Family holidays make for some of the most magical core memories, where daily outdoor activities, stories around the crackling fire and delicious shared meals await. From scenic self-catering cottages with an abundance of nearby adventures and gorgeous exclusive-use countryside villas to fully-serviced luxury lodges and Big 5 safaris with child-minding services and fun, educational excursions, there’s no shortage of spectacular escapes suited to all ages. Round up the little ones for an unforgettable family adventure at one of our wonderful child-friendly getaways in the Western Cape.
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is an innovative and sophisticated eco-reserve located near the southern tip of Africa. Nestled amidst mountains, forests, and the sea, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve showcases a wealth of biodiversity, cultural heritage, and natural marvels, with stunning views of Walker Bay’s marine sanctuary. The accommodations blend seamlessly into the pristine natural environment without compromising on luxury and comfort. The 11-suite Garden Lodge is surrounded by vibrant gardens and an ancient milkwood forest, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the untouched fynbos and the glistening coastline of Walker Bay, while the contemporary and stylish Forest Lodge has 16 suites and offers a sense of modernity that rivals top cities around the world. From kid’s menus and guided adventures, your little ones will love Groobos. While you’re enjoying a sunset cocktail, a leisurely and romantic dinner, playing chess, reading a book or even lazing at the pool – your children will be taken care of with the fun games room, library, arts and crafts, lounge, and the sweetest childminders.
Morukuru Ocean House
Morukuru Ocean House is a fully serviced, all-inclusive home away from home. This private house features an innovative off-the-grid design while blending seamlessly into its exquisite, fynbos-filled surroundings in De Hoop Nature Reserve. Embrace luxury with four thoughtfully designed suites, each featuring ocean views and an en-suite bathroom. Guests can expect a spacious layout, modern amenities, a wood-burning fireplace and a private balcony. The spacious dining room offers seemingly endless views of the ocean while meals are prepared by a private chef. Other exciting features of the property include a sea view lounge, a hot tub, a private on-site pool, and a rooftop terrace ideal for watching the sunset. Morukuru Ocean House is very child-friendly, and welcomes children of all ages. Kids are allowed on nature drives throughout the De Hoop Nature Reserve and can enjoy every magical aspect with their parents, and are kept busy with baking, kiddie adventures, swimming and much more, as well as limited babysitting services.
Coot Club Stone Cottages
Found on a spit amid a milkwood forest, and bordered by the Walker Bay Nature Reserve, Coot Club is a nature lover’s paradise tucked away below the Maanschynkop mountains. There are just four Coot Club Stone Cottages, each unique in their position, design, and configuration. Suited to families or groups of friends, these quaint cottages enjoy peace and quiet, while also being close to the Clubhouse. The Clubhouse is a gathering point for one and all – guests from both the Boathouses and Cottages are welcome to enjoy its offerings. Breakfast is served at the Clubhouse from 8am-11am daily, and an hour before sunset, a ship’s bell is rung – a sign to come together on the jetty for sundowners. Each cottage has fully equipped kitchens for those wishing to self-cater, but if you want to sit back and relax, then make the most of the Clubhouse and its delicious food.
Stonehaven Eco Cabins
Situated at the foot of the Babylonstoren mountain range near Hermanus in the Western Cape, Stonehaven Eco Cabins is a wonderful family-friendly escape with self-catering eco-cabins that are modern and homely. The small Hemel-en-Aarde Valley farm is a tranquil, calm space – ideal for re-energising in a serene setting, and provides a comfortable and peaceful retreat for guests with children of all ages. Each is thoughtfully designed and tastefully decorated, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere with well-appointed living spaces, including cosy bedrooms, spacious lounge areas, and fully equipped kitchens. There are plenty of things to do – from farm walks, mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding, to whale watching and browsing the many art galleries Hermanus has to offer. Stonehaven Eco Cabins is also right next to the De Bos Dam which is great for swimming and kayaking trips in the summer.
Gondwana Family Lodge at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Gondwana Family Lodge at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve caters to guests of all ages and offers awe-inspiring views of the majestic Anysberg Mountains and the Bellair Dam. Enveloped in the charm of thatched roofs and contemporary comfort, the lodge provides both an authentic bush experience and modern conveniences. With interconnecting rooms, indoor and outdoor play areas, and a child-friendly pool, Gondwana Family Lodge is perfect for families seeking an immersive experience. Delight in thrilling game drives and guided walks, before unwinding by the child-friendly pool and indulging in stargazing under the clear skies. What’s more, little future conservationists can delight in child-friendly facilities and engaging Kids on Safari activities.
