Planning a family holiday often feels like a balancing act. You want excitement and adventure to spark curiosity in your kids, but you also crave a touch of peace and serenity to truly unwind. If you’re looking for inspiration, allow one of our Travel Counsellors, Pedro, to share his recent family getaway which combined exploring South Africa’s wild beauty with relaxing on the pristine beaches of Mauritius.
A memorable stay in South Africa’s Western Cape
Our adventure began in Cape Town, where the city’s energy and spectacular scenery set the tone for an unforgettable holiday. We packed a lot into our time here, from riding the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway to watching the playful penguins at Boulders Beach, there was something to captivate every member of our group, including our youngest traveller, two-year-old Oliver. If you’re considering a similar trip, I’d suggest at least four nights in Cape Town to fully experience its magic and make time for nearby gems like Cape of Good Hope and the historic wineries of Constantia.
We also took a trip to Swellendam, a town that surprised us with its charm and depth of culture. Wandering through the Drostdy Museum felt like stepping back in time, while the local cuisine—ranging from boerekos (traditional farmers’ food) and coffee shops serving delectable cakes to fine-dining experiences—showcased South Africa’s diverse culinary heritage.
Why we chose Sanbona Wildlife Reserve for our safari
Of course, no trip to South Africa would be complete without a safari, and our stay at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve was nothing short of extraordinary. Just a four-hour drive from Cape Town, this malaria-free, family-friendly haven was the perfect introduction to safari life for our children—Sophia (9), Tomas (8), and Oliver (2).
Gondwana Family Lodge at Sanbona ticked every box for a family adventure. With interconnecting suites overlooking the stunning Anysberg Mountains, a child-friendly pool, and an Eco-Explorers programme packed with activities, the kids were as entertained as they were educated. For us parents, the complimentary childcare meant we could enjoy the twice-daily game drives while the older children immersed themselves in tailored safari activities.
The highlight? The guided bush walks where we found ourselves mere metres away from a beautiful but elusive cheetah. To say it was epic is an understatement! Along the way, we also spotted elephants, rhinos (both black and white), Cape zebras, giraffes, lions, and much more. Sanbona wasn’t just about ticking animals off a checklist—it was about really appreciating wildlife in its natural habitat and connecting with nature.
Our guide, Nicole, brought every game drive to life with her deep knowledge and ability to engage our children. Whether it was identifying animal tracks or explaining the unique biodiversity of the area, she made every moment a learning experience. Between the drives, we splashed in the pool, played games as a family, and indulged in delicious meals, including a traditional braai (BBQ) and an incredible boma dinner under the stars.
Mauritius: the perfect twin-centre escape
After our action-packed safari, it was time to unwind, and where better than Mauritius? Just a short four-hour flight from South Africa, this idyllic island provided the ideal counterpoint to our adventure.
Mauritius is so much more than just a beach destination. While we certainly loved the turquoise lagoons and stunning infinity pools, we also explored the island and learned about its culture. From sampling local street food at bustling markets to marvelling at giant tortoises, sea turtles, and even dolphins, there was never a dull moment. The kids had their fair share of fun too, with activities like kite making and pirate treasure hunts in the well-equipped kids’ clubs.
To book your family safari twin-centre holiday, contact your Travel Counsellors today.
Finland is often linked with winter trips to Lapland, but there’s much more to discover across the country. From design-led cities to quiet lakes and coastal landscapes, it offers a different pace of travel that feels both refreshing and easy to explore. If you’re looking for a European destination that combines nature, culture, and something a little less expected, Finland is well worth considering.
Few destinations offer as much to discover as South Africa, and recently, a group of Travel Counsellors experienced just how varied a journey here can be. From the dramatic landscapes of the Panorama Route to unforgettable safari moments in Kruger National Park, time spent with local tourism partners, and a deeply moving visit to Soweto, the trip offered the kind of first-hand insight that helps shape more personal, meaningful holidays for customers. It was a reminder that South Africa isn’t only about big-name sights; it’s about the people, places, flavours, and small moments that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
Spain takes on a slightly slower, softer rhythm in September. The peak summer crowds have eased, the evenings still feel made for long dinners outside, and there’s enough warmth left for beach days, city strolls, and countryside escapes. From island coves to wine country and elegant northern coastlines, these five Spanish destinations all come into their own as summer gently gives way to autumn.
