfing, kitesurfing, surf ski and canoe paddling on the beautiful waters off both Cape St Francis and St Francis Bay, as well as on the nearby Kromme River.

For golfers, the top 10-rated St Francis Links offers the keen golfer an excellent challenge of links golf, with the nearby St Francis Bay Golf Club offering an easier but still challenging round of golf.

A stay at one of the resort’s sea facing villas, Nautilus Place, starts at R6 500 a night.

Nkomazi Private Game Reserve – Mpumalanga

Described as a “family glamping destination”, Nkomazi is a five-star hotel alongside the Komati River in Mpumalanga.

The hotel has 14 glamping tents, each furnished in an Out of Africa style with all the comforts of luxury accommodation, and the tents blend into the natural landscape and are linked by stoned pathways through the bush.

The six “Deluxe Tents” offer panoramic views of the reserve, while six “Luxury Tents” are surrounded by nature, but offer extra proximity to the soothing surrounds as they are river-facing.

The hotel offers activities such as picnics along the Komati River and fishing, with excellent fishing opportunities for guests to enjoy.

The Komati River is home to numerous species of freshwater fish. This is a fantastic way to wind down, relax and enjoy being a part of the reserve, taking in the sights, sounds and scents of the local flora and fauna.

Nkomazi Private Game Reserve also offers incredible game-viewing opportunities, with four of the Big Five, as well as a wide variety of antelope, giraffe, zebra, cheetah and other species.

A stay at Nkomazi starts from R7 911 for two for a night.

Amalfi Cove – Knysna, Garden

Route, Western Cape

If you are looking for a beach and forest escape, this retreat is for you. Amalfi Cove is on the cliffs of the

ONE of Cape St Francis’s beach-break villas. | Instagram

NKOMAZI Private Game Reserve boasts beautiful luxury tents with views of the Komati River. | Instagram

picturesque Knysna coastline and boasts panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.

Knysna has a lot to offer travellers, including beaches where you can participate in water activities such as kiteboarding, boating, windsurfing, sailing, canoeing and swimming.

Amalfi Cove is a magnificent find on Airbnb and perfect for a family seeking privacy at the self-catering villa.

Whether you’re here to work from home or spend time with family and friends, everyone will appreciate the tranquillity of the area, the breathtaking views and the opportunity to indulge in the true beauty of nature, comfort, and relaxation.

It boasts undisrupted 180o views from all three en-suite bedrooms, and each bedroom is designed with plenty of closet space, a dual vanity, and an ocean-facing relaxation bath for some much-needed recharging.

A stay at the villa starts from R7 100 a night.

THE signature baths found at the Vreugde and Oortuiging cottages at Akademie Street. | Instagram

ENJOY a game drive at Nkomazi Private Game Reserve. | Instagram

WHEN it comes to the Easter holidays, South Africans tend to make their way back to their hometowns to reconnect and relax with friends and family.

These hometowns have some of South Africa’s most enchanting hidden gems, presenting a significant opportunity for tourism businesses to tap into the peak travel season market and wow locals with amazing offerings.

The Sho’t Left website is encouraging South Africans to explore the country and set their tables anywhere this Easter holiday and not feel restricted to home dining tables.

According to Sho’t Left, with over 500 small towns, Mzansi travellers have an endless catalogue of accessible and affordable unique locations and experiences to choose from to set their tables.

“South Africans deserve to be rewarded with good experiences (even close to home) and smalltown tourist partners must make sure their offerings stand out.”

So here are 5 ways tourism businesses can attract more local travellers this Easter holiday, according to Sho’t Left.

Create local packages

One of the most effective ways to attract local travellers and residents is to create packages that cater specifically to them. We all know South Africans love a good deal, and this opens opportunities for businesses in small towns to load their deals for customers to find and explore.

A top tip for small tourism businesses is to make sure their packages include discounted rates as well as unique experiences

designed to appeal to consumers’ interests and preferences.

This could be anything from hot air ballooning to a township tour, an afternoon of wine tasting, or a quad-biking adventure through the fields – the land around you is your canvas and you are the artist.

For example, a wildlife lodge could offer a package with a guided bush walk, a local cooking class, and a visit to a nearby cultural village.

Since South Africans travel with family during the Easter break, having a family package that includes fun activities for the kids and adults without breaking the bank is a great way to attract local visitors.

Partner with local businesses

Partnering with other local businesses to attract local travellers and residents to your tourist business can be a beneficial business move. This could include restaurants, craft markets, and other tourist attractions in the area.

