TRAVEL PRO #1: Hanli Prinsloo, SA Freediving Champion and ocean conservationist
CAPE COLUMBINE LIGHTHOUSE SELF-CATERING COTTAGES, Paternoster, Western Cape
WHAT TO DO THERE With the wild Atlantic literally on your doorstep, the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve offers the perfect launch pad for some guided kayak tours around the majestic granite rocks. Or just bring your snorkel, mask and a wet suit, and explore the magical kelp forests full of friendly bronze bream fish and pink and purple urchins.
KIDS’ STUFF Besides clambering over boulders and building forts under overhanging rocks, kids will also enjoy snorkelling, kayaking and learning about the many varieties of fynbos in the reserve.
GET THERE
From Cape Town, take the R27, then take the Vredenburg turn-off. From there it’s 15km to Paternoster and another 5km from the four-way stop to the lighthouse. It’s about a two-hour drive from Cape Town.
PRICES
From R930 to R1 300 for a three-bedroomed cottage; maximum six people per night.
CONTACT DETAILS
Call ☎ 021 449 2400 or e-mail lighthouse.tourism@transnet.net.
TRAVEL PRO #2: Caroline Hurry, travel writer and host of www.travelwrite.co.za
LETHABO ESTATE in the Rhenosterspruit Nature Conservancy, Gauteng
WHAT TO DO THERE Owner Lise Essberger teaches fire dancing and poi skills, and facilitates horse-whispering sessions, where learning to ‘speak equine’ connects you with your intuition. She also gives hula-hooping classes. Or chill out at the spa or walk around the Conservancy, where you may spot kudu, nyala, eland and even the elusive brown hyena. Cape clawless otter have been seen at the river, which is also a spawning place for yellowtail. Also close by are the Lion Park and the Cradle of Humankind.
KIDS’ STUFF Children will enjoy exploring the property, swimming or interacting with Lise’s friendly foal or equally friendly puppy.
GET THERE
From Joburg, take Malibongwe Drive and head towards Lanseria International Airport. Five kilometres from there you’ll see signposts to Lethabo Estate. It’s about 45 minutes from Sandton.
PRICES
From R3 000 for a family of four for a self- catering cottage. Mention Good Housekeeping when you call and Lise will give you a discount.
CONTACT DETAILS
Call ☎ 087 151 1817 or 082 654 1690, or visit www.lethaboestate.com.
TRAVEL PRO #3: Johan Badenhorst, TV producer, adventurer and traveller
MABIBI CAMPSITE, Hulley Point, KwaZulu-Natal
WHAT TO DO Go for long walks on the nearby beach, where you might find 10 people – but remember, there are no shark nets or lifeguards. Lake Sibayi, South Africa’s largest fresh- water lake, which has hippos, crocodiles and small buck, is half an hour’s drive away.
KIDS’ STUFF Take along board games. Teach kids to fish. Fly a kite on the beach and look out for birds and squirrels.
GET THERE
From Durban, take the N2 North to Hluhluwe, then to Mbazwana. Follow the signs to Coastal Forest Reserve and then the ‘Mabibi Camp’ signs. It’s about a five-hour drive.
PRICES
R90 per adult per night; under-12s pay R45. Park fee includes R15 for a vehicle, R20 per adult and R10 per child.
CONTACT DETAILS
Call ☎ 035 474 1504 or visit www.mabibicampsite.co.za.
Source: Good Housekeeping magazine
Compiled by Nia Magoulianiti-McGregor
