5 Family-friendly holiday escapes near Gauteng

Left the holiday planning a little late? Why not try these escapes close enough to Gauteng for a holiday or a day trip.

Emerald Resort and Casino – Vanderbijlpark

Set in the lush banks of the Vaal River, Emerald Resort and Casino has a host of family-friendly entertainment including the awe-inspiring Aquadome – an indoor climate-controlled pool that can be enjoyed no matter the weather. The Aquadome boasts pools to suit every family member’s swimming level as well as children’s slides and a shipwreck. The resort also offers putt-putt, game drives, a bowling alley, and wall climbing – so there is no excuse to be bored.

Sun City – North West Province

Sun City offers little explorers all they need to ensure optimum stimulation and oodles of fun this festive season. Sun International’s flagship resort and leader in glamorous lifestyle and hospitality options has gone all out to ensure that every day is jam-packed with captivating activities and games to make your family’s stay as memorable as can be. Kamp Kwena’s festive season holiday activities including bumper boats and marshmallow braais, and the pool deck entertainment programmes include Carols by Candlelight and Lego corners, so is as good as holiday entertainment gets.

Warmbaths A Forever Resort – Bela Bela

Situated in the majestic African Bushveld, Warmbaths A Forever Resort is a place that is synonymous with fun. The resort offers amazing family-friendly activities including heated swimming pools, a wave pool, water slides, archery and a Hydro Spa. The resort is perfect for adventure-seeking children and parents alike and offers an ideal way to relieve stress and build lasting memories.

Magalies Park – Magaliesburg

Located along the Magalies River, at the foot of the Magaliesberg Mountains, Magalies Park is a self-catering golf estate that has the added bonus of being right in the centre of a bird sanctuary. If you’re a nature-loving family or looking for a release from the hustle of the big city, this is the place where you and your family can reach a state of Zen, with other activities like fishing, trampolines, paintball, a waterpark, and hiking trail.

Willem’s Rus Campsite – Dinokeng

Living under the bright city lights of Gauteng can limit the number of stars that you see in the sky, however, going camping and gazing at the night sky in the bushveld away from the hustle and bustle of city life is a wonderful way to relax and reconnect with nature. Willem’s Rus campsite in the Dinokeng Game Reserve is a perfect place where you and your family can set up your tent or caravan and just be one with the earth. It is the only free-roaming Big 5 Game Reserve in Gauteng and is excellent for bird watching, game drives and spending time with your family at the campfire under a starry sky.

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