Teamwork makes the dream work, so find partners that connect and have a hometown appeal for more comprehensive and attractive offerings for visitors by working together. For example, a winery could partner with a local restaurant to offer a wine and food pairing experience.

Showcase local culture

Small towns are usually rooted in culture and tradition, and many local travellers and residents are looking for authentic experiences that showcase the culture and traditions of the area.

Tourism partners can incorporate local culture into

their offerings. This could include traditional dances, music, art, and visits to local cultural sites and museums.

Engage with the local community

Another way your tourist business can attract more local

5

HACKS TO HELP YOU ATTRACT

TRAVELLERS TO YOUR TOURISM BUSINESS THIS EASTER

travellers and residents is by engaging with the local community.

This could include hiring staff from the local area, sourcing products and services from local businesses, and supporting local charities and initiatives.

You can build trust and loyalty

among local travellers and residents by demonstrating your commitment to their home.

Market your packages

This is a critical tip. Make sure travellers know about your deals, discounts, and packages.

Upload packages to tourism

platforms (such as www.shotleft. co.za) and advertise them on social media to raise awareness.

And don’t forget to engage with your potential visitors on social media, because that is the ultimate word of mouth in a digital world.

FUN ACTIVITIES FOR THE FAMILY THIS EASTER

ALYSSIA BIRJALAL AND THOBILE MAZIBUKO

EASTER is almost here, and while it’s time off for some to dedicate to prayer, others still have to find ways to entertain the family.

Some prefer to be indoors, feasting over home-cooked meals; others want to be out and about.

Here are some fun activities you can do with your family this Easter.

DURBAN

Splashy Fen Music Festival

2023

Splashy Fen will offer festival goers the best in music and family entertainment. Take the family, pitch a tent and enjoy everything on offer at the farm. From yoga to belly dancing, drumming workshops, trail running, river frolicking, face

painting, fashion parades, art and music from all genres, there really is something for every kind of fan, of every age, race, culture and gender.

Kids will have plenty of fun activities to keep them busy at the Kid’s Zone while being watched over by a group of professionals who will ensure their safety. The area is cordoned off and parents sign their children in and out when it suits them. Children of all ages can enjoy sensory, educational, and fun activities such as reading, colouring, face painting, construction areas filled with building blocks, a game zone filled with play equipment, and an Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday.

Where: Bushman’s Nek Road, Underberg.

When: April 6 - 10.

Price: Passes vary, visit www. splashyfen.co.za for tickets.

KZN Museum Reptile Show

KwaZulu-Natal Museum is a popular tourist and educational amenity. It offers visitors a feast of attractive, modern and user-friendly displays. Back by popular demand, a reptile show has been added to the line-up. This educational showcase is suitable for the entire family.

To experience nature in its truest form join a presentation by Reptile Party Time, featuring tarantulas, lizards, and a python.

Where: 237 Jabu Ndlovu Street, Pietermaritzburg.

When: April 1 at 12pm.

Price: R30 per person via Webtickets.

Sugar Rush Park

The park is open seven days a

HELI-Biking Adventure is a tailor-made experience to suit experienced and inexperienced mountain bikers. | Supplied

THE KZN Museum. | Instagram

week and is perfect for a family outing. It offers an array of activities from bike riding and walking trails, and a jump park for under five-yearolds to putt-putt, laser rush and a snake park to name a few.

Where: Esenembe Road, Ballito.

When: Daily, closes at 4pm.

Price: Prices vary per activity.

CAPE TOWN

Music Theatre Production: Guilty

Tracey Carter in partnership with

Victory Outreach Cape Town will be staging an original music theatre production called “Guilty”. The story focuses on two college students who embark on an investigation into the death of Christ to discover who the true guilty party is.

This musical theatre production filled with beautiful songs and dances is sure to keep the whole family entertained but also challenged by a powerful message.

Where: Victory Outreach Cape

Town, 123 Voortrekker Road.

When: April 7 at 7pm and April 9 at 8am and 10am.

Price: Free.

Heli-Biking Adventure

Take your adrenalin levels to new heights as you fly to the top of a mountain and then make your way downhill with your mountain bike. There are smooth but exhilarating non-technical trails for beginners; fast and flowing single track, with rolling rises and jumps, rocky

technical sections and hand-sculpted berms for the more advanced.

Where: A tailor-made experience for private bookings of 2 – 4 people.

When: Book 72 hours in advance.