The Gaia Sanctuary
The Gaia Sanctuary is a scenic retreat offering a little slice of peace and tranquillity near Swellendam, right on the banks of the Breede River in the Overberg region of the Western Cape. On this working farm, you can leave your busy city life behind and enjoy a ‘back-to-mother-earth’ experience, reconnecting with nature and disconnecting from stress. Guests can choose to stay in a lovely and unique A-Frame cabin, a glamping-style bell tent, or one of the scenic campsites – all of which share communal bathrooms. With spectacular views over the Langeberg Mountain range and uninterrupted sunrises and sunsets, The Gaia Sanctuary is ideal for those seeking a romantic weekend away, or an unforgettable adventure with friends and family.
Blue Gum Country Estate
Blue Gum Country Estate is a beautiful getaway located on a working wine farm in the valley leading to the charming town of Stanford, a short drive from Hermanus. The Gibson family has lovingly owned and operated this estate for over two decades, transforming it into a flourishing vineyard and carefully crafting a rustic countryside space perfect for a romantic getaway, an adventure-seeking young family, or a friend’s holiday. Blue Gum Country Estate offers five spacious self-catering rooms (with the option of bed-and-breakfast) and three bed-and-breakfast-only rooms, some of which feature cosy indoor fireplaces. Additionally, a self-catering villa is available for those seeking a more exclusive experience for a bigger family. Enjoy a game of tennis on the estate’s court, take a refreshing dip in the pool, let the little ones have a blast at the play area, or explore the various on-site shops.
Otium Oasis
Otium Oasis is a glamping getaway situated just over 2 hours drive from Cape Town surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Overberg. This rustic, yet peaceful farm, full of fynbos and shady trees, is a perfect nature escape for those who want to reconnect with nature and be immersed in a sense of peace. The accommodation consists of tented chalets, tipi tents and eco camping, all of which are rustic, yet the tented chalets are considered the most elegant. Each tented chalet features a fully-equipped kitchenette, en-suite bathroom, spacious lounge, view-drenched deck and private braai area. The farm also offers a refreshing splash pool and scenic walking trails to a viewpoint overlooking the valley and spectacular surroundings of the farm. There’s also a jungle gym for younger children and a petting farm with two alpaca brothers, Chaos and Thumper, and their friend Zoey the Zebra, and two potbelly pigs.
Ohana Retreat
Ohana Retreat is situated in Banghoek Private Nature Reserve, Piketberg, in the inland region of the West Coast in the Western Cape. Adorned with local art, decor, and comfortable furniture, it exudes a sense of being at home. Ohana Retreat is a 3-bedroom house that offers generous space and cosy furnishings, making it an ideal choice for families or groups of friends seeking a serene getaway. Each guest will have ample room to unwind and savour their personal space, while the shared areas provide a delightful gathering spot for meals and cherished moments together. To ensure your utmost comfort, they provide a range of amenities, including a well-equipped kitchen, plush beds, and a spacious living area.
Kingfisher Cottages
Kingfisher Cottages in Montagu offers charming and comfortable self-catering accommodation among the scenic beauty of the Klein Karoo region. There is one stone cottage and three eco-cottages, each thoughtfully designed and equipped with everything needed for a relaxing stay – including cosy bedrooms, well-appointed bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchenette or kitchen allowing guests to prepare their own meals if desired. Outside, guests can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and unwind in their private hot tub, or on the shaded patio, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and gardens. The property also offers a communal swimming pool, perfect for a refreshing dip on warmer days.
STIL Montagu
STIL Montagu is a serene retreat in the heart of a small winelands town in the Klein Karoo, offering a stylish getaway for both couples, small families and solo travellers. The villa has been beautifully designed to showcase the stunning surroundings and overlooks breathtaking mountain vistas and picturesque landscaped gardens. The spacious one-bedroom villa spans 120m², comfortably accommodating two adults and up to two young children, and features lovely relaxation areas, a fully-equipped kitchen, a shaded outdoor patio with a Weber braai/BBQ, a splash pool, and a view-drenched rooftop perfect for sundowners overlooking the valley. While staying at STIL Montagu, guests have easy access to the abundance of attractions within the town itself, as well as surrounding wine farms. Adventure lovers can embark on fun day excursions including mountain biking, kloofing, abseiling, paragliding, fishing, and scenic boat trips along the Breede River.
