Two of the greatest gifts we can give our children are roots and wings

In today’s digitally dominated world, it's easy to forget that holidays are supposed to be about spending real time with your family. Why go somewhere different just to plug in to the same old distractions? Why not go somewhere, where signal is poor and Wifi does not come with coffee.

Active Escapes believes in promoting fun, healthy holidays where children, spouses, and even you (that’s right, even you) are removed from the gadgets that have come to control our daily lives. Teach them to fish, ride bikes through the mud, go for walks, or bomb-drop into chilly river pools. Spend a night under the stars, build fires, toast marshmallows and have a connected family blast. Reconnect with your loved ones and destress in the process. This is what Active Escapes family holidays are all about, and we have plenty of ideas and places where you can do just this.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS

Some Family Orientated Holiday Options to consider

Umkomaas White Water Adventure

Thrills and spills on the Mkomazi

Experience the thrill of rafting one of South Africa's best white water rivers: the Umkomaas. In summer, the Mkomazi River offers warm, high-volume white water, interspersed with short pools to get your breath back. Tamer and shorter stretches are on option for younger kids, but the general age restriction is 12yrs or older.

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Tugela Bush Camp

Plug out and reconnect

Wake to the call of a fish-eagle, partake in early morning game walks, sunbathe on one of the giant boulders in front of camp, or unwind with sundowners, a roaring campfire, open-air dining and evening skies awash with stars. From fly-fishing and birding to more adventurous pursuits such as river rafting and abseiling, you'll never run short of things to do at this eco-camp nestled in the heart of the Tugela valley.

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Kosi Lakes Slackpacker – Custom

The lakes, beaches and estuary of Kosi Bay really has something for everyone. Our Kosi Lakes hike can be attuned with shorter walking distances, and a greater emphasis on activities. During the months of Nov and Dec, the giant loggerhead turtles come ashore to lay their eggs at Bhanga Nek, whilst from mid Jan – to the end of March, you may be lucky enough to see the baby turtles hatch.

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Pondo Hopper Hike - Custom

Pondo-tripping

The fully catered & porter-supported pondo-hopper is a great option to consider for younger families. We can offer a 3 night/ 3 hike day option which goes from Mbotyi to Port St Johns where the daily hike distances are between 9-13km/day. Manteku camp is nestled between the estuary and the beach, so you can bodysurf the waves before breakfast and canoe up the estuary by tea.

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Family Getaways

Pondoland Tented Camps

Tucked away in paradise

Tucked in behind a dune, sheltered under some milkwoods, or on the banks of a pristine estuary, these Wild Coast Beach Camps in Northern Pondoland offer the perfect friend and family getaway. They are a place to reflect, explore, and be reminded about what is truly important in life.

Berg Escape to a family-run hotel

Hiking, horse-riding, fishing and games

A third generation hotel, in the foothills of the Northern Berg. Unpretentious yet beautiful and serene, with a strong focus on family bonding and fun. Join in on the daily guided hikes, an outride, or cast a line in one of the private dams on the property. With facilitated activities for pre-schoolers and trained nannies for the tots, parents also get to enjoy a few precious hours of ‘time out’; whilst tweens and teens get an opportunity for new friendships and quality time with the family.