Price: See www.insideguide.co.za.

The Blue Train Park

The miniature Blue Train has been choo-chooing for more than 60 years now. Kids can enjoy three laps around the park, through a tunnel and past the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, the park features a dirt-bike track, a cement push-bike track, a zip-line, slides, seesaws, rock climbing, jungle gyms, an obstacle course and other play features.

Where: Next to Green Point Lighthouse, Beach Road, Mouille Point.

When: Tuesday – Sunday at 9.30am – 6.30pm (open Mondays

during public and school holidays).

Price: R35 (entrance to the park and one train ride) or R55 (entrance to the park and two train rides). Visit info@thebluetrainpark.com.

JOBURG Rand Show

It’s always been a tradition to attend the Rand Show during the

Easter holidays. This year, the show will feature helicopter rides, oldschool carnival rides, a kids' activation hall, outdoor entertainment stage, and local and international exhibitors where the whole family can shop.

Where: Johannesburg Expo Centre (NASREC).

When: April 6-10.

FUN and games at The Rand Show

PITCH a tent and enjoy the outdoors entertainment at the 2023 Splashy Fen Music Festival. | Splashy Fen

Price: R60 for children and pensioners and R95 for adults.

Autumn Garden Festival Garden World Nursery is hosting an Autumn Garden Festival featuring various gardening workshops and live music. On Easter weekend, there will be a pot

and face painting, a tractor ride, and Easter egg hunt with the Easter bunny.

Where: Beyers Naudé Dr, Muldersdrift.

When: Currently on until April 10.

Price: R80.

Bunny Fest Johannesburg

This family-filled outing will feature various Easter-themed exhibits, such as the illuminated Giant Bunny and Easter Eggs, and Mr and Mrs Bunny. There will also be amusement rides, an instant photo booth, and various animal sculptures.

Where: 5 Lower Road, Central Square, Sandton.

When: March 31 - April 16.

Price: Tickets start from R55 for children, R60 for students and seniors and R70 for adults. Email joburgbunny@wildglowfest.com for bookings.

MPUMALANGA

Kruger National Park

If your children have never seen the Big Five, take them to the Kruger for a morning or sunset game drive. At the park, not only will they spot animals, but indigenous plants as well.

Where: Kruger National Park (please note there are several gates)

When: Daily.

Price: R57 for children and R115 per adult.

God’s Window

Explore the beauty of nature and see Mpumalanga from the top by visiting God’s Window. For better views, it’s best to go early in the morning to catch the scenic Mozambique oceans sunrise.

Where: R543, Ehlanzeni.

When: Open daily until 5pm.

Price: R10.

KIDS will be fully entertained in the Kid’s Zone at Splashy Fen.

WE’RE three months into the new year and by now you’re probably starting to look at when you can book your next getaway, whether it may be for the Easter holidays or just a much-needed break.

The good news is that you won’t have to wait long – the Easter holidays are just around the corner! Running from Friday, April 7 to Monday, April 10, you can enjoy four full days away – just perfect for a mini-break with family or friends.

With all this holiday time on your hands the only thing to do is take a holiday and April is the perfect month to do it. To make your life easier, we have listed our top destinations to consider for your last-minute April getaway.

Asia

Asia has some of the best sun destinations for a cultural, relaxing and spiritual holiday. Thailand and Bali are two popular destinations for South Africans.

Thailand is a budget-friendly, visa-free destination, and it is no surprise that it is much-loved.

The island offers the ultimate family holiday destination, allowing couples a variety of holiday fun, from picturesque beaches, laid-back and friendly locals, fascinating street food, local fauna and exhilarating theme parks, it promises the adventure of a lifetime.

LAST-MINUTE Easter destination INSPIRATION and tips for planning the PERFECT GETAWAY

TÜRKIYE is a cultural heaven that is packed with historical and archaeological delights. RIGHT: Phuket, Thailand. | Unsplash

GILI Lankanfushi Resort in the Maldives. | Unsplash

BERNELEE VOLLMER

The second favourite, Bali, offers active holidaymakers an authentic experience. The destination is known for golf and is an idyllic place to practise your swing.

Travellers can also sail across the waters to Gili Trawangan and explore the island by bicycle. Treat the family to a Balinese shadow theatre performance.

Maldives

The Maldives have grown in popularity, from local to international celebrities. It has also become an Indian Ocean holiday and honeymoon destination.

With its powdery white beaches, fascinating and colourful marine life, over-water accommodation and superb cuisine, it offers an abundance of natural beauty and a tourist-friendly climate.