The EcoTreehouse
The EcoTreehouse is a fairytale-like wooden eco-cabin situated just outside Swellendam’s historic centre in the beautiful Hermitage Valley of the Western Cape. This scenic cabin, perched atop a 1.4-hectare smallholding, offers a truly idyllic retreat where guests can revel in the unspoiled beauty of nature while enjoying exclusive access to the comforts of home, including a sauna, wood-fired hot tub, outdoor shower, braai (barbecue), and a lush garden. The EcoTreehouse comfortably accommodates two adults and one child, with a main bedroom and a cosy built-in sofa bed in the living area. The kitchen, dining nook, lounge, and outdoor deck blend perfectly together, creating a perfect space to enjoy the farm’s natural surroundings, while the little ones will love meeting the friendly chickens, gorgeous horses and sweet dogs.
Whalesong Beach Cottage
Escape to the tranquil Churchhaven area on the idyllic West Coast and discover Whalesong Beach Cottage, a nature lover’s dream retreat. This five-bedroom cottage, only an hour’s drive from Cape Town, offers relaxation, adventure, and a perfect off-the-grid experience for six adults and four children. Recently renovated with comfort in mind, Whalesong Beach Cottage boasts a sustainable footprint. Cook up a storm on the gas hob or gas braai/barbecue while taking in the breathtaking ocean views from the outdoor firepit. Whalesong Beach Cottage’s classic fisherman’s cottage style blends seamlessly into the environment, inviting you to rediscover the simple joys of life – a digital detox, quality time with loved ones, and immersion in nature’s beauty.
Montevue Nature Farm
Montevue Nature Farm is a beautiful escape hidden in Klein Karoo mountains and surrounded by natural veld creating a serene environment perfect for relaxation. Montevue Nature Farm’s aim is to provide a sense of complete seclusion in the heart of the Klein Karoo, and with two unique, eco-friendly units thoughtfully spaced out on the property, ensuring privacy and a deep connection with nature, they’ve certainly met that goal. Guests have the freedom to explore the vast 1050-hectare nature farm at their own pace, engaging in activities such as hiking, 4×4 driving, mountain biking, and climbing. It’s an opportunity to discover and appreciate this unique property as if it were your own, and while you may feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, the town is only less than 15 minutes away.
Marlin Manor
Marlin Manor is a seafront exclusive-use coastal villa situated at the southernmost tip of Africa, offering 650 metres of pristine white sandy beaches a mere 2-hour drive from Cape Town. With 180-degree uninterrupted sea views, spacious, elegant, and modern living spaces, plus total privacy, it offers the perfect place to experience the magic of the Overberg. The beautiful, secluded villa accommodates up to 16 guests in six rooms with a combination of king-size, double, and bunk beds, with bathrooms featuring three bathtubs and two showers to ensure comfort and convenience for all. The villa is also family friendly and an absolute paradise for children as you watch them connect with nature – enjoy the beach, collect shells, build sandcastles and simply revel in the stunning surroundings.
Melozhori Lodge
Located on Melozhori Private Game Reserve in the scenic Cape Fold Mountains, Melozhori Lodge is an all-inclusive retreat and is considered the flagship accommodation of the reserve. Tucked away in a beautiful setting that’s conveniently less than a 2-hour drive from Cape Town, guests can enjoy 2,300 hectares of rolling hills and towering mountains with clear views of the reserve and surrounding areas. Melozhori Lodge sleeps just eight guests in four spacious en-suite bedrooms, each of which open onto private decks, offering panoramic views of the dam and the valley beyond. The expansive roof extends across the open-plan lounge, dining area, and flanking bedrooms. Outside, there’s a large wooden deck with a rim-flow pool, offering a tranquil view of the mountains and free-roaming plains game. As a family residence, the setting is entirely secure for children, who can enjoy the expansive open spaces and the thrill of spotting game from an exclusive open game-drive vehicle.
Experience the unforgettable wonder of a family holiday and book one of these child-friendly getaways with Conservio today!
