[Updated August 2020]
After a long lockdown of enclosed doors and limited space, we are very excited to be able to travel locally again! It’s time to reunite with our families and enjoy a well-deserved break in the countryside. We’ve compiled a list of the best accommodation for amazing family reunion ideas in South Africa. Kick back and relax along the coast or in the mountains. Enjoy loads of outdoor fun on the river, the sound of laughter, campfire stories and much-needed catching up. The following accommodation varies from cosy ski resorts to kid-friendly camping resorts and nearby getaway spots to refresh the body and mind.
1. Zwakala River Retreat – Haenertsburg
Image credit @zwakalariverretreat via Instagram
One of our top choices for relaxing family reunion ideas is on the banks of the beautiful Zwakala River. Just under five hours’ drive from Joburg, this magical spot is set in the Magoebaskloof mountains of Limpopo. It will remind you that it’s the simple things in life which matter, like chatting around a fire under the stars, river swims and long river walks that draw you into a slower pace of life. Visit the farm’s craft brewery and take in the amazing views from Zwakala’s tasting room! The area has cycle routes, hikes and a two-kilometre river stretch perfect for fly-fishing.
Book accommodation at Zwakala River Retreat!
2. Tiffindell Ski Resort – Drakensburg
Images credit @tiffindell via Instagram
Known as the only ski resort in South Africa, the Tiffindell family resort is a magical wonderland for a winter getaway. This snowglobe destination is situated in the Eastern Cape and features a choice of chalets, suites and luxury self-catering accommodation for families. Enjoy spectacular views and a starry starry night of the Eastern Cape Highlands. Mom and Dad are spoiled for choice between a snow fun-park with rails and jumps, ski lifts and a range of slopes. Warm-up with a classic gluhwein and schnapps while kids are entertained with activities such as gaming, snowman building and ski lessons, to name a few.
Book accommodation at Tiffindell!
3. Family Fun at Mac Daddy – Elgin Valley
Image credit @old_mac_daddy via Instagram
The Old Mac Daddy Lodge, set in the serene apple-growing valley of Elgin, has its own private beach and loads of wonderful water and land-based activities. Choose from a selection of originally-designed airstream trailer suites (each with a viewing deck and an en-suite bathroom, plus space for the kids in the lounge) or Daddy’s Villa, a three-bedroom forest cabin. Kids and parents can relax in over-sized hammocks, enjoy the healthy restaurant food and the welcoming pool in the well-appointed communal area.
This is a fantastic choice for family reunion ideas as kids have an indoor-outdoor play area with daily activities.
Book accommodation at Old Mac Daddy!
4. Enjo Nature Farm – Clanwilliam
Image credit @enjonaturefarm via Instagram
Escape to serene Enjo Nature Farm situated in the valley of the Cederberg mountains. You’ll find relaxing accommodation next to the river and enjoy complete privacy and great views of the Paardeberg mountains. Each self-catering chalet offers fantastic views, an indoor fireplace, a barbecue area and some include their very own jacuzzi.
The valley is also known for its colourful flowers that paint the landscapes during spring. This is a great opportunity to explore the various hiking trails and unspoiled scenery of Biedouw Valley.
Book accommodation at Enjo Nature Farm!
5. Luxury self-catering Beach House – Witsand
Image credit @beachhousewitsand via Instagram
Escape to this idyllic spot along the Breede River, perfect if you’re looking for smaller family reunion ideas. The double-storey home is furnished with a subtle, relaxed seaside feel and showcases art from artists across the African continent. This luxe haven comes equipped with celebrity credentials plus it offers direct beach access. With the beach on your back porch, you can appreciate outside seating to relax and indulge in scenic views. The courtyard includes a fire pit, sun loungers and a splash pool.
Activities include the recommended excursions on boat charters and a foot patch alongside the famed beach.
Book accommodation at Beach House Witsand!
6. Country retreat at Barry House on Riverton – Robertson
Image credit @barryhouseonriverton via Instagram
The Robertson wine region is home to this delightful country house. Big enough for a large group of family or friends, it’s an ideal spot for a family reunion. The restored manor house is situated on Riverton Stud and Wine Farm where you can relax on the veranda with enchanting views of horse paddocks and vineyards surrounded by
the Langenberg mountains. the Breede River that parallels the landscape offers a spot for fishing with the kids and neighbours some of the top wine estates. Young children can walk around the horse farm, swim and enjoy indoor activities (accompanied by an adult).