Surfing and diving are a big part of life in the Maldives and many visitors look forward to grabbing

a board, hitting the waves and exploring the stunning and varied coral and marine life.

Treat the family to a once-ina-lifetime magical guided swim alongside tame sea turtles or make memories, on a sunset cruise where you may find schools of dolphins flipping and frolicking alongside your boat.

Türkiye

Türkiye is a cultural heaven that is teeming with historical and archaeological delights. There’s plenty to explore – shopping, cuisine, parks, museums and culture.

Turkey is full of towns, historical sites and attractions perfect for day trips. It’s also home to some of the top beaches in Europe. The beach is not only meant for you to bake in the sun. There are watersports for days: sailing, waterskiing, paragliding, scuba and wreck

diving, snorkelling and paddle boarding, so an all-inclusive stay will be fun for the whole family!

Additionally, four of Türkiye’s cities are among the top 10 cheapest Mediterranean cities for a coastal getaway. Foodies can indulge in delicious cuisine that is infused with Mediterranean and Middle East influences.

Must-try dishes to sample are authentic mezze, börek (a savoury pastry) and the delicious creamy cheeses which form part of the country’s rich culinary culture.

Must-try experiences include a Turkish steam hammam (bath), hunting for keepsakes at the Grand Bazaar, or a hot air balloon ride over the otherworldly landscape of Cappadocia.

Five tips for planning the perfect Easter getaway

Whether you’re planning a trip for the Easter Weekend,

PHI Phi Island, Thailand. | Unsplash

ENJOY an unforgettable hot air balloon experience over the landscape of Cappadocia. | INSTAGRAM

A COUPLE enjoying a bicycle ride on the beach in the Maldives. | INSTAGRAM

or a much-needed holiday, it can be daunting. However, there are ways to have a stress-free getaway, whether you’re planning a trip locally or internationally.

Shaun Lamont, managing director of First Group Hotels and Resorts, said: “It’s never too early to start planning for your next vacation, especially if it’s during the holiday season.

“In South Africa, we’re blessed with great weather at this time of year and people travel from all corners of the country to make memories with their loved ones before the cooler winter days set in. As a result, it’s one of the busiest times for travel.’’

Here are Lamont’s five tips for a stressfree Easter getaway:

Do your research

Whether you’re doing a self-drive holiday or hopping on a plane, spend time researching where you want to go and everything you want to do before you leave. And get the kids involved too; let them research destinations and activities on the internet and get them excited.

Choose your ideal getaway

Are you planning a romantic getaway with your partner or a fun-filled family holiday? From surfing to hiking or simply soaking up the sun while sipping a cocktail, the type of holiday you’re planning will influence your destination of choice. Perhaps you want the option to do everything! If so, holiday resorts offer a wide variety of entertainment and attractions.

Budget

Putting a budget in place can help you manage your finances and ensure your holiday is as stress-free and full of fun as possible.

“In South Africa,” says Lamont, “we’re fortunate to have a huge selection of affordable accommodation options, and self-catering holidays, in particular, are more economical and allow you to stretch your money further. They’re located across the country.”

Book your spot

Avoid the rush: book your flights well in advance, particularly ahead of peak times such as Easter, you can often get cheaper rates. More than that though, it will ensure that there are no last-minute disappointments due to full flights.

When it comes to accommodation, do your research online and then contact the hotel or resort directly to make your booking. From all-inclusive rates to holiday discounts, they often run special offers that can help you save.

Plan your activities

A holiday is meant for adventures and different experiences, right? Therefore, plan something special for each day – it doesn’t have to be expensive.

Find out what local attractions, as well as on-site activities (such as special meals, spa treatments, picnics, horse and hiking trails) are on offer, and book these in advance where possible to avoid disappointment.

“Don’t forget, though, to allow time for spontaneous stops and a bit of fun along the way too,” says Lamont, who encourages people to keep their Easter traditions alive even while they’re on holiday.

“Do an Easter egg hunt, plan a special breakfast or lunch, but most importantly, be present in the moment and use this time away to truly connect with your family,” he concludes reminding us that making lasting, magical memories is what holidays are all about.

