KwaZulu-Natal is a spectacular family friendly destination flanked by warm Indian Ocean and soaring mountain peaks. Nowhere in the world will you find such a fusion of raw natural beauty, modern sophistication, cultural diversity and pulsating energy – all in one breathtaking setting for you and your family to enjoy.
So, where to begin?
There’s no right answer. It depends what you’re looking for. Maybe you want your family to experience a classic African safari. Maybe hiding out in the snow capped mountains is more your style. Maybe you’re searching for the ultimate beach family getaway. Whatever your ideal family getaway is, here is our list of top 10 family friendly things to do in KZN…
Our Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in KZN…
1. Game Drives at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
Situated north of Durban, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is the oldest game reserve in Africa. It offers one of the best African safari holidays and is the largest Big 5 reserve. Activities in the park include game drives, self-guided walking trails, boat tours on the Hluhluwe Dam and exciting all inclusive wilderness trails.
Looking for family friendly accommodation around Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park? Consider the very welcoming ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe – offering a number of comfortable rooms as well as a private 5 star game lodge – perfect for big family trips.
2. Cruising Down the Estuary in St Lucia
Also located in northern KZN, St Lucia has one of the highest concentrations of hippos and crocodiles in southern Africa thanks to the vast estuary. There are a number of family friendly activities that you can enjoy in St Lucia, including guided cruises on the estuary, game drives through iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Cape Vidal, cultural village tours, visits to the St Lucia Crocodile Centre and more.
3. Family Road Trips Through the Midlands Meander
How about a family road trip through the Midlands? Located just one hour from Durban, the Midlands Meander is the perfect place “to wander at random” thanks to it’s collection of routes through the rolling hills of KZN. Offering a collection of farm styled hotels, restaurants, curio shops, museums and more, it is the perfect outing for those wanting to have a slow paced day.
4. Family Bonding in the Drakensberg Mountains
Known as the “Barrier of Spears”, the Drakensberg Mountain range forms a majestic semi-circular border between KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and the mountain kingdom of Lesotho.
Divided into the Northern, Central and Southern Drakensberg, the mountain range offers a variety of leisure and extreme activities to suit everyone. Take to the mountain for hiking, abseiling or rock climbing, or go ahead and explore the trails on your mountain bike.
5. Diving at Aliwal Shoal, South Coast
Looking for something a bit more adventurous for your adulting children?
For the adventurous among us, Aliwal Shoal on the KZN south coast, offers some of the most exciting scuba diving in the world. Dive with Ragged Tooth Sharks, Tiger Sharks and Manta Rays, Dolphins and Whale Sharks and much much more.
There are a number of dive centres in the area that offer diving courses as well – a great opportunity to get qualified and get diving!
6. Family Picnics at Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve
Located 21 kilometres inland of Port Shepstone, the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve is a picturesque area offering hiking trails and picnic areas with breathtaking scenery across sandstone cliffs. It’s the perfect composition of forests, rivers, rapids and ravine. While here, you can go zip lining, abseiling or really get the blood pumping by going down the gorge on The Wild Swing.
7. Take a Shot at Hillcrest Paintball
What better way to deal with your hazardous teenager than take a shot at them? Jokes!
Hillcrest Paintball, located in Durban, is a must-visit for any trigger-happy family. There are two arenas for distinct types of paintball warfare: one offers an African bush experience while the other is for SWAT-team-style battle. Make sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
8. Water Fun at uShaka Marine World
Another Durban staple, uShaka Marine World is a marine theme park like no other. It is made up of 5 sections, namely uShaka Sea World (fifth largest aquarium in the world!), uShaka Wet ‘n Wild (water park), uShaka Beach, uShaka Village Walk (restaurants, cafes and numerous shops) and, uShaka Kids World. The park is the perfect place to escape the Durban heat and can be enjoyed by all members of the family.
9. Outdoor Activities in Kokstad
Not what you might expect to see on this list, but bear with us. Nestled at the foot of the Ingeli Mountain Range in Kokstad is the province’s best kept secret – ANEW Resort Ingeli Forest!
It has the best playground for all your family holiday and weekend away adventures! Anyone family who enjoys mountain biking, hiking, trail running, birding and adventure golf will love this forest gem.
10. Beach Lazing in Port Edward
Port Edward is a small beach resort town on the KZN south coast packed with fun and interesting activities. Whether you decide to kick back on one of the beautiful beaches, make a splash at the Wild Waves Water Park, or tee off at the Wild Coast Sun Golf Course – there’s something for every member of the family.
Set in the magnificent Elephant Coast, near South Africa’s oldest Game Reserve, the 3-star Anew Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris, is the ultimate South African holiday Destination.
The Hotel offers a wide variety of guest rooms and a 5-star self-catering safari lodge for a true bush experience.
Anew Hotel Ingeli Forest and Spa is nestled below the Ingeli Mountain range near Kokstad in KwaZulu-Natal and is only one hour inland from Port Shepstone and two and a half hours from Durban.
Surrounded by breath-taking indigenous forests, this is the perfect place for you to chill and unwind at your own pace.
Experience old world charm in the Pietermaritzburg Midlands during your stay at ANEW Hotel Hilton. On the doorstep of the Midlands Meander, this hotel combines old-world charm with friendly and efficient service.
The four-star architectural showpiece is a must-stay for the country charm-seeker, as well as being the perfect venue for business conferences, weddings and banquets.
Anew Hotel Ingeli Forest and Spa is nestled below the Ingeli Mountain range near Kokstad in KwaZulu-Natal and is only one hour inland from Port Shepstone and two and a half hours from Durban.
Surrounded by breath-taking indigenous forests, this is the perfect place for you to chill and unwind at your own pace.
Anew Hotel Ingeli Forest and Spa is nestled below the Ingeli Mountain range near Kokstad in KwaZulu-Natal and is only one hour inland from Port Shepstone and two and a half hours from Durban.
Experience old world charm in the Pietermaritzburg Midlands during your stay at ANEW Hotel Hilton. On the doorstep of the Midlands Meander, this hotel combines old-world charm with friendly and efficient service.
The four-star architectural showpiece is a must-stay for the country charm-seeker, as well as being the perfect venue for business conferences, weddings and banquets.