Also read: All Aboard the Robertson Wine Safari
Book accommodation at Barry House on Riverton!
7. Perfect 10 beach house – Langebaan
Image credit @liz_thiart via Instagram
Looking for a family reunion idea along the West Coast? Set in a green belt just a three-minute walk from the beauty of Langebaan’s Calypso Beach, the Perfect 10 beach house is a top choice for a relaxing family reunion. There is a golf course, loads of fun beach entertainment on offer with the West Coast National Park and West Coast Fossil Park nearby The braai area, courtyard and garden are idyllic viewpoints for sunset and sunrise or spiral up the staircase to the balcony for a panoramic view.
During springtime, the famous West Coast flower blanket presents a magical drive and fantastic photo opportunities!
Book accommodation at Perfect 10, Langebaan!
8. De Ware Jacob – Jacob’s Bay (West Coast)
Image credit @dewarejacob_rsa via Instagram
This delightful coastal hamlet offers quality accommodation perfect for a private getaway. Famed as the capital of Jacobs Bay, De Ware Jacob offers a down-to-earth coast living with a drop of luxury design enveloped with little private bays at your feet. There’s a braai room with a large indoor fireplace, a jacuzzi and swimming pool, while the place is just a short five-minute walk to the ocean. This spot is an all-rounder when it comes to family reunion ideas. It also lends itself as a kid friendly resort with its large space to run around and play and have adventures visiting farm animals like the pot-belly pig, dwarf goats, chickens and geese.
Book accommodation at De Ware Jacob!
9. Gooderson Natal Spa Resort – Paulpietersburg
Image credit @phumzilezwane710gmail.com_ via Instagram
This fun resort will give you the rejuvenation you never knew you needed. With the dotted hot bath springs and mineral water for some laid back relaxing, it also presents a rejuvenating atmosphere at the same time. This makes the Gooderson Natal Spa Hot Springs & Leisure Resort one of the most versatile family reunion ideas that are fun for young and old. Furthermore, the resort has a wellness and beauty centre where you can revitalise the mind and body after an adventurous day of quad biking, squash, super tubing, hiking, mountain biking and fishing. Take time off from your day to explore the beautiful views over the Bivane River and abundant birdlife.
Book accommodation at the Gooderson Natal Spa Hot Springs & Leisure Resort!
10. Breathe Country Retreat – Magaliesburg
Image credit @africanhiker via Instagram
Tucked in the mountains, these luxurious cottages offer beautiful views of the crags, perfect for reconnecting with nature and the important people in your life. Each cottage has an open-plan lounge and dining area with a fireplace.
Guests are entertained with fun biking trails, horse riding and surrounding game farms. If you feel a little more daring, hike up to the top of the picturesque Magalies mountain and wander along kilometres of spectacular views. Book a picnic basket with authentic homemade “goodies” and spend the day surrounded by panoramic views of nature and loved ones. Be sure to pack your camera to capture the best moments of your travel!
Book accommodation at the Phefumula Country Retreat!
This inspired list of family reunion ideas will make you want to book ahead to not miss out on any fun. Do you have a favourite family resort? Let us know in the comments section.
Looking for more accommodation ideas? Check out our list of hotels, lodges and resorts across South Africa.
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Also read:
20 Pet-Friendly Accommodation Spots in South Africa
All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Travelstart will not be held liable for loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of out-dated or incorrectly noted information.
Good day,
I have a group booking for the month of August, 27 to be exact, much as it’s still three months away, what advise would you offer me regarding my travel so that I stay ahead and not miss out on options.
Thank you.
Hi Maringa,
Thanks for reaching out. I’ve done a search using your e-mail address and located your booking. Mango and Fly Safair have provided us with a directive up until end May 2020.
We ask that you contact us closer to the time. We should have received more up to date information from the airlines for flights departing in August.
Please reach out to our team at: bookings@travelstart.com or contact us via our online chat service or pop us a private message on Facebook.