SPRING STAYCATION IDEAS
Like Spring, South Africa is simply bursting with an array of experiences to rejuvenate your soul! The upcoming vacation breaks are perfect for planning a Spring staycation. Grab a getaway with minimum fuss before the year-end slog begins and the Christmas chaos descends. Some ideas will send you off on mini road trips hunting for fields of wildflowers, and others to thrilling game reserves or picturesque beach resorts. Here is some inspiration for planning a crowd-free short break this Spring.
Go gaming
For an authentic wildlife encounter, South Africa’s game reserves are a must-visit. Get back to nature and soak up some natural beauty. Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s most famous reserves, tops the list with its vast expanse and diversity. There are, however, many other game reserves across the country, making this kind of break easily accessible for a range of budgets. If you don’t have a game park in driving distance, most places have accommodation to rent, so it’s easy to have a spring staycation in the great outdoors.
Take a beach break
As Spring takes hold and the weather improves, beach getaways are more appealing again. South Africa boasts an extensive coastline with stunning beach resorts that cater to families seeking sun, sand, and sea. Both Cape Town and Durban offer safe beaches and the bonus of a wide range of additional attractions for the family. The Garden Route is dotted with picturesque towns and beautiful beaches, also making it an excellent destination for a relaxing family retreat. Or, head up the West Coast for seafood and sun in a less populated paradise.
Hunt for flowers
Spring in South Africa brings an explosion of colourful wildflowers that carpet the landscape. The fantastic floral spectacle and Namaqualand, in the Northern Cape, is renowned for its wildflower displays. Take your family on a self-drive road trip through this region, and you’ll be treated to fields of flowers as far as the eye can see. If Namaqualand is out of reach, you can visit local wildflower fields or choose from a range of Spring flower festivals like the Darling Wildflower Show or the Hogsback Open Gardens. Kids will love running through the sea of colour and scent, and it’s a great way to teach them about the significance of biodiversity in nature.
Lighten up
For a unique and utterly enchanting experience, consider staying in a lighthouse along South Africa’s dramatic coastline. Several lighthouses have been converted into charming accommodations. This offers families a chance to immerse themselves in maritime history while enjoying stunning ocean views. One such lighthouse is the Cape St. Francis Lighthouse in the Eastern Cape, which provides comfortable self-catering accommodation and an opportunity to explore the rugged coastline and nearby Seal Point Nature Reserve.
Create unforgettable memories this holiday. Short local breaks are the ideal tonic for family well-being. The logistics are simple, and the choices meet most budgets. Plus, the added bonus, you sustain South Africa’s tourism industry which genuinely needs your support after the devastation of lockdowns and pandemic woes.
