The kids are alright

Travelling with children needn't be a chore: at these getaways, you can let your hair down, knowing there's plenty to keep everyone the young, the curious and the adventurous - entertained. Keith Bain gives you a tour.

- Keith Bain

CATHEDRAL PEAK HOTEL

Where? Near Winterton, Drakensberg.

Why go? Slightly lost in time, like some old-fashioned memory of a country holiday, this expansive mountain resort has fairly liberal attitudes towards children, plus comfortable rooms, loads of amenities and a very relaxed atmosphere.

Staff lay on heaps of activities to keep kids entertained while more energetic folk can escape into the mountains. The hotel is in its own valley below looming peaks and offers instant access to at least 18 hikes of varying grades of difficulty, all featuring tremendous birdlife and crystal-clear rock pools fed by gurgling streams and dancing waterfalls. It's a bit of a splurge, but if you consider the attention to detail, the fact that all food and mid-morning and afternoon tea are included, it works out to the kind of break you probably need.

How much? From R4 370 for two adults and one child, including all meals. cathedralpeak.co.za

AFRICAMPS AT MAGOEBASKLOOF

Where? Between Tzaneen and Haenertsburg, about 380km from Joburg.

Why go? Surrounded by the rolling lush greenness of Magoebaskloof (a.k.a. 'The Land of the Silver Mist'), each of these 10 glam tents is kitted out like a thoughtfully equipped holiday home. In addition to proper beds, with bunks for youngsters, and decent bathrooms, each has a hot tub on its wooden deck, plus a built-in braai. Each tent has its own kitchen with gas burners and a fridge and everything required to set the table for proper family bonding at mealtimes.

Meanwhile, outside, there's some of the country's best bird-watching, a gorgeous farm dam to swim in, waterfalls and streams to discover, and trails to hike and cycle.