South Africa’s most scenic routes if you are road-tripping this Easter

SANI Pass in Kwazulu Natal. | INSTAGRAM

Below left: The Garden Route, in the Western Cape. | INSTAGRAM

SOUTH Africa is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes and scenic routes. Of course, that means you can’t help but make a pit stop to capture the beauty of it all, enjoy a bite or simply take a picture for the gram. Here are some of South Africa’s most scenic routes if you are road-tripping this Easter:

The Garden Route, Western Cape

The Garden Route is a 300-kilometre stretch of coastline in the Western Cape. This beautiful region is famous for its stunning scenery, diverse flora and fauna, and endless activities. The Garden Route is home to lush forests, rolling hills, and incredible beaches. The area is also known for its mild climate, making it a year-round destination.

Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, whale watching, surfing, and zip-lining. The region is also dotted with charming towns such as Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, offering incredible restaurants, cafés, and boutique shops to explore.

The Garden Route is truly a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers, and makes travelling with your vehicle a magical experience.

Swartberg Pass, Oudtshoorn

Feast your eyes on the magnificent sandstone strata. The Swartberg Pass is known as one of the world’s top scenic drives, in the Swartberg Mountains. The pass remains a popular attraction, and many local and international tourist make their way to the historical site with its arid valleys and towering peaks.

Sani Pass, KwaZulu-Natal

Sani Pass is an iconic road in Southern Africa. It’s an 18km gravel pass on the road between Underberg in KZN and Mokhotlong in Lesotho. The road may look rough and steep, but the views are unmatched.

It’s best enjoyed using a 4X4. However, that hasn’t stopped two-wheelers from exploring the scenic route. If you’re up for an adventure, Sani Pass is the perfect route.

Long Tom Pass, Mpumalanga

This scenic route is one of Mpumalanga’s famous driving roads. Travellers can see the old road twisting, but most importantly, breathtaking views and vegetation.

Additionally, the route was used for transporting goods from Mozambique to Lydenburg. It was considered dangerous. The tumbling road was known as “Devil's Knuckles” due to so many wagons getting lost on the pass.

However, it’s known for its beautiful scenery; Misty Mountain, a South African Natural Heritage Site, is also on Long Tom Pass, with views across the escarpment and into the Lowveld.

The Waterberg Meander, Limpopo

This route in the Limpopo Province is also known as “Africa’s Eden” and is a 350km self-drive with soaring mountain peaks, sandstone rock formations, golden savannah plains, forests and river valleys.

The Waterberg Meander leads drivers through the heart of the Waterberg Biosphere. On your journey, you’ll be able to see cultural and historical sites, and most importantly, breathtaking views.

SWARTBERG Pass in Oudtshoorn. | INSTAGRAM

LONG Tom Pass in Mpumalanga.

THE Waterberg Meander in Limpopo.

TIPS TO HELP YOU NAVIGATE THROUGH THE EASTER TRAVEL PERIOD

WHEN it comes to Easter, flights are packed and South African roads experience large volumes of traffic.

Travelling alone or as a family can seem daunting whether you’re flying for a couple of hours or locked in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Dealing with children during transit in such circumstances can be stressful.

Here are some travel tips to help you navigate through this Easter’s travel whether you’re travelling alone or with family.

Plan ahead

Planning and preparation is the key to success and, of course, requires co-ordination and participation from parents and kids so you can have a fun, comfortable voyage with lifetime memories.

Plan the route to your holiday destination and give yourself enough time. Key in rest stops along the way and if you are travelling with kids, let them know when and where you will be stopping.

Travelling with kids

According to Judy Kirkwood, a specialist in parent and baby care and founder of Best Start Baby, the best way to travel with little ones is to have a plan and structure.

“Let them know ahead of time where you are

going and what you’re planning to do. Have maps of where you are going so they can see the journey and what the destination has to offer,” said Kirkwood.

When it comes to first-time moms travelling with babies she offered encouragement.

“I think that as a breast-feeding mom, it’s good to have a cover so you’re relaxed and don’t feel like people are looking at you. Feeding in public is allowed because children need to eat,” said Kirkwood.

She said the best way to deal with a baby is to hold them close to you to comfort and reassure them, and always have food, healthy snacks and some distractions on hand.

Stay safe

The Easter and festive period can be dangerous on the road with huge traffic volumes. The AA has road safety tips you can follow, not just for the Easter period.

It reminds us that you should always obey the rules of the road and carry your licence when driving.

Make sure that your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition before departure, and for peace of mind, try to stick to major routes or toll roads in order to stay safe and accessible in case of emergencies.

Also, make sure that everyone always has their seatbelts on.

ZAMANDOSI CELE

Father reassuring offering a lesson sea.

Picture: